2023-2024 SEASON GUEST ARTISTS
Audrey Ochoa
Trombone and Other Delights - Sunday, October 22, 2023
Audrey Ochoa is one of Edmonton’s most prolific trombone players, playing Jazz, Rock, Pop, Latin, Punk and Sak. She studied classical trombone at the University of Alberta and has performed professionally across Canada and abroad as a member of multiple ensembles. Audrey has found a home in jazz and contemporary music composing her own tunes, which are often Latin-influenced and definitely convey her sense of humour.Audrey has worked with such jazz legends as Chris Potter, Marcus Miller, Hilario Duran, PJ Perry, Tommy Banks, Lew Tebackin, and Dan Aykroyd and the Temptations. In January 2018, Audrey’s compositions were selected to be arranged for a big band featured at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans. She performed the arrangements with the University of North Texas Lab Band. Audrey released her debut album in 2014, “Trombone and Other Delights” which spent several consecutive months on the !Earshot! Jazz Charts, eventually earning the #5 spot on the annual top 10 for 2014. She released her second album”Afterthought” with her trio in 2017. Her album Frankenhorn was released in 2020 and was an ambitious project that introduced strings in her previous configuration of trombone, piano, bass and drums, a mix of chamber music with contemporary and Latin Jazz. Audrey was the 2020 Western Canadian Music Award winner of Jazz Artist of the Year.
Trombone and Other Delights - Sunday, October 22, 2023
Audrey Ochoa is one of Edmonton’s most prolific trombone players, playing Jazz, Rock, Pop, Latin, Punk and Sak. She studied classical trombone at the University of Alberta and has performed professionally across Canada and abroad as a member of multiple ensembles. Audrey has found a home in jazz and contemporary music composing her own tunes, which are often Latin-influenced and definitely convey her sense of humour.Audrey has worked with such jazz legends as Chris Potter, Marcus Miller, Hilario Duran, PJ Perry, Tommy Banks, Lew Tebackin, and Dan Aykroyd and the Temptations. In January 2018, Audrey’s compositions were selected to be arranged for a big band featured at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans. She performed the arrangements with the University of North Texas Lab Band. Audrey released her debut album in 2014, “Trombone and Other Delights” which spent several consecutive months on the !Earshot! Jazz Charts, eventually earning the #5 spot on the annual top 10 for 2014. She released her second album”Afterthought” with her trio in 2017. Her album Frankenhorn was released in 2020 and was an ambitious project that introduced strings in her previous configuration of trombone, piano, bass and drums, a mix of chamber music with contemporary and Latin Jazz. Audrey was the 2020 Western Canadian Music Award winner of Jazz Artist of the Year.
True Generation with leader Enee Nyelele
Kwassa Kwassa: Music and Dance of the Congo - Saturday, November 11, 2023
Kwassa Kwassa: Music and Dance of the Congo - Saturday, November 11, 2023
Sean Irvine
Music of Our Time - Thursday, November 30, 2023
Toronto-based musician Sean Irvine has rapidly gained recognition as a top-tier performer, composer, and woodwind expert. Although his primary focus is on the saxophone, Irvine is also recognized as a flautist, clarinetist, and oboist. As the director and composer for the Sean Irvine 5tet, the ensemble debuted in Spring of 2020 with their album, "Sean Irvine Quintet: The Oak in Alley Chapter." Featuring exclusively original compositions, this project delves into the diverse textures of woodwinds, brass, vocals, and rhythm section instruments, bringing to life the material composed throughout seven years of Irvine's musical journey. Irvine's versatility and skill in capturing the essence and tone of various woodwind instruments have led to collaborations with artists such as Royal Canoe, David Braid, Derrick Gardner, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. In live performances, Irvine has accompanied renowned acts like the Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Ron Paley Big Band, Jeff Presslaff Septet, Papa Mambo, Kiko Freitas, Jon Gordon, Jimmy Greene, and Scotty Barnhart. In addition to his work as a session musician, he plays significant roles in projects such as the Winnipeg Jazz Collective, Still Crazy: Paul Simon's Tribute, Big City All Stars Band, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
Music of Our Time - Thursday, November 30, 2023
Toronto-based musician Sean Irvine has rapidly gained recognition as a top-tier performer, composer, and woodwind expert. Although his primary focus is on the saxophone, Irvine is also recognized as a flautist, clarinetist, and oboist. As the director and composer for the Sean Irvine 5tet, the ensemble debuted in Spring of 2020 with their album, "Sean Irvine Quintet: The Oak in Alley Chapter." Featuring exclusively original compositions, this project delves into the diverse textures of woodwinds, brass, vocals, and rhythm section instruments, bringing to life the material composed throughout seven years of Irvine's musical journey. Irvine's versatility and skill in capturing the essence and tone of various woodwind instruments have led to collaborations with artists such as Royal Canoe, David Braid, Derrick Gardner, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. In live performances, Irvine has accompanied renowned acts like the Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Ron Paley Big Band, Jeff Presslaff Septet, Papa Mambo, Kiko Freitas, Jon Gordon, Jimmy Greene, and Scotty Barnhart. In addition to his work as a session musician, he plays significant roles in projects such as the Winnipeg Jazz Collective, Still Crazy: Paul Simon's Tribute, Big City All Stars Band, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
