JIT: Has jazz been music that you grew up with or did you learn to love it through the Rex?
EGC: When I started at the Rex, I knew less than nothing about jazz. My appreciation for jazz came largely from our music community. Many of the staff I worked with helped me understand more history to the music we were hearing and as I got to know the players on stage, the music grew more and more special to me.

JIT: Who are some of your favourite performers at The Rex, and why?
EGC: I consider myself so lucky to have been given the opportunity to be in this space and to meet and hear some unreal players. I could go on for a long time about the acts or players I’ve seen through the Rex, but I’ll try to keep it concise. Kevin Breit who plays often with the Neon Eagle is one that has over and over taken my breath away. That whole band plays their music with such creativity and play off of one another like no other I’ve seen. Their style of music is so unique that we have people coming week by week saying they have never seen a show like it. I’ve also been so lucky to see bands like Thompson Egbo-Egbo, to Pat Labarbera and Kirk MacDonald’s Coltrane tribute, to Ale Nunez, and Trombone Charlotte plus many more. I’ve felt so lucky to get to hear all of these amazing acts and further get to know these musicians as amazing people.

JIT: What are your favourite menu items?
ECG: The Rex menu for a long time has stayed the same and still in some ways has. Over the last few months we have worked on putting out a new cocktail/mocktail menu with an increased demand and to try and grow the consumer experience. I’ve gotten the pleasure of putting together the majority of the signature cocktails and mocktails that all have their significance to the Rex and the culture. My favourite cocktails I would have to say are the Air I walk and the 50 Ways, and the mocktails The Flat 10 (a nod to Phil Nimmons) and the Old Triangle are my favourites. For food I really enjoy our crispy chicken sandwich and our homemade soups.

JIT: The Rex has made some changes in the past year – tell us about them, and what has been the response so far?
ECG: With the changes at the Rex over the last year, we have largely moved to a PWYC format. This has brought in more people to come see the music we have to offer. The 11pm show has also given us the space to incorporate more acts, bring in more young people and present the “old rex” a bit more than before.

JIT: When you are not working at The Rex, what are your favourite places to hear live music in Toronto?
ECG: We are so lucky to have the spaces we have for live music in this city. The Rex being on Queen West, we get to share music spaces with some of the best venues in the city in my opinion. In my time at the Rex, a large part of our culture has been going to see shows along this Queen Street strip, where we pass the Rivoli, Horeshoe tavern, The Cameron House and Drom Taberna. The Cameron House has been a place I’ve called home for a large part of my time at the Rex and the Ferraro family has welcomed us in like family. I’ve gotten to see some amazing shows at The Bell and Beacon Room and Ted and everyone at the Jazz Bistro have curated an amazing and warm environment. Live music in Toronto is where I’ve felt the most at home and welcomed.