Trombone Charlotte
March 31 @ 5:00 PM

Trombone Charlotte - Trombone / Vocals
Jared Higgins - Guitar
Max Simpson - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

A force in the city’s jazz scene since 2016, Charlotte has spent nearly a decade crafting her sound as both a sideman and star. Since stepping into the spotlight in 2021, she’s led high-energy ensembles across Canada’s top stages — Toronto Jazz Festival, Kensington Market Jazz Festival, Port Hope, Mont Tremblant, and a knockout appearance at Massey Hall’s Women’s Blues Revue where she belted out originals that brought the house down.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
march 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Axiomatic Heresy
April 1 @ 5:00 PM

Jonathan Kay - Saxes
Kayla Milmine - Saxes
Nick Fraser - Drums
Alex Fournier - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Axiomatic Heresy is a cordless trio led by saxophonist Jonathan Kay, rooted in a diagrammatic approach to reworking traditional materials through  free (jazz) improvisation. Drawing on the spiritual and avant-garde lineages of Albert Ayler, Don Cherry, John/Alice Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, Jimmy Lyons, Julius Hemphill and Ornette Coleman, the project treats these repertoires as living frameworks for collective exploration rather than fixed texts. The core quartet features Jonathan Kay (saxophones), Nick Fraser (drums), and Alex Fournier (bass), with rotating guest saxophonists including Kayla Milmine, Andrew Kay, and Reagan Mitchell, creating an open, volatile sound-world where structure and rupture continually reconfigure one another.

Doug Wilde’s Wilderness Ensemble
April 1 @ 8:00 PM

Colleen Allen – Saxes,
Eric St-Laurent – Guitar,
Henry Heillig – Bass,
Charlie Cooley – Drums,
Doug Wilde – Keys.

Doug Wilde’s Wilderness Ensemble 

The Wilderness Ensemble was formed in 2024 to perform the music of Doug Wilde.  All members of the group, which features players from Toronto’s A list of jazz musicians,  have been recording with Doug for many years. While Doug has spent most of his  professional life in Toronto as a composer, he is probably best known as the principal  composer, music director, and keyboard player for the Canadian world/ jazz /fusion  ensemble Manteca. When Doug writes, a distinctive voice is evident – harmonically rich  and melodic, yet idiosyncratic and at times quirky. This voice can be heard on jazz  recordings under his own name (with the members of the Wilderness ensemble) – Secret  Places and Rhymes with Reason, and in his work with Manteca – Monday Night at The  Mensa Disco, The Twelfth of Never, Augmented Indifference, and The Offspring Project. The Ensemble features Colleen Allen – Saxes, Eric St-Laurent – Guitar, Henry Heillig – Bass, Charlie Cooley – Drums, and Doug Wilde – Keys.

The Lester McLean Band
April 2 @ 5:00 pm

Lester Mclean - Vocals / Saxophone
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Nikku Nayar - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Lester McLean is a native of Toronto, Ontario and has been active on the city’s busy music scene since the early 90’s. He studied jazz as a saxophonist while earning a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications and Sociology at York University. Although he performed as a lead vocalist in high school, he resumed singing with a serious focus in the late 90’s. The instrumental funk-fusion band The Colour of Soul was the first outlet for McLean’s songwriting and under his leadership the band recorded and released 3 Independent records in 1998, 1999, and 2002 respectively.

The next endeavour was The Lester McLean Trio featuring Lester on lead vocals and Soprano Sax, Juno award winning and nationally recognized Michael Occhipinti on acoustic guitar, and multi-instrumentalist Louis Simao on upright acoustic bass. The trio released a full-length CD entitled “Best Foot Forward” in 2005. Drummer Mark McLean guests on a few tracks. The disc features a collection of covers and originals, 5 of which were penned by Lester.

Fast forwarding to 2009, the band went into John “Beetle” Bailey’s Drive Shed Studio for sessions that resulted in the 2011 release “Lester McLean – LM: 4, 3,2,1” which features 12 originals all penned by McLean and 3 covers. LM: 4,3,2,1 continues to demonstrate Lester’s versatility with a wide array of musical styles and genres, great melodies, thoughtful lyrics, ear catching grooves, thick harmonies, and the soulful, eclectic sound that defines Lester McLean’s listening tastes and talents.

Since the release of Lester McLean – LM: 4, 3,2,1, Lester has expanded his already wide array of talents by taking up congas, djembe, and other percussive instruments which has increased his demand as a freelance artist. When the tribute band Elton Rohn came calling in 2013, Lester answered and is the 7th member of the group on Saxes, percussion, and backing vocals. This is a role that he enjoys and it shows.

Fast forwarding to March 2014, Lester again found himself in the studio with his long-time friend and former Colour of Soul band mate bassist/producer “jk” to start the sessions that what would become “A Mostly A Cappella Christmas” released in December 2014. This album was a collection of original compositions and the culmination of a long-time dream come true.

If all of these qualities are not enough, Lester’s skills a musician are complimented by his dynamic stage presence. His drive and passion for music and live performance show no signs of diminishing.

Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
april 2, 3, 4 @ 8:00 PM

Kevin Breit - Guitar
John Johnson - Tenor Saxophone
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Perry White - Tenor Saxophone
Tyler Emond - Bass
Garth Breit - Drums

Brighter Days is the brainchild of guitarist Kevin Breit . The repertoire is culled from Breit’s extensive recorded past and features three of Canada’s best tenor saxophonists, John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale. Rounding out the ensemble is bassist, Tyler Emond and drummer, Garth Breit. Collectively they have recorded and toured with many artists.

Breit has collaborated in numerous bands and recorded albums as a leader. He has won a Juno Award. Breit is the leader of the quartet Sisters Euclid, comprising Breit, Ian DeSouza, Gary Taylor and Rob Gusevs. Sisters Euclid earned a Juno Award in 2007. In 2006, they released an instrumental jazz fusion album of Neil Young songs entitled Run Neil Run. Breit is a member of The Stretch Orchestra with fellow “quite tall” musicians Matt Brubeck and drummer Jesse Stewart. Their self-titled recording won a Juno Award in 2012 for Best Instrumental Album. Breit is a member of the folk group Folkalarm and  is part of the Neon Eagle band which played at The Rex, a jazz club located in Toronto, in 2023. He has played and toured with musicians such as Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones.

JV's Bugaloo Squad
April 3 @ 5:00 PM

Joel Visentin - Organ
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more. 

Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
april 2, 3, 4 @ 8:00 PM

Kevin Breit - Guitar
John Johnson - Tenor Saxophone
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Perry White - Tenor Saxophone
Tyler Emond - Bass
Garth Breit - Drums

Brighter Days is the brainchild of guitarist Kevin Breit . The repertoire is culled from Breit’s extensive recorded past and features three of Canada’s best tenor saxophonists, John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale. Rounding out the ensemble is bassist, Tyler Emond and drummer, Garth Breit. Collectively they have recorded and toured with many artists.

Breit has collaborated in numerous bands and recorded albums as a leader. He has won a Juno Award. Breit is the leader of the quartet Sisters Euclid, comprising Breit, Ian DeSouza, Gary Taylor and Rob Gusevs. Sisters Euclid earned a Juno Award in 2007. In 2006, they released an instrumental jazz fusion album of Neil Young songs entitled Run Neil Run. Breit is a member of The Stretch Orchestra with fellow “quite tall” musicians Matt Brubeck and drummer Jesse Stewart. Their self-titled recording won a Juno Award in 2012 for Best Instrumental Album. Breit is a member of the folk group Folkalarm and  is part of the Neon Eagle band which played at The Rex, a jazz club located in Toronto, in 2023. He has played and toured with musicians such as Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones.

Brigadeiros Trio
April 3 @ 11:00 pm

Andrew Frost - Guitar / Lapsteel 

Bret Higgins - Upright Bass 

Jon Hyde - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Brigadeiros is where desert twang meets tropical sway, where 60’s soul grooves  collide with Hawaiian sweetness and the infectious fire of Cuban mambos.  Fronted by guitarist Andrew Frost, gliding effortlessly between electric guitar and  lap steel, the band crafts instrumental stories that feel both nostalgic and boldly  fresh.  

