WINTER JAZZ

Streaming concerts to chase away the winter blues

Coastal Jazz and Blues Society announces Winter Jazz, the annual free celebration at Performance Works on Granville Island. This year’s edition takes place February 19, 20, and 21, as live-streamed, online performances. In the tradition of Winter Jazz festivals past, events will be available free of charge.

Friday, February 19, at 8pm PST/11:00pm EST

DJ Kookum with Sierra Baker
Missy D

Kookum is an Indigenous DJ and videographer from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Cold Lake First Nations, their maternal Denesuline traditional territory. Based in Vancouver, Kookum has been making a name for themself across the country and here at home. Kookum is an open format DJ but grew up listening to EDM and Hip Hop music.

Sierra Tasi Baker is an award-winning Squamish Nation, Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Tlingit, Haida, and Hungarian designer, community consultant, entrepreneur, artist, and storyteller. Sierra is a trained contemporary dancer with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts. Sierra began performing as a professional fire and circus performance artist in 2013, starting the process of combining circus arts and contemporary dance with Coastal values, material culture, and protocols.

Saturday, February 20

Jamie Lee Trio 12:30 pm & 1:40pm PST /3:30pm & 4:40pm EST

Jamie Lee Trio is a Vancouver-based jazz piano trio led by drummer and composer Jamie Lee. Formed during their time at Capilano University, the trio plays genre-defying original music inspired by exploring soundscapes and painting melodic stories. Grounded in Jamie’s intricate compositions, the trio brings narratives to life through explosive improvisation and nuanced interplay.

Bruno Hubert Trio with Brad Turner 3:45pm & 4:55pm PST / 6:45pm & 7:55pm EST

A native of Maniwaki Quebec Bruno started to play drums in his first rock band at the age of 14, playing rock music in local bars and in the town marching band. His plans to become a professional drummer were soon derailed when college requirements obliged him to study piano. With a deep sense of swing and beguiling melodic lines evocative of Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans, he pilots medley-like journeys through jazz standards, soul, rock, and pop-influenced pieces.

Brad Turner’s phenomenal talents as a trumpeter, pianist, drummer and composer make him one of Canada’s most in-demand and highly esteemed musicians. As a leader, Brad has released seven albums, six as a trumpeter with his quartet, and one as a pianist with his trio.

Saturday, February 20, at 8pm PST / 11:00pm EST

Gordon Grdina Trio

Gordon Grdina is a JUNO Award winning oud/guitarist whose career has spanned continents, decades and constant genre exploration throughout avant-garde jazz, free form improvisation, contemporary indie rock and Arabic music. His singular approach to the instruments has earned him recognition from the highest ranks of the jazz/improv world.

Sunday, February 21

Alvaro Rojas’s Gran Kasa 12:30 pm & 1:40pm PST/ 3:30pm & 4:40pm EST

Alvaro Rojas is an award-winning guitarist and composer based in Vancouver. As a guitarist he performs regularly with his trio, as well with other local artists in the pop, rock, jazz and improvised music communities.

Gran Kasa, his latest project, features an all-star lineup of Canadian musicians from the jazz, improv, and world music scenes. Gran Kasa combines elements of Afro-Peruvian rhythm and form with Rojas’ own unique approach to melody, harmony, texture, and sound, resulting in forward-thinking music that puts old and new together in a thrilling sonic experience.

Dalannah Gail Bowen  3:45pm & 4:55pm PST / 6:45pm & 7:55pm EST

There are many faces and personalities to Vancouver-based blues singer Dalannah Gail Bowen. All of those personalities have something in common—a spark, joy, determination, and a fire inside. Born of African Canadian and Cherokee heritage, Dalannah has been making blues, rock, and soul music for over 40 years.

To reserve your free ticket for each concert visit: www.coastaljazz.ca