David Hodgson Group
July 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

David Hodgson - Saxophone
Michael Davidson- Vibraphone

Andrew Downing- Bass

Aidan McConnell- Drums

Special Guest Maggie Keogh- Voice
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Through music, saxophonist, composer, and educator David Hodgson explores compassion and poetic spontaneity. Since graduating the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance Program in 2021, David continues to establish himself as an ambitious and lyrical artist in Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Music has been an important part of David's life from age 5, and participation in the 2017 National Youth Jazz Combo, the 2016 Berklee Jazz Workshop, and the 2015 and 2016 Conn-Selmer Centre-Stage Jazz Band inspired deep appreciation of Black American Musical traditions and passion for sonic expression.

David currently leads and composes for Stil Trio and David Hodgson4, mixing improvised and through-composed elements of Black American Music, Classical, and Folk. In addition to finding inspiration from musical colleagues and teachers, visual art and design influence David’s identity as a musician and artist. He is the recipient of the 2020 Oscar Peterson Developing Artist Grant, the 2017 Yamaha Performance and Passion Award, the 2017 Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund, and the 2016 Golden Reed Award.

David has performed at jazz festivals and venues across Canada, the USA, and Europe, and has had the privilege of studying with the University of Toronto’s distinguished faculty, Seamus Blake, Steve Kaldestad, Kirk MacDonald, Terell Stafford, and Terri Lyne Carrington.

Harley Card Quintet
July 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:30 PM

Harley Card - Guitar
Alex Samaras - Vocals
David French - Saxophone
Matt Newton - Piano
Jon Maharaj - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Harley Card is a Toronto based guitarist, composer, and educator. In addition to leading his own groups, Harley is a member of  and co-composer for the Canadian bands; Hobson's Choice, Stoptime, God's Gift To Yoda, and Dream Logic.

As a contributor to the creative music scene in Toronto since 2003, Harley has played with many artists including; Richard Underhill, Alex Dean, Alex Samaras, Mike Malone, Kelly Jefferson, William Carn, Alexander Brown, Michael Herring and Harrington, Chris Gale, Ethan Ardelli, Bernie Senensky, Michael Davidson, Don Scott, Matt Newton, Daniel Jamieson, Felicity Williams, Dave Clark, Carlie Howell, Jon Challoner, Sarah Jerrom, RJ Sachnanathan, Rebecca Hennessy, Dan Fortin, Ted Crosby, Dan Gaucher, and Ernesto Cervini, among others.

megacity big band
july 20@ 2:00pm

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Toronto’s own MegaCity Swing Band burst onto the scene in 2000 and is one of the swingingest bands in the GTA. We are a full sized jazz band – all 18 of us! We are comprised of some to Toronto’s best musicians performing the best jazz, latin, and swing tunes in Toronto.

Megacity enjoys performing at special events, weddings, parties, and corporate events all across the Toronto area. In the past we have been nominated for several awards at the CNE Big Band Festival. They have been guests at the Sunday Serenade Series in Mel Lastman Square. The band has been featured on Breakfast Television. Megacity has performed at Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as at many golf clubs and retirement homes in the Toronto area. They can be seen every fourth Monday of the month at The 744 on Mt. Pleasant.

Megacity is one of the few (if not the only) big band that plays original compositions. The leader writes original tunes for the band, and these can usually be heard at the 744 gigs when they play on Monday nights.

In addition to our vocalist, the fabulous Gillian Steyck, this eighteen piece band is often joined on Monday nights by at least two –sometimes three – guest vocalists that guarantee to bring the house down.

Harley Card Quintet
July 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:30 PM

Harley Card - Guitar
Alex Samaras - Vocals
David French - Saxophone
Matt Newton - Piano
Jon Maharaj - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Harley Card is a Toronto based guitarist, composer, and educator. In addition to leading his own groups, Harley is a member of  and co-composer for the Canadian bands; Hobson's Choice, Stoptime, God's Gift To Yoda, and Dream Logic.

As a contributor to the creative music scene in Toronto since 2003, Harley has played with many artists including; Richard Underhill, Alex Dean, Alex Samaras, Mike Malone, Kelly Jefferson, William Carn, Alexander Brown, Michael Herring and Harrington, Chris Gale, Ethan Ardelli, Bernie Senensky, Michael Davidson, Don Scott, Matt Newton, Daniel Jamieson, Felicity Williams, Dave Clark, Carlie Howell, Jon Challoner, Sarah Jerrom, RJ Sachnanathan, Rebecca Hennessy, Dan Fortin, Ted Crosby, Dan Gaucher, and Ernesto Cervini, among others.

Jacob’s Cattle
July 21 & 22 @ 8:30 PM

Roy Patterson - Guitar
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel & Dobro
Aline Homzy - Violin
Andrew Downing - Bass

Jacob’s Cattle is the name of the current project led by guitarist/tunesmith Roy Patterson. The band’s hybrid instrumental form of Roots/Americana is highly evocative and reflects a level of artistry that is both sophisticated and emotionally compelling.

The band’s first CD, “Songs From my Father’s House” released in June, 2014, was inspired by the imprints of the music that Roy heard on the radio on a daily basis while growing up in rural Nova Scotia and the music of his teenage years; a steady stream of country music and a diverse hit parade of songs from Hank Williams and Buck Owens, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Petula Clarke, The Ventures and the gamut of artists who defined the popular music of the era.

Although Jacob’s Cattle represents a new/old direction for the guitarist/band leader, it is definitely not his first time out. For roughly three decades Roy was part of the Canadian jazz scene and racked up an impressive list of credits. In 1996 his quartet won 1st prize at the Montreal International Jazz festival (the first Toronto based band to do so) the Jazz Report’s “Guitarist of the Year” award for 2000, performances in Europe, the U.S.A. and Asia. There were numerous Canadian tours in support of six CDs released under his own name and radio and TV appearances including a one hour special for Bravo. Ironically, at a time when he is moving away from the jazz world and returning to a roots-based style, Roy was recently profiled in the Hal Leonard book, “The Great Jazz Guitarists – The Ultimate Guide” authored by Scott Yanow.

For those who might be worried that Jacob’s Cattle is “too jazzy” one need not be concerned. Roy’s earliest playing experiences at all-night blues jams in Nova Scotia as a teenager, dance band tours of Atlantic Canada during the 1970s and the six-nighters on the Queen St. country & western circuit when he first moved to Toronto serve to ground his playing, and with three east coasters and a seasoned pedal steel player the band’s roots run deep. It’s all about carefully crafted tunes, depth and communication.

“Every note that he plays seems to have a purpose and a place, and both purpose and place usually have something to do with melody.”
-The Globe and Mail

Duncan Wilson Trio
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 PM

Duncan Wilson - Piano
Chris Parnis - Bass
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Duncan Wilson is a Toronto-based pianist rooted in the bebop tradition. Born and raised in Orillia, Ontario, Duncan currently studies jazz performance at the University of Toronto, where his teachers have included Chris Donnelly, Hannah Barstow, Mike Murley, and Kelly Jefferson. In addition to a solo piano residency at the Jazz Bistro, Duncan has performed at many renowned venues across Toronto and Ontario, including The Rex, The Emmet Ray, The Jazz Room (Waterloo), the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, The TD Niagara Jazz Festival, and The River Run Centre (Guelph). His rapidly accelerating career has led him to share the bandstand with notable Canadian jazz artists such as Luis Deniz, Geneviève Marantette, Ted Warren, and Juliet Dunn. Duncan’s artistic influences include Kenny Barron, Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Hank Jones.

Jacob’s Cattle
July 21 & 22 @ 8:30 PM

Roy Patterson - Guitar
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel & Dobro
Aline Homzy - Violin
Andrew Downing - Bass

Jacob’s Cattle is the name of the current project led by guitarist/tunesmith Roy Patterson. The band’s hybrid instrumental form of Roots/Americana is highly evocative and reflects a level of artistry that is both sophisticated and emotionally compelling.

The band’s first CD, “Songs From my Father’s House” released in June, 2014, was inspired by the imprints of the music that Roy heard on the radio on a daily basis while growing up in rural Nova Scotia and the music of his teenage years; a steady stream of country music and a diverse hit parade of songs from Hank Williams and Buck Owens, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Petula Clarke, The Ventures and the gamut of artists who defined the popular music of the era.

Although Jacob’s Cattle represents a new/old direction for the guitarist/band leader, it is definitely not his first time out. For roughly three decades Roy was part of the Canadian jazz scene and racked up an impressive list of credits. In 1996 his quartet won 1st prize at the Montreal International Jazz festival (the first Toronto based band to do so) the Jazz Report’s “Guitarist of the Year” award for 2000, performances in Europe, the U.S.A. and Asia. There were numerous Canadian tours in support of six CDs released under his own name and radio and TV appearances including a one hour special for Bravo. Ironically, at a time when he is moving away from the jazz world and returning to a roots-based style, Roy was recently profiled in the Hal Leonard book, “The Great Jazz Guitarists – The Ultimate Guide” authored by Scott Yanow.

For those who might be worried that Jacob’s Cattle is “too jazzy” one need not be concerned. Roy’s earliest playing experiences at all-night blues jams in Nova Scotia as a teenager, dance band tours of Atlantic Canada during the 1970s and the six-nighters on the Queen St. country & western circuit when he first moved to Toronto serve to ground his playing, and with three east coasters and a seasoned pedal steel player the band’s roots run deep. It’s all about carefully crafted tunes, depth and communication.

“Every note that he plays seems to have a purpose and a place, and both purpose and place usually have something to do with melody.”
-The Globe and Mail

Nick Scott Trio
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 PM

Nick Scott - Guitar

Mark Godfrey - Bass

Eric West - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Nick Scott is an experienced musician, composer, and teacher. His musical roots were planted in rural Ontario where he studied at the Modern Conservatory of Music. Nick went on to become an instructor at this school before he moved to Toronto to study jazz guitar at Humber College.
During his studies, Nick had the privilege of working with some of Toronto's and indeed Canada's finest musicians. Now, a graduate of the Humber College Music Program, Nick is a bandleader, sideman, and educator.  Visit the TEACHING page for information regarding instruction.