With Bret Higgins laying down warm, melodic bass lines and Pat Phillips driving the rhythm with deep pocket and easy swing, Brigadeiros creates music  full of character and atmosphere. It’s lounge-ready, road-trip friendly, and dance floor curious—music for late nights, open roads, and listeners who like their  grooves with a little mystery.

York University Oscar Peterson Jazz Scholarship Ensemble
April 4 @ 5:00 pm

Directed by: Mike Cado
Elan McMurray - Vocals
Thales Hunter - Guitar
Sneh Sachidananda- Piano
Evita Lalonde - Bass
Alex Pazzano - drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
april 2, 3, 4 @ 8:00 PM

Kevin Breit - Guitar
John Johnson - Tenor Saxophone
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Perry White - Tenor Saxophone
Tyler Emond - Bass
Garth Breit - Drums

Brighter Days is the brainchild of guitarist Kevin Breit . The repertoire is culled from Breit’s extensive recorded past and features three of Canada’s best tenor saxophonists, John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale. Rounding out the ensemble is bassist, Tyler Emond and drummer, Garth Breit. Collectively they have recorded and toured with many artists.

Breit has collaborated in numerous bands and recorded albums as a leader. He has won a Juno Award. Breit is the leader of the quartet Sisters Euclid, comprising Breit, Ian DeSouza, Gary Taylor and Rob Gusevs. Sisters Euclid earned a Juno Award in 2007. In 2006, they released an instrumental jazz fusion album of Neil Young songs entitled Run Neil Run. Breit is a member of The Stretch Orchestra with fellow “quite tall” musicians Matt Brubeck and drummer Jesse Stewart. Their self-titled recording won a Juno Award in 2012 for Best Instrumental Album. Breit is a member of the folk group Folkalarm and  is part of the Neon Eagle band which played at The Rex, a jazz club located in Toronto, in 2023. He has played and toured with musicians such as Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones.

Nick Fraser 50th Birthday April 4th @ 11:00 PM

Nick Fraser - Drums
Tony Malaby - Saxophones
Ben Monder - Guitar

Cover at the door
$20 CAD

Nick Fraser (drums): has been an active and engaging presence in Canadian music for over 30 years. He has worked with a veritable “who’s who” of Canadian jazz and improvised music and with such international artists as Tony Malaby, Kris Davis, Marilyn Crispell, Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, and William Parker. Nick’s recorded works as a leader include Owls in Daylight (1997), Towns and Villages (2013), If There Were No Opposites (2021), Farahser (2024), and Areas (2026). For 10 years, he co-led the co-operative group Drumheller, who released four critically acclaimed recordings between 2005 and 2013. Other projects that occupy Nick regularly are the Florian Hoefner Trio, his duo with John Kameel Farah, Ugly Beauties, Peripheral Vision, the Lina Allemano Four, and Titanium Riot.

“Fraser not so much plays the drums as hurls himself whole body and soul against skin and metal… truly talented.” Bill Stunt, CBC Radio

“The Toronto drummer is perhaps a little too progressive for the hidebound Canadian scene… Fraser is a deft and sensitive percussionist with a hint of an enigmatic streak, a feeling for economical gestures, and an innate sense of form.” Mark Miller, The Globe & Mail

Tony Malaby (saxophone): was born in Tucson, Arizona. He moved to New York City in 1995 and played with several notable jazz groups, including Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band, Mark Helias's Open Loose, and Fred Hersch's Trio + 2. He also played with bands led by Mario Pavone, Chris Lightcap, Bobby Previte, Tom Varner, Marty Ehrlich, Angelica Sanchez, Mark Dresser, and Kenny Wheeler. Other collaborators include Tom Rainey, Ben Monder, Eivind Opsvik, Nasheet Waits, and Michael Formanek. The New York Times has called him one "of the best players of their generation."

Ben Monder (guitar): A musician in the New York City area for over 30 years, Ben Monder has performed with a wide variety of artists, including Jack McDuff, Marc Johnson, Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Paul Motian, Guillermo Klein, Maria Schneider, and Marshall Crenshaw. He also contributed guitar parts to the last David Bowie album, “Blackstar”. Ben conducts clinics and workshops around the world, and has served on the faculties of the New England Conservatory, NYU and the New School. He was the recipient of a Doris Duke Impact Award in 2014, and a Shifting Foundation grant in 2013. Ben continues to perform original music internationally in solo and trio settings, and in a long standing duo project with vocalist Theo Bleckmann. He has appeared on over 200 CDs as a sideman, and has released 8 as a leader.

Global Sunday Lightstone, Katz and Koller
April 5 @ 2:00 PM

Jonno Lighstone - Clarinet
Brian Katz - Guitar
George Koller - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jonno Lightstone is regarded as one of Toronto's finest klezmer  musicians. A clarinetist, equally at home on flute and saxophone, he  is a multi-faceted musician whose projects, however eclectic, always  reveal his passion for klezmer and his thorough knowledge of the  

idiom. He is the leader of the Yiddish Swingtet, a trio whose music  runs the gamut from traditional Eastern European klezmer to  American jazz and swing. He founded Hu tsa tsa, a traditional  klezmer group with a chamber music aesthetic and has performed  klezmer music to the R & B grooves of Matzo Ball Gumbo.  Klezmology, a group dedicated to exploring the interface between  klezmer music and free improvisation is a partnership with renowned  saxophonist David Mott, and drummer Nick Fraser. In collaboration with guitarist Brian Katz, the duo Lightstone / Katz explores rarely  performed klezmer repertoire, creating a variety of diverse moods by  weaving together klezmer melodies with the sounds and textures of  chamber music, modal jazz, Indian raga, and blues. 

Lightstone has produced and played on a number of CDs 

including, Hu Tsa Tsa’s Well Tempered Klezmorim, The Hot Latkes' Eine Kleine Klezmer Muzik, Matzo Ball Gumbo’s Peyes Up Front, and  The Yiddish Swingtet’s Shul Days. He has performed with the touring  Broadway show Evita, Zalman Mlotek’s Soul to Soul and has played  at many festivals including: Ashkenaz, The Distillery Jazz Festival,  Toronto Jazz Festival and, Caribana. 

A much sought after teacher, he teaches privately at Royal St.  George College and has led klezmer workshops at Lakefield Music,  CAMMAC and Klezkanada. He has coached award-winning  ensembles and is the musical director of Klezkonnection, Canada’s  largest community klezmer orchestra. He holds a Masters Degree in  Ethnomusicology from York University. 

Nick Fraser 50th Birthday April 5th @ 8:00 PM

Nick Fraser - Drums
Tony Malaby - Saxophones
Ben Monder - Guitar

Nick Fraser (drums): has been an active and engaging presence in Canadian music for over 30 years. He has worked with a veritable “who’s who” of Canadian jazz and improvised music and with such international artists as Tony Malaby, Kris Davis, Marilyn Crispell, Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, and William Parker. Nick’s recorded works as a leader include Owls in Daylight (1997), Towns and Villages (2013), If There Were No Opposites (2021), Farahser (2024), and Areas (2026). For 10 years, he co-led the co-operative group Drumheller, who released four critically acclaimed recordings between 2005 and 2013. Other projects that occupy Nick regularly are the Florian Hoefner Trio, his duo with John Kameel Farah, Ugly Beauties, Peripheral Vision, the Lina Allemano Four, and Titanium Riot.

“Fraser not so much plays the drums as hurls himself whole body and soul against skin and metal… truly talented.” Bill Stunt, CBC Radio

“The Toronto drummer is perhaps a little too progressive for the hidebound Canadian scene… Fraser is a deft and sensitive percussionist with a hint of an enigmatic streak, a feeling for economical gestures, and an innate sense of form.” Mark Miller, The Globe & Mail

Tony Malaby (saxophone): was born in Tucson, Arizona. He moved to New York City in 1995 and played with several notable jazz groups, including Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band, Mark Helias's Open Loose, and Fred Hersch's Trio + 2. He also played with bands led by Mario Pavone, Chris Lightcap, Bobby Previte, Tom Varner, Marty Ehrlich, Angelica Sanchez, Mark Dresser, and Kenny Wheeler. Other collaborators include Tom Rainey, Ben Monder, Eivind Opsvik, Nasheet Waits, and Michael Formanek. The New York Times has called him one "of the best players of their generation."

