2026 Artist Bios
…contemporary jazz community in recent years. “With engaging melodies in the forefront, underscored by intricate harmonies and shifting time signatures” (All About Jazz), the Brooklyn-based Blake leads a quartet featuring…
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FESTIVAL TALES: INSIDER INFO with NOU DADOUN
As we begin to share the many hilarious, touching, profound, and silly stories you shared with us about the Festival, we thought we’d start with some of our insiders: our…
Tony Wilson Talks About the Blues Workshop
…the Blues February 23rd – Feven Kidane & Nebyu Yohannes Talk About Ethiopian Music March 16th – Robyn Jacob & Leah Abramson Talk about Songwriting & the Creative Process Catch…
Feven Kidane & Nebyu Yohannes Talk About Ethiopian Music
…the Blues February 23rd – Feven Kidane & Nebyu Yohannes Talk About Ethiopian Music March 16th – Robyn Jacob & Leah Abramson Talk about Songwriting & the Creative Process Catch…
Robyn Jacob & Leah Abramson Talk about Songwriting and the Creative Process
…the Blues February 23rd – Feven Kidane & Nebyu Yohannes Talk About Ethiopian Music March 16th – Robyn Jacob & Leah Abramson Talk about Songwriting & the Creative Process Catch…
Q&A with John Brennan of Temporal Drum Set
…and vice versa. Can you talk about how you became interested in these subjects and how the Temporal Drum Set project came to be? JB: I’ve always been interested in…
Sounds that Swing at the Jazz Festival
…first article about this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival. I mean…it’s an article about a Jazz festival…it’s a given that I’m going to talk about Jazz, isn’t it? But every…
WHAT IS IT ABOUT JAZZ?
…opening weekend with Canadian and international artists. On closing weekend the Plaza of Nations offered 37 free performances on three stages. “So what is it about jazz in the summer?”…
Artist Interview: Sara Kim’s Watermill Project
…so, I am also learning more about my “roots” – my Korean heritage. How did the Watermill Project come about? I started the Watermill Project right after I came back…
Privacy Policy
…disclose your personal information. Personal information means information about an identifiable individual, such as someone’s name, home address, social insurance number, sex, income or family status. Coastal cares about online…
MUSIC NERDDOM AND JEFF PARKER
Jeff Parker I’m a music nerd—a pretty big one. One of the things I love to think and talk about is how I first found out about an artist,…
What you need to know about David Lam Park!
There are many things to love about our David Lam Park jazz weekend, but what I love most is the setting… out of all of our venues, it stays true…
FESTIVAL TALES: ARTIST ENCOUNTERS
…was renting a student one. We talked about getting the right instrument and more importantly about listening to music you are not just playing but also engaging with as a…
Donor Spotlight: Franco Ferrari
…story will reveal. 1) Tell me a little about about your ongoing relationship with Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. How long have you been a supporter and in what ways?…
Spotlight On: Made In The UK
…to the vibrancy of a UK jazz scene that feels like it’s entering another Renaissance period. To think about it in another way, clearly the UK scene has always been…
Tim Reinert’s Top 10 Most Memorable Jazz Fest Gigs
…are about creating memories, and these are some of mine. William Parker Quartet – Vancouver East Cultural Centre (2004) I had been emceeing Jazz Fest shows for quite a while…
About
An Interview with Indigenous Artist in Residence Russell Wallace
…Wallace and I am from the Lil’wat Nation. My parents were Ray and Flora Wallace. What excites you about this residency? I am excited by getting an opportunity to work…
Getting There Was Twice The Fun
…blog post about amazing women, Tim Reinert’s blog about emerging artists at the festival, or Cole Schmidt’s blog about hidden gems in the free program. Catch you at a show!…
An Interview with James Meger
…aspect of the music, despite not really knowing anything technical about what was happening. That’s something that Jodi always talked about FIRST and it’s something I still think about often….
Rup Sidhu Ties Knots In Time
…about Cypher! What excites you about it? What do you love about working with and performing with/for youth? We have a great group of young folx and musical mentors coming…
Artist Interview: Jamie Lee
Tell us a bit about yourself! My name is Jamie Lee and I’m a jazz drummer/composer based in Vancouver. I graduated from Capilano University’s Jazz Studies program in 2019,…
Emerging Artists at the 2019 Jazz Festival
This was supposed to be a piece about “emerging’ musicians that are playing at this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival, but maybe it should be called “10 musicians whom you…
The Ironworks
…the Mahavishnu Orchestra? Curious about Black Liberation Poetry? All that and more can be found on an average night at The Ironworks during the Jazz Festival. Every year, this club…
Five Alarm Funk and Too Many Zooz – SOLD OUT
…hijinks! The curious thing about being a fan of brasshouse? You’re pretty much talking about being into one solitary but extremely unforgettable band: the amusingly-monikered Too Many Zooz. And those…
All ‘Bout that Bass
…musical programming, and learn how the instrument has developed throughout history… Before we launch into an explosive spiel about how excited we are for our upcoming bass acts, we thought…
Around the World in Five Concerts
…for Vancouver’s diverse audiences. If you want to try something new, learn something about your fellow humans, and experience the world through music, think about taking a trip around the…
Festival Positions
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 13: Stephen Lyons
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 14: Julia Ulehla
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Review: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jazz at Lincoln Center
…enough to catch a pre-covid performance of Ogresse in New York at Rose Hall and wrote about it here. Ogresse is a Brothers Grimm-style fable that tells of a ravenous…
COLLOQUI-WHA?
