Coastal Jazz | Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Mike Allen Trio Plays Swingin' Standards
2019-06-12 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Vancouver) | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Saxophonist Mike Allen and his band perform an array of well-loved jazz classics by great bandleaders like Horace Silver (Song For My Father, Nica’s Dream, Peace), Duke Ellington (Chelsea Bridge, Caravan, In My Solitude), Dizzy Gillespie (A Night In Tunisia, Groovin’ High, Woody ‘n You), and Oliver Nelson (Stolen Moments).
With Mike Allen tenor saxophone, Russ Botten bass, and Joe Poole drums.

Miles Black Trio
2019-06-13 20:00 - 22:30
Based in Vancouver, Miles Black is a highly respected career musician bringing an enormous wealth of musical experience and expertise to most every facet of the music industry. First known as one of Canada’s most accomplished jazz pianists, Miles is also highly acclaimed and sought after as an arranger, producer, composer, session musician, guitarist, vocalist, bassist, saxophonist, songwriter, and musical theatre director. Adding to that, he has worked as a music therapist and collegiate music instructor. Especially in Vancouver, Miles Black is well know as the “first call’ when musicians are looking for top professional enhancements to their projects.
With Miles Hill – bass and Buff Allen – drums
ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTREBarbara Fudge was a passionate and loyal fan of jazz music. She could be seen all over the city at various jazz events talking and laughing with her friends, mingling with the musicians and enjoying a glass of fine wine. Her personality and laugh were contagious and although no longer with us, her larger than life spirit shines bright. We are so happy to be able to honour her with our ‘Jazz For Barb’ Series.

The Music of Chet Baker with Adam Robert Thomas
2019-06-14 20:00 - 22:30
Indulge in the music of the singular Chet Baker. Long time musical collaborators Adam Robert Thomas and Mike Allen come together to pay homage to Chet and his music once again.
Multiple JUNO Award Winner Brad Turner will be a Special guest on trumpet and piano, Mike will be on saxophone, and Adam will be singing and playing guitar. Rounding out the band will be mighty swinging duo force of Steve Holy on acoustic bass and Dave Robbins on drums.

Montuno West
2019-06-15 20:00 - 23:00
Alberta’s most caliente Latin-Jazz Ensemble, Montuno West, is comprised of former members from Alberta’s Latin musical stalwarts, Bomba and Cumako. Strongly influenced by Cuban and other Latin styles, the ensemble’s vibrant and adventurous instrumental compositions bring a distinctly modern quality to the rich and rhythmic sounds of Latin-influenced Jazz. Together, the group performs everything from Son, Songo, Rumba, Timba, Cha Cha and Danzon to Joropo, Bossa Nova and Samba.
Montuno West’s inaugural CD release, Tocar Tambor, features NYC-based, GRAMMY Award-winning jazz trombonist of Costa Rican descent, Luis Bonilla (Village Vanguard Orchestra, Phil Collins).

Dylan Cramer Trio
2019-06-16 20:00 - 22:30
Alto saxophonist Dylan Cramer returns with his trio for another swinging, musical night at Frankie’s. Cramer, a student of jazz alto saxophone legend Sonny Criss, will feature songs from Criss’s repertoire along with songs from Grover Washington Jr., Paul Desmond, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.
Cramer is joined by two of Vancouver’s finest musicians – Michael Creber piano and Steve Holy bass.
If you like the smooth sounds of alto sax and beautiful tunes – this is the night for you.

Cory Weeds Trio
2019-06-19 20:00 - 22:30
Cory Weeds brings with him the multi-talented instrumentalist John Lee on drums and organist Jason Decouto for a night of greasy blues and funky numbers!

Brad Turner Trio
2019-06-20 20:00 - 22:30
The internationally acclaimed Brad Turner Trio has been a mainstay on the Vancouver jazz scene since its inception in 1997. Drawing from a large repertoire of original compositions and interpretations of standard tunes – this group is an exciting and highly interactive unit, exploring varied musical avenues, from free improvisation, to structured composition and groove based themes.
Between them, members of the band have worked with Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Gary Bartz, Ingrid Jensen, Bill Frisell, Kenny Wheeler, Cedar Walton, Joanne Brakeen, Renee Rosnes, and John Scofield, among others.
With Darren Radtke bass and Bernie Arai drums.