The Nick Scott Group is an evolving band that focuses on his original compositions. His debut album ‘Vestiges’ was self produced and released in 2012, available on iTunes. Their recent release, Onward (Live at The Rex Hotel) is available everywhere you stream your music. Click MEDIA below to see and hear more.

Jesse Dietschi Trio
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 5:30 pm

Jesse Dietschi - Bass
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

With performance credits ranging from orchestral soloist to jazz session player, Toronto bassist Jesse Dietschi is a truly versatile musician and composer equally experienced in jazz, classical, and popular music. Serving as the Principal Bassist of Sinfonia Toronto, he holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School (RCM, Toronto) in Orchestral Performance, along with Masters degrees in both Jazz Performance (U of Toronto) and Composition (Brandon University). Jesse is a faculty member at the Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute, St. Andrew’s College, and the Oakville Suzuki Association. He has appeared on international broadcasts including the CBC’s Sounds of the Season and Murdoch Mysteries, and NBC’s hit show Hannibal. Jesse is a member of the international touring ensemble Tunnel Six, contemporary jazz outfit the Nick Maclean Quartet, and has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Esprit Orchestra, Talisker Players, Toronto Concert Orchestra, Sony Centre/Attila Glatz Productions, Against the Grain Theatre, Soundstreams, New Music Concerts, Tapestry Opera, and the Niagara Symphony. He has been featured on recordings by artists like The Headstones, Metric, and Irene Torres and the Sugar Devils, and has performed with a range of others, including Ken Lavigne, Jeffrey Straker, and Come From Away co-writer David Hein. Jesse has been a featured soloist with orchestras in both Ontario and the US, and leads the Toronto-based chamber jazz group the Catalyst Ensemble. He has studied with Jeffrey Beecher, Andrew Downing, Michael Chiarello, David Occhipinti, and Stan Label.

Ryan Oliver Quartet
July 24, 25, 26, 27 @ 8:30 pm

Ryan Oliver - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.  Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists.  His most recent recording, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons.  He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group.  The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square.  Oliver is featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.  The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Oliver holds a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities throughout the world for over 20 years. He currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. Oliver has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship (which he also received in 1998) and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. In 2017, Oliver took over as the Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC), Canada’s longest running music camp.

Ryan Oliver Quartet
July 24, 25, 26, 27 @ 8:30 pm

Ryan Oliver - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.  Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists.  His most recent recording, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons.  He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group.  The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square.  Oliver is featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.  The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Oliver holds a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities throughout the world for over 20 years. He currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. Oliver has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship (which he also received in 1998) and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. In 2017, Oliver took over as the Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC), Canada’s longest running music camp.

David Hodgson Group
July 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

David Hodgson - Saxophone
Max Donaldson- Piano

Adrian Russouw- Bass

Keith Barstow- Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Through music, saxophonist, composer, and educator David Hodgson explores compassion and poetic spontaneity. Since graduating the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance Program in 2021, David continues to establish himself as an ambitious and lyrical artist in Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Music has been an important part of David's life from age 5, and participation in the 2017 National Youth Jazz Combo, the 2016 Berklee Jazz Workshop, and the 2015 and 2016 Conn-Selmer Centre-Stage Jazz Band inspired deep appreciation of Black American Musical traditions and passion for sonic expression.

David currently leads and composes for Stil Trio and David Hodgson4, mixing improvised and through-composed elements of Black American Music, Classical, and Folk. In addition to finding inspiration from musical colleagues and teachers, visual art and design influence David’s identity as a musician and artist. He is the recipient of the 2020 Oscar Peterson Developing Artist Grant, the 2017 Yamaha Performance and Passion Award, the 2017 Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund, and the 2016 Golden Reed Award.

David has performed at jazz festivals and venues across Canada, the USA, and Europe, and has had the privilege of studying with the University of Toronto’s distinguished faculty, Seamus Blake, Steve Kaldestad, Kirk MacDonald, Terell Stafford, and Terri Lyne Carrington.

Ryan Oliver Quartet
July 24, 25, 26, 27 @ 8:30 pm

Ryan Oliver - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.  Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists.  His most recent recording, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons.  He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group.  The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square.  Oliver is featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.  The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Oliver holds a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities throughout the world for over 20 years. He currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. Oliver has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship (which he also received in 1998) and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. In 2017, Oliver took over as the Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC), Canada’s longest running music camp.

THE BIG CITY BIG BAND
july 27 @ 2:00 PM

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Founded in 2008, the Big City Big Band is a Toronto-based 17-piece jazz and dance orchestra. ” We perform regularly at jazz venues, festivals, and private events.”

Ryan Oliver Quartet
July 24, 25, 26, 27 @ 8:30 pm

Ryan Oliver - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.  Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists.  His most recent recording, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons.  He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group.  The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square.  Oliver is featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.  The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Oliver holds a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities throughout the world for over 20 years. He currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. Oliver has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship (which he also received in 1998) and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. In 2017, Oliver took over as the Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC), Canada’s longest running music camp.

Joe Bowden Quartet featuring Baltimores Warren Wolf
July 28 & 29 @ 8:30 PM

Joe Bowden - Drums
Warren Wolf - Vibes
New York’s Manuel Valera - Piano
Rich Brown - Bass

A drummer, composer and arranger, Joe Bowden spent his formative years in the projects of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Toronto in the 80’s to pursue his music career. He toured with Salome Bey from ’84-’88, which included a performance at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. He also performed at the ’99 Barbados Jazz Festival, which featured Wynton and Brandford Marsalis, Regina Belle and Luther Vandross.

Joe then pursued his Music degree and Business diploma at Humber College. Since then, he has worked with some of Toronto’s top jazz, R&B and pop artists: Divine Brown, Alana Bridgewater, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jackie Richardson, Rich Kidd and Dave Young, to name a few.

Duncan Wilson Trio
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 PM

Duncan Wilson - Piano
Chris Parnis - Bass
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Duncan Wilson is a Toronto-based pianist rooted in the bebop tradition. Born and raised in Orillia, Ontario, Duncan currently studies jazz performance at the University of Toronto, where his teachers have included Chris Donnelly, Hannah Barstow, Mike Murley, and Kelly Jefferson. In addition to a solo piano residency at the Jazz Bistro, Duncan has performed at many renowned venues across Toronto and Ontario, including The Rex, The Emmet Ray, The Jazz Room (Waterloo), the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, The TD Niagara Jazz Festival, and The River Run Centre (Guelph). His rapidly accelerating career has led him to share the bandstand with notable Canadian jazz artists such as Luis Deniz, Geneviève Marantette, Ted Warren, and Juliet Dunn. Duncan’s artistic influences include Kenny Barron, Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Hank Jones.

Joe Bowden Quartet featuring Baltimores Warren Wolf
July 28 & 29 @ 8:30 PM

Joe Bowden - Drums
Warren Wolf - Vibes
New York’s Manuel Valera - Piano
Rich Brown - Bass

A drummer, composer and arranger, Joe Bowden spent his formative years in the projects of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Toronto in the 80’s to pursue his music career. He toured with Salome Bey from ’84-’88, which included a performance at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. He also performed at the ’99 Barbados Jazz Festival, which featured Wynton and Brandford Marsalis, Regina Belle and Luther Vandross.

Joe then pursued his Music degree and Business diploma at Humber College. Since then, he has worked with some of Toronto’s top jazz, R&B and pop artists: Divine Brown, Alana Bridgewater, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jackie Richardson, Rich Kidd and Dave Young, to name a few.

Nick Scott Trio
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 PM

Nick Scott - Guitar

Mark Godfrey - Bass

Eric West - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Nick Scott is an experienced musician, composer, and teacher. His musical roots were planted in rural Ontario where he studied at the Modern Conservatory of Music. Nick went on to become an instructor at this school before he moved to Toronto to study jazz guitar at Humber College.
During his studies, Nick had the privilege of working with some of Toronto's and indeed Canada's finest musicians. Now, a graduate of the Humber College Music Program, Nick is a bandleader, sideman, and educator.  Visit the TEACHING page for information regarding instruction.

The Nick Scott Group is an evolving band that focuses on his original compositions. His debut album ‘Vestiges’ was self produced and released in 2012, available on iTunes. Their recent release, Onward (Live at The Rex Hotel) is available everywhere you stream your music. Click MEDIA below to see and hear more.

Jesse Dietschi Trio
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 5:30 pm

Jesse Dietschi - Bass
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

With performance credits ranging from orchestral soloist to jazz session player, Toronto bassist Jesse Dietschi is a truly versatile musician and composer equally experienced in jazz, classical, and popular music. Serving as the Principal Bassist of Sinfonia Toronto, he holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School (RCM, Toronto) in Orchestral Performance, along with Masters degrees in both Jazz Performance (U of Toronto) and Composition (Brandon University). Jesse is a faculty member at the Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute, St. Andrew’s College, and the Oakville Suzuki Association. He has appeared on international broadcasts including the CBC’s Sounds of the Season and Murdoch Mysteries, and NBC’s hit show Hannibal. Jesse is a member of the international touring ensemble Tunnel Six, contemporary jazz outfit the Nick Maclean Quartet, and has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Esprit Orchestra, Talisker Players, Toronto Concert Orchestra, Sony Centre/Attila Glatz Productions, Against the Grain Theatre, Soundstreams, New Music Concerts, Tapestry Opera, and the Niagara Symphony. He has been featured on recordings by artists like The Headstones, Metric, and Irene Torres and the Sugar Devils, and has performed with a range of others, including Ken Lavigne, Jeffrey Straker, and Come From Away co-writer David Hein. Jesse has been a featured soloist with orchestras in both Ontario and the US, and leads the Toronto-based chamber jazz group the Catalyst Ensemble. He has studied with Jeffrey Beecher, Andrew Downing, Michael Chiarello, David Occhipinti, and Stan Label.