Colloquium! The festival is super fun times, but it’s also an opportunity to think deeply and laterally about this weird music we love, and talk to like-minded people about how…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 18: Marin Patenaude
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Tim’s Picks – Must-See Free Shows
…I’m talking about today can be witnessed by you, for absolutely zero dollars. This is courtesy of the fine folks at Coastal Jazz, and all you have to do is…
Cypher: Write, Record, Perform
…a workshop led by Ndidi Cascade, who spoke about the History of Hip Hop, and specifically, the history of the local scene in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Later that…
10 Phenomenal Women at the 2019 Jazz Festival
…focus while I was in school, and it’s something I think about and talk about all the time. It is my cosmic bone to pick. Consequently, when the opportunity arose…
FESTIVAL TALES: SHOWS GONE RIGHT (& WRONG)
…who had already become a huge go-to even in the early days. I had listened to, read about, and absorbed as much as I could about Miles. I had spent…
Guitars (and a dobro) at the Festival: Part One
…more interesting because of it. This video from Guitar Player, Cline talks about how he moves between his pop rock ideas and his jazz intentions. https://youtu.be/uYGDAvk3nmc As a segue into…
The Vancouver Jazz Scene
Festival MC, podcaster, record label honcho, and Jazz fella-about-town Tim Reinert tells us his view of Vancouver’s lively scene: Growing up in northern B.C. in the early 1990s, jazz wasn’t…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 20: Kristin Fung
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
International Harmonies at The Festival
…term that gets bandied about a lot when talking about international music, but it’s honestly the best word for We All Break, an absolutely unique melting pot of traditional Haitian…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 1: Peggy Lee
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Tim’s Picks from our Free Show Lineup – Part Two
…this year. Here are some of the ones I’m most excited about that are taking place in the second half of the festival. William Chernoff Trio Ocean Artworks June…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 24: Missy D
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 3: Elisa Thorn
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 4: Aram Bajakian
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
How to Foster a Vibrant Music Scene
…are already fully booked for the dates!), it has also prompted a lively discussion about the need to support our own local artists. What if each person who buys a…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 6: Colin Cowan
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 7: Dawn Pemberton
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 29: Parlour Panther
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 10: Mili Hong
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Cross-border collaboration connecting high-calibre artists
…find out more about this project, how it came together, and what to expect at the show. How did this new collaboration come together? I’ve known Jim Black since 2003……
Bright Moments Series Closes with Joshua Zubot and Strings
…We caught up with Joshua to hear more about his music, his recent move to Vancouver, and what to expect from the all-star cast of strings he’s assembled for the…
JAZZ MUSIC HAS A MAJOR MOMENT
…about a mouthful, try fitting TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival onto a sign! Without du Maurier’s cigarette money, Coastal Jazz could offer school-based programs and it wasted no…
Artist Interview: Laila Biali
In advance of the premiere of her live-to-tape performance, we spoke with Laila Biali about playing through a pandemic, upcoming projects, and her favourite musical memory. What has music-making looked…
Our Friends and Club Partners: 2nd Floor Gastown
…us about the live music! 2nd Floor Gastown at 300 Water St, Vancouver, BC is very excited to announce a live and virtual festival taking place June 19th-July 1st, featuring…
Artist Interview: Malleus Trio
In advance of the premiere of their live-to-tape performance, we spoke with Malleus Trio about silver linings, staying safe, and magical moments of music. Malleus Trio. Left to right: Geordie…
Artist Interview: Itamar Erez
To celebrate his live-to-tape Frankie’s Jazz Club performance, we spoke with Itamar Erez about about touring, the best musical advice he’s ever received, and teaching on Zoom! What has music-making…
Eric Reed
…Now, with the release of Black, Brown & Blue, his heartfelt tribute to jazz masters who came before him, the 52-year-old pianist has decided it was time to talk about…
Tim’s Top Picks from our Free Show Lineup – Part One
…shows this year. Here are the ones I’m most excited about that are taking place in the first half of the festival. See You Now Ocean Artworks June 23,…
Getting Ready for the Downbeat: 6 Guiding Thoughts to Developing Covid-19 Safety Plans for Jazz Fest 2021
…“let’s get it done” mentality. I have had to learn a lot about patience, slowing down, and planning for more time to do just about everything. From a Production perspective,…
FESTIVAL TALES: HILARIOUS STORIES & CONNECTIONS MADE
…park. I was new to the country and I didn’t know to bring a blanket to an outdoor festival. I went to sit on his empty blanket when the next…
10 Days & 150 Free Shows!
It’s only two months until the festival opens and to start the excitement building we’re thrilled to let you know about all our free shows! From June 22-July 1, enjoy…
Seven Drummers to Check Out at Jazz Fest 2019
…I suspect this will be one of the most talked about shows of this year’s Jazz Festival. Gerald Cleaver, with Tony Wilson & Luke Stewart (The Ironworks, June 28), with…
Gig of the Week: February 3-9
…composers like Ellis Marsalis and Harold Battiste. Although Winikoff isn’t originally from New Orleans, he has some strong opinions regarding other people’s opinions about the music from the Crescent City:…
FILMS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
…live music and in-person performances, here is a list of beautiful films about and involving music that can help you pass the time. This list from CBC is a great…
FESTIVAL TALES: PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
…the cutest photos we have received is tied to this story from one of our volunteers, Fumiko Sawada: I volunteered for the festival about 5-6 years ago, 2 years in…
Matt Mitchell’s tribute to Tim Berne
Matt Mitchell is performing a solo show on October 25, 2017 at the Western Front. To find out more about Matt’s latest project, førage, our Artistic Director Ken Pickering did…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 22: Sharon Minemoto
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 23: Shannon Scott
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
WHY WE SUPPORT: Inspired by Giving Tuesday
…to share with you. I’m looking forward to hearing your warm and fuzzy memories about the Jazz Festival someday soon too! President of the Board Gary Kushnir on why he…
Book your holiday get-together at Frankie’s Jazz Club
…Jesse Cahill drums. More about Micah Barnes: micahbarnes.com We Three Queens December 22 & 23, 8pm It’s a holiday tradition that’s been going strong for a decade! A triple-threat with…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 2: Jesse Zubot
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Festival Artists Reinventing the Jazz Genre
…we just heard. Another great thing about listening to Lage live is getting to watch all the guitar nerds in awe as they try to figure out just how he…
Don’t Get It? Don’t Sweat It
…Appreciating the less familiar is not always about understanding it or picking it apart. Sometimes what you get is emotional catharsis, sometimes mental stimulation, sometimes a visceral reaction—good or bad….
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 25: Alvaro Rojas
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 26: Jodi Proznick
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 27: Sara Kim
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 5: Gordon Grdina
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Coastal Jazz Foundation
Why Nordic Jazz at the Festival?
Coastal Jazz’s Artistic Director Ken Pickering shares his insights, comments, and thoughtful anecdotes about the visiting Nordic jazz artists at this year’s TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival… Why Nordic Jazz…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 28: Katherine Penfold
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
This Year’s Crowd Pleasers
…think Jazz is. My two cents? Who cares. I care less about whether or not a specific act is “jazz” or not, than I care about whether or not a…
Festival Focus: Pianists
…country’s history, you start to realize that he’s more aptly described as a Canadian icon. I suspect this will be a show that people talk about for years to come….
Festival Artists Who Defy Boundaries
…fit into existing or pre-approved categories. And that’s what we’re talking about today: the music that is at this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival that defies categorization, and possibly even…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 8: Ruby Singh
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 9: Daniel Hersog
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 30: That’s a Wrap!
…same time, we saw a massive wave of community support and goodwill for artists. In the face of vast economic uncertainty, people spoke out about the necessity of the work…
Announcing our new executive director
…into performing as a pianist and choral singer, and serving her community as a member of the board of the BC Choral Federation. She is passionate about collaborative leadership, and…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 11: Dylan van der Schyff
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 12: Meredith Bates
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Everybody loves singers: Roberta Gambarini, Morgan James, Maya Rae, Macy Gray, and more
…singers have a special talent that is worth talking about… and they are all playing the jazz festival! Here’s a sneak peek of a few of the powerhouse vocalists and…
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
…suffered in recent years from the effects of a struggling economy.” Yes, friends, we’ve been here before. As a result of funding changes, Coastal Jazz had lost about 30% of…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 15: Andre Lachance
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 17: Kevin Romain
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 16: Anita Eccleston
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
GO BIG AND GO GLOBAL
…of about five years Diana Krall had gone from playing a free show on the streets of Gastown to selling out the Orpheum on an opening night double bill with…
A Little Festival History
…Hungarian chops, so discussions about food, lodging, performance details, and so on turned into comedic episodes worthy of Monty Python. Nonetheless, the man was a master musician who, when performing,…
Charly Lowry
Musical powerhouse Charly Lowry wows listeners with her jaw-dropping vocal range. The proud Native American is passionate about raising awareness about the plight of her people, which pairs perfectly with…
Black BC Artists Whose Music You Should Purchase (and Stream!)