Ben Monder (guitar): A musician in the New York City area for over 30 years, Ben Monder has performed with a wide variety of artists, including Jack McDuff, Marc Johnson, Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Paul Motian, Guillermo Klein, Maria Schneider, and Marshall Crenshaw. He also contributed guitar parts to the last David Bowie album, “Blackstar”. Ben conducts clinics and workshops around the world, and has served on the faculties of the New England Conservatory, NYU and the New School. He was the recipient of a Doris Duke Impact Award in 2014, and a Shifting Foundation grant in 2013. Ben continues to perform original music internationally in solo and trio settings, and in a long standing duo project with vocalist Theo Bleckmann. He has appeared on over 200 CDs as a sideman, and has released 8 as a leader.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
April 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Jim Gelcer Trio featuring Reg Schwager and George Koller
April 8 @ 5:00 PM

Jim Gelcer - Drums / Vocals
Reg Schwager - Guitar
George Koller - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jim Gelcer is a singing drummer and multiple chart topping recording artist, hailed  as “a hidden jewel in the Canadian jazz landscape” who sings with “a purity of  tone, a resonant vocal aesthetic and a deeply embedded rhythmic sensibility,” and  sounds “like Chet Baker, with edge.” He is at home in an eclectic range of genres,  from jazz and rock to klezmer and new age, and an accomplished film and  television composer. His recording "Jim and Paul Play Glenn and Ludwig" hit #1 in  Canada on both the jazz and classical charts. “Melodies Pure and True” with Reg  Schwager (guitar) and George Koller (bass) was hailed by many, including CBC  and JAZZ.FM91 as a great recording.

Nancy Walker (Four in One - Celebrating Thelonius Monk)
April 8, 9, 10, 11 @ 8:00 PM

Nancy Walker - piano

Pat LaBarbera - saxophone

Dan Fortin - bass

Ethan Ardelli - drums

Plumbing the depths of Thelonious Monk’s canon is the Toronto-based quartet ‘Four In One’.  The group is comprised of pianist Nancy Walker, saxophone legend Pat LaBarbera, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli. 

Nancy Walker (Four in One - Celebrating Thelonius Monk)
April 8, 9, 10, 11 @ 8:00 PM

Nancy Walker - piano

Pat LaBarbera - saxophone

Dan Fortin - bass

Ethan Ardelli - drums

Plumbing the depths of Thelonious Monk’s canon is the Toronto-based quartet ‘Four In One’.  The group is comprised of pianist Nancy Walker, saxophone legend Pat LaBarbera, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli. 

Nancy Walker (Four in One - Celebrating Thelonius Monk)
April 8, 9, 10, 11 @ 8:00 PM

Nancy Walker - piano

Pat LaBarbera - saxophone

Dan Fortin - bass

Ethan Ardelli - drums

Plumbing the depths of Thelonious Monk’s canon is the Toronto-based quartet ‘Four In One’.  The group is comprised of pianist Nancy Walker, saxophone legend Pat LaBarbera, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli. 

Andy Scott
April 10 @ 11:00 PM

Andy Scott - Guitar
Taylor Maslin - Saxophone
Nathan Tran Piano
Jonathan Meyer - Bass
Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

As a musician, writer, journalist, and arts educator, Andrew Scott’s work has impacted many aspects of the educational, and creative arts and culture space in Canada and beyond for nearly three decades. 

A jazz guitarist, Andrew has worked as an in-demand side person, led his own bands with a focus on classic jazz repertoire, and performed and recorded with such musicians as Bernie Senensky, Dan Block, Harry Allen, Grant Stewart, Jim Clayton (The Clayton/Scott Group), Ben Paterson, Randy Sandke, and Jon-Erik Kellso for such labels as Cellar Live, Marshmallow, Boomtang, and Sackville Records. 

Andrew has performed for members of the House of Lords, international dignitaries, and two former Canadian Prime Ministers. 

His latest album, Horizon Song with Kelsley Grant, Amanda Tosoff, Neil Swainson, and Order of Canada winner Terry Clarke was released on Cellar Live records in 2024. 

Andrew’s guitar playing and compositions are featured on saxophonist’s Alex Dean’s 2025 album Put it There by Bari-ed Alive (Sony/Cornerstone Records). 

Andrew has committed himself to learning from the elders of this music and has enjoyed meaningful musical relationships with the late drummer Archie Alleyne—for whom he worked as side musician, music director of Alleyne’s Evolution of Jazz Ensemble, and co-composer of “Syncopation: Life in the Key of Black”—and the nonagenarian pianist Gene DiNovi, with whom Andrew has recorded three albums. 

Andrew’s music has been heard internationally in film and television (“Pretend We’re Kissing,” “Once a Thief,” CBC’s “The Border” and “Kim’s Convenience”), and his writing about music has appeared in Downbeat Magazine, Wax Poetics, CODA (where he was the final Managing Editor), Jazz Research Journal, the Havurah Journal, We Jazz, the Humber Literary Review, the Journal of Popular Music Studies, and in more than one hundred sets of jazz liner notes. 

In 2024, Andrew was the principal researcher, essayist, and Associate Producer of an archival release of a 1972 recording from the famed American jazz organist Jack McDuff.

Andrew has also worked as an independent juror and consultant for the Toronto Arts Foundation and as a public educator was an invited lecturer for the Hot Docs “Curious Minds” speaker series, where he presented a six-part series entitled “Nights to Remember: The Great Concerts,” and Anthems: Six Songs That Shaped the World We Live In) for The Speakers Annex in 2025.

Andrew is frequently called upon to speak to such media outlets as the Globe & Mail, Now Toronto, CTV, the Canadian Press and others on topical issues and various events in the world of music, arts, and culture. 

His comedic writing regularly appears on such humour platforms as The Haven, The Daily Drunk, MuddyUm, and The Toronto Harold where it garners between multiple hundreds and more than 11K online views, and his poetry has been anthologized by Alien Buddha Press (Alien Buddha Zine #58, Alien Buddha Zine #66, the chapbook Resist the Zeitgeist and in the compilation publication Best of 2024).  

Having earned his PhD from York University, Andrew has lectured at universities and conferences across North America (NYU, Kent State, McGill, York University, Western University, the University of Guelph) and has enjoyed a long professional relationship with Humber College, where he is a Professor and the Program Co-ordinator of the Bachelor of Music Program. In this capacity Andrew has taught, administered, advised, and mentored thousands of students.  

Andrew was the former Associate Dean and Acting Dean of Humber’s School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he oversaw and administratively stewarded multiple music programs, as well as creative writing, arts administration, theatre, and comedy faculties. 

At Humber, Andrew has been recognized for his professional efforts, earning the “Administrative Distinguished Service” Award for valued administrative leadership in 2021, and being named a “Champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” for contributing to an environmental scan with the Humber EDI Taskforce in 2022. 

As of 2025, Andrew has been involved with numerous research projects that have received nearly $1,000,000 of federal funding through SSHRC and other research granting bodies. Currently, Andrew is a part of a SSHRC Partnership Development project with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University entitled: “The show must go on: Supporting Canadian professional musicians” that examines employment issues surrounding professional musicians in Canada.

Andrew is the recipient of The Toronto Musician’s Association (Local 149) “Music Educator of the Year” (2024).

Nancy Walker (Four in One - Celebrating Thelonius Monk)
April 8, 9, 10, 11 @ 8:00 PM

Nancy Walker - piano

Pat LaBarbera - saxophone

Dan Fortin - bass

Ethan Ardelli - drums

Plumbing the depths of Thelonious Monk’s canon is the Toronto-based quartet ‘Four In One’.  The group is comprised of pianist Nancy Walker, saxophone legend Pat LaBarbera, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli. 

Jonathan Scott: Backbeat Everything
April 11 @ 11:00 PM

Jonathan Scott - Drums 

Nathan Scott - Bass 

Suho Lee - Guitar 

Gianluca Occhipinti - Piano 

Atcheleh Aryee - Trumpet & Flugel Horn 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jonathan Scott is back again this spring at the Rex! He wants to share some of his favourite backbeats with everyone on Saturday April 11 at 10:30PM! He’s backed by his Band–Nathan Scott (His older brother) on Bass, Gianluca Occhipinti on Piano & Synth, Suho Lee on Guitar, and Atcheleh Aryee on Trumpet & Flugelhorn. Sporting a night of Contemporary Jazz Fusion, Soul, and R&B, their call to action is to backbeat everything! We hope to see you all there at the Rex this April!