Adrean Farrugia & Brad Goode Quintet
July 31,
August 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 PM

Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Brad Goode - Trumpet
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano.

Since the late 1990s Adrean has been in high demand as a freelance performer and educator. Keeping a busy touring schedule, mainly as a sideman, Adrean has toured extensively across Canada and the United States as well as in venues across Europe, Australia, the UK, Israel and in Japan.

Adrean has performed/recorded with some of jazz’s greatest and most diverse artists including: Ernie Watts, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Carlton, Curtis Fuller, Tom Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander, Cyrille Aimee, Molly Johnson, Jane Bunnett, Ron Blake, Joel Frahm, Matt Penman, Dafnis Prieto, Kinan Azmeh, Brad Goode, Kenny Wheeler, Darcy James Argue, Don Thompson, Lorne Lofsky, Kevin Turcotte, and Pat Labarbera.

Adrean currently performs/has performed with such diverse projects as saxophone legend Ernie Watts’ Band, the Matt Dusk Band, the Brad Goode Group (featuring Ernie Watts and Adam Nussbaum), The Ernesto Cervini group Turboprop (featuring saxophonist Joel Frahm), The Johnny Griffith Quintet, Heather Bambrick, Marito Marques, Violinist Drew Jurecka, Kiki Misumi, Tim Shia’s ‘The Worst Pop Band Ever’, the Bob Brough Quartet, Avery Raquel, and the Darcy Hepner Big Band.

As a leader Adrean has released four albums. His second album ‘Ricochet’ was nominated for a 2011 Juno award for best contemporary jazz recording. As a composer Adrean has penned more than 30 works to date.

Adrean is currently on the faculties of Mohawk College and Humber College where he teaches contemporary piano, ensembles and improvisation. He has also served on the faculty of York University. He has also done workshops/clinics at the University of Colorado, University of Toronto, The University of Western Ontario, The Banff Centre for the arts, The Sydney and Brisbane Conservatories, and in Warsaw Poland as part of the Polish Jazz Society’s 35th annual Summer Jazz Workshop.

Adrean has been a contributing writer to piano guru Larry Fine’s publication “The Piano Book”, the world’s foremost publication on all things piano. Adrean has also been a performer and panelist at the 63rd, 67th, 69th and 70th annual Conference on World Affairs in Boulder Colorado.

Adrean is endorsed by Shigeru Kawai pianos.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs on trumpet, bass and drums, Brad Goode is recognized as a unique stylist with a highly creative approach to improvisation. He has recorded on many jazz albums, including 18 as a leader for the Delmark, Sunlight, SteepleChase and Origin labels.

Brad Goode earned a BM degree in classical trumpet at the University of Kentucky, and an MM degree in bass at DePaul University. His trumpet teachers include Vincent DiMartino, Byron Baxter, Clark Terry, Chris Gekker and William Adam. He studied bass with Larry Gray, Donald "Rafael" Garrett ,Carroll Crouch, and Eddie DeHaas. During his apprenticeship years, he toured and recorded with the bands of Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Krivda, Rosemary Clooney, Barrett Deems, the Woody Herman Orchestra and many others.

Brad led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998, including a twelve-year stint as leader of the house band at the Green Mill. As a Cultural Ambassador for Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, he led jazz groups on tours of Asia and the Middle East. He was named one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune, who credited him as a “major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene.”

Brad currently tours with the bands of Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk and West African drummer Paa Kow, and with his own quintet. He makes frequent appearances as a soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools.

Brad Goode has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and The University of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.

Debi Botos Gypsy-Swing Ensemble
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 pm

Debi Botos - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

If Gypsy jazz as a whole is what those in the biz would call a “niche market,”  then Django in June’s target market is a niche of a niche.  A micro niche.  A nichette. What we try to do here is offer North Americans relatively easy access to expert instruction in what I (Andrew) lamely call “the European approach” to playing Gypsy jazz.

Strictly speaking, that means very little because there are so many different European approaches to playing Gypsy jazz. Mini micro niches. Still, any American jazz guitarist who goes to Europe and tries jamming on jazz manouche with people whose musical roots run deep in the genre is going to quickly notice many differences.  Those difference are what I’m referencing when I use the terms “Gypsy jazz” or “jazz manouche.” It’s an inevitably inexact way of summing up the unique contributions that Django Reinhardt and his musical heirs brought to what had previously been a purely American musical tradition. Those elements are sometimes frustratingly foreign to us Americans.

Not so, though, for Debi Botos, whose Romungro Gypsy heritage (a variety of Hungarian Roma) may help explain why she is developing so quickly into an excellent Gypsy jazz guitarist. She lives in Toronto now, and has most of her life.  But her family’s roots are in Rakamaz, Hungary, a village located where the rivers Tisza and Bodrog converge. Her mother would sing nóta and csardas around the house and Debi soaked it up.

Her father and one brother are jazz drummers, another plays guitar. It would be hard to imagine better preparation than that for your first encounter with Django’s music. Or your first trip to Django in June…which for Debi was only in 2018! With a little help from Denis Chang she found herself jamming in Angelo Debarre’s suite, with the grand master looking on. Not long after, those of us who follow Debi on Facebook were treated to her encounter with Dorado and Samson Schmitt when father and son played Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2019 we got to vicariously sit in on her endless jamming around the campfires of Samoreau.

When you have Debi’s talent and dedication, those sorts of encounters have a way of developing into friendships and collaborations. For example, in the video below she is joined by two giants of contemporary Gypsy jazz—Samson Schmitt and Ludovic Beier—for a rendition of one of her own compositions, “Bolero for Schmitt”. Like theirs, our own friendship and collaboration with Debi is just beginning. At Django in June 2022, yours can too.

Adrean Farrugia & Brad Goode Quintet
July 31,
August 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 PM

Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Brad Goode - Trumpet
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano.

Since the late 1990s Adrean has been in high demand as a freelance performer and educator. Keeping a busy touring schedule, mainly as a sideman, Adrean has toured extensively across Canada and the United States as well as in venues across Europe, Australia, the UK, Israel and in Japan.

Adrean has performed/recorded with some of jazz’s greatest and most diverse artists including: Ernie Watts, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Carlton, Curtis Fuller, Tom Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander, Cyrille Aimee, Molly Johnson, Jane Bunnett, Ron Blake, Joel Frahm, Matt Penman, Dafnis Prieto, Kinan Azmeh, Brad Goode, Kenny Wheeler, Darcy James Argue, Don Thompson, Lorne Lofsky, Kevin Turcotte, and Pat Labarbera.

Adrean currently performs/has performed with such diverse projects as saxophone legend Ernie Watts’ Band, the Matt Dusk Band, the Brad Goode Group (featuring Ernie Watts and Adam Nussbaum), The Ernesto Cervini group Turboprop (featuring saxophonist Joel Frahm), The Johnny Griffith Quintet, Heather Bambrick, Marito Marques, Violinist Drew Jurecka, Kiki Misumi, Tim Shia’s ‘The Worst Pop Band Ever’, the Bob Brough Quartet, Avery Raquel, and the Darcy Hepner Big Band.

As a leader Adrean has released four albums. His second album ‘Ricochet’ was nominated for a 2011 Juno award for best contemporary jazz recording. As a composer Adrean has penned more than 30 works to date.

Adrean is currently on the faculties of Mohawk College and Humber College where he teaches contemporary piano, ensembles and improvisation. He has also served on the faculty of York University. He has also done workshops/clinics at the University of Colorado, University of Toronto, The University of Western Ontario, The Banff Centre for the arts, The Sydney and Brisbane Conservatories, and in Warsaw Poland as part of the Polish Jazz Society’s 35th annual Summer Jazz Workshop.

Adrean has been a contributing writer to piano guru Larry Fine’s publication “The Piano Book”, the world’s foremost publication on all things piano. Adrean has also been a performer and panelist at the 63rd, 67th, 69th and 70th annual Conference on World Affairs in Boulder Colorado.

Adrean is endorsed by Shigeru Kawai pianos.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs on trumpet, bass and drums, Brad Goode is recognized as a unique stylist with a highly creative approach to improvisation. He has recorded on many jazz albums, including 18 as a leader for the Delmark, Sunlight, SteepleChase and Origin labels.

Brad Goode earned a BM degree in classical trumpet at the University of Kentucky, and an MM degree in bass at DePaul University. His trumpet teachers include Vincent DiMartino, Byron Baxter, Clark Terry, Chris Gekker and William Adam. He studied bass with Larry Gray, Donald "Rafael" Garrett ,Carroll Crouch, and Eddie DeHaas. During his apprenticeship years, he toured and recorded with the bands of Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Krivda, Rosemary Clooney, Barrett Deems, the Woody Herman Orchestra and many others.

Brad led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998, including a twelve-year stint as leader of the house band at the Green Mill. As a Cultural Ambassador for Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, he led jazz groups on tours of Asia and the Middle East. He was named one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune, who credited him as a “major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene.”

Brad currently tours with the bands of Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk and West African drummer Paa Kow, and with his own quintet. He makes frequent appearances as a soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools.

Brad Goode has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and The University of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.

Worst Pop Band Ever
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Adrean Farrugia & Brad Goode Quintet
July 31,
August 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 PM

Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Brad Goode - Trumpet
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano.

Since the late 1990s Adrean has been in high demand as a freelance performer and educator. Keeping a busy touring schedule, mainly as a sideman, Adrean has toured extensively across Canada and the United States as well as in venues across Europe, Australia, the UK, Israel and in Japan.

Adrean has performed/recorded with some of jazz’s greatest and most diverse artists including: Ernie Watts, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Carlton, Curtis Fuller, Tom Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander, Cyrille Aimee, Molly Johnson, Jane Bunnett, Ron Blake, Joel Frahm, Matt Penman, Dafnis Prieto, Kinan Azmeh, Brad Goode, Kenny Wheeler, Darcy James Argue, Don Thompson, Lorne Lofsky, Kevin Turcotte, and Pat Labarbera.