…those questions in mind over the next days, weeks, months. We encourage you, especially, to actively think about how to compensate Black musicians whose work you consume. In a time…
Volunteers
…and gain work experience or school credit. Once you are registered as a volunteer, we’ll send you information about important dates, volunteer perks, crew orientation, volunteer package, and the Festival…
Grdina-Houle-Loewen
“The threesome navigated a wide landscape of meandering lyrical passages, eerie plateaus, and sudden about-turns into wild abysses.” – All About Jazz Guitarist Gordon Grdina, clarinetist François Houle, and drummer…
A TURNING POINT FOR COASTAL JAZZ
…wants to invest in, we want to be transparent about where we are, and the future of Coastal Jazz and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Today, we ask you, how…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 19: Jesus Caballero
…already been completed. In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask…
Buy a Record, Make a Difference 21: Dalannah Bowen
…local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask them to talk about other local musicians whose work…
The Straight-Ahead Scene: Jazz at Pyatt Hall & Frankie’s Jazz Club
…and I’m really excited to share more details about the artists you can see this festival. Jazz at Pyatt Hall Roberta Gambarini Quartet featuring Emanuele Cisi Friday, June 22, 7:30…
Female Vocalists
…jazz and pop music, and shows why she has been one of the most talked-about jazz vocalists of the past decade. We are lucky to be one of over 20…
Wendy Eisenberg Viewfinder
…life. An elusive song cycle that encompasses free jazz, post-rock, beauty, fallibility, questioning, seeing anew, and the unseen, “what’s most striking about Viewfinder is Eisenberg’s ability to crystallize their complex,…
Charitable Tax Receipt: A Professionals Guide to Giving
…laws have not changed. Thanks for considering a donation to Coastal Jazz and Blues Society! For further information about how to donate or about any of the other benefits you…
The Arntzens: 3 Generations in Jazz
Note: Two sets included in ticket price for this performance. “…a dynamic dynasty of musical progeny.”—All About Jazz If you want to talk trad jazz in Vancouver, you need to…
An Interview with Krystle Dos Santos
…that performance you played some of the soundtrack of the musical you created, Hey Viola!—can you tell us a little bit about that show & your creative process? It was…
The Chicago-Vancouver Connection
When you think about music and Chicago, you probably think about the blues. But that city’s relationship with jazz goes all the way back to the 1910s and continues today…
Where to Start with Sun Ra
…about space travel, and his Arkestra’s elaborate costumes? Sun Ra was a brilliant man who read and studied voraciously on all kinds of topics, but particularly astronomy and astrology (it…
Join the CJBS Board in 2025
The CJBS board is on the hunt for new directors! If you are passionate about jazz and improvised music, excited about governance, and want to help steer the future direction…
FESTIVAL TALES: INSIDER INFO with FRANCO FERRARI
As we begin to share the many hilarious, touching, profound, and silly stories you shared with us about the Festival, we thought we’d start with some of our insiders: our…
NEXT GENERATION OF JAZZ & BEYOND
…festival, demonstrate his fine ear and willingness to explore the corners of jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05e3z7YRotA RESERVE A TABLE BONNIE NORTHGRAVES One of our favourite things about Bonnie Northgraves is that across…
Our Friends and Club Partners: Guilt & Co.
…and understanding as we tip-toe through these constantly changing times. But the anticipation is real — we can’t wait to see you again! Give us the goods; tell us about…
Second Show: Immanuel Wilkins & Lutosławski Quartet
…Szymanowski, and the group’s own Marcin Markowicz. About the Piece: Ethnic Cleansing — An American Tradition This piece is dedicated to the people of Palestine who have faced a systematic…
FESTIVAL TALES: INSIDER INFO with TEE CRANE
…is about the Otis Clay/Ann Peebles Review/Jim Byrnes Band show, and it was one of the many miracles that happen when a great team works together to avert disaster. We…
Supporting Artists During the COVID-19 Pandemic
…upcoming releases or who are trying to promote their own work. The news cycle and social media are – understandably – talking about COVID-19 nonstop. Sharing music and art with…
Things to Do While Self-Isolating
…person, and don’t forget to talk about something other than COVID-19. It’s naturally the thing that’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but talking about other things – music! books!…
Immanuel Wilkins & Lutosławski Quartet
…Szymanowski, and the group’s own Marcin Markowicz. About the Piece: Ethnic Cleansing — An American Tradition This piece is dedicated to the people of Palestine who have faced a systematic…
Our Friends and Club Partners: Hastings Mill Brew Co. AKA Pat’s Pub
…isolation with a crisp Pat’s Lager and join us on Tuesday for customer appreciation day – happy hour pricing all night after 4pm! Give us the goods; tell us about…
Darius Jones with Strings featuring Gerald Cleaver
Called “the most visceral and distinctive alto saxophonist of this era” by The New York Times, Darius Jones’ incisive work “poses big questions about the relationship between the African-American tradition…
Pivoting to Digital
…about music, and most of that writing and talking is about jazz. His weekly jazz show on Mixcloud, The Infidels, is coming up on its two-year anniversary, and he has…
It’s a French Fries and Champagne Party
…bandleader Evan Palazzo and lead singer Elizabeth Bougerol met in 2007 through a Craigslist ad about a jazz jam session. The lead singer is a London School of Economics graduate…
Gig of the Week: March 9-15
…I asked him about the gig this Saturday. “Overall, we’re playing works that showcase our most recent creative endeavours, as well as classics that touch on what we love to…
Mike WT Allen’s Space Elevator
There’s everything you think you know about big band, and then there’s Space Elevator. Led by award-winning composer Mike WT Allen, the 20-person jazz/metal/funk experimental powerhouse kicks up a loud,…
VANCOUVER LANDS ON THE WORLD STAGE
…program guide went to print. Miles’ was not.) No one really knows what was said, but the drama captured the world’s attention, and it’s been talked about it ever since….
Frankie Hidalgo & the MVPs
…songs of the 80’s and 90’s that will bring you both nostalgia and an urge to dance the night away. Using his experiences and musical knowledge, he brings about a…
In Memory of Ken Pickering
…for his sweetness and generosity. He truly loved it when others could experience the things that he was passionate about, whether it was a new exciting group from Sweden, or…
THE JAZZ FEST CIRCLE OF LIFE
…residency for high school students in Grades 8 – 12 from Metro Vancouver. If you’re interested in learning more about this legendary Canadian musician, a new book written by Fraser’s…
Jerry Cook Quartet
…sure they get it right the first time. Veteran saxophonist Jerry Cook is one of those cats.” – All About Jazz After working as a sideman for three decades, Jerry…
aja monet
…work has continuously found new depths and new resonances. aja monet is a griot, a storyteller, a chronicler, and your grandmother telling you about her first love all at once….
Rhythm Changes Podcast Live feat. Wendy Eisenberg
…live podcast recording, Chernoff will sit down with 2026 Coastal Jazz Artist in Residence Wendy Eisenberg for a conversation about their genre-defying work, before opening the floor to questions from…
From New York: Katie Thiroux Trio
…was a finalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Vocals Competition, and her debut release as a bandleader from the same year, Introducing Katie Thiroux, received accolades from All About…
The Tao of Wu
…Simple”. When RZA was asked about the grittiness behind Wu Tang’s translation of street life and trauma, he said: “We always turned the flashlight on things, you know what I…
STILL PUSHING MUSICAL BOUNDARIES
…Fragmented & Fluid, a collaboration between British bassist and composer Barry Guy, Vancouver-based animator Michel Gagné, and an all-star band opened the Innovation Series. “Gagné is about to go where…
New Things at Coastal
We’ve had a lovely, busy fall, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to update you about some new things at Coastal Jazz. First up, we have two new staff…
We All Break
…important”, but an “infinitely beautiful and pure, truly rare work that – at this level of quality – has never really been even imagined before (All About Jazz).” No refunds….
Song Form // Less: Caley Watts // Kevin Romain
…be followed by a short duo collaboration and artist talk about form in music, presented in association with IICSI at the University of British Columbia. Thanks to Talking Stick Festival….
Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra
…27 and July 4 at Vancouver Community College from 10am-1pm. July 5th, 2pm at Performance Works: Final performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival! About the 2026 VYJO Bandleader Bill…
Antonio Sanchez & Migration
…in the Sand, is an act of political and musical protest Sánchez describes as being “about the kind of immigrant who is constantly being demonized, ostracized and politicized by a…
THE GENIUS OF JOHN BEASLEY
…piano chair in a quartet with Buell Nedlinger and Marty Krystall back in the 80s and returning to different pieces over the decades since. When Beasley started thinking about how…
Bill Frisell Trio with Thomas Morgan & Rudy Royston
…he’s often done over the past four decades, Frisell uses a straightforward concept and a familiar songbook to bring about stirring revelations. To start, these 16 tracks showcase a level…
Lucinda Williams
LUCINDA WILLIAMS “It’s all come full circle,” says three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams about her powerful new album, Good Souls Better Angels. After more than forty years of music…
IronFest V: Night Two – Kevin Romain’s Salience Network + Brodie West Quintet
…Festival works with, for and about the Downtown Eastside community to weave our community’s stories, ancestral memory, cultural traditions, lived experiences, and artistic practices to create a fabric of resistance…
Song Form // Less: Wendy Eisenberg // Lisa Cay Miller
…passionate expression. Solo sets will be followed by a short duo collaboration and artist talk about form in music, presented in association with IICSI at the University of British Columbia….
The Future in Outer Space!
…pleasure of visiting the Afro-Future mother ship, I hope that this might happen for you very soon. We are already living the future! Everything about this world far exceeds the…
Jessica McMann, Karen Donaldson-Shepherd, and Beverley McKiver
…She is passionate about community engagement in the arts, social justice and helping others to achieve their full potential. Jessica has been working on some new music that extends beyond…
72 Bands in 12 Days
…equalled magic. For about 24 hours, this was my favourite show of the festival. And then this happened…. Farmers By Nature, with Darius Jones, at Ironworks I’ve seen all members…
Robin Holcomb – Late Show
This event is part of the Robin Holcomb Residency at 8EAST, a co-presentation with Coastal Jazz and Blues and the NOW Society. Find out more about the residency here. “Hers…
Tom Lee Workshops 2024
…Showtime, Netflix, HBO, National Geographic, Bravo, Hallmark, CTV, Fox, Crave, TNT, and more. Mary is a passionate collaborator whose fundamental aim is to help tell diverse, honest stories about the…
IronFest V: Night One – Asrar Quartet + Jessica Ackerley Trio
…cultural practices. The Festival works with, for and about the Downtown Eastside community to weave our community’s stories, ancestral memory, cultural traditions, lived experiences, and artistic practices to create a…
Song Form // Less: Steve Gunn // Karen Ng
…the US. Solo sets will be followed by a short duo collaboration and artist talk about form in music, presented in association with IICSI at the University of British Columbia….
Robin Holcomb – Early Show
This event is part of the Robin Holcomb Residency at 8EAST, a co-presentation with Coastal Jazz and Blues and the NOW Society. Find out more about the residency here. “Hers…
Ndidi O
Ndidi O’s remarkable seventh studio album, It’s About Time, merges riveting alt-country, jazzy blues, and Irish traditional elements – it was recorded in Cork, Ireland, and features members of Irish…
Song Form // Less: Sean Cronin // Patrick Shiroishi
…the fold. Solo sets will be followed by a short duo collaboration and artist talk about form in music, presented in association with IICSI at the University of British Columbia….
Gig of the Week: February 10-16
…here in over 20 years. “Vinny teaches at California Institute of the Arts and the students that play in his ensembles always talk about what a challenging and inspiring time…
GeminiCrab – Malika Tirolien + Caulder Nash
…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….
The Ironworks
…you there, celebrating the best the Vancouver scene has to offer. Tim Reinert hosts the Infidels, a podcast about jazz, and recently started a record label of the same name….
Gig List: Sept 24
…for the branded 10×10 tent and get a sneak peek into what Culture Days is all about. CULTURE DAYS runs Sept 28-30. LIST OF EVENTS Art of the Trio: Brad…
Song Form // Less: Amina Claudine Myers // Peggy Lee
…chamber music niceties crumble under the assault of funk and psychedelia” (Georgia Straight). Solo sets will be followed by a short duo collaboration and artist talk about form in music,…
GETTING THE KEYS TO THE CITY
…title sponsor, and contributing about $300,000 in cash and promotional support, not to mention other cash and in-kind sponsors, they were feeling flush. (Editor’s note – arts organizations would LOVE…
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TOUCHES ON: MADE IN THE UK SERIES
…UK and Europe are most enthusiastic about. Their debut album Together As One was released on Edition in 2016. Since her rapid ascendance on the London creative scene beginning in…
Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band
…more about attitude and resilience than genre. Influenced by artists as diverse as BB King, Jon Cleary, Janis Joplin, Merle Haggard, Aretha Franklin and Etta James, they feature an eclectic…
WE GOT TIME
…at the center of that world, as we ask questions about the meaning of words familiar to us through historic documents – the United States’ Declaration of Independence, the Preamble…
Igor Willcox Quartet
…rhythms” (Mike Jurkovic – All About Jazz). The Brazilian group will be touring across Canada playing at clubs such as the Yardbird Suite, The Bucking Jam Palace, The Jazz Room,…
James Meger’s How To Do Nothing
Led by bassist/composer James Meger, How To Do Nothing pulls listeners through trashed maximalist thickets of feedback to emerge in clearings of delicate acoustic improvisation. Not shy about extreme emotional…
The Peggy Lee Band
750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7 “There’s something remarkable about how Peggy Lee achieves a seamlessly orchestrated sound from a concoction of avant-garde, folk, modern jazz, chamber, and ambient…
Dave King Trucking Company
…and rock pulses, and “intermittent exoduses into the free zone” (All About Jazz) underpin the powerful, purposeful melodies of Brooklynites Chris Speed tenor saxophone/clarinet and Chris Morrissey bass, and Minnesotans…
The Modelos
…whiskey, then you know all you need to know about Vancouver’s spirited rock ‘n’ roll surf cowboys, The Modelos. Joe Rotundo guitar/vocals, Mike Kenny guitar, Bradley Ferguson bass, Geoff Hicks…
Gavin Youngash Workshop
…Applying Chordal Harmony Across Genres, where he’ll talk about using jazz harmony outside of a jazz context, whether it’s in composition, arranging, or accompaniment. Applying these concepts to the guitar…
The Show Must Go On
…France and Holland. Two acts were among the most talked about – Swedish jazz piano trio E.S.T. received standing ovation at their Cultch show while Norwegian quartet Beady Belle enjoyed…
Susie Ibarra: An Ecology of Rhythm
…recently honoured with the esteemed award “for distinguished musical composition by an American” for Sky Islands, her work about ecosystems and biodiversity. Constantly observing and responding to sound, nature, and…
Illegal Crowns
“A collective of supreme talent, united by a lyrical streak which surfaces even amid invigorating improv rigor” —All About Jazz World-class creative musicians collaborating at the top of their game,…
Hidden Gems in the Free Program
…Netherlands – The Ex. King Ayisoba plays the Georgia Stage at Downtown Jazz at 3:45pm on June 23 Ironworks The 5 o’clock “afternoon sessions” at the Ironworks returned about 5…
The Reinvention of The Bad Plus
…made them one of the most talked about groups of the early 2000s. It’s safe to say that without trailblazers like The Bad Plus and E.S.T., groups like GoGo Penguin…
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
…in one” by All About Jazz, trumpeter/composer/bandleader Wynton Marsalis is an iconic jazz master. Born into the famed New Orleans musical family, he was playing in the Fairview Baptist Church…
Tomeka Reid Quartet
…Jason Roebke bass, and Tomas Fujiwara drums, Reid’s “pieces bubble with a fiery intensity and a deep-seated lyricism that showcases the superlative cellist’s artistry at its best” (All About Jazz)….