Soultrax 4Tet - A Tribute to Benson, Breezin' and the B3 Organ
2019-07-03 20:00 - 22:30
An unparalleled experience for George Benson lovers! Featuring both the early Benson bebop, and the extensive catalogue of his greatest hits while honouring B3 Organ icons. A rare musical treat!
In 1966, guitarist George Benson’s first CBS record It’s Uptown It’s George Benson, featuring organist Lonnie Smith, was released. George had recorded extensively with Lonnie Smith as well as organists Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith, but by the time Benson’s GRAMMY award-winning album Breezin’ was released, the Hammond B3 organ had given way to the electric piano and synthesizer. Now over fifty years later, Olaf de Shield and Fran Jaré have put together a tribute, retrospective, and reimagining of Benson’s career, spotlighting well known songs by Benson.
Olaf de Shield, a guitarist’s guitarist, is a master at his craft incorporating a wide range of Blues, Jazz, and Funk stylings – always striving for exhilarating and exciting solos.
Fran Jaré is at the real Hammond B3 organ and will feature compositions by some of the great B3 Organ icons. Jaré practically grew up on the B3 and cut her teeth playing in jazz bars in her hometown of Chicago. Fran has recently been busy promoting her latest CD, Copy Cat Coo Coo, with interviews on CBC Hot Air and concert performances with Soultrax at the Silk Purse, Frankie’s Jazz Club, Pat’s Pub, Blue Martini, Evergreen Cultural Centre, and other local venues.
With the international touring artist Miles Foxx Hill on bass (who performed with Van Morrison for 6 years and Brazilian superstar Ivan Lins) plus JUNO Award recipient Buff Allen on drums.

Karen & Budge Quartet
2019-07-04 20:00 - 22:30
Karen and Budge have been performing together as a duet and in larger group formats for over 25 years. Their music is joyful, heartfelt, and playful. Their collaborative forces include original compositions and arrangements well rooted in the jazz tradition as well as a myriad of influences from folk, pop, and world music.
With Budge Schachte guitar, Karen Graves saxophones/flute/vocals, Conrad Good bass, and Adam Cormier drums.

Rumba Calzada
2019-07-05 20:00 - 23:00
Led by composer/percussionist/bandleader Raphael Geronimo, Vancouver’s Rumba Calzada is an eclectic, powerful mix of salsa, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Stirring up a mesmerizing Caribbean musical fusion, this JUNO-nominated “world class Latin band” (The Province) makes powerful and joyful music that’s guaranteed to bring the house down every time.
With Lou Mastroianni piano , Allan Johnston bass/vocal , Rolando Preza congas/vocal, Raphael Geronimo timbales/vocals. Vince Mai trumpet, and Danay Sinclair lead vocal.

Bradley / McGillivray Presents Echoes of Etta
2019-07-06 20:00 - 23:00
Join Bradley/McGillivray Blues as they feature the life and music of Etta James.

This isn’t your typical tribute show, as they weave the story of her life into their own, unique interpretations of her music and influences.
With Ruth McGillivray vocals, Sheldon Bradley guitar, Paul Freeman bass, and Hoto Parker drums.

Conga Cartel Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet featuring Saul Berson
2019-07-07 20:00 - 22:30
From the roots of Afro-Cuban music to Clavé infused Jazz and Funk classics, this group will illuminate and illustrate the historical and evolving intersection of Jazz and traditional Afro-Latin music. Influenced by Afro-Cuban Jazz pioneers including Machito, Mario Bauza, Mongo Santamaria, Tata Guines, and Irakere – Conga Cartel never fails to knock your socks off.
This stellar lineup features GRAMMY and JUNO award-winning musicians as well as esteemed music educators. With Saul Berson saxophones, Lou Mastroianni piano, Andre Lachance bass, Jack Duncan percussion, and Phil Belanger drums.

Julian Jayme Trio
2019-07-10 20:00 - 22:30
Julian Jayme is a Montréal-based jazz guitarist who has studied at Capilano University, the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and McGill University. Over the course of his career, he has played at both the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the TD Ottawa International Jazz Festivals as well as venues all over Canada and the United States. Back home after a year spent in Montreal, he leads his trio in a set of some of their favourite standards.
With James Meger bass and John Lee drums.

Norm Quinn's Q5 Jazz Collective
2019-07-11 20:00 - 22:30
Norm Quinn’s Q5 Jazz Collective is a Vancouver Modern Jazz Quintet inspired by the great bands of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, The Adderly Brothers, and Charles Mingus. Five of Vancouver’s finest musicians play a program of original compositions and choice standards in a Post Bop meets West Coast style with elements of African and Latin Swing and soulful endearing ballads.
With Stan Taylor drums, Alan Johnston bass, Djudju Hartono piano, Aaron Hardie alto sax, and Norm Quinn -trumpet/flugelhorn.