Hiro Tanaka Quartet
April 13 @ 5:00 PM

Hiro Tanaka - Bass
Nathan Tran - Piano,
Joel Bracken - Tenor saxophone
Petros Anagnostakos - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hiro Tanaka is a Toronto-based bassist and composer making his mark on the city’s jazz scene. Since moving to Toronto in 2018 to study at Humber College, he has built a reputation for his rock-solid feel and commanding presence. A recipient of the Humber Bass Faculty Scholarship and the Lenny Boyd Memorial Award, Hiro is recognized for his strong sense of time and his ability to elevate any ensemble he performs with. 

The Hiro Tanaka Quartet features some of Toronto’s most distinctive voices: Nathan Tran on piano, Joel Bracken on tenor saxophone, and Petros Anagnostakos on drums. Performing beloved standards, selections from the Great American Songbook, and original compositions, the group embodies modern bebop.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
April 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Victor Bateman Trio
April 15 @ 5:00 PM

Victor Bateman - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Tim Shia - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Bassist/Vocalist Victor Bateman has been playing music in Toronto since 1981, and the Victor Bateman Trio has been an outlet for his musical interests since 1990. The trio evolved from Vektor, a quintet he led in the 80s. Vektor was an integral part of the Queen Street jazz scene. 

Victor’s experience as a working musician from the early 70s to the present day and his interest in a wide variety of musical styles are the informing features of his music practice. Although not necessarily a jazz musician per se, his attempts to sing and play jazz are well-meaning and not intended as slights. 

The trio plays a mix of original material and music from the jazz tradition, with occasional excursions into the blues and country repertoire. Their improvisatory approach hopefully breathes life into familiar material. The spirit of sonic exploration and an element of humour should also be present. We’ll see what happens. 

We’re looking forward to mixing it up and hope you choose to join us.

Brian Dickinson Big Band
April 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00 pm

John Johnson, Luis Deniz (alto saxophones) Kelly Jefferson, Jeff King, (tenor sax) Landon Vieira - Tenor Sax (April 15 and 16 )
Colleen Allen - Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet  Al Kay, Paul Tarussov, Karl Silveira and Christian Overton - Trombones
Alex Kundakioglu, Kevin Turcotte, Kae Murphy, John MacLeod and Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpets
Sam Dickinson, Pat Collins, Ted Warren and Brian Dickinson - Rhythm section

John Troy Group
April 16 @ 5:00 PM

John Troy - Woodwinds 
Gracie Singh-Yuz - Vocals 
Gianluca Occhipinti - Keyboards 
Sean Croal - Bass 
Lowel Whitty - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

JAT is a woodwind artist originally hailing from Buffalo, NY. Having pursued his musical  journey & working experience in New York City, through his passion & consistency, John  maintains an active itinerary as an entrepreneur, performer, instructor, educator, &  endorsing artist throughout the United States. John is also the owner & operator of John  Aaron Troy Entertainment, LLC, an entertainment & events company, servicing multiple  states with public & private event entertainment & planning, as well as a private lesson,  consult & coaching studio, John Troy Enterprises Inc. 

Recent professional performances include appearances with The John Brown Big  Band, Nicholas Payton, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Take 6, The Revive Big Band, Regina Carter,  Goapole, Lance Ellington, Brown Man, Sam Hill Entertainment, Atlas Band, and the Erie  Philharmonic. He has recently served as a clinician for Penn State & the North Carolina 

Arts Council. Evolving his experience & journey via touring productions of musicals &  cabaret-style shows, John has since traveled extensively as a soloist, guest artist,  servicing a variety of concerts, presentations & engagements for commercial bands,  touring bands & musicals. John is currently celebrating a string of recent original music  releases, comprising of singles & music videos, exploring his writing for electronic effects drenched Jazz | Hip-hop Organ Quintet, whilst being anchored in bop traditions. John is  also currently delighted to offer educational passions & enthusiasm to the students of  the Park School, a focused private school established in the early 20th century. John  loves when he can collaborate with greater Toronto area musicians, do not miss this show  @ The Rex, 16th, April 2026 | 5-7pm. 

Brian Dickinson Big Band
April 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00 pm

John Johnson, Luis Deniz (alto saxophones) Kelly Jefferson, Jeff King, (tenor sax) Landon Vieira - Tenor Sax (April 15 and 16 )
Colleen Allen - Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet  Al Kay, Paul Tarussov, Karl Silveira and Christian Overton - Trombones
Alex Kundakioglu, Kevin Turcotte, Kae Murphy, John MacLeod and Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpets
Sam Dickinson, Pat Collins, Ted Warren and Brian Dickinson - Rhythm section

Brian Dickinson Big Band
April 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00 pm

John Johnson, Luis Deniz (alto saxophones) Kelly Jefferson, Jeff King, (tenor sax) Landon Vieira - Tenor Sax (April 15 and 16 )
Colleen Allen - Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet  Al Kay, Paul Tarussov, Karl Silveira and Christian Overton - Trombones
Alex Kundakioglu, Kevin Turcotte, Kae Murphy, John MacLeod and Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpets
Sam Dickinson, Pat Collins, Ted Warren and Brian Dickinson - Rhythm section

Riverrun
April 18 @ 2:00 PM

Tom Richards - Piano and keyboard

Peter Lutek - Clarinet

Kae Murphy - Trumpet

Scott Peterson - Bass

Jake Oelrichs - Drums

Brandon Valdivia - Percussion

No reservations
Pay What You Can

Riverrun is a collection of some of Toronto's strongest musical personalities, led by keyboardist and composer Tom Richards. Cinematic, delving and disciplined, Riverrun cuts across stylistic boundaries and goes deep into the moment.

Kayla Ramu
April 18 @ 5:00 PM

Kayla Ramu - Vocals
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
lan Wright - Drums
Jonathan Meyer - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

JUNO-nominated Canadian jazz vocalist Kalya Ramu is a standout voice in Toronto’s jazz  scene, known for her warm, dynamic style inspired by iconic singers like Ella Fitzgerald,  Anita O'Day, and Peggy Lee. A graduate of Humber College, she has released several  acclaimed recordings—including Living in a Dream (2019) and Trio (2024)—showcasing her  strengths as both an arranger and composer. Kalya performs regularly with her ensembles  across the GTA and at international jazz venues and festivals, delivering captivating  performances and bringing a fresh perspective to classic vocal jazz.

Brian Dickinson Big Band
April 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00 pm

John Johnson, Luis Deniz (alto saxophones) Kelly Jefferson, Jeff King, (tenor sax) Landon Vieira - Tenor Sax (April 15 and 16 )
Colleen Allen - Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet  Al Kay, Paul Tarussov, Karl Silveira and Christian Overton - Trombones
Alex Kundakioglu, Kevin Turcotte, Kae Murphy, John MacLeod and Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpets
Sam Dickinson, Pat Collins, Ted Warren and Brian Dickinson - Rhythm section

Nathan Tran Quintet
April 18 @ 11:00 PM

Nathan Tran - Piano
James Griffith - Alto
Steve Carson - Tenor
Hiro Tanaka - Bass
Keith Barstow - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Nathan Tran is a Saskatoon-born pianist who lives and works in Toronto. He has studied privately with Kathleen Solose, Robi Botos, and Hilario Duran. His style as a performer and composer reflects his love for bebop, swing-era jazz, and classical music. 

The Nathan Tran Quintet was formed for Nathan’s school recitals and studio recordings. The band’s purpose is to realize his own compositions and arrangements alongside interpretations of standard jazz repertoire. Nathan’s arrangement of alto and tenor saxophones can be reminiscent of the Konitz-Marsh recordings. Working in the style of jazz, his compositions are colourful and classically structured, with influence from composers like Chopin. Attention is given to the band members’ individual styles as improvisers. 