Adrean currently performs/has performed with such diverse projects as saxophone legend Ernie Watts’ Band, the Matt Dusk Band, the Brad Goode Group (featuring Ernie Watts and Adam Nussbaum), The Ernesto Cervini group Turboprop (featuring saxophonist Joel Frahm), The Johnny Griffith Quintet, Heather Bambrick, Marito Marques, Violinist Drew Jurecka, Kiki Misumi, Tim Shia’s ‘The Worst Pop Band Ever’, the Bob Brough Quartet, Avery Raquel, and the Darcy Hepner Big Band.

As a leader Adrean has released four albums. His second album ‘Ricochet’ was nominated for a 2011 Juno award for best contemporary jazz recording. As a composer Adrean has penned more than 30 works to date.

Adrean is currently on the faculties of Mohawk College and Humber College where he teaches contemporary piano, ensembles and improvisation. He has also served on the faculty of York University. He has also done workshops/clinics at the University of Colorado, University of Toronto, The University of Western Ontario, The Banff Centre for the arts, The Sydney and Brisbane Conservatories, and in Warsaw Poland as part of the Polish Jazz Society’s 35th annual Summer Jazz Workshop.

Adrean has been a contributing writer to piano guru Larry Fine’s publication “The Piano Book”, the world’s foremost publication on all things piano. Adrean has also been a performer and panelist at the 63rd, 67th, 69th and 70th annual Conference on World Affairs in Boulder Colorado.

Adrean is endorsed by Shigeru Kawai pianos.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs on trumpet, bass and drums, Brad Goode is recognized as a unique stylist with a highly creative approach to improvisation. He has recorded on many jazz albums, including 18 as a leader for the Delmark, Sunlight, SteepleChase and Origin labels.

Brad Goode earned a BM degree in classical trumpet at the University of Kentucky, and an MM degree in bass at DePaul University. His trumpet teachers include Vincent DiMartino, Byron Baxter, Clark Terry, Chris Gekker and William Adam. He studied bass with Larry Gray, Donald "Rafael" Garrett ,Carroll Crouch, and Eddie DeHaas. During his apprenticeship years, he toured and recorded with the bands of Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Krivda, Rosemary Clooney, Barrett Deems, the Woody Herman Orchestra and many others.

Brad led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998, including a twelve-year stint as leader of the house band at the Green Mill. As a Cultural Ambassador for Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, he led jazz groups on tours of Asia and the Middle East. He was named one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune, who credited him as a “major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene.”

Brad currently tours with the bands of Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk and West African drummer Paa Kow, and with his own quintet. He makes frequent appearances as a soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools.

Brad Goode has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and The University of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.

Big Band Matinee Special
August 3 @ 2:00 pm

Band TBA

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Join us for our Big Band Matinee Special. Band To be announced.

Adrean Farrugia & Brad Goode Quintet
July 31,
August 1, 2, 3 @ 8:30 PM

Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Brad Goode - Trumpet
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano.

Since the late 1990s Adrean has been in high demand as a freelance performer and educator. Keeping a busy touring schedule, mainly as a sideman, Adrean has toured extensively across Canada and the United States as well as in venues across Europe, Australia, the UK, Israel and in Japan.

Adrean has performed/recorded with some of jazz’s greatest and most diverse artists including: Ernie Watts, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Carlton, Curtis Fuller, Tom Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander, Cyrille Aimee, Molly Johnson, Jane Bunnett, Ron Blake, Joel Frahm, Matt Penman, Dafnis Prieto, Kinan Azmeh, Brad Goode, Kenny Wheeler, Darcy James Argue, Don Thompson, Lorne Lofsky, Kevin Turcotte, and Pat Labarbera.

Adrean currently performs/has performed with such diverse projects as saxophone legend Ernie Watts’ Band, the Matt Dusk Band, the Brad Goode Group (featuring Ernie Watts and Adam Nussbaum), The Ernesto Cervini group Turboprop (featuring saxophonist Joel Frahm), The Johnny Griffith Quintet, Heather Bambrick, Marito Marques, Violinist Drew Jurecka, Kiki Misumi, Tim Shia’s ‘The Worst Pop Band Ever’, the Bob Brough Quartet, Avery Raquel, and the Darcy Hepner Big Band.

As a leader Adrean has released four albums. His second album ‘Ricochet’ was nominated for a 2011 Juno award for best contemporary jazz recording. As a composer Adrean has penned more than 30 works to date.

Adrean is currently on the faculties of Mohawk College and Humber College where he teaches contemporary piano, ensembles and improvisation. He has also served on the faculty of York University. He has also done workshops/clinics at the University of Colorado, University of Toronto, The University of Western Ontario, The Banff Centre for the arts, The Sydney and Brisbane Conservatories, and in Warsaw Poland as part of the Polish Jazz Society’s 35th annual Summer Jazz Workshop.

Adrean has been a contributing writer to piano guru Larry Fine’s publication “The Piano Book”, the world’s foremost publication on all things piano. Adrean has also been a performer and panelist at the 63rd, 67th, 69th and 70th annual Conference on World Affairs in Boulder Colorado.

Adrean is endorsed by Shigeru Kawai pianos.

A multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs on trumpet, bass and drums, Brad Goode is recognized as a unique stylist with a highly creative approach to improvisation. He has recorded on many jazz albums, including 18 as a leader for the Delmark, Sunlight, SteepleChase and Origin labels.

Brad Goode earned a BM degree in classical trumpet at the University of Kentucky, and an MM degree in bass at DePaul University. His trumpet teachers include Vincent DiMartino, Byron Baxter, Clark Terry, Chris Gekker and William Adam. He studied bass with Larry Gray, Donald "Rafael" Garrett ,Carroll Crouch, and Eddie DeHaas. During his apprenticeship years, he toured and recorded with the bands of Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Krivda, Rosemary Clooney, Barrett Deems, the Woody Herman Orchestra and many others.

Brad led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998, including a twelve-year stint as leader of the house band at the Green Mill. As a Cultural Ambassador for Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, he led jazz groups on tours of Asia and the Middle East. He was named one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune, who credited him as a “major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene.”

Brad currently tours with the bands of Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk and West African drummer Paa Kow, and with his own quintet. He makes frequent appearances as a soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools.

Brad Goode has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and The University of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.

Kenji Omae East Coast Quintet
August 4 & 5 @ 8:30 PM

Kenji Omae - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Jake Hanlon - Guitar
Paul Rushka - Bass
Anthony Michelli - Drums

Kenji Omae is a Canadian Jazz saxophonist based in Nova Scotia, Canada.  He has been described as "a super-articulate virtuoso" (Peter Hum-The Ottawa Citizen) and "may be the most exciting tenor saxophonist to emerge in Canada in recent years" (Stuart Broomer-The WholeNote).  He has released four albums of original music as a leader; "Ten Thousand Steps) (2023), "Story Time" (2015), "Not So Deep" (2011), "Here For Now" (2007).  In addition to his own recordings, he is featured as a sideman on over thirty jazz CD's.
From 2003-2017, he was based in Seoul as a full time instructor of saxophone (Dong-Ah Institute Of Media And Arts and Paek-Che Art College). He was an active contributor to the music scene of Seoul through his frequent performances and extensive teaching. In 2007, he won the first prize in the Jarasum International Jazz Festival competition.
Kenji has a Master of Arts Degree in Jazz Performance from CUNY/Queen's College in New York. He is currently on faculty at Saint Francis Xavier University where he maintains a Saxophone Studio and teaches classes that included Jazz Harmony, Jazz Arranging, and Jazz Styles and Analysis.  

Andrew Downing’s Utopia Ontario
August 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

Andrew Downing - Cello
MAggie Keogh - Vocals
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Justin Orok - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Utopia Ontario is Andrew Downing’s new quartet featuring Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Justin Orok (guitar) and Maggie Keogh (voice). Based around a small town north of Toronto, the music goes deep into the woods where peace and quiet reign, melancholy mixes with nature and the details of trees are all you can think about.

The group will record its debut album in the summer of 2023.

Kenji Omae East Coast Quintet
August 4 & 5 @ 8:30 PM

Kenji Omae - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia - Piano
Jake Hanlon - Guitar
Paul Rushka - Bass
Anthony Michelli - Drums

Kenji Omae is a Canadian Jazz saxophonist based in Nova Scotia, Canada.  He has been described as "a super-articulate virtuoso" (Peter Hum-The Ottawa Citizen) and "may be the most exciting tenor saxophonist to emerge in Canada in recent years" (Stuart Broomer-The WholeNote).  He has released four albums of original music as a leader; "Ten Thousand Steps) (2023), "Story Time" (2015), "Not So Deep" (2011), "Here For Now" (2007).  In addition to his own recordings, he is featured as a sideman on over thirty jazz CD's.
From 2003-2017, he was based in Seoul as a full time instructor of saxophone (Dong-Ah Institute Of Media And Arts and Paek-Che Art College). He was an active contributor to the music scene of Seoul through his frequent performances and extensive teaching. In 2007, he won the first prize in the Jarasum International Jazz Festival competition.
Kenji has a Master of Arts Degree in Jazz Performance from CUNY/Queen's College in New York. He is currently on faculty at Saint Francis Xavier University where he maintains a Saxophone Studio and teaches classes that included Jazz Harmony, Jazz Arranging, and Jazz Styles and Analysis.  

Jessica Lalonde Group
August 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5:30 PM

Jessica Lalonde - Vocals
Featuring:
Adam Farrugia - Piano

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jessica Lalonde has spent her life exploring music in all its shades and facets. Raised on Country and Rock & Roll, she fell for jazz during her formative years. Lalonde began singing around her hometown of Midland in small jazz duos and trios, and for her local Big Band.  Eventually the clarity and strength of her voice led her into serious vocal study and she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University.  She excelled in her studies, winning a performance scholarship, several prestigious concerto competitions, and holding the title roles in the University’s opera productions.

After graduating she recorded a solo album of jazz and big ­band hits produced by jazz veteran Bill King. The album Spinning Daydreams, features some of Canada’s finest and most sought after musicians including Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).

