SHEBAD
2026-06-27 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | Ocean Artworks, 1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V3E 2T1, Canada
Called “one of the coolest neo-soul jazz bands to come out of Canada” by CBC Music’s Vibin’, SHEBAD’s jazz-influenced melodies, danceable basslines, and transcendent, layered vocals synthesize influences like Stevie Wonder, Hiatus Kaiyote, Amy Winehouse, Daft Punk, and Erykah Badu. Steered in sonic indie-soul exploration by vocalist/guitarist Claire Voy and Ciccio Spagnolo on bass/keyboards/flute, Guelph’s SHEBAD makes compelling, ever-curious music with lyrics from the heart. With Emil White saxophone/keyboards/vocals/percussion, Bella Tian keyboards/vocals, and Emmitt Leacock drums, “SHEBAD has a certain kind of effortless synergy. They pour themselves into a jam-y, porous take on jazz-inflected soul music as a cathartic exercise” (Exclaim!).
Thanks to the Graham and Gayle Cooke Foundation.
There will be tickets available at the door.

Greasy G and the Poole Party featuring JAKITO!
2026-06-27 21:30 - 23:00 | Tyrant Studios, 1019 Seymour St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M3, Canada
Driving Latin, swing, and Afrobeat grooves + greasy Hammond organ = good times!
The spontaneously combustible trio of Chris Gestrin keyboards, Joe Poole drums, and Jack Duncan congas and percussion delivers the funky goods. Recommended for anyone who loves some “Green Onions” while hanging out “On the Corner”!
Open Jazz Jam to follow, hosted by Greasy G and the Poole Party featuring JAKITO!

Cannery Row (Late Show)
2026-06-27 22:00 - 23:30 | Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B2, Canada
Cannery Row features the unique and individual talents of Gary Comeau, Tim Hearsey and Chris Nordquist. These significantly skilled musicians bring their collective focus together in a humorous and highly entertaining presentation. Covering an impressive sphere of genres, blending and bending blues, latin, zydeco, jazz, cajun, country, rock ‘n roll into a musical experience unlike any other.

5 Nights in Paradise: Special Surprise Guest
2026-06-27 22:30 - 23:30 | Ocean Artworks, 1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V3E 2T1, Canada
5 Nights in Paradise is a late-night series at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island, running across five evenings of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Co-presented by UV, Paradise Cultural Society, and Coastal Jazz, the series brings together some of the most respected selectors and performers from Vancouver’s soulful underground and independent music communities — artists rooted in the city who have spent years shaping its dance floors, record culture, and DIY creative scene.

Sounds of Youth: Day 2
2026-06-28 13:00 - 19:00 | Sounds of Youth Stage, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Come hear BC’s burgeoning young talent! Music education is an essential part of the jazz ecosystem, and this initiative showcases ten of the best high school jazz combos and big bands from Metro Vancouver and around the province. With great young players and dedicated educators stepping up to the Festival stage, it’s always a highlight of the Downtown Jazz weekend.
Saturday June 27 & Sunday June 28, Robson Square, Ice Rink Level.
Sunday June 28
1pm Holy Cross Senior Jazz Ensemble
2:15pm Gladstone Senior Jazz Ensemble
3:30pm Magee Senior Jazz Ensemble
4:45pm McNair Senior Jazz Ensemble
6pm Semiahmoo Jazz Mailers

Mike WT Allen's Space Elevator
2026-06-28 13:30 - 14:30 | Downtown – Georgia Street Stage, 850 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the 20-person jazz-metal powerhouse that is Space Elevator channels Mike WT Allen’s ideas of what big band music can sound like in the modern age…and it sounds pretty wild! Mike’s compositions travel between big band jazz, heavy metal, funk, experimental, and the avant-garde, while boasting a 14-piece horn section, guitars, synths, and not one but TWO drummers. Don’t forget your ear plugs, it’s gonna get loud!
With Evan Cribb, Jen Davidson, Dom Conway, James Wilfred Martin, and David Brown saxophones; Robin Comeau, Jocelyn Waugh, Heather Anderson, Thad Bailey-Mai, and Trevor Whitridge trumpets; Nicky Walsh, Casey Thomas-Burns, Janine King, and George McNally trombones; Terrence Trusdale keys; Thomas Hoeller and Seb Chamney guitars; Nikko Whitworth bass; Eliot Doyle and Max Ley drums.

