For over 40 years in the music business, Dave Douglas of Parasol Entertainment has worn many hats: musician, concert promoter / producer, artist manager and entertainment writer.
However, 16 years ago, while working under the Parasol brand, Douglas decided to retire from the entertainment business due to health reasons. But, he notes, as the great Bob Marley once said, “One thing good about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
So, a year ago, when Douglas’s goddaughter, bassist Zuri Appleby needed a boost to her career, that was the incentive for him to rally the Parasol troops and get back on the road again.
Her dad Rodney Appleby, a bassist and respected Buffalo, New York, musician, told Douglas she was making a name for herself in her hometown. That spurred him to revive the Parasol brand with a new and improved mission to help young artists improve their performance level in shows and concerts.
Parasol’s first show presentation “On Q” on Oct. 22, 2014, with artists Quincy Bullen and Zuri Appleby was a major success. Since then, there have been six more shows.
Quincy is the son of Eddie Bullen, multi-talented jazz pianist, songwriter, arranger and producer. Eddie is also one of the musicians responsible for giving Parasol its early start.
In the last year Parasol has worked with Selena Evangeline, Liberty Silver, CaneFire and The Terry Logan Unit and the plan is to expand the list of artists in 2016.
To commemorate Parasol’s one year anniversary, friends and fans are invited to come and celebrate at the Smooth Groove Christmas Show with Selena Evangeline and her band on Sunday (Nov. 22) at The Avenue, 1085 Bellamy Rd. N., Unit 4, in Scarborough.
Showtime is 7 p.m. and admission is free.
Parasol can be reached at 647-221-4257.