Coastal Jazz | Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Sharon Minemoto Quartet
2018-03-02 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
The Sharon Minemoto Quartet is a highly interactive unit that performs her originals music. Her memorable compositions are influenced by a wide range of composers such as Herbie Hancock, Kenny Wheeler, Stevie Wonder, and Alexander Scriabin. The group’s most recent release Safe Travels is written in memory of Minemoto’s long-time partner, jazz pianist/saxophonist, Ross Taggart.

Phil Dwyer Trio
2018-03-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Phil Dwyer (tenor sax/piano) needs no introduction to jazz audiences, favouring updated classics from the American Songbook and tunes by jazz greats like Monk, Barry Harris, Ornette Coleman, and Charlie Parker, as well as playing his own music. His “Family Band” trio interacts intuitively and telepathically, a testament to their musical common ground and the depth of their shared history. Joining them on this special night will be Juno Award-winning saxophonist Christine Jensen. With Ben Dwyer bass and Hans Verhoeven drums.

Dylan Cramer Trio
2018-03-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Alto saxophonist Dylan Cramer brings his swinging trio to Frankie’s Jazz Club. Enjoy selections from Cramer’s five recordings, along with new material from the group’s upcoming release. Cramer has been compared to his idol, Sonny Criss, along with Paul Desmond, Johnny Hodges and Stan Getz. Michael Creber and Steve Holy, seasoned veterans on the local scene, add their impeccable artistry to round out the group.

Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
2018-03-06 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the 12th annual Strong Women, Strong Music concert series features West Coast’s most prominent women jazz musicians singing up support for Enterprising Women Making Art. Revel in the voices and music of these talented artists while investing in the soul and spirit of the Downtown Eastside – 100% of all proceeds go to EWMA.
Tonight’s lineup: Laura Crema, Candus Churchill, Christie Grace on vocals, Brenda Baird on piano, Jen Hodge on bass and
Ingrid Stitt on saxophone.
ABOUT EWMA
EWMA is a program of Atira Women’s Resource Society. Located in the Downtown Eastside, EWMA has provided safe, income-generating opportunities for women who are struggling with poverty, substance use and or mental wellness, and who have been impacted by violence, abuse and grief over the loss of children, family members and friends; opportunities that are free from exploitation and judgement. EWMA is a place that for many women, makes hope possible.

Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
2018-03-07 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the 12th annual Strong Women, Strong Music concert series features West Coast’s most prominent women jazz musicians singing up support for Enterprising Women Making Art. Revel in the voices and music of these talented artists while investing in the soul and spirit of the Downtown Eastside – 100% of all proceeds go to EWMA.
Tonight’s lineup: Jennifer Scott, LJ Mounteney, and Siobhan Walsh vocals, Lisa Miller piano, Wendy Solloway bass, and
Mili Hong drums.
ABOUT EWMA
EWMA is a program of Atira Women’s Resource Society. Located in the Downtown Eastside, EWMA has provided safe, income-generating opportunities for women who are struggling with poverty, substance use and or mental wellness, and who have been impacted by violence, abuse and grief over the loss of children, family members and friends; opportunities that are free from exploitation and judgement. EWMA is a place that for many women, makes hope possible.

Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
2018-03-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the 12th annual Strong Women, Strong Music concert series features West Coast’s most prominent women jazz musicians singing up support for Enterprising Women Making Art. Revel in the voices and music of these talented artists while investing in the soul and spirit of the Downtown Eastside – 100% of all proceeds go to EWMA.
Tonight’s lineup: Karin Plato, Katherine Penfold and Stephanie Wall on vocals, Diane Lines on piano, Jodi Proznick on bass, and Karen Graves on saxophone.
ABOUT EWMA
EWMA is a program of Atira Women’s Resource Society. Located in the Downtown Eastside, EWMA has provided safe, income-generating opportunities for women who are struggling with poverty, substance use and or mental wellness, and who have been impacted by violence, abuse and grief over the loss of children, family members and friends; opportunities that are free from exploitation and judgement. EWMA is a place that for many women, makes hope possible.

Greta Matassa Band
2018-03-09 20:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
One of the most talented singers working in jazz today, Greta Matassa has been voted Northwest Vocalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz seven times in 15 years, and honoured with a lifetime achievement award and inducted into the Earshot Jazz Hall of Fame in 2014. A mainstay on Seattle’s jazz stages, Greta has released eight albums on the respected jazz label Origin Records. Her latest, I Wanna be Loved, (Resonance Records) released to critical acclaim. With Nick Peck piano, Cory Weeds tenor sax, Jodi Proznick bass, and Julian MacDonough drums.

