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Upcoming Events List

Live Music at The Jazz Room

Featuring International jazz acts that play the world’s top clubs (the Saturday program features artistic direction from Mark Kelso).

Please note that only Grand River Jazz Society events are shown below
If you cannot see the calendar below, try our alternate calendar page or update your web browser.

Mar
22
Fri
2024
The Jim Edwards Group
Mar 22 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Trombonist Jim Edwards has been on the stage of the Jazz Room countless times. Though we often think of him as the musical director of Big Band Theory, he has been featured on our stage in Little Big Band Theory, Fresh Water Funk, Clefs of Moher, and has appeared here with John Zadro, Jeff Daniels, Robin Jessome, and Rob Gellner. We expect another great band!

Personnel:

Jim Edwards- trombone
Ken Foster – Sax
Greg Prior – bass
Ralf Buschmeyer – Guitar
John Zadro – Keys
Andy MacPherson – Percussion
Sam Daniels – Drums
Mar
23
Sat
2024
Jazz Jam (new time)
Mar 23 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tim Shia’s Worst Pop Band Ever
Mar 23 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 

 

” A bunch of delightful jazz subversives north of the border who revel in adding an edge to pop melodies.” 

Victor Aaron, somethingelsereviews.com, Best of 2009

“The Worst Pop Band Ever is the total package – great compositions, unique covers and standup-worthy comedic banter… a highlight of the festival.”

Mike Deicont, tojazz.com

With influences ranging from Miles Davis to the Carpenters to Radiohead, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto jazz group that combines their love of improvisation with modern pop influences. Despite the name, the WPBE’s mish-mash of sounds has received critical acclaim, and been featured in films for the NFB and even a Disney Pilot. Since 2006, they have been entertaining audiences at festivals and packed clubs across the globe – from St.John’s to Seattle; New York to Taipei. Individually they have performed with everyone from Holly Cole to Blue Rodeo to Feist. They are putting the final touches on their newest album and hope to have it out before people stop paying for music.

Personnel:

Dafydd Hughes – Keys
Chris Gale – Sax
Drew Birston – Bass
Tim Shia – Drums

Check out:

Live at Frankies, Vancouver   “Love is for Losers”   “Far from Free Trailer”      They are with a bunch of dancers at the Toronto Jazz Festival.  

 

Mar
29
Fri
2024
“Natu Trio” with Gennaro Notomista
Mar 29 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 

 

 

“Napoli-Rio: round world, flat ninths” is a musical trip from Napoli, in the south of Italy, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The journey will start with classical Neapolitan songs (famous examples of which are “‘O sole mio” and “Torna a Surriento”) arranged in latin jazz, and end with instrumental Brazilian popular music, including samba, bossa nova, and choro compositions. The collection of tunes played by Natu Trio will follow the common thread in the harmonic sonorities of these two traditional forms of music from, only apparently, distant worlds.

Gennaro Notomista is a roboticist and a musician from a small town in southern Italy, halfway between Napoli and the Amalfi coast. Classically trained, he has played in a number of small jazz ensembles (trios and quartets) as well as big bands, both in Italy and in Canada.

Greg Prior has been established in the Waterloo scene for over 16 years. He has been a regular performer with local groups such as The Phoenix Jazz Group, Big Band Theory, Ernie Kalwa, and played with many other local performers. Prior to moving to the region, Greg toured out west with artists such as Prairie Ceilidh (Celtic/Canadian), Barrage (Fiddle group), Vibre (Jazz Ensemble), and Vicky Oveson’s Masacote (Latin Jazz). He has played 9 major jazz festivals across Canada, and toured and recorded extensively. Comfortable with symphonic, jazz and Latin styles, Greg brings diverse talent to the stage.

Rico Oliveira is a musician from São Paulo, Brazil. He began his musical activities at an early age while in contact with many cultural influences in his local surroundings. He completed his education at the Conservatório de Música do Morumbi. He has been a professional musician for 43 years performing in festivals, shows, and nightclubs. He recorded with various musicians in Brazil, Portugal, Canada, and Europe.