Bill Coon Trio
2026-06-28 14:00 - 17:00 | La Fabrique St. George Winery, 7 E 7th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 1M4, Canada
Bill Coon has been an important part of the Canadian and West Coast jazz community for more than three decades as a performer, composer, and educator. He has performed alongside jazz legends including Jimmy Heath, Peter Bernstein, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, led acclaimed projects such as the Bill Coon Trio and BC Double Quartet, and released numerous celebrated recordings. A recipient of the 2009 national Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year, Coon also teaches at the VSO School of Music and continues an active career in performance, composition, and mentorship.
Price includes $10 bar voucher (redeemable day-of).

Missy D
2026-06-28 15:15 - 16:15 | Downtown – Georgia Street Stage, 850 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
Missy D is a bilingual and electrifyingly charismatic female emcee who has been flowing seamlessly in both French and English since age 11. Born in Rwanda, with roots in Côte d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe, she embodies the rich cultural diversity of the motherland as she blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, and rock, inspired by icons like Missy Elliott, MC Solaar, Lauryn Hill, and J. Cole.
Now based in Vancouver, Missy D is a force of nature. A proud member of Laydy Jams, she was named Francophone Artist of the Year in 2024 by the Western Canadian Music Awards, and was nominated again in 2025. Her dizzyingly-diverse sense of genre is matched by her stellar band featuring Yato Noukoussi drums, Dave Taylor guitar, Feven Kidane bass, Nebyu Yohannes trombone, and Sejal Lal violin and vocals.

Erin Propp
2026-06-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Ocean Artworks, 1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V3E 2T1, Canada
“If you could bottle the purity of Erin’s voice, singers around the world would line up to drink it” – Tim Tamashiro, CBC Tonic
JUNO-nominated, WCMA-winning singer-songwriter and keyboardist Erin Propp’s 2026 debut album as a band leader is a melody-driven exploration of her jazz, folk, and gospel roots. Aptly named The Longing Years, it finds the Winnipeg-based artist empathically mining lyrical inspiration from the early years of motherhood with a voice that’s equal parts quiet in its acknowledgement of relational struggles, and passionately impatient in seeking resolve. Co-produced by Joey Landreth (of the Bros. Landreth), the record features a jazz trio, Grammy Award-winning chamber ensemble Attacca Quartet, and Landreth himself. Live, she’ll be joined by Julian Bradford bass, Fabio Ragnelli drums, and NYC-based guitarist Tristan Clark.

Fuego en Tres
2026-06-28 16:30 - 19:30 | Prophecy, 801 W Georgia St. (Entrance on Howe St.), Vancouver, BC, V6C 2E5, Canada
Fuego en Tres come together as a dynamic trio pushing the boundaries of instrumental Latin jazz. Blending rich harmonic textures with deep rhythmic roots, their sound draws from Afro-Cuban grooves, modern jazz improvisation, and global influences.
Featuring Malcolm Aiken trumpet, Jay Esplana keys, and Chris Couto percussion.

Julian Borkowski Quintet
2026-06-28 16:45 - 17:45 | Downtown – Georgia Street Stage, 850 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
The Julian Borkowski Quintet plays a mix of originals, jazz standards, and lesser-known gems by unsung heroes of jazz trumpet history. Trumpeter/composer Julian Borkowski is joined in spirited jazz, hard bop, and post-bop cooking by Steve Kaldestad saxophone, Tilden Webb piano, Conrad Good bass, and Graham Villette drums.

Van Django
2026-06-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Van Django’s music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930’s Paris France, but beyond that it’s all pure blue-skying; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity, featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mash-ups wearing their eclectic influences in full regalia. With Cameron Wilson violin, Budge Schachte guitar, Finn Manniche cello, and Brent Gubbels bass.

Paul Caldwell
2026-06-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Coquette Brasserie, 2685 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J3Y4, Canada
Irish singer/songwriter Paul Caldwell has the ability to seamlessly blend the soul of Irish ballads with the nuance of modern folk. Growing up with music echoing through the rugged coastline in his hometown of Buncrana Co. Donegal. These traditional Irish tunes have reverberated deep into his heart, that he carries with him throughout his time in Canada. His music has gained a respectable following, with radio play on CBC, RTE, Bbc, Today Fm & Rte 2fm to name a few. His live performance can have you hanging on to every word or swaying to unforgettable melody’s.