Following the production and touring of this project, Lalonde continued to explore and hone her instrument by delving into Bel canto singing under the guidance of Metropolitan soprano Aprile Millo, and in 2015 she had the privilege of performing in Italy alongside Ms. Millo for a series of concerts benefitting the Museo and Comittato Renata Tebaldi, the Amici delle case di Puccini, and Villa Verdi. While there, she was also honoured to work with legendary Conductor Maestro Richard Bonynge.

Jessica enjoys a diverse array of performing opportunities including recent collaborations with Juno award winner Chris Gestrin for a headlining performance of “From Heaven to The Centre of The Earth,” a multi­media performance art piece at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s FUSE Festival. She has also performed backing vocals on three Born Ruffians albums, and is featured on Will Currie and the Country French’s album,They Killed Us, Jaymze Bee’s soon to be released collaborative project, Muse and jazz giant, John MacMurchy’s latest Art of Breath recording project. Looking to expand into new markets Jessica signed with Folkstar Productions and re-released her Christmas single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to overwhelming support. With these appreciations she is now headed back into the recording studio with the talented John MacMurchy to record her second album. Look for her new album to drop late 2018.

Ultimately the connecting thread between these various musical genres and adventures, has been an ability to express the core emotion of whatever composition she is singing, whether by Puccini, Gershwin or a local folk rock band.  This expression is filtered through an open heart and depth of understanding; channelled through a voice that feels as though it may unleash at any moment, but chooses rather to remain grounded; an unaffected purity of tone conveying shadow and light.  

Eric Liang
August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm

Eric Liang - Piano
Band :TBA

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Eric Liang (b. 2003) is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto and has studied with notable musicians including Glenn Zaleski and Steven Feifke among others. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Morgan Childs, and Laura Anglade, among other big names in the jazz world.

Jacob Chung Quintet
August 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:30 PM

Jacob Chung - Saxophone
Eric Liang - Piano
Thomas Hainbuch - Bass (Aug 7,8,9)
Hiro Tanaka - Bass (Aug 10)
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums
And special guests:
Ale Nunez - voice (Aug 7 & 8)
Tymish Koznarsky - Saxophone (Aug 9 & 10)

Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacob Chung’s commitment to swing has charmed audiences in his hometown Toronto and in New York City, where he is currently based. Having established himself as one of the most exciting players in Toronto, he relocated to NYC in 2022 to find Vincent Herring at Manhattan School of Music. Herring’s mentorship and advocacy for Jacob’s talent led to the recording of Jacob’s sophomore album in December 2023 for the Cellar Music Group label, featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth. In the summer of 2023, Jacob performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and at the Burlington Jazz Festival (VT) as a member of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has also performed with Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, and the Erena Terakubo Septet.

The Jacob Chung Quintet’s 2022 debut album Epistle was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Jacob’s aesthetic direction has drawn comparison to that of the 1990s neo-bop renaissance. Will Chernoff (Rhythm Changes) writes that “Jacob and the band are part of a full-on second generation of Young Lions,” a sentiment expanded upon by Jamie Lee Rake (Shepherd Express): “What they are about is connecting the dots between the sophisticated heat of jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie with a post-bop drive.” The Jacob Chung Quintet has played at several major Toronto venues and festivals including The Rex Hotel, The Jazz Bistro, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

Debi Botos Gypsy-Swing Ensemble
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 pm

Debi Botos - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

If Gypsy jazz as a whole is what those in the biz would call a “niche market,”  then Django in June’s target market is a niche of a niche.  A micro niche.  A nichette. What we try to do here is offer North Americans relatively easy access to expert instruction in what I (Andrew) lamely call “the European approach” to playing Gypsy jazz.

Strictly speaking, that means very little because there are so many different European approaches to playing Gypsy jazz. Mini micro niches. Still, any American jazz guitarist who goes to Europe and tries jamming on jazz manouche with people whose musical roots run deep in the genre is going to quickly notice many differences.  Those difference are what I’m referencing when I use the terms “Gypsy jazz” or “jazz manouche.” It’s an inevitably inexact way of summing up the unique contributions that Django Reinhardt and his musical heirs brought to what had previously been a purely American musical tradition. Those elements are sometimes frustratingly foreign to us Americans.

Not so, though, for Debi Botos, whose Romungro Gypsy heritage (a variety of Hungarian Roma) may help explain why she is developing so quickly into an excellent Gypsy jazz guitarist. She lives in Toronto now, and has most of her life.  But her family’s roots are in Rakamaz, Hungary, a village located where the rivers Tisza and Bodrog converge. Her mother would sing nóta and csardas around the house and Debi soaked it up.

Her father and one brother are jazz drummers, another plays guitar. It would be hard to imagine better preparation than that for your first encounter with Django’s music. Or your first trip to Django in June…which for Debi was only in 2018! With a little help from Denis Chang she found herself jamming in Angelo Debarre’s suite, with the grand master looking on. Not long after, those of us who follow Debi on Facebook were treated to her encounter with Dorado and Samson Schmitt when father and son played Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2019 we got to vicariously sit in on her endless jamming around the campfires of Samoreau.

When you have Debi’s talent and dedication, those sorts of encounters have a way of developing into friendships and collaborations. For example, in the video below she is joined by two giants of contemporary Gypsy jazz—Samson Schmitt and Ludovic Beier—for a rendition of one of her own compositions, “Bolero for Schmitt”. Like theirs, our own friendship and collaboration with Debi is just beginning. At Django in June 2022, yours can too.

Jacob Chung Quintet
August 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:30 PM

Jacob Chung - Saxophone
Eric Liang - Piano
Thomas Hainbuch - Bass (Aug 7,8,9)
Hiro Tanaka - Bass (Aug 10)
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums
And special guests:
Ale Nunez - voice (Aug 7 & 8)
Tymish Koznarsky - Saxophone (Aug 9 & 10)

Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacob Chung’s commitment to swing has charmed audiences in his hometown Toronto and in New York City, where he is currently based. Having established himself as one of the most exciting players in Toronto, he relocated to NYC in 2022 to find Vincent Herring at Manhattan School of Music. Herring’s mentorship and advocacy for Jacob’s talent led to the recording of Jacob’s sophomore album in December 2023 for the Cellar Music Group label, featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth. In the summer of 2023, Jacob performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and at the Burlington Jazz Festival (VT) as a member of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has also performed with Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, and the Erena Terakubo Septet.

The Jacob Chung Quintet’s 2022 debut album Epistle was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Jacob’s aesthetic direction has drawn comparison to that of the 1990s neo-bop renaissance. Will Chernoff (Rhythm Changes) writes that “Jacob and the band are part of a full-on second generation of Young Lions,” a sentiment expanded upon by Jamie Lee Rake (Shepherd Express): “What they are about is connecting the dots between the sophisticated heat of jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie with a post-bop drive.” The Jacob Chung Quintet has played at several major Toronto venues and festivals including The Rex Hotel, The Jazz Bistro, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

Worst Pop Band Ever
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Jacob Chung Quintet
August 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:30 PM

Jacob Chung - Saxophone
Eric Liang - Piano
Thomas Hainbuch - Bass (Aug 7,8,9)
Hiro Tanaka - Bass (Aug 10)
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums
And special guests:
Ale Nunez - voice (Aug 7 & 8)
Tymish Koznarsky - Saxophone (Aug 9 & 10)

Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacob Chung’s commitment to swing has charmed audiences in his hometown Toronto and in New York City, where he is currently based. Having established himself as one of the most exciting players in Toronto, he relocated to NYC in 2022 to find Vincent Herring at Manhattan School of Music. Herring’s mentorship and advocacy for Jacob’s talent led to the recording of Jacob’s sophomore album in December 2023 for the Cellar Music Group label, featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth. In the summer of 2023, Jacob performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and at the Burlington Jazz Festival (VT) as a member of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has also performed with Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, and the Erena Terakubo Septet.

The Jacob Chung Quintet’s 2022 debut album Epistle was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Jacob’s aesthetic direction has drawn comparison to that of the 1990s neo-bop renaissance. Will Chernoff (Rhythm Changes) writes that “Jacob and the band are part of a full-on second generation of Young Lions,” a sentiment expanded upon by Jamie Lee Rake (Shepherd Express): “What they are about is connecting the dots between the sophisticated heat of jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie with a post-bop drive.” The Jacob Chung Quintet has played at several major Toronto venues and festivals including The Rex Hotel, The Jazz Bistro, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

ROBIN JESSOME & BLUNT OBJECTS
august 10 @ 2:00 PM

Robin Jessome -Trombone


No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Blunt Object is a Toronto-based 11-piece jazz ensemble performing energetic, creative music; balancing unique improvisors with quirky and compelling arrangements. Featuring the music of Carla Bley, the ensemble presents engaging music with a refreshing sense of humour.

Trombonist Robin Jessome has been based in Kitchener/Waterloo and performing around the Tri-Cities as well as Hamilton and Toronto, making loud and intriguing creative music. Robin likes things dark, with a quirky sense-of-humour — deeply influenced by the likes of Carla Bley, Tom Waits, Kenny Wheeler and Charles Mingus. Originally from Nova Scotia, Robin received a Bachelor of Music at St. Francis Xavier University (2003) and then completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto (2009). While at UofT he studied trombone with William Carn and Terry Promane; composition with Phil Nimmons and David Braid.

Jacob Chung Quintet
August 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:30 PM

Jacob Chung - Saxophone
Eric Liang - Piano
Thomas Hainbuch - Bass (Aug 7,8,9)
Hiro Tanaka - Bass (Aug 10)
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums
And special guests:
Ale Nunez - voice (Aug 7 & 8)
Tymish Koznarsky - Saxophone (Aug 9 & 10)

Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacob Chung’s commitment to swing has charmed audiences in his hometown Toronto and in New York City, where he is currently based. Having established himself as one of the most exciting players in Toronto, he relocated to NYC in 2022 to find Vincent Herring at Manhattan School of Music. Herring’s mentorship and advocacy for Jacob’s talent led to the recording of Jacob’s sophomore album in December 2023 for the Cellar Music Group label, featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth. In the summer of 2023, Jacob performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and at the Burlington Jazz Festival (VT) as a member of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has also performed with Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, and the Erena Terakubo Septet.