Personnel:

  • Gennaro Notomista (from Napoli, Italy), acoustic piano
  • Greg Prior (from Calgary, Canada), acoustic and electric bass
  • Rico Oliveira (from São Paulo, Brazil), drums and percussions
Mar
30
Sat
2024
Dizzy & Fay
Mar 30 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Dizzy & Fay is a fresh new songwriting duo performing original compositions that are heartfelt and familiar. The Wholenote describes them as ”highly musical tunesmiths and storytellers”  whose latest album “Hooked”  “is playful and cool but will break your heart if you let it.” (Cathy Riches).the newest project from songwriters Mark Lalama and Amanda Walther.

Based in Southern Ontario, the piano/vocal duo has released two full-length recordings of original music and is currently spinning on jazz radio stations throughout the United States and Canada.  Dizzy & Fay craft songs that sound like timeless classics you’ve loved your entire life and their intuitive musical chemistry is captivating on stage, where audiences are fast becoming lifelong fans. “Hooked” was named “Ringer of the Week” at Jazz Weekly. It’s clear that with two albums in two years, the Dizzy & Fay Songbook is only just beginning.

 Dizzy is Mark Lalamapiano singer/songwriter/pianist/producer, he has performed extensively and   recorded/toured with countless artists including Guido Basso, Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, Marc Jordan, Chrissie Hynde, Olivia Newton John, Harry Manx, and many more.

Fay is Amanda Walther vocals Juno nominated singer-songwriter and award winning composer from Toronto, Amanda has spent most of her career as half of acclaimed folk-roots duo Dala, and recently composing music for film.

 Drew Jurecka-violin/clarinet was nominated for a Grammy for Record of the Year Grammy for his string arranging, playing and engineering work for pop sensation Dua Lipa. Drew has produced and recorded countless arrangements for artists including Metric, Alvvays, Donovan Woods, Jill Barber, Bahamas, Rose Cousins, Royal Wood, Laila Biali, Dermot Kennedy, Bülow and Ron Sexsmith./p

 

Check out: “Valentine’s Day”    Never Mind”       “All the Things”

Apr
5
Fri
2024
Top Pocket LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!
Apr 5 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 

Throughout Top Pocket’s 33 year storied history the band has endured an early change of focus (from R&B to Jazz), one break up, one reunion (that has lasted 15 plus years to the present day), a few members leaving to be replaced by the two current members, an expansion from 4 members to 6, then settling on 5 with the addition of a guitarist (Frank Koren out of Hamilton, followed by Alex Showdra and now Ralf Buschmeyer). Throughout the long history that is Top Pocket, two of the 5 current members (Michael Bergauer and Don McDougall) remain, having been in the band from the very beginning. Another focus change happened when Paul Stouffer joined the band and they went from playing standards to focusing on performing and recording their own original material. This was strengthened even further when Robin Habermehl joined in 2011; bringing in even more original material. The band now performs 100% original material both in live performance and on record [2011’s “11:11” and 2016’s “rocket in my (top) pocket”]. This evening should prove to be a very special one as the band will be recording a new live album featuring 80% material that has never been previously recorded including two tunes written by Don McDougall ( I know…a drummer) and his writing partner Alex Showdra, a number of tunes penned by Ralf Buschmeyer, and one song that appeared on the band’s previous album “Rocket…” but has been totally rearranged for this recording. They claim to have “finally got it right” with this arrangement.
Join us this evening for a piece of Top Pocket’s ongoing history!

Personnel:
Robin Habermehl: Saxes, Wind Synth and Flute
Ralf Buschmeyer: Guitars
Paul Stouffer: Keyboards and Harmonica

Michael Bergauer: Bass and choreography
Don McDougall: Drums

 

Check out: “Dancing to the Rhythm of Life”

also Here is a clip from the Waterloo Jazz Festival….