Donné Roberts 
April 19 @ 2:00 PM

Donné Roberts - vocal & guitar
Kiiola - vocal & keyboard
Lara Martin - backup vocal
Kevin Turcotte - trumpet 
Paco Luviano - bass
Justin McHugh - drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Donné Roberts  

Two times JUNO Award Winner and Four times JUNO Award Nominee  His most current album “OYA” was nominated for JUNO Award category  Global Music Album of the the year 2022.  

In May 2024 he won the First Place at the International Songwriting  Competition in the USA. “With over 14,000 entries from over  120 countries, this award confirms Donné’s impressive creativity and  songwriting talent.”  

His success led to CBC Radio One, commissioned him to compose the theme  song for their popular morning show Fresh Air, which still runs today.  Also after Donné Roberts’ successful tour in Japan in 2022 and 2023, the ABS  TV & Radio station in Japan (ABS秋⽥放送 has commissioned him with a  Japanese singer songwriter Yukiko Tsutsui to write a theme song for one of  their radio show “Yiku Maiku” ABS秋⽥放送 https://www.akita-abs.co.jp 

He is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, music producer and music teacher. Born in  Madagascar and now lives in Toronto, Canada.  

Donné known for his consistently delivering a high quality African live music  performances and for his impressive compositions.  

He used to work as backup singer for Ace of Base (Swedish pop group) and  still collaborating with different Canadian and Japanese musicians… 

The Jay Blues Trio
April 19 @ 5:00 PM

Jwoel 'Jay Blues' Benn - Electric Guitar/Vocals

Ben Graffam - Drums 

Kyle Colasanti - Electric Bass/BG Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Jay Blues Trio are a Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto composed of Jwoel “Jay” Benn (guitar/vocals), Ben Graffam (drums) & Kyle Colesanti (Bass). The band formed in 2023 from a collective of Blues, Rnb, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking and preforming within the local scene. Channeling the styles of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago Blues, 70’s Funk, and Whirling solos with Slow Sultry Acid-Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to groove.

Fabio Ragnelli Quartet
April 19 & 20 @ 8:00 PM

Fabio Ragnelli - Drums
Dan Fortin - Bass
Michael Davidson - Vibes
Allison Au - alto

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, drummer Fabio Ragnelli is a JUNO Award-winning drummer and has been an in-demand sideman performing, recording, and touring with a number of artists over the last fifteen years. Ragnelli has toured nationally and internationally, performing at venues such as Massey Hall, Koerner Hall, Place des Arts, The 55 Bar, Cornelia St. Café, The National Arts Centre, SMOKE Jazz Club, The Cotton Club, Birldland, SF Jazz Center, The Blue Note Jazz Club, and has also performed at a number of jazz festivals including Haiti, Halmstad, Monterey, and Montreal, among others. Fabio is an Associate Professor of Jazz Drumset at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. 

Hanson Goldwin
April 20 @ 5:00 PM

Hanson Goldwin - Saxophone
Band TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hanson Goldwin is a dynamic up-and-coming saxophonist and composer making waves in the city’s music scene. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, he is currently in his fourth year at the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance program. Under the direction of renowned Toronto Jazz musicians such asKelly Jefferson, Allison Au, Jon Maharaj, and Dan Fortin in private lessons and in ensembles through the university, Hanson has honed a sound that blends tradition with modern innovation.

As both a bandleader and sideman, Hanson has performed at venues across the city, captivating audiences with his expressive improvisation and musicality. Whether leading his ensembles or contributing to diverse projects, he brings a distinct voice shaped by a deep love for the jazz and a forward-thinking approach.

Fabio Ragnelli Quartet
April 19 & 20 @ 8:00 PM

Fabio Ragnelli - Drums
Dan Fortin - Bass
Michael Davidson - Vibes
Allison Au - alto

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, drummer Fabio Ragnelli is a JUNO Award-winning drummer and has been an in-demand sideman performing, recording, and touring with a number of artists over the last fifteen years. Ragnelli has toured nationally and internationally, performing at venues such as Massey Hall, Koerner Hall, Place des Arts, The 55 Bar, Cornelia St. Café, The National Arts Centre, SMOKE Jazz Club, The Cotton Club, Birldland, SF Jazz Center, The Blue Note Jazz Club, and has also performed at a number of jazz festivals including Haiti, Halmstad, Monterey, and Montreal, among others. Fabio is an Associate Professor of Jazz Drumset at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. 

Reagan Mitchell
April 21 @ 5:00 pm

Reagan Mitchell - Saxophone

Brandon Davis -Bass
Mark Kelso -Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Reagan Mitchell, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies and his Educational Specialist’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. The transdisciplinary training in composition, performance, and educational philosophy has afforded them the space to explore the social, communal, therapeutic, political, and geographic implications of music. In addition to currently being independent scholar based in Toronto, ON, Reagan was an Associate Professor (2019-2025) in the Division of Liberal Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and prior was the A. Lindsay O’Connor Endowed Visiting Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Colgate University (2017-2019). Reagan has freelanced as a saxophonist, composer, and arranger in the Nashville, Greeley, Denver, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, New York, and Greensboro areas. Some of the musical luminaries he/they have performed with are Charlie Hunter, Bobby Previte, Jnerio Jarel, Randy Brecker, Ernestine Anderson, David Liebman, Slide Hampton, Deborah Brown, Tim Hagans, Dick Oatts, Steve Wiest, Marvin Stamm, Mike Longo, and Benny Golson. The opportunity to perform in such culturally and ethnically diverse settings has profoundly influenced Reagan’s overall approach to scholarship, pedagogy, and music. Moreover, the merger of scholarship and performance has proven to be invaluable to Reagan’s artistic and intellectual development. Through these expanded courses of engagement, they have laid the foundation for a program of research on the cultural and historical influences of race, space, gentrification, auditory architecture, and communal wisdom on education. Reagan’s scholarship brings together curriculum theory, ethnic studies, Black diaspora studies, Critical Race Theory, Queer theory, critical geography, and critical sound studies. 

photo by Steel String Photography

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
April 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

The Michael Arnowitt - George Koller Jazz Duo with Nico Dann, drums
April 22 @ 5:00 Pm

Michael Arnowitt - Piano 

George Koller - Upright bass 

Nico Dann - Drums 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Michael Arnowitt recently immigrated to Canada from having lived in Vermont in the United  States for many years, and has been warmly received by Toronto locals for his extraordinary  sense of touch at the piano, the absorbing musical landscapes he creates through improvisation,  and his natural and engaging onstage manner with audiences of all ages. He has delighted music  lovers in concert halls and clubs around the world, including performances in Paris, Amsterdam,  Prague, Budapest, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Seoul. The bassist George Koller is well known  in Toronto for promoting jazz, world, and folk music through his many concerts and recordings.  In his varied and expansive career, he has performed with great musicians including Peter 

Gabriel, Eartha Kitt, Chaka Khan, Loreena McKennitt, David Clayton-Thomas, Larry Coryell,  Karrin Allyson, Phil Woods, The Shuffle Demons, and Laila Biali, and last year had a week-long  engagement with the vocalist Holly Cole at the prestigious Blue Note in Japan. Drummer Nico  Dann is part of one of Toronto’s most notable musical families with his father Steven and sister  Robin distinguishing themselves in diverse musical genres. Nico Dann has collaborated with  outstanding musicians including Allison Au, Andrew Downing, Christine Jensen, Roberto  Occhipinti, Michael Davidson, Reg Schwager, and the double-bass virtuoso Joel Quarrington.  Dann has performed at festivals in the U.S. and Europe at the North Sea Jazz Festival,  Montreal’s Off Jazz Festival, South by Southwest and the Glastonbury Festiianist Michael Arnowitt is joined by Toronto favourites George Koller on upright bass and Nico  Dann on drums for a colourful and lively set of acoustic jazz. The trio will perform jazz classics  such as Benny Golson’s stylish Along Came Betty, Miles Davis’ evocative Nardis, music by  Wayne Shorter, jazz arrangements of the Beatles’ She’s Leaving Home and Eleanor Rigby, and  improvisations on tunes from more recent decades by Brad Mehldau, Kamasi Washington, and  Dave Holland. A highlight of the set will be Michael Arnowitt’s jazz arrangement “The Stream”  based on J.S. Bach’s atmospheric and moody Fugue in C-sharp minor from the Well-Tempered  Keyboard, transformed into the language of jazz . The trio will also in celebration of Earth Day  play a few tunes marking our appreciation of the planet. 

