Upstream Music Association

A Love Upstream is Upstream Music's current houseband. It is: Rick Waychesko – trumpet, Jeff Reilly – bass clarinet/clarinet, Paul Cram - tenor sax/clarinet, Dawn Hatfield – baritone and alto saxes/flute, Lee Park – violin, Lukas Pearse – contrabass/electric bass/electronics,  Jeff Torbert – guitar/electronics, David Burton/drums. Recent guests: Marilyn Lerner and Erin Costello

The original UPSTREAM ENSEMBLE was formed in 1990 . The original members were Don Palmer, Steve Tittle, Paul Cram, Jeff Reilly, Bob Bauer, Sandy Moore, Steven Naylor and Tom Roach. Instinctually, the group embraced improvisation and composition in equal measure to ensure its survival. Over the years Upstream’s musicians have upheld this founding energy and continued to write for each other’s strengths.

In the early years the ensemble performed an average of 4 concerts a year in Halifax. In 1993 they  toured to Music Across America in Toronto and released a CD entitled Open Waters. The group collaborated quite successfully with Symphony Nova Scotia from 1994 to 1998 and disbanded in 1999 in favour of the 22-piece Upstream Orchestra: an ensemble incorporating symphony musicians wishing to participate in Upstream's process. The millenium saw  the consolidation of Upstream as an Association with a broader purpose. From there the Upstream Ensemble has re-emerged  with new members:  musicians who grew up alongside the original Upstream who bring  new energy to the party. Recently re-branded as A Love Upstream the new band brings together R&B, contemporary classical and avant jazz in the moment.