 

Apr
6
Sat
2024
Jazz Jam
Apr 6 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Alain Bédard’s Auguste Quartet from Montreal
Apr 6 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 

Photos – Pascal Milette

For 27 years now, Alain Bédard has been pursuing a very interesting career with L’AUGUSTE Quartet, which he travels to all continents. Playing only his original music, he has performed in more than 25 countries on 4 continents. Thus L’Auguste has had the ability and expertise to carry out all his projects in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, USA, Italy, Hungary, Ireland, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Estonia, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France and Canada (all major cities and almost all jazz festivals), etc.

He has released 6 albums including the CDs “Auguste”, “Sphère Réflexion”, “Bluesy Lunedi” nominated for the ADISQ and JUNO award in the category best album of the year 2010, “Homos Pugnax”, “Circum Continum”, the Auguste quartet plays today the music of Exalta Calma”. Auguste has played many times on radio recordings for Radio-Canada and CBC, Radio-France and Radio-Belgique.

 

Personnel:

Alain Bédard-bass

Mario Allard-alto and soprano saxophones

Marie-Fatima Rudolf-piano

Michel Lambert-drums

 

Check out:       “La Silva Major” “Jazzy Colours”   “O Comme H2O”

Apr
11
Thu
2024
Quisha Wint- Tribute to The Women of Soul Special THURSDAY Night Concert
Apr 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

 

Step into the mesmerizing world of soulful melodies and powerful voices as we pay homage to the timeless and trailblazing women of soul music. The Tribute to Women of Soul Music led by the incredible talent of Quisha Wint and her band, is a soul-stirring celebration of the extraordinary talent, resilience, and impact these iconic artists have had on the music industry.

Immerse yourself in a night of unforgettable performances that traverse the rich tapestry of soul, from the heart-wrenching ballads to the upbeat anthems that have defined generations. This tribute is a heartfelt recognition of the indomitable spirit of women who have fearlessly used their voices to tell stories of love, strength, and empowerment.

From the iconic voices of Aretha Franklin and Etta James to the contemporary brilliance of Gladys Knight and Whitney Houston and many more, this Tribute brings together a diverse array of soul queens who have left an indelible mark on the genre. Feel the passion and emotion as each note resonates with the power and authenticity that define soul music.

Join us as we celebrate the women who have not only shaped the musical landscape but have also paved the way for future generations of artists. This Tribute to Women of Soul Music is a moving testament to the enduring legacy of these remarkable women and a reminder of the boundless influence they continue to have on the world of music and beyond. Get ready to be uplifted, inspired, and moved by the undeniable magic of soulful voices that echo through the ages.

Personnel:

Joe Palawan – keyboards
Roger Williams – Bass
Duffmusiq – electric Guitar
Paul Antonio – Drums
Quisha Wint – vocals 

This performance is part of the WOMEN IN JAZZ series, sponsored by DIVA INTERNATIONAL, makers of the Diva Cup.

Apr
12
Fri
2024
John Zadro Quintet
Apr 12 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
John Zadro has been a featured musician annually since the inception of the KW Jazz Room.  His performances as a band leader feature original material which attempts to pay homage to the great song writers who have contributed to jazz literature. John has been performing professionally almost five decades since he had the opportunity to open as a teenaged soloist at an Ellington big band concert.
John’s compositions, whether soulful, witty or tugging at heart strings, are certain to take the audience on a joyous musical ride. Not to be stylistically categorized, his material mimics jazz idioms encompassing swing, bop, latin, gospel and new age.  John’s last appearance at the Jazz Room was sold out, and after hearing the interpretations of his talented guest musicians, and the variety and wittiness of his material, a repeat packed house is quite probable.

Personnel:

Jim Edwards: trombone
Jesse Turton: bass
Andy MacPherson: percussion
John Zadro: piano

Check out:     “Stardust”