Come to the Rex for an up-close experience – a great opportunity to hear these three outstanding  creative musicians perform a set of acoustic jazz full of improvisational interplay and musical  conversation.  

TERI pARKER qUartet

aPRIL 22, 23, 24, 25@ 8:00pm

Teri Parker - Piano
Luis Deniz - alto saxophone
Mark Godfrey - bass
Ernesto Cervini - drums

Teri Parker (MA, BMus) is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Toronto, Canada. Parker has studied with world-renowned artists, including Sophia Rosoff, Aaron Goldberg, Guillermo Klein, Fred Hersch, and Enrico Pieranunzi, and holds both a BMus in Performance from the University of Toronto and an MA in Composition from York University. She has played at many major national festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival, and the Guelph Jazz Festival, and at prominent venues such as the National Music Center, The Rex, and The Jazz Room. In 2023, Parker released Shaping The Invisible, featuring some of Canada’s top jazz talent: Luis Deniz, on alto saxophone; Mark Godfrey, on bass; Ernesto Cervini, on drums and Andrew McAnsh, on trumpet.

teriparkermusic.com 

Sean Bray Peach TrIO
April 23 @ 5:00 PM

Sean Bray - Guitar
Davide Direnzo -Drums
George Koller - Bass.

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Sean Bray is considered to be one of  Canada’s top guitarists. After studying at the prestigious  Manhattan School of Music in New York City, Sean moved  to Toronto in 1990. Sean has the ability to fit into many  musical genres while still retaining an unmistakably original  voice on his instrument. This quickly helped him become a  sought after sideman, studio guitarist and leader of his own  projects. Sean has played and/or recorded with Pat  LaBarbera, Mike Murley, Kirk MacDonald, Bob Mintzer,  George Garzone, Campbell Ryga, Brian Dickinson, Alex  Dean, Roy Styffe, Big Miller and many more. Sean Bray is  endorsed D’Addario Strings. 

TERI pARKER qUartet

aPRIL 22, 23, 24, 25@ 8:00pm

Teri Parker - Piano
Luis Deniz - alto saxophone
Mark Godfrey - bass
Ernesto Cervini - drums

Teri Parker (MA, BMus) is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Toronto, Canada. Parker has studied with world-renowned artists, including Sophia Rosoff, Aaron Goldberg, Guillermo Klein, Fred Hersch, and Enrico Pieranunzi, and holds both a BMus in Performance from the University of Toronto and an MA in Composition from York University. She has played at many major national festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival, and the Guelph Jazz Festival, and at prominent venues such as the National Music Center, The Rex, and The Jazz Room. In 2023, Parker released Shaping The Invisible, featuring some of Canada’s top jazz talent: Luis Deniz, on alto saxophone; Mark Godfrey, on bass; Ernesto Cervini, on drums and Andrew McAnsh, on trumpet.

teriparkermusic.com 

Isaak Bonk & The Roast Chicken Ramblers
April 24 @ 5:00 PM

Kyle Sullivan - Drums
Clayton Harder - Bass
Michael Spiroff - Piano
Tom Moffett - Trumpet
Sean McCarthy - Saxophon
Laurent Humeau - Clarinet
Isaak Bonk - Vocals / Guitar

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Isaak Bonk’s stride guitar playing serves as the foundation for turn of the 20th century jazz,  blues and ragtime. By way of the great early American blues guitarists (Blind Blake, Lonnie  Johnson) Isaak has cultivated a playing style to suit swing music of the pre war era. The Roast  Chicken Ramblers are comprised of Toronto’s finest musicians, they blend humour and reverie  into an eclectic repertoire from a by-gone age.

TERI pARKER qUartet

aPRIL 22, 23, 24, 25@ 8:00pm

Teri Parker - Piano
Luis Deniz - alto saxophone
Mark Godfrey - bass
Ernesto Cervini - drums

Teri Parker (MA, BMus) is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Toronto, Canada. Parker has studied with world-renowned artists, including Sophia Rosoff, Aaron Goldberg, Guillermo Klein, Fred Hersch, and Enrico Pieranunzi, and holds both a BMus in Performance from the University of Toronto and an MA in Composition from York University. She has played at many major national festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival, and the Guelph Jazz Festival, and at prominent venues such as the National Music Center, The Rex, and The Jazz Room. In 2023, Parker released Shaping The Invisible, featuring some of Canada’s top jazz talent: Luis Deniz, on alto saxophone; Mark Godfrey, on bass; Ernesto Cervini, on drums and Andrew McAnsh, on trumpet.

teriparkermusic.com

Heather Luckhart Blues Trio
April 24 @ 11:00 PM

Heather Luckhart - Vocals / Band Leader
Eric St - Laurent - Guitar
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Heather Luckhart’s career has grown out of Toronto’s club scene, where she built a reputation as a powerhouse singer comfortable in everything from trio settings to full horn‑driven bands. Her debut album “Make It Through” introduced a writing style that blends rootsy arrangements with lyrics about resilience, heartbreak, and finding light in the middle of hard seasons, positioning her as one of the city’s rising blues voices.​​

Onstage, Heather leans into dynamic shifts—whispered lines that suddenly bloom into full‑throated shouts, call‑and‑response passages with the band, and improvised endings that stretch songs into cathartic, crowd‑clapping finales. The Heather Luckhart Blues Band has appeared at rooms such as Grossman’s Tavern, the Horseshoe, Poetry Jazz Café, and Function Bar, where regular “Final Fridays” shows close each month with a mix of blues, soul, and deep groove.

Ally Fiola & Next Quest
April 25 @ 2:00 PM

Ally Fiola - Saxophone
Emily Ferrell - Trombone
Addison Sowery-Quinn - Sousaphone
Tom Richards - Keys
Lowell Whitty - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ally Fiola is a Nova Scotian saxophonist, film composer, and bandleader of The Next Quest, a groove-based jazz ensemble. Known for blending quirky melodies with infectious grooves inspired by funk, soul, and New Orleans brass bands, Ally’s emotionally charged jazz compositions have earned recognition, including a nomination at the 2022 Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards and multiple Music Nova Scotia award nominations.

As a resourceful composer with a background in jazz and classical studies, Ally often experiments with sonic and harmonic elements, blending traditional and contemporary styles with influences of her experiences as a professional saxophonist. The majority of her writing contains an element of storytelling, which is a creative framework that she values immensely, having worked on films across North America and Europe. She is an active board member for the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, and received her Masters in Film Composition from Kingston University in London, UK. 

Her 2023 album Interblaze — a bold and soulful exploration of grief, passion, and resilience — features standout collaborations with Grammy-winning musicians such as saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, Dave Matthews Band) and keyboardist Glenn Patscha (Bonnie Raitt). The record showcases Ally’s strength as a composer, performer, and producer, and has resonated with international listeners for its emotional depth and musical sophistication.

Ally's artistic development includes a music residency at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity where she worked with the Quasar Saxophone Quartet, and was part of the Canadian Academy's ‘Women in Post’ 2024-2025 cohort for composition and post-production sound. In 2023, she was selected for the La Napoule Canadian Artist Residency in France, where she composed a Canada Council-funded orchestral piece on climate change’s impact on coastal communities, and was a co-artist in residence alongside award-winning accordionist Mary Beth Carty at the 2025 Deep Roots Residency at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.

Neon Eagle
april 25 @ 5:00 PM

Led by: Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.

Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!

TERI pARKER qUartet

aPRIL 22, 23, 24, 25@ 8:00pm

Teri Parker - Piano
Luis Deniz - alto saxophone
Mark Godfrey - bass
Ernesto Cervini - drums

Teri Parker (MA, BMus) is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Toronto, Canada. Parker has studied with world-renowned artists, including Sophia Rosoff, Aaron Goldberg, Guillermo Klein, Fred Hersch, and Enrico Pieranunzi, and holds both a BMus in Performance from the University of Toronto and an MA in Composition from York University. She has played at many major national festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival, and the Guelph Jazz Festival, and at prominent venues such as the National Music Center, The Rex, and The Jazz Room. In 2023, Parker released Shaping The Invisible, featuring some of Canada’s top jazz talent: Luis Deniz, on alto saxophone; Mark Godfrey, on bass; Ernesto Cervini, on drums and Andrew McAnsh, on trumpet.

teriparkermusic.com

Joel Bracken Quintet
April 25 @ 11:00 Pm

Joel Bracken - Tenor Sax
James Griffiths - Alto Sax
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Sylvestor Pederson - Bass
Mateo Mancuso - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Joel Bracken is a new, unique voice on the saxophone in the Toronto music scene. His style is lyrical and playful but also fiery and spontaneous. As a composer, Joel strikes a balance between singable melodies and colourful harmony that provide a setting for an ensemble to explore and improvise together.