The Jacob Chung Quintet’s 2022 debut album Epistle was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Jacob’s aesthetic direction has drawn comparison to that of the 1990s neo-bop renaissance. Will Chernoff (Rhythm Changes) writes that “Jacob and the band are part of a full-on second generation of Young Lions,” a sentiment expanded upon by Jamie Lee Rake (Shepherd Express): “What they are about is connecting the dots between the sophisticated heat of jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie with a post-bop drive.” The Jacob Chung Quintet has played at several major Toronto venues and festivals including The Rex Hotel, The Jazz Bistro, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

Jacob Gorzhaltsan Groups
August 11 & 12 @ 8:30 pm

Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Woodwinds
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Davnit Jani - Tabla

Jacob Gorzhaltsan is a Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist,  composer, and singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario.  Born in Jerusalem, Israel to parents who are both visual artists, Jacob moved to Canada and (with his parent's encouragement) began studying music shortly afterwards. Early on in his musical pursuits, Jacob was fortunate to attend a workshop and play with his jazz clarinet-hero, the legendary Buddy DeFranco. This moment continues to serve as a huge musical inspiration for Jacob. Subsequently, he joined the student jazz band, Toronto All-Star Big Band, further developing his love for performance and delving deeper into the jazz tradition. During his tenure with TABB, Jacob was fortunate to get the opportunity to perform with Peter Appleyard and Doc Severinson.  He studied privately with a plethora of local Toronto musicians, and enjoyed four years at Humber College's B.A. of Music program. While at Humber, Jacob was honoured to share the stage with special resident-guests like Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Dobbins, Joe Lovano, Will Kennedy, The New York Voices, and Larry Goldings.  

He now performs and records professionally as a sideman with numerous groups in Toronto, and leads several bands of his own (Wide Arches, The Jellyfish, JG Quartet). Throughout his career, Jacob has played in countless venues and theatres across Canada and the United States. He has had the pleasure of being a part of an incredible cast and crew for concert productions/recordings with Soulpepper Theatre Company (Promised Land: Steinbeck Through Song, A Moveable Feast: Paris in the '20s, The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, The 27 Club, Prohibition: The Concert, Manhattan Concert Cycle: Melting Pot, Harlem, 42nd Street and Broadway, Detroit: Music of Motor City, On A Night Like This). He is honoured to have shared the stage with Jackie Richardson, Denzal Sinclaire, Kevin Breit, Stephane Wrembel, Noam Lemish and Amos Hoffman Quartet, Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks, Pedram Khavarzamini, Kalyna Rakel, The Israeli-Iranian Music Initiative, Heavyweights Brass Band, Holla Jazz Collective, Travis Knights, Mike Ross, Divine Brown, Denielle Bassels, Big Rude Jake, among many other talented and inspiring folk. 

In 2021, Jacob was awarded a Toronto Arts Council grant to record a full-length album of original material. He released the record, "Farewell to All the Lovely Things", with his indie-folk band Wide Arches on September 12th, 2023. The album has been garnering much attention, receiving warm reviews from critics and charting nine times on Canadian college-radio (CFBX, CJSF, CICK, CJAM, CFRC) including three top 10 appearances.

Jacob can be seen regularly playing at venues all around Toronto and the surrounding-area. As well, he is an active music educator, privately teaching woodwinds, improvisation, and music theory.

Andrew Downing’s Utopia Ontario
August 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

Andrew Downing - Cello
MAggie Keogh - Vocals
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Justin Orok - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Utopia Ontario is Andrew Downing’s new quartet featuring Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Justin Orok (guitar) and Maggie Keogh (voice). Based around a small town north of Toronto, the music goes deep into the woods where peace and quiet reign, melancholy mixes with nature and the details of trees are all you can think about.

The group will record its debut album in the summer of 2023.

Jacob Gorzhaltsan Groups
August 11 & 12 @ 8:30 pm

Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Woodwinds
Noam Lemish - Piano
Scott Hunter - Bass

Jacob Gorzhaltsan is a Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist,  composer, and singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario.  Born in Jerusalem, Israel to parents who are both visual artists, Jacob moved to Canada and (with his parent's encouragement) began studying music shortly afterwards. Early on in his musical pursuits, Jacob was fortunate to attend a workshop and play with his jazz clarinet-hero, the legendary Buddy DeFranco. This moment continues to serve as a huge musical inspiration for Jacob. Subsequently, he joined the student jazz band, Toronto All-Star Big Band, further developing his love for performance and delving deeper into the jazz tradition. During his tenure with TABB, Jacob was fortunate to get the opportunity to perform with Peter Appleyard and Doc Severinson.  He studied privately with a plethora of local Toronto musicians, and enjoyed four years at Humber College's B.A. of Music program. While at Humber, Jacob was honoured to share the stage with special resident-guests like Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Dobbins, Joe Lovano, Will Kennedy, The New York Voices, and Larry Goldings.  

He now performs and records professionally as a sideman with numerous groups in Toronto, and leads several bands of his own (Wide Arches, The Jellyfish, JG Quartet). Throughout his career, Jacob has played in countless venues and theatres across Canada and the United States. He has had the pleasure of being a part of an incredible cast and crew for concert productions/recordings with Soulpepper Theatre Company (Promised Land: Steinbeck Through Song, A Moveable Feast: Paris in the '20s, The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, The 27 Club, Prohibition: The Concert, Manhattan Concert Cycle: Melting Pot, Harlem, 42nd Street and Broadway, Detroit: Music of Motor City, On A Night Like This). He is honoured to have shared the stage with Jackie Richardson, Denzal Sinclaire, Kevin Breit, Stephane Wrembel, Noam Lemish and Amos Hoffman Quartet, Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks, Pedram Khavarzamini, Kalyna Rakel, The Israeli-Iranian Music Initiative, Heavyweights Brass Band, Holla Jazz Collective, Travis Knights, Mike Ross, Divine Brown, Denielle Bassels, Big Rude Jake, among many other talented and inspiring folk. 

In 2021, Jacob was awarded a Toronto Arts Council grant to record a full-length album of original material. He released the record, "Farewell to All the Lovely Things", with his indie-folk band Wide Arches on September 12th, 2023. The album has been garnering much attention, receiving warm reviews from critics and charting nine times on Canadian college-radio (CFBX, CJSF, CICK, CJAM, CFRC) including three top 10 appearances.

Jacob can be seen regularly playing at venues all around Toronto and the surrounding-area. As well, he is an active music educator, privately teaching woodwinds, improvisation, and music theory.

Jessica Lalonde Group
August 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5:30 PM

Jessica Lalonde - Vocals
Featuring:
Adam Farrugia - Piano

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jessica Lalonde has spent her life exploring music in all its shades and facets. Raised on Country and Rock & Roll, she fell for jazz during her formative years. Lalonde began singing around her hometown of Midland in small jazz duos and trios, and for her local Big Band.  Eventually the clarity and strength of her voice led her into serious vocal study and she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University.  She excelled in her studies, winning a performance scholarship, several prestigious concerto competitions, and holding the title roles in the University’s opera productions.

After graduating she recorded a solo album of jazz and big ­band hits produced by jazz veteran Bill King. The album Spinning Daydreams, features some of Canada’s finest and most sought after musicians including Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).

Following the production and touring of this project, Lalonde continued to explore and hone her instrument by delving into Bel canto singing under the guidance of Metropolitan soprano Aprile Millo, and in 2015 she had the privilege of performing in Italy alongside Ms. Millo for a series of concerts benefitting the Museo and Comittato Renata Tebaldi, the Amici delle case di Puccini, and Villa Verdi. While there, she was also honoured to work with legendary Conductor Maestro Richard Bonynge.

Jessica enjoys a diverse array of performing opportunities including recent collaborations with Juno award winner Chris Gestrin for a headlining performance of “From Heaven to The Centre of The Earth,” a multi­media performance art piece at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s FUSE Festival. She has also performed backing vocals on three Born Ruffians albums, and is featured on Will Currie and the Country French’s album,They Killed Us, Jaymze Bee’s soon to be released collaborative project, Muse and jazz giant, John MacMurchy’s latest Art of Breath recording project. Looking to expand into new markets Jessica signed with Folkstar Productions and re-released her Christmas single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to overwhelming support. With these appreciations she is now headed back into the recording studio with the talented John MacMurchy to record her second album. Look for her new album to drop late 2018.

Ultimately the connecting thread between these various musical genres and adventures, has been an ability to express the core emotion of whatever composition she is singing, whether by Puccini, Gershwin or a local folk rock band.  This expression is filtered through an open heart and depth of understanding; channelled through a voice that feels as though it may unleash at any moment, but chooses rather to remain grounded; an unaffected purity of tone conveying shadow and light.  

Eric Liang
August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm

Eric Liang - Piano
Band :TBA

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Eric Liang (b. 2003) is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto and has studied with notable musicians including Glenn Zaleski and Steven Feifke among others. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Morgan Childs, and Laura Anglade, among other big names in the jazz world.

JABFUNG
AUGUST 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:30 pm

Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys

JabFung, a project helmed by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and Richmond Hill-born, LA-based drummer Anthony Fung, has emerged in recent years as one of Toronto’s leading presenters of collaborative jazz residencies. Anchored by the core rhythm section of Anderson-Bowes and Fung, the group’s past performances have featured excellent local and international guest musicians, including saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, pianist James Hill, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, French vibraphonist Simon Mouiller, and, for two nights at The Rex this past July, the eminent American saxophonist George Garzone.