Help Us Preserve Vancouver’s Cultural Jazz Legacy
…Coastal Jazz for just over two years now as the Executive Director and I’m still just as excited about what we do as when I first applied. For me, Coastal…
How Do You Stream, Anyway?
…menu on the left side of the screen. Click the show that’s about to start (I’m assuming you will have a bunch of shows saved in there to choose from…
The 2023 Festival First Timers Club
…Vancouver performance was one of the most talked about shows at the 2021 edition of Cory Weed’s Jazz at the Bolt, and I fully expect the same kind of buzz…
Jennifer Scott, Karla Mundy, and Dawn Pemberton
…the percolating undercurrent of soul-jazz and funk which infuses everything she does: “I’ve got a rhythmic stream running through me at all times. It’s all about the groove for me.”…
Digital Jazz Hotline #44
…School: Jeremy Pelt talks about The Business of Jazz – Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty St (2pm) CJBS: Jeremy Pelt – Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty St (8pm) – Straight…
The Business of Branding a Festival
…control over festival imagery from title sponsor du Maurier, and the result is an about-face. “We wanted something really creative, cool, original.” Enter Barbara Klunder. Barbara Klunder, one of Canada’s…
Gig List: Mar 18
…most dynamic voices in Afropop” [Pop Matters], Fatoumata Diawara uses her voice to tell stories about the challenges facing migrants. Her music blends a variety of international styles while staying…
Gig List: April 15
…from Wilson’s memoir, about an 18 month period when he was incarcerated at the St Joseph’s Training School for juvenile delinquents. With an amazing array of Vancouver’s finest performers. Fri…
Oliver Gannon Quartet
…Scott drums ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and loyal fan of jazz music. She could be seen all over the…
Steve Kaldestad Quartet
…rhythmic propulsion as his lines unwind fluidly. With Chris Gestrin on piano, Steve Holy on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL…
James Meger’s How To Do Nothing
This music isn’t shy about exploring extreme emotional dynamics or diverse sonic influences, moving gutsily between free improvisation, electro-acoustic composition, jazz, metal, noise, and song. Led by bassist James Meger,…
Late Nights for Cool People!
…amount of times a quick shot has perked me right up! (For extra adult points, why not sip some top shelf tequila?) It’s not until about the 3rd or 4th…
Dave Anderson Quartet featuring Dave Restivo
…with Anderson, secured a place among the JAZZIZ best albums of 2018. ALL ABOUT JAZZ has called Anderson “unquestionably, one of the most remarkable saxophone voices on the jazz scene…
TIME FLIES
…improvising ensembles of local and visiting artists playing in various configurations through the evening—duos, trios, and whatever combinations sparked interest. While Derek Bailey’s renowned company approach was about instigating intriguing…
Late Night Cool Hangs and Vegan Pizza (Maybe)
…next Friday, and a debut improv formation to close this year’s festival on the Sunday, with Gerry Hemingway, Tony Wilson, and new-to-the-Vancouver-scene-saxophonist, John Gross. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGuABwQGUTc If you’re worried about turning…
Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
…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…
A Novel of Anomaly
…temperaments, energies and signatures” (All About Jazz) features Schaerer’s countryman Lucas Niggli drums, Italian accordionist Luciano Biondini, and Finnish guitarist Kalle Kalima. Thanks to the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia….
Cory Weeds Quartet with special guest Natasha D’Agostino
…her dynamic band. With John Lee piano, Paul Rushka bass and Jesse Cahill drums. ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and…
Dominique Fils-Aimé
…acceptance. She is committed to spreading awareness about the injustice faced by African communities and showcases the impact people of African descent have on Canadian and global cultures. Please note:…
Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
…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…
Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidore
Chicago bass clarinetist Jason Stein (Ken Vandermark, Rob Mazurek) “is exhilarating, a young master of his fiendishly difficult horn” (All About Jazz). His pure tones, clean lines, and spacious explorations…
MUSICMUSICMUSIC
Buy advance tickets here “No rules, just fun” – All About Jazz With a passion for experimentation and an ever-present joy for playing, MUSICMUSICMUSIC takes on classic jazz compositions as…
Nubya Garcia
…nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacrificing the groove. It’s a deeply personal offering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the past…
The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis
…they have. Called “one of the modern titans of the tenor” by All About Jazz, the ecstatic fervour of James Brandon Lewis’ playing points back to John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders,…
Atira Presents Strong Women, Strong Music
…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…
Peter Van Huffel’s GORILLA MASK
…sonic chaos, hard-slamming Berlin rock/metal/free jazz trio GORILLA MASK somehow maintain full control of their beastly sound. All About Jazz calls Canadian ex-pat Van Huffel “one of the most intense…
Jennifer Hayes – A Tribute to Nancy Wilson
…Webb on piano and Joel Fountain on drums. ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and loyal fan of jazz music. She…
David Blake’s Fun House
…(All About Jazz). Named for their swinging, sunlit 2022 album on Cellar Live, Blake shares this Fun House with Thad Bailey-Mai trumpet, Brad Turner piano, Conrad Good bass, and Bernie…
David Blake Trio
…harmonies and shifting time signatures” (All About Jazz), his sound bridges both creative scenes. He’s recently released two albums: Fun House—featuring Vancouverites Brad Turner, Bernie Arai, Conrad Good, and Thad…
Marquis Hill: Composers Collective
…with Marquis specifically in mind. “I was thinking about the tradition in jazz where Dexter Gordon would record a Lee Morgan composition, or Freddie Hubbard would record a Wayne Shorter…
Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra
…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…
Bill Runge Quintet
…piano, Nick Apivor on vibes, Miles Hill on bass and Bernie Arai on drums ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and…
Downtown Jazz – Saturday Line Up
Come on baby, let’s go downtown! Celebrate at the 2019 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival with three stages of free music, kids’ activities, food trucks, licensed bars, bike parking, and…
Universal Gospel Choir
Vancouver’s beloved and longest-lived gospel choir, the Universal Gospel Choir (UGC) is a community-based group of singers passionate about raising the roof with their music. Known for their big sound,…
Downtown Jazz – Sunday Line up
Come on baby, let’s go downtown! Celebrate at the 2019 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival with three stages of free music, kids’ activities, food trucks, licensed bars, bike parking, and…
William Chernoff Trio
1531 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9 Bassist William Chernoff’s trio with guitarist Francis Henson and drummer Carson Tworow is unfussy, “refreshingly accessible music” (All About Jazz). Although Will’s warmly…
2022 Festival Playlists
…scheduling. Whether you’ve been thinking about taking in some shows, or you’re a seasoned jazz lover who wants to take a deeper dive into the program, these festival playlists are…
Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra
The Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra is “a marvelous jazz ensemble whose artistry and resourcefulness can best be described as breathtaking” (All About Jazz). Since 2000, they’ve been performing sparkling made-in-Canada…
Insider’s Guide to the Festival
…a few of the shows we’re really excited about. MARQUEE SERIES The Marquee Series consists of our top line shows – the festival headliners, if you will. This year we’re…
Festival JAZZTOPAD, Wroclaw Poland presents Maciej Obara Quartet
A “vivacious, next-level” (All About Jazz) combo featuring two of Norway’s most sought-after players in Ole Morten Vågan (The Deciders) bass, and Gard Nilssen (Bushman’s Revenge) drums, plus Polish innovators…
We’re awesome!