Greta Matassa Band
2018-03-10 20:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
One of the most talented singers working in jazz today, Greta Matassa has been voted Northwest Vocalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz seven times in 15 years, and honored with a lifetime achievement award and inducted into the Earshot Jazz Hall of Fame in 2014. A mainstay on Seattle’s jazz stages, Greta has released eight albums on the respected jazz label Origin Records. Her latest, I Wanna be Loved, (Resonance Records) released to critical acclaim. With Nick Peck piano, Cory Weeds tenor sax, Jodi Proznick bass, and Julian MacDonough drums.

Mark Lewis Quartet
2018-03-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
“A Northwest treasure”–KNKX
A well-travelled saxophonist / flutist Mark Lewis has created a large body of jazz music over the past four decades. He’s been a part of jazz scenes from Seattle and San Francisco to Rotterdam and Paris. His latest album, The New York Session, was recorded with veteran players George Cables, Victor Lewis, and Essiet Essiet, and earned Mark the #2 spot for alto saxophone and #3 spot for flute on 2017 releases in the Jazz Station Poll from Los Angeles. Performing with Nick Peck piano, Russell Botten bass, and Julian MacDonough drums.

Zapato Negro
2018-03-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
An exciting blend of progressive jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Zapato Negro’s eclectic repertoire includes original compositions, underplayed jazz standards in clave, and reworking of classic Latin music reharmonized in jazz. With Andre Carrasquero piano, Allan Johnston bass, Jack Duncan congas, and Juan Encinales drums.

Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra
2018-03-15 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Join the critically acclaimed Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra for a special evening of hard swinging and delectable music, featuring sparking compositions and arrangements by Jill Townsend and guitar sensation Bill Coon. Among the many outstanding soloists are Steve Kaldestad, Dennis Esson, Bill Coon, Cory Weeds, Rod Murray and Dave Robbins.
Presented with the Italian Cultural Centre

ABOUT THE SERIES
Barbara 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.
Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, located in the heart of East Vancouver, is and has been an essential part of Vancouver’s cultural landscape since it’s opening in 1977. Following a mandate of promoting Italian culture, values and heritage and to share these values and traditions with other communities, Il Centro is Vancouver’s direct connection to Italian culture and is a space for language, music, food, arts, community initiatives, and much more.

Two Much Guitar with Juno Award-winner Campbell Ryga
2018-03-16 20:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Juno-nominated guitarists Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon team up once again as Two Much Guitar, a crowd favourite for 15 years, and always a swinging affair. Joined by Darren Radtke bass and Dave Robbins drums, this classic jazz quartet celebrates influences such as Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, but has a sound all its own. With a special twist – the addition of Juno Award-winning alto saxophonist Campbell Ryga!

Bill Coon Trio with guests Steve Kaldestad & Kate Hammett-Vaughan
2018-03-17 20:00 - 23:15 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Juno-nominated artist Bill Coon is one of Canada’s most highly respected musicians. Performing now for over three decades, he has played with many significant jazz artists including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bucky Pizzarelli, Hugh Fraser, P.J. Perry, Ian McDougall, Phil Dwyer, Dave Restivo, Dee Daniels, and Rebecca Kilgore. For this special event leading up to the JUNO Awards, Bill plays with his trio – Darren Radtke bass and Dave Robbins drums and two Juno-nominated special guests: Steve Kaldestad tenor saxophone, and Kate Hammett-Vaughan voice.

David Esler Quintet
2018-03-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
David Esler Quintet are on a musical journey to transport you back to the early 60s when hard bop reigned supreme in jazz. Trumpeter Featuring David Esler and Vancouver guitar jazz legend Oliver Gannon, with Chris Sigerson on piano, Russ Botten on bass, and Craig Scott on drums.

Mazacote
2018-03-21 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Mazacote is a hard-hitting six-piece funky world/Latin band with deep roots in Nicaragua, Mozambique and Colombia. Inspired by Afro-Caribbean percussion and tropical party sounds, they play brass heavy Latin dance beats with a socially conscious message. Featuring the captivating voice of Nicaraguan singer/songwriter David Lopez backed by a groove-heavy rhythm section with Carlos Arias on bass, Chris Couto on timbales, Juan Encinales on congas, pianist Niho Takase and trumpeter Malcolm Aiken. Playing music off their new album Nueva Era (TrebleFive Records), that was recently nominated as World Album of the Year at the 2016 WCM Awards.