Joel was born and raised in Toronto and hails from a musical family. The eclectic mix of music he heard during his upbringing has given him an open mind and heart to different musical perspectives. At a young age, Joel began exploring jazz clubs around the city, and as he started to focus on the saxophone, he found himself inspired by the rich music community in Toronto. 

At Humber’s Community Music School and later at Humber College, Joel had the opportunity to study with some of Canada’s finest musicians, such as Lorne Lofsky, Kirk MacDonald, David French, and Mike Downes. These experiences helped inform Joel’s direction as a player early on. 

Joel has started to make his name as a performer around the city at many venues including, Jazz Bistro, The Rex, The Emmet Ray, Drom Taberna, and Koerner Hall. Joel has had the opportunity at Humber College and on the scene to perform with brilliant musicians like Davide Virelles, Ingrid Jensen, Lorne Lofsky, and Mike Downes. In July 2024, Joel released a short EP of his original compositions in a quartet with Sam Dickinson, Mike Downes, and Mateo Mancuso, and plans on releasing more music soon!

Joel is a passionate educator and is on staff as a woodwind and piano instructor at Bloor West Music Studios and Stay At Home Music. Joel also teaches private lessons out of his studio.

Bard From The Club
April 26 @ 2:00 PM

Patrick Blanchard - Trombone/Leader 

John Pittman - Flugelhorn/Keys 

Onika Blackman - Vocals 

Ricky Franco - Vocals 

Adam Hutchinson - Guitar/Vocals 

Eric Woolston - Drums 

Jonathan Amador - Bass 

Joao Leao -Keys / Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto's Bard from the Club is a dynamic collective of the city's busiest musicians, blending lovers rock reggae and jazz influences with English and Spanish vocals. Their soundscape is enriched by members hailing from Salseros with Attitude, Hardcore Band, The Human Rights, The Heavyweights Brass Band, and Bubblegum Bikini. With soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies, Bard from the Club transforms every stage into a pulsating celebration of cross- cultural groove, uniting audiences through irresistible beats and heartfelt passion. 

Carl Mayotte Quintet
April 26 @ 8:00 PM

Carl Mayotte- Bass
Gabriel Cyr- Guitar
Stéphane Chamberland- Drum
Damien-Jade Cyr- Saxophones and Keys
Francis Grégoire- Keys and piano

Grand laureate of the 2020-2021 Radio-Canada Jazz Revelation title, Carl Mayotte is now one of the most popular young bassists and jazzmen in Quebec and Canada. Having started his professional career at the age of 16 and completed a master's degree in jazz performance at McGill University, his virtuosity and versatility have been noticed by several musicians and critics from Alain Caron to the Bass Magazine. His third album, Escale, won him a Félix award (the equivalent of the Grammy awards in Quebec) for jazz album of the year in 2022. He just release a new album name Carnaval, wich is a tribute to his passion for brasilian and latin music.



Carl Mayotte’s new concert will showcase the music from his upcoming album Claude. Staying true to the energy and virtuosity that define his group, this performance also explores a more emotional and introspective dimension.
Inspired by two significant life events, including the passing of his father, this music blends nostalgia with a sense of release—an experience that will leave you both smiling and deeply moved.
With Claude, Carl Mayotte presents a work that is both intimate and luminous, shaped by two pivotal moments in his life: the fire that destroyed his apartment in 2023 and the loss of his father in 2024. From these trials emerges a body of music where nostalgia intertwines with the joy of remembrance, carried by a renewed sonic language drawing from contemporary jazz, indie pop, and the modern UK fusion scene.
Through this project, the musician pays tribute to his father, Claude Mayotte.

Carl Mayotte Quintet
April 26 @ 8:00 PM

Carl Mayotte- Bass
Gabriel Cyr- Guitar
Stéphane Chamberland- Drum
Damien-Jade Cyr- Saxophones and Keys
Francis Grégoire- Keys and piano

Grand laureate of the 2020-2021 Radio-Canada Jazz Revelation title, Carl Mayotte is now one of the most popular young bassists and jazzmen in Quebec and Canada. Having started his professional career at the age of 16 and completed a master's degree in jazz performance at McGill University, his virtuosity and versatility have been noticed by several musicians and critics from Alain Caron to the Bass Magazine. His third album, Escale, won him a Félix award (the equivalent of the Grammy awards in Quebec) for jazz album of the year in 2022. He just release a new album name Carnaval, wich is a tribute to his passion for brasilian and latin music.



Carl Mayotte’s new concert will showcase the music from his upcoming album Claude. Staying true to the energy and virtuosity that define his group, this performance also explores a more emotional and introspective dimension.
Inspired by two significant life events, including the passing of his father, this music blends nostalgia with a sense of release—an experience that will leave you both smiling and deeply moved.
With Claude, Carl Mayotte presents a work that is both intimate and luminous, shaped by two pivotal moments in his life: the fire that destroyed his apartment in 2023 and the loss of his father in 2024. From these trials emerges a body of music where nostalgia intertwines with the joy of remembrance, carried by a renewed sonic language drawing from contemporary jazz, indie pop, and the modern UK fusion scene.
Through this project, the musician pays tribute to his father, Claude Mayotte.

Adriana Malandrino
April 28 @ 5:00 PM

Adriana Malandrino - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Adriana Malandrino is a Toronto-based jazz vocalist and recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s renowned Jazz Music program. Known for her warm tone, expressive phrasing, and modern interpretations of classic standards, she brings a fresh and thoughtful voice to the contemporary jazz scene. Whether performing with small ensembles or leading her own projects, Adriana combines technical skill with heartfelt musical storytelling.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
April 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Mike Kawabe
April 29 @ 5:00 PM

Mike Kawabe: Drums
Pat Labarbera: Sax
Steve Cole: Guitar 
Neil Swainson: Bass.

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born in Japan and growing up in the GTA, Mike Kawabe’s background in jazz, classical, world and various pop music idioms has provided him with a rare perspective. A drummer-percussionist-writer-arranger-educator who continues to perform in all styles of music for over 30 years. Mike has played with the likes of Guido Basso, Pat Labarbera, Robi Botos, John MacLeod, Kirk MacDonald, Gene DiNovi, and Mike Murley. He has also played in a number of musicals including Songs For A New World, The Producers, Kinky Boots, Little Shop of Horrors, Blood Brothers, Evita and Guys and Dolls to name a few.
Mike’s quartet performs a wide variety of jazz standards from traditional to modern and features original pieces by him and the members of his talented group. Mike adds a fresh and unique voice to venues from small clubs, studio sessions, orchestra pits to large scale

Rez Abbasi from NYC
April 29, 30 &
May 1, 2 @ 8:00 PM

Rez Abbasi - guitar

Marta Sanchez - piano

Chris Lightcap - bass

Hamir Atwal - drums

Guitarist, composer, author and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez Abbasi is among a rare  breed of artists that continue to push boundaries from within the traditions he has  embraced. Consistently placing on DownBeat magazine’s International Critics Poll in  Guitar alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny since 2014, Abbasi continues to  forge new ground with his multi-dimensional projects.  

“Abbasi is living, breathing proof that jazz music can be as vital and boundary-pushing as  ever.” AllAboutJazz.com.  

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, migrating to Southern California at the age of four, schooled  at the University of Southern California and the Manhattan School of Music in jazz and  classical music, along with a pilgrimage in India under the guidance of master  percussionist, Ustad Alla Rakha, Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of all the above stated  influences and genres.  

