*CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER* Ernesto Cervini Quartet
january 25 @ 8:00 PM

Ernesto Cervini - Drums
Kae Murphy - Trumpet
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Dan Fortin - Bass

Join award-winning drummer and composer Ernesto Cervini for an electrifying night of music at The Rex in Toronto! This exciting new quartet brings together some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians: trumpeter Kae Murphy, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, and bassist Dan Fortin. Blending modern jazz energy with deep lyricism and groove, the Ernesto Cervini Quartet explores original compositions and inventive interpretations, showcasing the dynamic interplay and creativity that define Cervini’s projects. Don’t miss this fresh and powerful new ensemble on stage at The Rex!

Cole Matheson Quintet
January 27 @ 5:00 PM

Cole Matheson - Bass
Arthur Jones - Trumpet
Lauchlin Wood - Saxophone
Julian Belray - Keys
Aidan Miller - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
january 6, 13, 20, 27 @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.

Emmett Hodgins Trio
January 28 @ 5:00 PM

Emmett Hodgins - Piano
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Emmett Hodgins is a Victoria BC born pianist proficient in classical, jazz, folk and contemporary piano. After completing his RCM 10 and teaching at the VCM in Victoria, Emmett moved to Toronto to pursue Bachelors in Jazz Performance at Humber college. Now graduated with Honours Emmett is regularly active in the Toronto and Victoria music scenes as a pianist, singer, composer, and bandleader of his own groups the “Emmett Hodgins Trio’ and the ‘Emmett Hodgins Coast group” (a septet modern jazz group playing strictly original music). Emmett is now residing in the West End of Toronto in his 7th year of teaching piano. He continues to figure in Toronto's Jazz and greater music scene. Emmett recently released his first album with the Emmett Hodgins Coast Group titled Idyllic. 

Emmett has played with prominent musicians including Joceyln Gould and her Quintet, Daniel Lapp, Shane Cook, Ashley MacIsaac, Mark Holmes, Russell Hall, Michela Lerman, Max Pollak, Heather Cornell, Ethan Ardelli, Dan Fortin, Morgan Childs, Shirantha Beddage, Larnell Lewis, Dhaviat Jani as well as Roshane Wright.

Noam Lemish Album Release
January 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:00 PM

Noam Lemish - Piano
Sundar Viswanathan - Sax
Miles Wick - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Noam Lemish has never felt inclined to pick a lane. Maybe his multi-local identity has helped inspire his multiplicity and general disinclination to follow stylistic guidelines. Whatever the reason, over the course of two decades of intensive musical study and creation he’s always sought to expand the scope of his exploration, often blurring or ignoring deeply etched boundaries between genres, peoples, and traditions. He’s a jazz artist and a classical composer of chamber works, an improviser and an accompanist, an intrepid cross-cultural investigator and an interpreter of contemporary composition.

Sherie Marshall
January 29 @ 5:00 PM

Sherie Marshall - Vocals
Mike Cado - Guitar
No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Sherie Marshall has performed professionally in various nightclubs across Toronto for over 30 years. She founded her own group fusing funk, soul, pop, reggae, and Soca producing the single “Steppin’ Out,” establishing herself as a mainstay in the Toronto music scene. In addition to opening for Harry Belafonte, The Smothers Brothers, and Rich Little, Sherie has sung background for George Oliver, Jack DeKeyser, reggae artist Mojah, and Jacksoul at the Canadian Urban Music Awards. Sherie Marshall is currently a faculty member at York University where she teaches jazz vocals and inspires many young music students. Her dynamic stage presence, coupled with her infectious smile, is reflected in all her performances.

Noam Lemish Album Release
January 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:00 PM

Noam Lemish - Piano
Sundar Viswanathan - Sax
Miles Wick - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Noam Lemish has never felt inclined to pick a lane. Maybe his multi-local identity has helped inspire his multiplicity and general disinclination to follow stylistic guidelines. Whatever the reason, over the course of two decades of intensive musical study and creation he’s always sought to expand the scope of his exploration, often blurring or ignoring deeply etched boundaries between genres, peoples, and traditions. He’s a jazz artist and a classical composer of chamber works, an improviser and an accompanist, an intrepid cross-cultural investigator and an interpreter of contemporary composition.

Noam Lemish Album Release
January 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:00 PM

Noam Lemish - Piano
Sundar Viswanathan - Sax
Miles Wick - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Noam Lemish has never felt inclined to pick a lane. Maybe his multi-local identity has helped inspire his multiplicity and general disinclination to follow stylistic guidelines. Whatever the reason, over the course of two decades of intensive musical study and creation he’s always sought to expand the scope of his exploration, often blurring or ignoring deeply etched boundaries between genres, peoples, and traditions. He’s a jazz artist and a classical composer of chamber works, an improviser and an accompanist, an intrepid cross-cultural investigator and an interpreter of contemporary composition.