Ben Henriques Quintet
2019-07-12 20:00 - 23:00
Saxophonist Ben Henriques has been making a name for himself in the jazz scenes of Montreal and Vancouver for the past two decades. His clear, emotive tone leads a lively and daring band through swing, bebop, and a few surprising rock-tinged escapades.
This performance will feature new music composed for the more traditional jazz instrumentation of trumpet, sax and rhythm section featuring Vince Mai trumpet, Jodi Proznick bass, Dan Reynolds piano, and Omar Amlani drums.

Brad Shigeta Boptet
2019-07-13 20:00 - 23:00
Trombonist Brad Shigeta spent two decades in New York City working and recording with Clifford Jordan, Illinois Jacquet, and Wynton Marsalis.
This quintet will be playing fiery new arrangements of bebop standards of the ’40s and ’50s and features Mike Allen saxophone, Sharon Minamoto piano, Jen Hodge bass, and Julian MacDonough drums.

Aaron Hardie Quartet
2019-07-14 20:00 - 22:30
Alto saxophonist Aaron Hardie brings a robust sound and an energetic approach to the instrument every time he plays. Deeply influenced by the jazz alto masters past and present, he continues in the tradition with an array of original material and selections from the modern jazz idiom.
With Lorne Kellett piano, Graham Clark bass, and Craig Scott drums.

VSO School of Music Jazz Faculty
2019-07-17 20:00 - 22:30
Join bassist Jodi Proznick, pianist Miles Black, guitarist Bill Coon, and drummer Mili Hong with special guests including Steve Kaldestad, Vince Mai, Steve Maddock, and Kelly Proznick for an evening of playful, fun, and spontaneous music. The night will also feature the wonderful summer jazz workshop teaching assistants, some of the up-and-comers of jazz, Ardeshir Pourkeramati, Ilhan Seferali, Tony Wang, Alvin Brendan, and Aaron Pang.

Closed for a Private Event
2019-07-18 19:00 - 23:00

Mr. Boogie Woogie with Rob Montgomery and Friends
2019-07-19 20:00 - 23:00
Mr. Boogie Woogie is an award-winning piano player/singer from Holland with an international following. Celebrate the music of Fats Domino and others with a musical trip to New Orleans. A lively, fun show you won’t want to miss.
This memorable special event will be backed by Rob Montgomery and Friends with Dave Barton and Darrell Mayes.

Heather Keizur Quartet – A Night In Paris
2019-07-20 20:00 - 23:00
Refreshing and powerful, the Heather Keizur Quartet stands out from the crowd with a combination of authentic French chansons and classic standards blended with a joyful, swinging jazz sensibility. Music that is at once passionate, romantic, cheeky, and sexy.
Heather (vocals) was raised in Canada, where she fell in love with the French language. With her musical partner Steve Christofferson (piano/melodica/vocals) she has made several acclaimed recordings in recent years, the most recent, Moon River is hailed for “Idyllic communication and a rare sense of intimacy” by the Jazz Society of Oregon. “A beautifully crafted performance.”
With Russ Botten bass and Craig Scott drums.

Campbell Ryga Quartet
2019-07-21 20:00 - 22:30
Alto saxophonist Campbell Ryga is excited to present this wonderful group of jazz artists performing both original and melodic repertoire with an emphasis on the melodic!
With Chris Sigerson-piano, Miles Hill-bass, and Craig Scott-drums.

VSO School of Music Jazz Faculty
2019-07-24 20:00 - 22:30
Come join bassist Jodi Proznick, pianist Miles Black, guitarist Bill Coon, and drummer Jesse Cahill with special guests including James Dandefer, Vince Mai, Steve Maddock, and Kelly Proznick for some playful, fun and spontaneous music. The evening will also feature the wonderful summer jazz workshop teaching assistants, some of the up-and comers of jazz, Ardeshir Pourkeramati, Ben Sigerson, Tony Wang, Alvin Brendan, Gabriela Laconsay, and Aaron Pang.