“Mr. Abbasi succeeded in making some fairly cerebral intricacies feel intuitive and  touched by a higher purpose.” – New York Times  

With seventeen self-titled albums and multiple composition grants, Abbasi’s wide-ranging  projects continue to capture the attention of The Wall Street Journal, The New York  Times and NPR to name a few. His most recent album Sound Remains reunites his acoustic  group, RAAQ. With the addition of a percussionist, the sound explores sonic territories  rarely heard in jazz. His prior release Charm is a collaboration with American sitarist, Josh  Feinberg while his 2022 trio release Django-shift recasts legendary guitarist Django  Reinhardt’s lesser-known compositions into a modern light. In 2019, commissioned by  the New York Guitar Festival, he released his live score to the 1929 Indian/German silent  film A Throw of Dice and in 2018, his long-standing group featuring band-mates Vijay Iyer  and Rudresh Mahanthappa released Unfiltered Universe, the third in a trilogy of albums  that set out to explore South Asian musical influences with jazz. Rez also serves as musical  director, arranger and guitarist for his life partner, Indian vocalist, composer and multiple  Juno Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia. www.RezTone.com

Harley Card Trio
April 30 @ 5:00 PM

Harley Card - Guitar
Dan Fortin - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

harley card is a Toronto based guitarist, composer, singer-songwriter and educator originally from Winnipeg Manitoba, via Ottawa Ontario. In addition to leading his own groups, Harley is a member of  and co-composer for the Canadian bands; Hobson's Choice, Stoptime, God's Gift To Yoda, and Dream Logic.

As a contributor to the creative music scene in Toronto since 2003, Harley has played with many artists including; Richard Underhill, Alex Dean, Alex Samaras, Mike Malone, Kelly Jefferson, Colin Fisher, William Carn, Alexander Brown, Michael Herring and Harrington, Chris Gale, Ethan Ardelli, Bernie Senensky, Michael Davidson, Don Scott, Matt Newton, Daniel Jamieson, Felicity Williams, Dave Clark, Carlie Howell, Jon Challoner, Sarah Jerrom, RJ Sachnanathan, Rebecca Hennessy, Dan Fortin, Ted Crosby, Dan Gaucher, and Ernesto Cervini, among others.

"Card’s musical sensibility is fully formed and urbane. His writing reflects a sense of history and is therefore worldly wise." 

                  -Raul d’Gama Rose- All About Jazz

Rez Abbasi from NYC
April 29, 30 &
May 1, 2 @ 8:00 PM

Rez Abbasi - guitar

Marta Sanchez - piano

Chris Lightcap - bass

Hamir Atwal - drums

Guitarist, composer, author and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez Abbasi is among a rare  breed of artists that continue to push boundaries from within the traditions he has  embraced. Consistently placing on DownBeat magazine’s International Critics Poll in  Guitar alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny since 2014, Abbasi continues to  forge new ground with his multi-dimensional projects.  

“Abbasi is living, breathing proof that jazz music can be as vital and boundary-pushing as  ever.” AllAboutJazz.com.  

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, migrating to Southern California at the age of four, schooled  at the University of Southern California and the Manhattan School of Music in jazz and  classical music, along with a pilgrimage in India under the guidance of master  percussionist, Ustad Alla Rakha, Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of all the above stated  influences and genres.  

“Mr. Abbasi succeeded in making some fairly cerebral intricacies feel intuitive and  touched by a higher purpose.” – New York Times  

With seventeen self-titled albums and multiple composition grants, Abbasi’s wide-ranging  projects continue to capture the attention of The Wall Street Journal, The New York  Times and NPR to name a few. His most recent album Sound Remains reunites his acoustic  group, RAAQ. With the addition of a percussionist, the sound explores sonic territories  rarely heard in jazz. His prior release Charm is a collaboration with American sitarist, Josh  Feinberg while his 2022 trio release Django-shift recasts legendary guitarist Django  Reinhardt’s lesser-known compositions into a modern light. In 2019, commissioned by  the New York Guitar Festival, he released his live score to the 1929 Indian/German silent  film A Throw of Dice and in 2018, his long-standing group featuring band-mates Vijay Iyer  and Rudresh Mahanthappa released Unfiltered Universe, the third in a trilogy of albums  that set out to explore South Asian musical influences with jazz. Rez also serves as musical  director, arranger and guitarist for his life partner, Indian vocalist, composer and multiple  Juno Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia. www.RezTone.com

Rez Abbasi from NYC
April 29, 30 &
May 1, 2 @ 8:00 PM

Rez Abbasi - guitar

Marta Sanchez - piano

Chris Lightcap - bass

Hamir Atwal - drums

Guitarist, composer, author and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez Abbasi is among a rare  breed of artists that continue to push boundaries from within the traditions he has  embraced. Consistently placing on DownBeat magazine’s International Critics Poll in  Guitar alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny since 2014, Abbasi continues to  forge new ground with his multi-dimensional projects.  

“Abbasi is living, breathing proof that jazz music can be as vital and boundary-pushing as  ever.” AllAboutJazz.com.  

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, migrating to Southern California at the age of four, schooled  at the University of Southern California and the Manhattan School of Music in jazz and  classical music, along with a pilgrimage in India under the guidance of master  percussionist, Ustad Alla Rakha, Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of all the above stated  influences and genres.  

“Mr. Abbasi succeeded in making some fairly cerebral intricacies feel intuitive and  touched by a higher purpose.” – New York Times  

With seventeen self-titled albums and multiple composition grants, Abbasi’s wide-ranging  projects continue to capture the attention of The Wall Street Journal, The New York  Times and NPR to name a few. His most recent album Sound Remains reunites his acoustic  group, RAAQ. With the addition of a percussionist, the sound explores sonic territories  rarely heard in jazz. His prior release Charm is a collaboration with American sitarist, Josh  Feinberg while his 2022 trio release Django-shift recasts legendary guitarist Django  Reinhardt’s lesser-known compositions into a modern light. In 2019, commissioned by  the New York Guitar Festival, he released his live score to the 1929 Indian/German silent  film A Throw of Dice and in 2018, his long-standing group featuring band-mates Vijay Iyer  and Rudresh Mahanthappa released Unfiltered Universe, the third in a trilogy of albums  that set out to explore South Asian musical influences with jazz. Rez also serves as musical  director, arranger and guitarist for his life partner, Indian vocalist, composer and multiple  Juno Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia. www.RezTone.com

Rez Abbasi from NYC
April 29, 30 &
May 1, 2 @ 8:00 PM

Rez Abbasi - guitar

Marta Sanchez - piano

Chris Lightcap - bass

Hamir Atwal - drums

Guitarist, composer, author and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez Abbasi is among a rare  breed of artists that continue to push boundaries from within the traditions he has  embraced. Consistently placing on DownBeat magazine’s International Critics Poll in  Guitar alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny since 2014, Abbasi continues to  forge new ground with his multi-dimensional projects.  

“Abbasi is living, breathing proof that jazz music can be as vital and boundary-pushing as  ever.” AllAboutJazz.com.  

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, migrating to Southern California at the age of four, schooled  at the University of Southern California and the Manhattan School of Music in jazz and  classical music, along with a pilgrimage in India under the guidance of master  percussionist, Ustad Alla Rakha, Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of all the above stated  influences and genres.  

“Mr. Abbasi succeeded in making some fairly cerebral intricacies feel intuitive and  touched by a higher purpose.” – New York Times  

With seventeen self-titled albums and multiple composition grants, Abbasi’s wide-ranging  projects continue to capture the attention of The Wall Street Journal, The New York  Times and NPR to name a few. His most recent album Sound Remains reunites his acoustic  group, RAAQ. With the addition of a percussionist, the sound explores sonic territories  rarely heard in jazz. His prior release Charm is a collaboration with American sitarist, Josh  Feinberg while his 2022 trio release Django-shift recasts legendary guitarist Django  Reinhardt’s lesser-known compositions into a modern light. In 2019, commissioned by  the New York Guitar Festival, he released his live score to the 1929 Indian/German silent  film A Throw of Dice and in 2018, his long-standing group featuring band-mates Vijay Iyer  and Rudresh Mahanthappa released Unfiltered Universe, the third in a trilogy of albums  that set out to explore South Asian musical influences with jazz. Rez also serves as musical  director, arranger and guitarist for his life partner, Indian vocalist, composer and multiple  Juno Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia. www.RezTone.com