JABFUNG
AUGUST 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:30 pm

Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys

JabFung, a project helmed by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and Richmond Hill-born, LA-based drummer Anthony Fung, has emerged in recent years as one of Toronto’s leading presenters of collaborative jazz residencies. Anchored by the core rhythm section of Anderson-Bowes and Fung, the group’s past performances have featured excellent local and international guest musicians, including saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, pianist James Hill, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, French vibraphonist Simon Mouiller, and, for two nights at The Rex this past July, the eminent American saxophonist George Garzone.

Worst Pop Band Ever
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

JABFUNG
AUGUST 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:30 pm

Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys

JabFung, a project helmed by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and Richmond Hill-born, LA-based drummer Anthony Fung, has emerged in recent years as one of Toronto’s leading presenters of collaborative jazz residencies. Anchored by the core rhythm section of Anderson-Bowes and Fung, the group’s past performances have featured excellent local and international guest musicians, including saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, pianist James Hill, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, French vibraphonist Simon Mouiller, and, for two nights at The Rex this past July, the eminent American saxophonist George Garzone.

Angela Pincente Large Ensemble
August 17 @ 2:00 PM

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Angela Pincente is a trombone player, composer, and arranger based in the Greater Toronto Area. She is in her final year of her Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College and is set to release a debut EP next year. She has studied under many well-renowned musicians in Toronto such as Kelsley Grant, Joselyn Gould, Mike Downes, Alastair Kay, and Vanessa Fralick. Pincente is diversified in many genres including jazz, classical, and pop, playing in bands such as the Toronto All-Star Big Band, Hannaford Youth Band, and Trash Panda Brass Band. Pincente is currently leading two projects, the Angela Pincente Quintet and the Carandang Pincente Jazz Orchestra, which she co-leads with fellow musician Dain Carandang. This group has been featured at The Rex, as well as the Humber Music 50th anniversary concert. Pincente writes within the jazz idiom with a focus on large ensemble music and vocal jazz. You can find her performing at many venues across the city, and on Instagram and Facebook @angelapincente.

JABFUNG
AUGUST 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:30 pm

Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys

JabFung, a project helmed by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and Richmond Hill-born, LA-based drummer Anthony Fung, has emerged in recent years as one of Toronto’s leading presenters of collaborative jazz residencies. Anchored by the core rhythm section of Anderson-Bowes and Fung, the group’s past performances have featured excellent local and international guest musicians, including saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, pianist James Hill, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, French vibraphonist Simon Mouiller, and, for two nights at The Rex this past July, the eminent American saxophonist George Garzone.

Eric West Quintet
August 18 & 19 @ 8:30 pm

Eric West - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Kae Murphy - Trumpet
James Hill - Piano
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass

Similar to many musicians, Eric West grew up in a musical household. His journey began at the age of 5 when his uncle donated an old drumset to him and his brother. At 12 years old, he began formal training at Humber College's Community Music Program. It was there that he fostered his love for jazz under the mentorship of Kirk MacDonald, Steve Mancuso, Barry Romberg, Jane Fair, and Don Palmer. Eric went on to continue his post secondary studies at Humber College where he received a Bachelors Degree in Music. Since then, he has gone on to be an active member of the Toronto jazz community, as well as branching out to pop and indie rock scenes. He has toured throughout Europe, USA, and Canada, with notable acts such as, The Tenors, Banners and Pram Trio. In 2012, he was awarded the Sabian Cymbal Award by Humber College for outstanding achievement and in 2014, was awarded the prestigious Grande Prix de Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival as a member of co-led group Pram Trio. Eric continues to be an active member of the Toronto music scene. He's held a residency at Poetry Jazz Cafe since 2012, as well as continuing to play at other establishments around the city. Over the past year Eric began composing for his own project, The Eric West Group, and in December 2019 released his debut EP.

Andrew Downing’s Utopia Ontario
August 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

Andrew Downing - Cello
MAggie Keogh - Vocals
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Justin Orok - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Utopia Ontario is Andrew Downing’s new quartet featuring Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Justin Orok (guitar) and Maggie Keogh (voice). Based around a small town north of Toronto, the music goes deep into the woods where peace and quiet reign, melancholy mixes with nature and the details of trees are all you can think about.

The group will record its debut album in the summer of 2023.

Eric West Quintet
August 18 & 19 @ 8:30 pm

Eric West - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Kae Murphy - Trumpet
James Hill - Piano
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass

Similar to many musicians, Eric West grew up in a musical household. His journey began at the age of 5 when his uncle donated an old drumset to him and his brother. At 12 years old, he began formal training at Humber College's Community Music Program. It was there that he fostered his love for jazz under the mentorship of Kirk MacDonald, Steve Mancuso, Barry Romberg, Jane Fair, and Don Palmer. Eric went on to continue his post secondary studies at Humber College where he received a Bachelors Degree in Music. Since then, he has gone on to be an active member of the Toronto jazz community, as well as branching out to pop and indie rock scenes. He has toured throughout Europe, USA, and Canada, with notable acts such as, The Tenors, Banners and Pram Trio. In 2012, he was awarded the Sabian Cymbal Award by Humber College for outstanding achievement and in 2014, was awarded the prestigious Grande Prix de Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival as a member of co-led group Pram Trio. Eric continues to be an active member of the Toronto music scene. He's held a residency at Poetry Jazz Cafe since 2012, as well as continuing to play at other establishments around the city. Over the past year Eric began composing for his own project, The Eric West Group, and in December 2019 released his debut EP.

Jessica Lalonde Group
August 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5:30 PM

Jessica Lalonde - Vocals
Featuring:
Adam Farrugia - Piano

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jessica Lalonde has spent her life exploring music in all its shades and facets. Raised on Country and Rock & Roll, she fell for jazz during her formative years. Lalonde began singing around her hometown of Midland in small jazz duos and trios, and for her local Big Band.  Eventually the clarity and strength of her voice led her into serious vocal study and she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University.  She excelled in her studies, winning a performance scholarship, several prestigious concerto competitions, and holding the title roles in the University’s opera productions.

After graduating she recorded a solo album of jazz and big ­band hits produced by jazz veteran Bill King. The album Spinning Daydreams, features some of Canada’s finest and most sought after musicians including Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).

Following the production and touring of this project, Lalonde continued to explore and hone her instrument by delving into Bel canto singing under the guidance of Metropolitan soprano Aprile Millo, and in 2015 she had the privilege of performing in Italy alongside Ms. Millo for a series of concerts benefitting the Museo and Comittato Renata Tebaldi, the Amici delle case di Puccini, and Villa Verdi. While there, she was also honoured to work with legendary Conductor Maestro Richard Bonynge.

Jessica enjoys a diverse array of performing opportunities including recent collaborations with Juno award winner Chris Gestrin for a headlining performance of “From Heaven to The Centre of The Earth,” a multi­media performance art piece at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s FUSE Festival. She has also performed backing vocals on three Born Ruffians albums, and is featured on Will Currie and the Country French’s album,They Killed Us, Jaymze Bee’s soon to be released collaborative project, Muse and jazz giant, John MacMurchy’s latest Art of Breath recording project. Looking to expand into new markets Jessica signed with Folkstar Productions and re-released her Christmas single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to overwhelming support. With these appreciations she is now headed back into the recording studio with the talented John MacMurchy to record her second album. Look for her new album to drop late 2018.

Ultimately the connecting thread between these various musical genres and adventures, has been an ability to express the core emotion of whatever composition she is singing, whether by Puccini, Gershwin or a local folk rock band.  This expression is filtered through an open heart and depth of understanding; channelled through a voice that feels as though it may unleash at any moment, but chooses rather to remain grounded; an unaffected purity of tone conveying shadow and light.  

Eric Liang
August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm

Eric Liang - Piano
Band :TBA

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Eric Liang (b. 2003) is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto and has studied with notable musicians including Glenn Zaleski and Steven Feifke among others. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Morgan Childs, and Laura Anglade, among other big names in the jazz world.

Mark Eisenman Quartet
August 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

Debi Botos Gypsy-Swing Ensemble
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 pm

Debi Botos - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

If Gypsy jazz as a whole is what those in the biz would call a “niche market,”  then Django in June’s target market is a niche of a niche.  A micro niche.  A nichette. What we try to do here is offer North Americans relatively easy access to expert instruction in what I (Andrew) lamely call “the European approach” to playing Gypsy jazz.

Strictly speaking, that means very little because there are so many different European approaches to playing Gypsy jazz. Mini micro niches. Still, any American jazz guitarist who goes to Europe and tries jamming on jazz manouche with people whose musical roots run deep in the genre is going to quickly notice many differences.  Those difference are what I’m referencing when I use the terms “Gypsy jazz” or “jazz manouche.” It’s an inevitably inexact way of summing up the unique contributions that Django Reinhardt and his musical heirs brought to what had previously been a purely American musical tradition. Those elements are sometimes frustratingly foreign to us Americans.

Not so, though, for Debi Botos, whose Romungro Gypsy heritage (a variety of Hungarian Roma) may help explain why she is developing so quickly into an excellent Gypsy jazz guitarist. She lives in Toronto now, and has most of her life.  But her family’s roots are in Rakamaz, Hungary, a village located where the rivers Tisza and Bodrog converge. Her mother would sing nóta and csardas around the house and Debi soaked it up.

Her father and one brother are jazz drummers, another plays guitar. It would be hard to imagine better preparation than that for your first encounter with Django’s music. Or your first trip to Django in June…which for Debi was only in 2018! With a little help from Denis Chang she found herself jamming in Angelo Debarre’s suite, with the grand master looking on. Not long after, those of us who follow Debi on Facebook were treated to her encounter with Dorado and Samson Schmitt when father and son played Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2019 we got to vicariously sit in on her endless jamming around the campfires of Samoreau.

When you have Debi’s talent and dedication, those sorts of encounters have a way of developing into friendships and collaborations. For example, in the video below she is joined by two giants of contemporary Gypsy jazz—Samson Schmitt and Ludovic Beier—for a rendition of one of her own compositions, “Bolero for Schmitt”. Like theirs, our own friendship and collaboration with Debi is just beginning. At Django in June 2022, yours can too.