Étran de L'Aïr
2026-06-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Downtown – Georgia Street Stage, 850 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
Étran de L’Aïr (or “stars of the Aïr region”) have been stars of the wedding circuit around Agadez, Niger, since forming in 1995, when current band leader Moussa “Abindi” Ibra was only nine years old. Beloved for their hypnotic solos, propulsive rhythms, and sun-glazed melodies, Étran celebrates the sounds of the “capital city of Saharan rock” with the dynamism and joy of a hometown wedding.
From the days of the Trans-Saharan caravan in the 14th century, to becoming a modern-day stopover for Europe-bound migrants, Agadez has been a crossroads city where people and ideas come together. Understandably, it’s here where one of the most ambitious Tuareg styles has taken hold, as exemplified by Étran’s frenetic electric guitar solos, driving drum-kit, and flamboyant dancing guitarists.
While other Tuareg guitarists look to Western rock, Étran de L’Aïr explores a pan-African style that cites a myriad of cultural influences, from Northern Malian blues, Hausa bar bands, to Congolese Soukous, while always being rooted in the celebratory exuberance of an Agadez wedding. This is music for dancing, after all!
Presented in association with Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver.

Ikuko May Quartet
2026-06-28 18:30 - 22:00 | 2nd Floor Gastown (at the Water St. Café), 300 Water St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B1B6, Canada
Ikuko May is a Vancouver-based vocalist whose sound blends pop, blues, and jazz influences. Known for her warm tone and expressive phrasing, She brings soulful interpretations to classic pop songs and jazz standards. Performing with some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, her performances move between swing, groove, and heartfelt ballads, creating an intimate and engaging live music experience.
Featuring Ikuko May vocals, Michael Toth guitar, Mark Bender bass, and Terry Keller trumpet.

Lenny Pallerstein (Early Show)
2026-06-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B2, Canada
Vancouver-based musician Lenny Pallerstein has been establishing himself in the music scene as a solo finger-style guitarist. His repertoire is a blend of pop, funk, and jazz allowing him to create unique arrangements of songs you know & love.

Queer as Funk
2026-06-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Waterfront Park, 200 Esplanade W, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7M 1A5, Canada
Bringing fresh takes to beloved funk, soul, and Motown classics, Queer as Funk’s powerful vocals, tight horn arrangements, and irresistible rhythm section make each performance as groovy as it is fun. From Isaac Hayes’ “Soul Man” to Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk,” the ensemble’s arrangements are creative and their vibe is pure celebration. The group’s individual members are consummate musicians in their own right, having collectively performed with artists like Serena Ryder, Tegan and Sara, and Dan Mangan. Performers include Connie Buna vocals, Alison Gorman trumpet, Cat Hiltz bass, Jocelyn MacDougall vocals, Allan ‘Soulman’ Ollivierre keys, Luis ‘Babyface’ Melgar trombone, Marc Van Rosi guitar, John Nicholson drums.
Presented in association with North Shore Jazz.

GeminiCrab - Malika Tirolien + Caulder Nash
2026-06-28 20:30 - 22:00 | Downtown – Georgia Street Stage, 850 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
An artist residency in the Laurentians led them to create with binaural technology; their obvious musical chemistry inspired them to create GeminiCrab!
GeminiCrab is an eclectic HighSoul collaboration between Grammy-nominated vocalist/producer Malika Tirolien (Bokanté) and award-winning keyboardist/producer Caulder Nash. Their new album Gen Y Lens explores R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, enhanced by honest lyrics from a lens that’s distinctly Generation Y. Through Tirolien’s powerful yet nuanced vocal delivery and Nash’s creative performance and production skills, the Montréal-based artists have fun reflecting on several eras of music through catchy songs about love, adulting, and the multi-faceted realities of Millennials.
With Rémi-Jean LeBlanc bass and Ronny Désinor drums.
Thanks to Société de développement des entreprises culturelles.