Burn Down the Cornfield
2018-03-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Burn Down the Cornfield was formed a year ago for a show at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, fusing together a guitar trio with bass and drums and a string quartet. With compositions by guitarist Tony Wilson, the band also plays covers by bassist Jaco Pastorius and blues great Robert Johnson. Featuring Meredith Bates and Joshua Zubot violins, John Kastilic viola, Peggy Lee cello, Tony Wilson guitar, James Meger bass, and Dylan van der Schyff drums.

Joshua Zubot and Strings
2018-03-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Western Front, 303 East 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1S1, Canada
Joshua Zubot is a masterful violinist and composer who performs with conviction, emotion and power.
Zubot has turned many heads playing genres from bluegrass to musique actuelle and everything in between. He has shared stages with folk/pop musicians like Martha Wainwright, Li’l Andy, Thus Owls, Joe Grass, Patrick Watson plus experimental musicians such as Jean Derome, Matana Roberts, cellist Tristan Honsinger, Sun Ra Orchestra’s Marshall Allen, and New York double bassist William Parker.
After receiving his Electroacoustic Music degree in Montreal he was sought after and was quickly immersed in the vibrant music scene. He has toured internationally in ensembles such as Subtle Lip Can, In The Sea, Marie-Jo Therio, and Quartestki.
For this string-stravaganza Joshua is joined by his brother Jesse Zubot viola, as well as Meredith Bates violin, Peggy Lee cello, and James Meger double bass.

JUNOfest '18
2018-03-23 21:00 - 23:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
With Phil Dwyer, William Carn, Ernesto Cervini, Tara Davidson, Mike Downes, Christine Jensen, and Ingrid Jensen.
$15 minimum food & beverage order.
JUNOfest wristband available to purchase: junoawards.ca/event/junofest

JUNOfest '18
2018-03-24 21:00 - 23:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
With Phil Dwyer, André Lachance, Adam Cormier, Kellylee Evans + more.
$15 minimum food & beverage order.
JUNOfest wristband available to purchase: junoawards.ca/event/junofest

Bradley / McGillivray Blues Band
2018-03-25 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Led by groove, improv and raw, unadulterated emotion, the Bradley/McGillivray band blend blues, jazz, Motown and gospel into its own hip brand of soul. Ruth’s a singer you don’t want to miss – captivating, authentic and entertaining. Her knock-you-flat vocals are nicely balanced by Sheldon’s tasteful, understated guitar, and the whole sound is rounded out by an inventive rhythm section. Expect a setlist of original tunes and signature versions of old favourites.

Robin Layne
2018-03-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Award-winning percussionist and composer Robin Layne has put together a project that showcases the marimba and his energetic and virtuosic style on the instrument. Known for his collaborations with a wide spectrum of folk and world artists across Canada, Robin’s passion for rhythm has led him around the world. He has toured in China, Europe, Mexico, the US and Canada and pursued his studies in LA, Cuba, Mexico and West Africa.
Inspired by his global travels, Robin’s music evokes memories of summer days full of adventure and playfulness. Since forming in 2015 the band has been filling dance floors around Vancouver and performing at festivals across BC and beyond. With roots in jazz, Latin and African traditions this groove heavy ensemble delivers music that will uplift your spirit, put a smile on your face and take your ears on a journey into the stratosphere. Robin Layne marimba Colin Maskell saxophone, Liam MacDonald percussion, Derek DiFillipo bass, Justin James drums.
The band is releasing their debut album May 10 on TrebleFive Records

In The Company Of Friends: In Memory Of Linton Garner
2018-03-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Celebrating the birthday of Linton Garner who would have turned 102 on March 25, this tribute honours the music Linton enjoyed playing along with selections from his iconic recording, Thanks. Linton dedicated the recording to his brother Erroll Garner, who composed the jazz standard “Misty”. For this special celebration long-time sideman drummer Don Fraser is joined by celebrated pianist Ron Johnston, bassist Russ Botten and the soulful David Say on tenor sax.
Proceeds from the sale of Thanks CDs goes to support the Linton Garner scholarship program at Capilano University.

From New York: Spike Wilner Quartet
2018-03-30 20:00 - 23:00 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Not only is Spike Wilner one of the most in-demand interpreters of piano jazz, he also runs two very busy Greenwich Village jazz clubs. Hailing from a long line of artists and spiritual mystics, Spike’s sense of artistic purpose and transformative voice give his playing particular meaning. His extensive performance and recording career attest to a wide-ranging list of collaborators among New York icons. With Tyler Mitchell bass and Anthony Pincotti drums, and special guest trumpeter Joe Magnarelli.