Mark Eisenman Quartet
August 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

Worst Pop Band Ever
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Mark Eisenman Quartet
August 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

Big Band Matinee Special
August 24 @ 2:00 pm

Band TBA

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Join us for our Big Band Matinee Special. Band To be announced.

Mark Eisenman Quartet
August 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:30 PM

Mark Eisenman - Piano
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Neil Swainson - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.

Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.

Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.

In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.

"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).

In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.

Melissa Stylianou Quartet
August 25 & 26 @ 8:30 PM

Melissa Stylianou - Vocals
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Andrew Downing - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Jazz vocalist, lyricist, and educator Melissa Stylianou, hailed by piano master Fred Hersch for her “gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship, and great taste,” has garnered acclaim as both a gifted songwriter and a bold, imaginative interpreter of wide-ranging material spanning diverse genres, from the Great American Songbook to Johnny Cash to Joanna Newsom. Stylianou is also one-third of the infectious, Boswell Sisters-inspired close-harmony vocal trio Duchess, which has amassed many mentions in year-end critics’ polls and received the 2021 & 2022 Vocal Group of the Year Award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

In addition to her five albums as a leader and four with Duchess to date, Stylianou has documented her close musical bond with guitar legend Gene Bertoncini and sought-after bassist Ike Sturm on the 2022 album Dream Dancing (awarded 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine). This intimate, collaborative, highly spontaneous trio focuses on standards, with Bertoncini’s astute nylon-string voicings and arrangements in the forefront. She has made numerous top festival and club appearances, toured internationally, and is currently developing a project that will combine her Irish and Greek-Cypriot musical roots.

Melissa has been teaching voice lessons privately for over 20 years and was on the faculty of the 92NY School of Music from 2009- 2023. She is also an early childhood music educator, teaching Music Together family classes as well as music in various preschools in the NY-area.

Andrew Downing’s Utopia Ontario
August 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM

Andrew Downing - Cello
MAggie Keogh - Vocals
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Justin Orok - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Utopia Ontario is Andrew Downing’s new quartet featuring Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Justin Orok (guitar) and Maggie Keogh (voice). Based around a small town north of Toronto, the music goes deep into the woods where peace and quiet reign, melancholy mixes with nature and the details of trees are all you can think about.

The group will record its debut album in the summer of 2023.

Melissa Stylianou Quartet
August 25 & 26 @ 8:30 PM

Melissa Stylianou - Vocals
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Andrew Downing - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Jazz vocalist, lyricist, and educator Melissa Stylianou, hailed by piano master Fred Hersch for her “gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship, and great taste,” has garnered acclaim as both a gifted songwriter and a bold, imaginative interpreter of wide-ranging material spanning diverse genres, from the Great American Songbook to Johnny Cash to Joanna Newsom. Stylianou is also one-third of the infectious, Boswell Sisters-inspired close-harmony vocal trio Duchess, which has amassed many mentions in year-end critics’ polls and received the 2021 & 2022 Vocal Group of the Year Award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

In addition to her five albums as a leader and four with Duchess to date, Stylianou has documented her close musical bond with guitar legend Gene Bertoncini and sought-after bassist Ike Sturm on the 2022 album Dream Dancing (awarded 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine). This intimate, collaborative, highly spontaneous trio focuses on standards, with Bertoncini’s astute nylon-string voicings and arrangements in the forefront. She has made numerous top festival and club appearances, toured internationally, and is currently developing a project that will combine her Irish and Greek-Cypriot musical roots.

Melissa has been teaching voice lessons privately for over 20 years and was on the faculty of the 92NY School of Music from 2009- 2023. She is also an early childhood music educator, teaching Music Together family classes as well as music in various preschools in the NY-area.

Jessica Lalonde Group
August 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5:30 PM

Jessica Lalonde - Vocals
Featuring:
Adam Farrugia - Piano

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Jessica Lalonde has spent her life exploring music in all its shades and facets. Raised on Country and Rock & Roll, she fell for jazz during her formative years. Lalonde began singing around her hometown of Midland in small jazz duos and trios, and for her local Big Band.  Eventually the clarity and strength of her voice led her into serious vocal study and she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University.  She excelled in her studies, winning a performance scholarship, several prestigious concerto competitions, and holding the title roles in the University’s opera productions.

After graduating she recorded a solo album of jazz and big ­band hits produced by jazz veteran Bill King. The album Spinning Daydreams, features some of Canada’s finest and most sought after musicians including Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).

Following the production and touring of this project, Lalonde continued to explore and hone her instrument by delving into Bel canto singing under the guidance of Metropolitan soprano Aprile Millo, and in 2015 she had the privilege of performing in Italy alongside Ms. Millo for a series of concerts benefitting the Museo and Comittato Renata Tebaldi, the Amici delle case di Puccini, and Villa Verdi. While there, she was also honoured to work with legendary Conductor Maestro Richard Bonynge.

Jessica enjoys a diverse array of performing opportunities including recent collaborations with Juno award winner Chris Gestrin for a headlining performance of “From Heaven to The Centre of The Earth,” a multi­media performance art piece at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s FUSE Festival. She has also performed backing vocals on three Born Ruffians albums, and is featured on Will Currie and the Country French’s album,They Killed Us, Jaymze Bee’s soon to be released collaborative project, Muse and jazz giant, John MacMurchy’s latest Art of Breath recording project. Looking to expand into new markets Jessica signed with Folkstar Productions and re-released her Christmas single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to overwhelming support. With these appreciations she is now headed back into the recording studio with the talented John MacMurchy to record her second album. Look for her new album to drop late 2018.

Ultimately the connecting thread between these various musical genres and adventures, has been an ability to express the core emotion of whatever composition she is singing, whether by Puccini, Gershwin or a local folk rock band.  This expression is filtered through an open heart and depth of understanding; channelled through a voice that feels as though it may unleash at any moment, but chooses rather to remain grounded; an unaffected purity of tone conveying shadow and light.  

Eric Liang
August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm

Eric Liang - Piano
Band :TBA

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Eric Liang (b. 2003) is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto and has studied with notable musicians including Glenn Zaleski and Steven Feifke among others. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Morgan Childs, and Laura Anglade, among other big names in the jazz world.

Boogaloo Squad
August 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 PM

Joel Visentin - Organ ( Aug 28, 29, & 31 )
Alan Zematias - Organ (Aug 30)
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Jeff Halichuk - Drums

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more. 

Debi Botos Gypsy-Swing Ensemble
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 pm

Debi Botos - Guitar

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

If Gypsy jazz as a whole is what those in the biz would call a “niche market,”  then Django in June’s target market is a niche of a niche.  A micro niche.  A nichette. What we try to do here is offer North Americans relatively easy access to expert instruction in what I (Andrew) lamely call “the European approach” to playing Gypsy jazz.

Strictly speaking, that means very little because there are so many different European approaches to playing Gypsy jazz. Mini micro niches. Still, any American jazz guitarist who goes to Europe and tries jamming on jazz manouche with people whose musical roots run deep in the genre is going to quickly notice many differences.  Those difference are what I’m referencing when I use the terms “Gypsy jazz” or “jazz manouche.” It’s an inevitably inexact way of summing up the unique contributions that Django Reinhardt and his musical heirs brought to what had previously been a purely American musical tradition. Those elements are sometimes frustratingly foreign to us Americans.

Not so, though, for Debi Botos, whose Romungro Gypsy heritage (a variety of Hungarian Roma) may help explain why she is developing so quickly into an excellent Gypsy jazz guitarist. She lives in Toronto now, and has most of her life.  But her family’s roots are in Rakamaz, Hungary, a village located where the rivers Tisza and Bodrog converge. Her mother would sing nóta and csardas around the house and Debi soaked it up.

Her father and one brother are jazz drummers, another plays guitar. It would be hard to imagine better preparation than that for your first encounter with Django’s music. Or your first trip to Django in June…which for Debi was only in 2018! With a little help from Denis Chang she found herself jamming in Angelo Debarre’s suite, with the grand master looking on. Not long after, those of us who follow Debi on Facebook were treated to her encounter with Dorado and Samson Schmitt when father and son played Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2019 we got to vicariously sit in on her endless jamming around the campfires of Samoreau.

When you have Debi’s talent and dedication, those sorts of encounters have a way of developing into friendships and collaborations. For example, in the video below she is joined by two giants of contemporary Gypsy jazz—Samson Schmitt and Ludovic Beier—for a rendition of one of her own compositions, “Bolero for Schmitt”. Like theirs, our own friendship and collaboration with Debi is just beginning. At Django in June 2022, yours can too.

Boogaloo Squad
August 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 PM

Joel Visentin - Organ ( Aug 28, 29, & 31 )
Alan Zematias - Organ (Aug 30)
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Jeff Halichuk - Drums

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more. 

Worst Pop Band Ever
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 Pm

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Boogaloo Squad
August 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 PM

Joel Visentin - Organ ( Aug 28, 29, & 31 )
Alan Zematias - Organ (Aug 30)
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Jeff Halichuk - Drums

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more. 

Big Band Matinee Special
August 31 @ 2:00 pm

Band TBA

No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section

Join us for our Big Band Matinee Special. Band To be announced.

Lunar Bloom
August 31 @ 5:30 PM

Brittany Rae Robinson - Vocals / Ukulele

Jocelyn Regina - Vocals / Keyboards

Kelly McNamee - Vocals / Ukulele

No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge

Lunar Bloom is a Toronto based trio rooted in the folk tradition. Their original songs feature complex vocal harmonies and intimate storytelling that captures the attention of their audience and keeps them rapt. Their shows are full of feminist anthems and calls to action, balanced with playful banter and dreamy love songs. They embrace harmonic tension, and rhythms that challenge expectations, creating the story of each song through musical devices and poetic lyrics.

Lunar Bloom consists of  Brittany Rae Robinson, Jocelyn Regina and Kelly McNamee.

Boogaloo Squad
August 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 PM

Joel Visentin - Organ ( Aug 28, 29, & 31 )
Alan Zematias - Organ (Aug 30)
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Jeff Halichuk - Drums

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more.