Helen White
Elvis and the Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Seasoned jazz singer and pianist Helen White enjoys performing in every location - whether it's a big glitzy show in a theatre with an 8-piece band; an outdoor patio as a duo; or in a hotel lounge or casino playing solo. She is a regular at all the main jazz venues in Winnipeg and has been delighted to be a guest artist with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra many times. White has recorded three full-length studio albums (two of original material) and in 2022 will be recording her much-awaited next jazz album! With a Masters in Jazz Performance (U of M, Canada) and a BA Hons in Creative Music Sound Technology and Performance (ARU, Cambridge, UK), White taught vocals and piano for two decades but is now concentrating on her performing. Recently, White joined a 6-piece rock band called "Rock The House" who specialize in 60s - 90s rock. They perform in legions, bars and at festivals and showcases all over the province and are tremendous fun to be a part of!
Elvis and the Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Seasoned jazz singer and pianist Helen White enjoys performing in every location - whether it's a big glitzy show in a theatre with an 8-piece band; an outdoor patio as a duo; or in a hotel lounge or casino playing solo. She is a regular at all the main jazz venues in Winnipeg and has been delighted to be a guest artist with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra many times. White has recorded three full-length studio albums (two of original material) and in 2022 will be recording her much-awaited next jazz album! With a Masters in Jazz Performance (U of M, Canada) and a BA Hons in Creative Music Sound Technology and Performance (ARU, Cambridge, UK), White taught vocals and piano for two decades but is now concentrating on her performing. Recently, White joined a 6-piece rock band called "Rock The House" who specialize in 60s - 90s rock. They perform in legions, bars and at festivals and showcases all over the province and are tremendous fun to be a part of!
Quinn Greene
Elvis and The Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Quinn is an actor and comedian born in Manitoba, raised in the less-than-a-hamlet called Moosehorn and lulled through his 20s in Winnipeg. Having worked in Winnipeg’s film and television community he’s done everything from cold hard gripping to directing hordes of rapping kids. He’s performed in theatre, television, and film as everything from a surfing chimp, to an accidental vampire, to a giant booger and of course The Grinch. He currently works as a creative ninja with Wasteland Productions.
Elvis and The Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Quinn is an actor and comedian born in Manitoba, raised in the less-than-a-hamlet called Moosehorn and lulled through his 20s in Winnipeg. Having worked in Winnipeg’s film and television community he’s done everything from cold hard gripping to directing hordes of rapping kids. He’s performed in theatre, television, and film as everything from a surfing chimp, to an accidental vampire, to a giant booger and of course The Grinch. He currently works as a creative ninja with Wasteland Productions.
Dave Greene
Elvis and The Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Quinn Greene's father, Dave is a local Elvis impersonator who is sure to add Elvis' sneer and velvety voice to the concert.
Elvis and The Grinch-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Quinn Greene's father, Dave is a local Elvis impersonator who is sure to add Elvis' sneer and velvety voice to the concert.
Larry Roy
Reelin' In The Years: A Tribute To Steely Dan - Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24, 2024
Larry Roy is a long-time fixture of the Winnipeg music scene, and is the city's first-call jazz guitarist. He is also a busy recording engineer with his own studio, and is a sought-after composer and arranger. Within the faculty, he teaches Jazz Improvisation.
Roy has performed with internationally-renowned jazz artists Jimmy Greene, George Colligan, Terreon Gully, Miguel Zenon, Marcus Printup, Nicholas Payton, Bobby Hutcherson, Roy Hargrove, Terri Lyne Carrington, as well as popular music icons Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Roger Hodgson. Roy also performs regularly with The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The Oceanic Jazz Orchestra, Quincy Davis, Derrick Gardner, Will Bonness and Juno-nominated vocalist Erin Propp. He was a Juno nominee in 2014 for Best Jazz Vocal Album along with Erin Propp.