Birch Pereira & The Gin Joints
2019-07-25 20:00 - 22:30
To step into the soundscape of Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints is to have your fingers on a veritable radio dial. With deep sonic roots in virtually every style of mid-20th century American music – from americana to blues to jazz, soul and vintage rock ’n’ roll – the versatile Seattle-based band offers a rangy dial’s worth of songs for audiences who want to sock-hop in poodle skirts one minute, rock out to hot guitar licks the next, and later hug their honeys under the stars as a car stereo plays into the night.
Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints are a popular Northwest band who perform extensively on the West Coasts of the US and Canada with recurring gigs in New York City, New Orleans and Los Angeles as well. In 2016 their first album, Dream Man, won Earshot Jazz Society’s “Northwest Jazz Recording of the Year” and in 2017 & 2018 Birch was nominated as “Vocalist of the Year”. Their second album Western Soul, which features western-tinged jazz and soul originals, was released in March 2018 and received enthusiastic reviews from No Depression, PopMatters, JazzIs and steady airplay on a diverse array of stations in the Northwest and beyond, including KEXP, KNKX KBCS, WVPR, KBOO and many others.
Featuring front man Birch Pereira’s “old soul” tenor voice and his skilled bass playing, the Gin Joints offer captivating arrangements of well-crafted originals and well-chosen covers. The band features skilled and versatile musicians who share the same love of the American song traditions and the desire to offer fresh interpretations. Whether as a trio or with the addition of a pulsating horn section, the band will take you on a sonic tour of great music. Tune in, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare to be transported.
With Birch Pereira vocals/bass, Park Evans guitar, David Bush drums, Rex Gregory saxophone, and Jared Hall trumpet.

Nigel Mack and The Blues Attack
2019-07-26 20:00 - 23:00
Blues triple threat Nigel Mack delivers a high-energy show that fuses classics of the genre with a punch of contemporary original blues. His latest release, the all-original, Devil’s Secrets, reached #1 on Galaxie Satellite Radio’s Canadian blues charts, nationwide in Canada. It also won the ‘Best Self-Produced CD’ award from The Windy City Blues Society in Chicago.
Seamlessly switching between instruments, Mack’s talents have been honed by years of relentless touring in support of Devil’s Secrets and his first two critically-acclaimed CDs, Road Rage and High Price to Play.
Based in Chicago, Nigel Mack & the Blues Attack have logged well over half a million miles across North America and Europe and have headlined top blues venues a plenty. Their dynamic high-powered stage show is a festival favourite. You’re sure to remember this one!

Tia Brazda
2019-07-27 20:00 - 23:00
Tia Brazda’s jazz-pop gems and bold style have made a sparkling impression at home and abroad, paying homage to the golden era while remaining daringly modern. Her new album Daydream debuted at #1 on the iTunes jazz chart and sees her going in new directions, with influences of soul, bossa nova, and pop. She has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest (rated ‘Best of the Fest’ by local press), and headlined the main stage at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.
With Ben Henriques saxophone, Wes Carroll guitar, Chris Graham piano, Evan Bates bass, and Duran Ritz drums.

Itamar Erez's Quartet & "Mi Alegria" CD launch
2019-07-28 20:00 - 22:30
Itamar Erez’s music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply, it blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own. During the last few years, he performed in Canada, USA, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Israel, India, Tunisia, Hungary, and Colombia. Itamar will launch his new release (and 4th CD) Mi Alegria in June 2019 and will play selections from that new CD at this show with his fantastic quartet.
With Itamar Erez piano & guitar, Mike Braverman reeds, James Meger bass, and Kevin Romain drums.

Cory Weeds plays Hank Mobley
2019-07-31 20:00 - 23:00
Tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds has assembled an all-star cast to pay tribute to his tenor saxophone hero, Hank Mobley.
Henry “Hank” Mobley (July 7, 1930 – May 30, 1986) was an American hard bop and soul jazz tenor saxophonist and composer. Mobley was described by Leonard Feather as the “middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone”, a metaphor used to describe his tone, that was neither as aggressive as John Coltrane nor as mellow as Stan Getz, and his style that was laid-back, subtle and melodic, especially in contrast with players like Sonny Rollins and Coltrane. The critic Stacia Proefrock claimed he is “one of the most underrated musicians of the bop era.”
With Chris Gestrin piano, John Lee bass, and Joe Poole drums.

John Lee Trio
2019-08-01 20:00 - 22:30
Multi-instrumentalist John Lee leads a trio on the guitar, elegantly presenting a concert featuring the sound of the Hammond B3 Organ. Drawing from Lee’s favourite jazz and standard compositions, the night is sure to be filled with the blues and deeply rooted swing. With Nick Peck organ and Jesse Cahill drums.

Gabriel Hasselbach
2019-08-02 20:00 - 22:30
Award-winning hornmeister Gabriel Mark Hasselbach brings his hot band to Frankie’s with a diverse show of mainstream and contemporary jazz from his numerous albums and ten Billboard hits. Also featured is Kinga, debuting songs from her new album. With Kelly Brown guitar, Chris Haas drums, and Gord Lemon bass.