Rumba Calzada
2018-04-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Countless tours, festivals and sold out shows have earned Rumba Calzada the title of Canada’s tightest Latin band. Originally formed in 1991 by Boying Geronimo and now headed by his son, Raphael Geronimo, the band has recorded four albums with an array of nominations and awards, including a Juno Award (World Music Album of the Year), Westcoast Music Awards (Outstanding World Recording of the Year) and Independent Music Awards (Best Global Album). Rumba Calzada is gearing up for more tours and recordings, with an all-new album planned for 2018. With Rod Murray trombone, Lou Mastroianni piano, Allan Johnston bass, Rolando Preza congas/vocals and Raphael Geronimo timbales/vocals.

Steve Lloyd Smith Quartet
2018-04-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Bassist/Composer/Leader Steve Lloyd Smith has a long track record as a respected musician who has been performing, writing and recording now for over three decades. Smith has recorded with many significant jazz artists including Richie Beirach, Billy Hart, Adam Rogers, Clarence Penn, Taylor Eigsti, and Eric Harland. Smith is performing his original compositions with a stellar quartet: Dave Sikula guitar, Jillian Lebeck piano, Steve Smith bass, and Dave Robbins drums.

Gary Smulyan with Strings
2018-04-06 19:30 - 23:00 | Pyatt Hall, 843 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3L4, Canada
Multiple Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan’s impressive resume includes work with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Joe Henderson to Joe Lovano and the Mingus Big Band. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, and an intelligent and creative harmonic approach.
In 1996 Smulyan teamed up with the late arranger/composer extraordinaire Bob Belden for the first of two large ensemble projects. The first album entitled Gary Smulyan with Strings features Smulyan playing alongside lush string arrangements, a format that was all the rage in the 1950’s. Belden and Smulyan revived the style with phenomenal results. His big, dark Pepper Adams-like tone contrasts attractively with the tasteful string charts Belden provides.
With Tilden Webb piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Jesse Cahill drums, and a lush 10-piece string section featuring Cameron Wilson, Janna Sailor, Elyse Jacobsen, Lloywn Ball, and Molly MacKinnon violin, John Kastelic viola, and Finn Manniche, Doug Gorkoff cello.

INCOGNITO featuring Rob Montgomery
2018-04-06 20:00 - 23:15 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Incognito has been at the forefront of the Vancouver music scene for over 25 years, led by bandleader Rob Montgomery (guitar/vocals) along with the soulful powerhouse singer Amanda Dean, and a stellar band of session musicians. The group’s musical passion is truly infectious!

Steve Kaldestad Quintet
2018-04-07 20:00 - 23:15 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Vancouverite Steve Kaldestad is one of Canada’s top saxophonists who has appeared on numerous recordings in Canada and the UK. Steve regularly performs with his own quartet as well as the Dan Brubeck Quartet, the Juno Award-winning Phil Dwyer Orchestra, the Juno Award-nominated Jodi Proznick Quartet, Jesse Cahill’s The Nightcrawlers, and more. Come and hear Steve’s robust tone and swinging, rhythmic propulsion as his lines unwind fluidly. He is joined by New York baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan! With Chris Gestrin piano, Jodi Proznick bass, and Jesse Cahill drums.

Christie Grace Band
2018-04-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Known for moving audiences with her sweet honey voice and smooth phrasing, Christie Grace performs jazz standards, Joni Mitchell classics and original compositions that infuse modern jazz with pop, folk, and R&B influences. A natural entertainer Christie has released three albums including her most recently acclaimed Golden Thread with Juno Award-winning producer Chris Gestrin. It reached #13 on the Global Smooth Jazz Charts in 2017 and was nominated for an Independent Music Award in New York. With Chris Gestrin piano, Laurence Mollerup bass, Daryl Jahnke guitar, and Buff Allen drums.

Milk Crate Bandits
2018-04-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Sreet, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M4, Canada
Expect a night of high-energy New Orleans jazz, intimate acoustic moments and cheeky vocals with the Milk Crate Bandits. The Vancouver group has released two EPs, The Neighbourhood and The View From Out Here, both recorded in New Orleans with Preservation Hall Trumpet player Kevin Louis. With Jack Ray banjo and vocals, Brad Shigeta trombone and vocals, Joseph Abbot clarinet and vocals, and Noah Gotfrit bass.