…it! Here’s a round up of some media previews that might help you make up your mind about what to see! From the Vancouver Sun & Province: Five free shows…
Hanging Hearts
“Intelligent and fascinating fusion for the 21st century” – All About Jazz Rooted in Chicago’s rich tradition of forward-thinking jazz and experimental music, Hanging Hearts thrives at the intersection of…
From New York: Sam Taylor Trio
New York-based saxophonist Sam Taylor has been hailed as “wise beyond his years” (All About Jazz) and “remarkable” (Toronto Music Report). A Philadelphia native, Taylor is a recording artist on…
The Interplanetary Adventures of Sun Ra: There Are Worlds They Have Not Told You Of!
…are now available on the Sun Ra Bandcamp Page [https://sunramusic.bandcamp.com/ ] with some helpful hints about where to start at https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/sun-ra-album-guide And of course, the upcoming Festival livestream of Marshall…
Sienna Dahlen
“Dahlen has an extremely alluring voice, one that could sell rainwater in a snowstorm.” – All About Jazz Juno award-winner Sienna Dahlen is a Quebec songwriter and composer with six…
Wallgrin + Devours
…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…
Sax virtuoso Kamasi Washington plays our Marquee Series
…on which Kamasi and his band mates are important collaborators, came out at the same time; further deepening Washington’s impact on the music landscape. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DDP-aHmEcc How does Kamasi feel about…
Christine Jensen Quartet
…listen.” – All About Jazz This is an accessible venue. If assistance is required please contact: [email protected] Please Note: Seating is limited with a mix of seating and standing room….
Talking Pictures with Fredrik Ljungkvist
…drums/percussion alongside Samworth, Talking Pictures will be joined by Fredrik Ljungkvist, the innovative Swedish saxophonist/clarinettist whose “playing can be fiery and expressive, but also fragile and poetic” (All About Jazz)….
I’m Hip! Kate Hammett-Vaughan sings the songs of Dave Frishberg
…foremost jazz vocalists Kate Hammett-Vaughan for an evening of Dave’s unforgettable music. With Bill Coon guitar and Darren Radtke bass. ABOUT THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE AND JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES…
JAZZ FEST PROVES ITS STRENGTH
…for one-of-a-kind, collaborative performances was coined “scrambled eggs,“ a term written about by the Vancouver Sun’s Greg Buium. It was a concept that started from the early days the festival….
BCLC’s Festival Partnership a Win-Win for Community Groups
…and it was amazing for our staff to be able to enjoy amazing music and unwind without having to worry about the cost.” “It was wonderful. As a registered charity,…
Cactus Truck
…blistering speed, ferocious punk energy, no-wave sonic severity and unapologetic, ecstatically free relentlessness, Cactus Truck “play a brand of bar-clearing music that both repels and, ultimately, compels” (All About Jazz)….
More Must-See Free Shows
…DK O Show. Come find out what makes some of your favourite musicians tick! Shahzad Ismaily New Improviser’s Studio at Western Front One of the cooler things about this year’s…
JAZZ FEST IS A SMASH
…Cultural Centre. Friend of the festival, Tim Reinert, reminisced about at the show on the Coastal Jazz blog in 2019. “My third Jazz Festival, and Ken Pickering’s love of the…
Jamie Lee Trio
…the subjects that preoccupy her inner world—from enjoying striped socks to profound realizations about life as an immigrant, queer person, and instrumentalist. With James Dekker piano and Marcus Abramzik bass….
COASTAL CREATES A MUSICAL UNIVERSE
…his unique and diverse music for over 50 years.” Local jazz music enthusiast and former Coastal Jazz board member, Nou Dadoun, was at the Commodore that night, and wrote about…
Michael Zilber Quartet
…NEA Jazz Legend David Liebman as “one of the best players and composers around anywhere. Period!” and All About Jazz raves “Zilber is one of the true masters of modern…
Spotlight on Montreal
…Tom Lee at 1pm on June 24th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wysP8VXSTTg In 2017, Erika and Simon Angell reached out about coming to Vancouver to write some new music for their latest release, “The…
Soul Driver
SoulDriver is all about soul. That 60’s soul feel with a modern blues/jazz twist. Taking classic soul/blues/jazz tunes from the 60’s and 70’s, and re-interpreting modern songs in that style….
International Podcast Day
…talk about Jazz. They describe themselves as irreverent, irascible, engaged, and that they are. Also, in case the title was not a tip-off, they enjoy some light profanity. Burning Ambulance…
VOX.INFOLD
…National Film Board and other independent films. Singh’s personal and collaborative works have been presented across Turtle Island, India, Germany and the UK. In this blog post, he talks about…
The Music of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross
…piano, Laurence Mollerup bass, and Craig Scott drums. ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and loyal fan of jazz music. She…
Frankie Hidalgo & the MVPs
…songs of the 80’s and 90’s that will bring you both nostalgia and an urge to dance the night away. Using his experiences and musical knowledge, he brings about a…
Amina Claudine Myers “Solace of the Mind”
…York Times, All About Jazz, Bandcamp Daily, Slate, All Music, and more. Throughout her six-decade musical journey, Myers has consistently defied conventional boundaries while drawing from her rich roots in…
Our Story
…can read more about the Coastal Jazz vision and history in our Festival Flashback series on this website’s blog. (Click here to start at the beginning!) Today, Coastal Jazz ranks…
B3 For Bunny: Brian Charette
…Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. With Cory Weeds tenor saxophone, Dave Sikula guitar, Julian MacDonough drums. ABOUT THE B3 FOR BUNNY SERIES This concert is in…
Gig List: April 22
…(Mike Jurkovic – All About Jazz). They are currently touring across Canada. With Igor Willcox on drums, Wagner Barbosa on sax, Vini Morales on piano, and Glecio Nascimento on bass….