Reelin' In The Years: A Tribute To Steely Dan - Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24, 2024
Larry Roy is a long-time fixture of the Winnipeg music scene, and is the city's first-call jazz guitarist. He is also a busy recording engineer with his own studio, and is a sought-after composer and arranger. Within the faculty, he teaches Jazz Improvisation.
Roy has performed with internationally-renowned jazz artists Jimmy Greene, George Colligan, Terreon Gully, Miguel Zenon, Marcus Printup, Nicholas Payton, Bobby Hutcherson, Roy Hargrove, Terri Lyne Carrington, as well as popular music icons Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Roger Hodgson. Roy also performs regularly with The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The Oceanic Jazz Orchestra, Quincy Davis, Derrick Gardner, Will Bonness and Juno-nominated vocalist Erin Propp. He was a Juno nominee in 2014 for Best Jazz Vocal Album along with Erin Propp.
Leonard Shaw
Reelin' In The Years: A Tribute To Steely Dan - Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24, 2024
Multi-instrumentalist Leonard Shaw’s music spans the genres from blues to R & B to jazz to funk to rock, and has been plying his keyboard-saxophone-vocalizing & flute talents all over the U.S. Since 1990 with the touring version of The Guess Who. A graduate of Grant MacEwan Music College in Edmonton , Shaw began his career in Winnipeg with the seminal rock/funk horn based Mojo and the Nighthawks in the late 60’s, then in the early 70's experimenting in Free Jazz with the Dale Russell Music Ensemble at the Ting Tea Room, before grooving up to Junior Barnes and the Cadillacs. In Toronto he played with Backstreet, and Ian Thomas, Ian Hunter, Terry Crawford and the late Dianne Heatherington. Both in Toronto and in Winnipeg on the casino’s mainstage, Shaw has been sought after as a sideman for numerous artists including Bo Diddley, Del Shannon, Ben E. King, Peter Noone, Mark Lindsey, Lesley Gore, Sue Medley, Freddie Cannon, The Marvellettes, The Crystals, The Coasters, the Drifters and Jay and the Techniques. His CD “Living Room” displays the wide range of styles from jazz to blues and pop that he is known for. Leonard’s second CD is “Barely Blue”: a broadcast recording for CBC features the Hammond B 3 organ - features two former sidemen with Lennie Breau; Ron Halldorson (guitar) and Reg Kelln; (drums) as well as Gilles Fournier (bass). The Lewsh Project is an all original collaboration of music written with Sandy Chochinov and Dave Garber that reaches back to his inspirational blues roots. Around Winnipeg you may have caught Shaw rocking' out 16 years of Sunday Nights at the Kings Head Pub ; or jazz and blues in a duo or trio; or with The Ministers of Cool performing the music of Steely Dan and other great grooves.
Reelin' In The Years: A Tribute To Steely Dan - Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24, 2024
Multi-instrumentalist Leonard Shaw’s music spans the genres from blues to R & B to jazz to funk to rock, and has been plying his keyboard-saxophone-vocalizing & flute talents all over the U.S. Since 1990 with the touring version of The Guess Who. A graduate of Grant MacEwan Music College in Edmonton , Shaw began his career in Winnipeg with the seminal rock/funk horn based Mojo and the Nighthawks in the late 60’s, then in the early 70's experimenting in Free Jazz with the Dale Russell Music Ensemble at the Ting Tea Room, before grooving up to Junior Barnes and the Cadillacs. In Toronto he played with Backstreet, and Ian Thomas, Ian Hunter, Terry Crawford and the late Dianne Heatherington. Both in Toronto and in Winnipeg on the casino’s mainstage, Shaw has been sought after as a sideman for numerous artists including Bo Diddley, Del Shannon, Ben E. King, Peter Noone, Mark Lindsey, Lesley Gore, Sue Medley, Freddie Cannon, The Marvellettes, The Crystals, The Coasters, the Drifters and Jay and the Techniques. His CD “Living Room” displays the wide range of styles from jazz to blues and pop that he is known for. Leonard’s second CD is “Barely Blue”: a broadcast recording for CBC features the Hammond B 3 organ - features two former sidemen with Lennie Breau; Ron Halldorson (guitar) and Reg Kelln; (drums) as well as Gilles Fournier (bass). The Lewsh Project is an all original collaboration of music written with Sandy Chochinov and Dave Garber that reaches back to his inspirational blues roots. Around Winnipeg you may have caught Shaw rocking' out 16 years of Sunday Nights at the Kings Head Pub ; or jazz and blues in a duo or trio; or with The Ministers of Cool performing the music of Steely Dan and other great grooves.