Wallgrin + Devours
2026-06-28 20:30 - 23:00 | Ocean Artworks, 1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V3E 2T1, Canada
Wallgrin
Wallgrin is the experimental art-pop project of Toronto-based composer, vocalist and violinist Tegan Wahlgren. Drawing from a background in Celtic fiddle and choral singing, Wallgrin moves between lush string-based orchestration, beat-driven pop, and ornate vocal arrangements. From their 2018 debut Bird/Alien to their most recent album, Yet Again The Wheel Turns, Wallgrin’s world-building has always revolved around fantastical and mythological imagery. Called “an innovative artist who is just starting to flex their myriad skills and talents” (CBC Music), and a songwriter who “measures up to standards set by art-pop visionaries like Björk and Kate Bush” (Northern Transmissions), their spirited and raw live performances have led them to international festivals like Iceland Airwaves, The Great Escape, and Tallinn Music Week.
With Jen Yakamovich drums, Elisa Thorn harp, Nikko Whitworth bass, Amanda Sum keys/synth.
Devours
Devours is the dark synth-pop project of Vancouver-based DIY musician Jeff Cancade. Across five acclaimed underground albums, including 2023’s Polaris Prize-longlisted Homecoming Queen, Devours has written confessional and confrontational electronic music about masculinity, body image, gay politics, and inner-city queer existence. They’ve toured Canada and the US, received coverage from Vice, CBC, Exclaim!, and the Globe and Mail, and brought ecstatic introspection to festivals such as SXSW, Treefort Music Fest, Sled Island, JunoFest, and more. Exclaim! calls Devours’ subversive and club-bangingly inclusive underground queer pop “unpredictable, and relentlessly catchy.” Better still, it’s completely, irresistibly danceable.
Presented in association with Queer Arts Festival.
Thanks to the Graham and Gayle Cooke Foundation.
There will be tickets available at the door.

The Gang (Late Show)
2026-06-28 21:00 - 23:30 | Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B2, Canada
‘The Gang’ is a Vancouver-based Latin jazz sextet bringing together some of the city’s finest musicians for an electrifying blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythm, classic Latin jazz, and soulful improvisation. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of Latin jazz and salsa—while embracing the spontaneity of modern jazz—The Gang creates performances where groove, musicianship, and storytelling meet on stage. Their repertoire moves seamlessly between Latin jazz standards, Afro-Cuban classics, and reimagined gems from the Caribbean songbook.
At the heart of the band is vocalist Daniel Avilán, whose expressive phrasing and deep connection to Latin musical traditions bring warmth and character to every performance. Around him, the ensemble’s vibraphone-driven sound gives the group a distinctive sonic identity rarely heard in contemporary Latin bands. Whether delivering driving Descarga-style improvisations or intimate bolero-inspired moments, The Gang invites audiences into a musical conversation where rhythm, melody, and energy take centre stage.

Chris Fraser Organ Trio with John Lee and Joe Poole
2026-06-28 21:30 - 23:00 | Tyrant Studios, 1019 Seymour St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M3, Canada
Taking inspiration from the great organ trio masters like Jimmy Smith, Melvin Rhyne, and Larry Young, Vancouver jazz guitar phenom Chris Fraser takes the stage in greasy, hard-swinging fashion alongside Canadian jazz heavyweights John Lee on Hammond B3 organ and Joe Poole on drums.
Open Jazz Jam to follow, hosted by Chris Fraser Organ Trio with John Lee and Joe Poole. Presented in association with Tyrant Studios.

Clara Lin Trio
2026-06-29 12:00 | Bentall Centre Dunsmuir Patio
Vancouver-based pianist and vocalist Clara Lin leads a trio that blends lyrical jazz, groove-forward interplay, and emotionally direct storytelling. Performing with bassist Emilio Saurez and drummer Diego Pérez, Lin draws on a wide range of cultural and musical influences to create a sound that is fluid, bold, and deeply felt. The trio thrives in the tension between structure and spontaneity, where melody and rhythm continuously reshape each other.