Qalandar with guest Neelamjit Dhillon
…detailed deep-listening approach has been called “mesmerizing” (Ink 19), “deeply penetrating” (All About Jazz), and “exquisite” (Musica Jazz). Built on years of shared history, trust, and what The WholeNote described…
Darius Jones, Peggy Lee, Angelica Sanchez, Dylan van der Schyff
Called “the most visceral and distinctive alto saxophonist of this era” by The New York Times, Darius Jones’ incisive work “poses big questions about the relationship between the African-American tradition…
James Brandon Lewis
1601 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9 Called “one of the modern titans of the tenor” by All About Jazz, James Brandon Lewis’ Jesup Wagon was named 2021 Album of…
Marcus Mosely Chorale
People may not remember who you are, but they will remember how you made them feel. That’s what the music of the Marcus Mosely Chorale is all about. Many voices,…
The Lesley Branton Trio
Based in Vancouver, this trio features Lesley Branton vocals, Jason De Couto piano and Alvin Brendan guitar. Influenced by an array of artists and genres, this trio is passionate about…
B3 For Bunny: Pat Bianchi Trio
…Bollenback guitar and Sanah Kadoura drums. ABOUT THE B3 FOR BUNNY SERIES This concert is in loving memory of Bunny Moreton, a long-time jazz fan with a particular appreciation for…
VANCOUVER’S FIRST DANCE PARTY IN THE STREETS
…fest had exploded to new heights. The previous year’s event drew about 100,000 people – a 30 percent jump over 1988 – and the team at Coastal Jazz anticipated a…
In the Press: Part One
…20th year with Coastal Jazz and is the newly minted managing director for artistic programming. She talked with Alexander Varty at the Georgia Straight last week about her team: “Robert…
Cowboy Bebop Bebop Band
The Cowboy Bebop Bebop Band features some of Vancouver’s finest young jazz players interpreting music from the 90s cult classic Japanese anime Cowboy Bebop, a futuristic, neo-noir space western about…
Sam Taylor Quintet featuring Larry McKenna
Don’t miss this hot inter-generational saxophone summit! Hailed by All About Jazz as “wise beyond his years” NYC saxophonist Sam Taylor brings his remarkable chops to a collaboration with one…
B3 For Bunny: Pat Bianchi Trio
…Mark Whitfield. With Paul Bollenback guitar and Sanah Kadoura drums. ABOUT THE B3 FOR BUNNY SERIES This concert is in loving memory of Bunny Moreton, a long-time jazz fan who…
Bonnie Northgraves Trio
…member in Company B Jazz Band, Jeff Gladstone and the Bad Ideas, T Lizzy, and many others. She is a performer, recording artist, teacher, and clinician. She is passionate about…
Gig List: May 6
…music. Put on your best speakeasy outfit and reminisce about the good ol’ days of video games. Night will be filled with rare tunes, fresh instrumentation and special guests. Vancouver…
Dan Weiss
…a one hour workshop about his craft. You can see Dan perform with Starebaby on June 24, 9:30pm at The Ironworks as part of our Innovation Series. The group also…
Cool School: Getting Hip to Jazz
…John will be dropping some serious knowledge about this unique and varied genre through a carefully selected suite of musical clips. The pillars of jazz—past, present, and future—he will cover…
Company B Jazz Band
Equal parts sassy and sweet, the seven-piece Company B Jazz Band blends old time jazz and swing with lush, pitch perfect melodies, and an infectious sense of fun. Classic repertoire…
The Gig List: March 26
…some of Vancouver’s top notch artists as well as letting you know about touring international groups who are performing in the city, and we’ll also spotlight new and established venues…
John Nicholson Quintet
…now formed his own band, gathering an all-star group of Canada’s top jazz talents to perform his original compositions. Called ”an animated soloist” by All About Jazz, Nicholson is joined…
Tim’s Picks on Sax & Guitar
…performing at this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival. James Brandon Lewis Revue Stage July 01, 9PM Lewis is easily one of the most talked about saxophonists on the international scene…
Team Hegdal
…rules about genre boundaries are very permissive; these Spellemannprisen (Norwegian GRAMMY) winners snag a bit from Olivier Messiaen, a bit from Duke Ellington, Ornette, and Monk, and a bit of…
Forever Stories of: Moving Parties
…Lee says, “it’s about welcoming change, blame, mercy, and the agency to try things differently”. In this case, their guests are artful agents JP Carter trumpet, Meredith Bates violin, Brian…
Kenton Loewen with Jesse Zubot
…Mats Gustafsson) and rock (with Dan Mangan + Blacksmith and in the original lineup of Mother Mother), the JUNO Award-winner is also a captivating singer-songwriter. His deeply personal songs about…
Gig List: Mar 4
…(7pm) Devon More Music presents a preview performance of her newest solo show. Songs, poems and stories about losing a sense, and finding a sense of self. With a hypnotic,…
Buddy Guy
“Funny thing about the Blues—You play ’em ’cause you got ’em, but when you play ’em, you lose ’em.” —Buddy Guy Buddy Guy is returning to Vancouver three years after…
North Shore Jazz 2021
Fiona Black, Director of Programming at the BlueShore at CapU (and many other places), tells us about the North Shore-based programming coming up in June as part of the Festival:…
Tomas Fujiwara’s Triple Double
…cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum, and two avatars of contemporary electric guitar in Mary Halvorson and Brandon Seabrook, Triple Double is “by turns subtly beautiful and fiercely aggressive” (All About Jazz)….
Musicmusicmusic Oversized
“No rules, just fun” – All About Jazz With a passion for experimentation and an ever-present joy for playing, MUSICMUSICMUSIC takes on classic jazz compositions as well as originals by…
Mike Downes Root Structure
…on February 16th! “A team that has everything covered. Together, they carry out Downes’ mission of foundational exploration while shedding light on his compositional gifts.” Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz…
Fred Hersch (solo)
“When it comes to the art of solo piano in jazz, there are currently two classes of performers: Fred Hersch and everybody else.” — All About Jazz A select member…
All That Jazz
…the west. They have year round jazz every Wednesday, and almost daily during festival. Space books up quickly so reservations are recommended. For more information about the venues and show…
Tim Berne – A Leader in the Downtown Scene
…me that he couldn’t get anyone in NYC to play with him thus the LA lineup–that cracked me up! One thing I’ve always remembered about that deal was the surprise…
Sam Taylor Quintet featuring Larry McKenna
Don’t miss this hot inter-generational saxophone summit! Hailed by All About Jazz as “wise beyond his years” NYC saxophonist Sam Taylor brings his remarkable chops to a collaboration with one…
Celebrating Canada Day At Granville Island Jazz!
…in sweat and a hot mess…. Alas. But I made it! Run Gerta, Run! One advantage about Granville Island Jazz (Or even the Jazz Festival itself) is how accessible the…
Improvisation is the Backbone to Jazz
…daring experimental collective, Muzzix. It’s true: Peter Knight and JP Carter both play the trumpet. But that fact is only part of the larger, weirder, more deliciously bewildering truth about…
Nightcrawlers
…the MG’s, this award-winning quintet’s gritty, soulful, swaggering music is all about stirring up a good time. Led by acclaimed drummer Jesse Cahill, this who’s who of the Vancouver jazz…
Cory Weeds Quartet play Jackie McLean
…as a sideman. With Chris Gestrin piano, Paul Rushka bass, and Julian MacDonough drums. ABOUT ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre is located in the heart of East…
John Boutté Quartet
John Boutte’s shows are all about energy and soul. His gorgeous voice and deep groove make standards like Fly Me To the Moon fresh again. He can evoke Sam Cooke,…
Teresa Marie & the Three (Late Show)
…Club, and the Shadbolt Centre of the Arts. Teresa takes inspiration from a variety of iconic musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, and is passionate about learning from and…
John Beasley’s MONK’estra Septet
When John Beasley began arranging Thelonious Monk’s music “a miracle of two geniuses collided and MONK’estra was born” (All About Jazz). Beasley gives Monk’s offbeat accents and punchy dissonances a…
Darius Jones Workshop
Called “the most visceral and distinctive alto saxophonist of this era” by The New York Times, Darius Jones’ incisive work “poses big questions about the relationship between the African-American tradition…
JAZZ BECOMES LEGEND
…Vancouver, a (now defunct) website that celebrated and documented the history of jazz in Vancouver from the early 1900s to the present. You can watch the video about the city’s…
Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters
…“All that’s worth the doing is seldom easy done/All that’s worth the winning is seldom easy won…” “It’s about intention,” said Plant of his latter-day career and his current work….
Indigenous work at Coastal Jazz
…Street Stage now has a name that reflects both languages spoken on this traditional land. Here’s a video with how to pronounce it, and some information about its meaning: …
Moor Mother/Luke Stewart/Tcheser Holmes
…where they’ll artfully investigate how quantum physics can influence how we think about, experience, and measure time in everyday reality. Ayewa also co-leads Irreversible Entanglements, whose confrontational yet completely engrossing…
Kevin McNeilly
…Improvisation, and a co-editor of the peer-reviewed journal Critical Studies in Improvisation/ Études critiques en improvisation. His book of poems about early jazz trumpet players, Embouchure, is published by Nightwood…
TO THE BEAT OF – JAZZ?