Dabin Ryu Workshop
2026-06-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Tom Lee Music Hall, 728 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1E4, Canada
Dabin Ryu is an award-winning NYC-based jazz pianist and composer from Seoul, South Korea. She holds a BMus from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, an Artist Diploma from Juilliard, and has collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Billy Harper, Randy Brecker, Johnathan Blake, Joe Martin, Anat Cohen, Jaleel Shaw, and many more. A versatile pianist, she leads her own band and has contributed to notable projects including Ralph Peterson’s Next Generation Big Band, David Virelles’ Nosotros Ensemble, and others. She won the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition and the 2025 Jazz Gallery Residency Commission. Currently, she serves as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music.
Don’t miss Dabin Ryu performing with David Blake NYC Quartet, July 1 • Performance Works @ 1:30pm

JIMI
2026-06-29 16:30 - 19:30 | Prophecy, 801 W Georgia St. (Entrance on Howe St.), Vancouver, BC, V6C 2E5, Canada
At just 24, Canadian singer/songwriter and producer Julia Nicholson pairs vivid storytelling, soulful guitar work, and an intimate vocal style with a musical maturity beyond her years. Influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Bill Withers, Etta James, and the Eagles, she blends timeless pop, soul, and R&B influences into a sound that feels distinctly her own. Since releasing her debut EP at 15, she has recorded internationally, performed on major stages, and co-produced her debut album What A Feeling. Her latest single I Got You further showcases her polished songwriting and evolving artistry.

The Lesley Branton Trio
2026-06-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Coquette Brasserie, 2685 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J3Y4, Canada
The Vancouver-based Lesley Branton Trio features vocalist Lesley Branton, pianist Benjamin Sigerson, and bassist Wynston Minckler, three musicians brought together through the city’s vibrant music scene. Influenced by artists spanning jazz, folk, and singer-songwriter traditions, they’ve combined their talents into a warm and uplifting sound. Branton’s versatile vocal style draws inspiration from icons like Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee, while Sigerson and Minckler are sought-after collaborators with deep roots in jazz and improvisation. Together, the trio performs a diverse repertoire of jazz standards and Bossa Novas that connects with audiences of all kinds.

Hamilton Street Swing
2026-06-29 18:30 - 22:00 | 2nd Floor Gastown (at the Water St. Café), 300 Water St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B1B6, Canada
Professional musicians playing delightful, accessible jazz with a flair. Upbeat, tight, lively music intended to bring joy to audiences.
Featuring Michael Radnai trumpet/vocals, Strauss Whiteside piano, and Jonathan Baylis double bass.

Steffanie Davis (Early Show)
2026-06-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B2, Canada
Steffanie is a Vancouver based singer, actor and dancer. When it comes to performing her primary focus is generally musical theatre but she can be seen around town singing at various venues when she isn’t on stage acting. Her vocal style is like her taste… eclectic. And with her wide range and skillset she considers her sound to be the same.

John Lee Trio celebrates Ahmad Jamal
2026-06-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
As an artist, John Lee is widely known for his immense proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist as well as his ability to connect audiences to his music with a charming and positive charisma. Lee has released two records on Cellar Music, the latest, a piano trio record, Second Wind features John on piano with the great Kenny Washington on drums and Peter Washington on bass. His first album, The Artist featured Carl Allen on drums, Miles Black on piano and Cory Weeds on tenor saxophone. Both albums have received critical acclaim.
On this special evening Lee and his trio of Kosma Busheikinon bass and Graham Villette on drums will be celebrating the music off Ahmad Jamal. Born on July 2, 1930 Jamal was one of the most successful small-group leaders in jazz. He was a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and won a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for his contributions to music history.

Uno Mas Trio (Late Show)
2026-06-29 21:00 - 23:30 | Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B2, Canada
A Vancouver opus, Uno Mas’ music is a Soul-Jazz flavour, peppered with funk, hip- hop, reggae, drum & bass, and Latin grooves. Embracing a unique and modern sound, this is a trio that never fails to deliver. With original guitar by Kelly Brown, bass by Dino DiNicolo and drums by Adam Cormier, these boys have one of the freshest, groove-based, live acts Vancouver has to offer.

Alex Marr and the Ragwater Dogs
2026-06-29 21:30 - 23:00 | Tyrant Studios, 1019 Seymour St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M3, Canada
Led by vocalist Alex Marr, and backed by some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, The Ragwater Dogs pay tribute to the legendary Tom Waits, aiming to authentically channel the spirit and energy of the gravelly genius’ music while bringing their own creative voices to the stage.
With Daniel Deorksen guitar, Emilio Suarez bass, Morgan Sidky drums, Nicholas Leffler tenor saxophone, Tyson Naylor keys.
Open Jazz Jam to follow, hosted by Alex Marr and the Ragwater Dogs. Presented in association with Tyrant Studios.