…together, on same bill as John Scofield Band. Talk about hot. For the first time, the event no longer included “du Maurier” as their title sponsorship was due to expire…
David Blake NYC Quartet
…harmonies and shifting time signatures” (All About Jazz), the Brooklyn-based Blake leads a quartet featuring some of NYCs finest, most dynamic players in pianist Dabin Ryu, bassist Warren Louie, and…
Matthew Ariaratnam & Adrian Avendaño + Giorgio Magnanensi & Andromeda Monk
…minds and circuits in co-discovery of speechless, essential connection. Andromeda Monk’s improvisation approach is very much about holding space—for other musicians as well as herself. The flexibility of the synth…
ebonEmpress
…her lived experience as a woman of African descent, raising awareness about the injustices faced by racialized communities, and showcasing the positive impact that people of African descent have on…
Early Show: Daniel Lew
…him about the fragility of life, and now he sings and plays everyday as if it’s the last time. He hopes his music and journey through adversity can be a…
Aram Bajakian
Guitarist Aram Bajakian (Lou Reed, John Zorn) is a masterful experimentalist fluent in avant-jazz, blues, noise, and rock. Aram will give a one hour workshop about his practice. You can…
Miles Davis: The Birth of the Cool
Stanley Nelson [US/UK ] 2019 | 115 minutes Film screening after dusk on the ice-rink level of Robson Square. Bring a blanket or pillow to sit on. Miles Davis was…
Ciao, Bella! Spotlight on Italy
…this “felicitous match of temperaments, energies and signatures” (All About Jazz) features Schaerer’s countryman Lucas Niggli drums, Italian accordionist Luciano Biondini, and Finnish guitarist Kalle Kalima. Biondini started a classical…
Hip Pocket plays David Sanborn
…Sanborn’s solo albums recorded between 1975 and 1995. ABOUT DAVID SANBORN David Sanborn is arguably the pioneer of smooth jazz saxophone along with Grover Washington Jr. and Sanborn’s distinctive alto…
Sakina Abdou + Peter Knight & JP Carter
…larger, weirder, more deliciously bewildering truth about two of contemporary creative music’s most envelope-pushing, distinctive sound-shapers. Melbourne-based Peter Knight uses extended techniques, electroacoustic processing, rhythmic overlapping, slow harmonic evolution, and…
The Ex with Grdina/Lillinger
…about the times, but so exhilarating that it makes you believe that the truth will make it through” (Magnet Magazine). The Ex are Terrie Hessels guitar, Arnold de Boer vocals/guitar,…
Hugh Fraser’s VEJI
SOLD OUT! Chance of limited tickets at the door–note, we’re being extremely conservative about capacity, as there are a bazillion people in the band! One they’re all on stage, there…
Steve Dawson
Nashville-based Canadian guitar maestro Steve Dawson creates music that is sweeping, dynamic, and visually suggestive. Steve will give a one hour workshop about the arc of his career as a…
But is it Jazz?
…they still Jazz Festivals at all? Consider this: if we are asked “Is this jazz”? about any one act, we may be inclined to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ based on…
BC Stage 3: What does it mean for the Jazz Festival?
…for people’s private medical information in a secure way, and will not be quizzing people about their vaccine status. Given that more than 70% of British Columbians have only one…
Youn Sun Nah
“Sun Nah possesses the sensuousness of Melody Gardot, the quirky, theatrical air of Björk, and the blues of a Parisian chanteuse.” (All About Jazz). Expressive, crystal-clear, and deeply affecting, Youn…
Miles Black Trio
…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…
Teresa Marie and The Three
Vancouver-based jazz and R&B vocalist Teresa Marie takes inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, and is passionate about constantly learning from artists across a wide range of genres. With…
Mimosa
…fast-paced sambas, moody and eclectic waltzes and swinging standards with interesting arrangements. With Rebecca Shoichet vocals, Karen Graves sax/flute/vocals, Anna Lumiere piano, Conrad Black bass, and Bernie Arai drums. ABOUT…
BRASILEIRA
…seat! Featuring Jennifer Scott piano and vocals, Bill Coon guitar, Rene Worst bass, Cory Weeds saxphone, and Nino DiPasquale drums. With special guest Raphael Geronimo on percussion. ABOUT THE ITALIAN…
JAZZ FEST’S BIG BANG
…had been recognized by All About Jazz as “a giant in the making,” and would go on to play the Festival again and again, most recently as our 2024 headliner….
Why You Should Volunteer with Us This Summer
…us, we encourage you to take the next step by filling out our New Volunteer Application Form. You never know what you might discover about Vancouver’s vibrant music community! …
Early Show: The Black Space Jam feat. ebonEmpress
…to sharing her lived experience as a woman of African descent, raising awareness about the injustices faced by racialized communities, and showcasing the positive impact that people of African descent…
How to Enjoy Winter Jazz at Home
…about a streamed show is you can eat whatever you want while it’s happening. We’re currently running a social media giveaway for a $150 gift card to the Granville Island…
Eric Revis
…hour workshop about his craft. You can see Eric perform with his quartet on June 30, 9:30pm at The Ironworks as part of our Innovation Series. The group also features…
Gig List: Jan 28
…avant-garde aesthetic with political overtones and a blend of Tejano and Mexican music, this bilingual, cross-border, cross-genre opera about the enigmatic general, legendary bandit and hero of the Mexican Revolution…
The Class of 2018…. TD High School Jazz Intensive
…FREE MORE ABOUT THE INTENSIVE This spring, 19 talented teens were selected from an extensive audition process open to students in Grades 10-12 from 150 schools across the Lower Mainland….
Elisapie
…about Indigenous culture. Exclaim! calls her latest work, Ballad of The Runaway Girl, “a powerful record, and a rare album where both the music and narrative are equally stunning.” With…
FESTIVAL LOOKS BACK ON 30
…become, well, legend. Those usually began with “The Showdown” in 1986 between Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis. You can read about it here. “Those opening concerts in 1986 with Miles…
Souldriver
Soul Driver is all about soul. That 60’s soul feel with a modern blues/jazz twist. Taking classic soul/blues/jazz tunes from the 60’s and 70’s, and re-interpreting modern songs in that…
MA:Q & Sharon Minemoto Quartet (Double Release)
…Minemoto is known for her “tasteful and engaging work at the keyboard, which is never short of inventive” (All About Jazz) and her tight-knit quartet with Jon Bentley tenor saxophone,…
Jeremy Pelt: The Business of Musicianship
…second Cool School for November featuring Jeremy Pelt, who is performing with his quintet on November 24 & 25. Jeremy will present a talk on The Business of Musicianship, about…
2021 Festival Playlists!
This year’s TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival will include over 100 events—that’s a lot to choose from! Whether you’ve been thinking about taking in some shows but don’t quite know…
David Lam Park Jazz Fun!
Are you ready to keep those outdoor festival vibes going? David Lam Park Jazz Weekend returns June 29 & 30. Time for more fun in the sun (fingers crossed about…
Advocacy
…a supporter of the arts, I am writing to express my concern about the current state and future of arts funding in our province. The COVID-19 pandemic and other economic…
Michael Zilber plays the Music of Billy Strayhorn
All About Jazz calls leading San Francisco saxophonist/composer Michael Zilber “one of the true masters of modern jazz saxophone, his prodigious talents evidenced by his recordings and live performances are…
Q&A with Elizabeth Bougerol of The Hot Sardines
…and they are now on tour in North America. We chatted with Elizabeth Bougerol, frontwoman and co-instigator of the Hot Sardines about her roots, music, and The Hot Sardines upcoming…
Burrows/Morena Quartet
…ABOUT JAZZ FOR BARB SERIES AND THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE Barbara Fudge was a passionate and loyal fan of jazz music. She could be seen all over the city at…
Michael Zilber plays the Music of Billy Strayhorn
All About Jazz calls leading San Francisco saxophonist/composer Michael Zilber “one of the true masters of modern jazz saxophone, his prodigious talents evidenced by his recordings and live performances are…