Roshane Wright
January 30 @ 11:00 PM

Roshane Wight - Percussion
TJ Williams - Drums 
Steve Henry - Keys
Dwayne Wade - Bass 
Joseph callender - Sax/flute 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Roshane Wright is a percussionist, drummer, composer and educator coming from Portmore, Jamaica. He started playing percussion instruments at the age of 7 and has never looked back since. In Jamaica, Roshane was a musical accompanist and educator at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts for 5 years. He has toured Jamaica’s finest hotels playing with Caribbean - African Fusion ensemble named ‘Jamique Ensemble’ and also did various solo acts across the island. Roshane moved to Canada in 2019 and quickly began to progress musically at the Humber College Bachelors of Music Program, where he was mentored by some of Canada’s best musicians (Mark Kelso, Larnell Lewis, Waleed Abdulaid, etc.). He currently performs his own music with his band primarily in Toronto. He has also played with numerous great bands and for known artists in Toronto including The Maple Blues Band, The DubWize Band, Juno Award winning Reggae artists Kirk Diamond, Kairo Mclean and many others. Passionate to share his knowledge with others, Roshane also does Music Education specifically teaching Caribbean rhythms and culture to aspiring musicians. Roshane plays *Music From the Heart.*

Trombone Charlotte
January 31 @ 2:00 PM

Charlotte McAfee-Brunner - trombone/vocals

Jared Higgins - Guitar

Scott Peterson - Bass

Andrew McCarthy - drums


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.

Noam Lemish Album Release
January 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:00 PM

Noam Lemish - Piano
Sundar Viswanathan - Sax
Miles Wick - Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums

Noam Lemish has never felt inclined to pick a lane. Maybe his multi-local identity has helped inspire his multiplicity and general disinclination to follow stylistic guidelines. Whatever the reason, over the course of two decades of intensive musical study and creation he’s always sought to expand the scope of his exploration, often blurring or ignoring deeply etched boundaries between genres, peoples, and traditions. He’s a jazz artist and a classical composer of chamber works, an improviser and an accompanist, an intrepid cross-cultural investigator and an interpreter of contemporary composition.

Shalom Murray
January 31 @ 11:00 PM

Shalom Murray - Vocals
Alex Kohlsmith- Piano

Rohan Mead- Guitar

Ethan Williams- Tenor Saxophone 

Samuel Heintzman- Trumpet

Jesse Basi- Drums

Ben Payne- Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Shalom Murray is a captivating jazz vocalist known for his soulful interpretations and charismatic stage presence. With a rich, velvety voice, Shalom effortlessly blends classic jazz standards with his own unique style, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

Global Jazz Sundays: Jonathan Nvita
February 1 @ 2:00 PM

Jonathan Nvita -Voice & Acoustic Guitar
Dhaivat Jani - Drums
Max Wilson - Bass (Electric)
Luis Anselmi - Piano
Hiro Suzuki - Guitar
Sid Kota - Guitar
Tyler Campbell - Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jonathan Nvita was born in Kinshasa (DRC), fourth of five children. Nvita had a passion for music since age 5, following in the footsteps of his late father, who was a choir conductor and guitar player. He desired to pursue his love for music on an academic level. Because of his father's death, he missed the opportunity to attend music school and instead spent his adolescence studying chemistry and biology. Despite studying a different subject, music was still his passion.As he got older, his approach to music grew drastically inthe way that his interest in music shifted in the direction ofhis heroes such as Lokua Kanza, Luambo Makiadi, RichardBona, Bobby McFerrin, and Al Jarreau.Nvita has a bachelor’s degree in music at Humber Collegewhere he got the opportunity to study with manyoutstanding teachers in Canada. Nvita combines jazz knowledge with his African heritagethrough song, rhythm, and dance. He believes that “musicis spiritual," a tool that helps to communicate with God,the ancestors, and to reconnect with the beautiful land ofAfrica. Nvita's only goal in life is to bring peace between nations,put a smile on people's faces, share love, educate peoplethrough lyrics, and raise awareness. Prepare to be transported by the dynamic rhythms,haunting melodies, and rich harmonies that define thisexceptional debut. Join us in celebrating the arrival of anew voice in African jazz, one that honors the past whileboldly forging a new path forward.

Trevor Giancola
February 1 & 2 @ 8:00 PM

Trevor Giancola - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Trevor Giancola is a guitarist, band leader, performer and educator based in Toronto. In demand as a sideman and band leader, he was named one of Canada’s Best Jazz Musicians Under 35 by the CBC. Trevor’s wide breadth of musical influences and knowledge blend to create his unique style of playing and creative teaching methods. Trevor has been a Professor at Humber College since 2009. Hired as one of the youngest faculty members of its world renowned music program, Trevor began as a part of Humber College’s Guitar Faculty teaching private lessons. In 2011, Trevor transitioned into his position as a Professor of Ear Training and Music Theory. In 2013, Trevor became the lead in the Enriched Theory program while teaching the advanced Ear Training classes. His teaching at Humber, which is still ongoing, ignited his passion for music education; it is here that Trevor developed his unique and effective teaching methods. He has shared the stage with Seamus Blake, John Abercrombie, John Stowell and countless Canadian artists across many genres.

Trevor Giancola
February 1 & 2 @ 8:00 PM

Trevor Giancola - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Trevor Giancola is a guitarist, band leader, performer and educator based in Toronto. In demand as a sideman and band leader, he was named one of Canada’s Best Jazz Musicians Under 35 by the CBC. Trevor’s wide breadth of musical influences and knowledge blend to create his unique style of playing and creative teaching methods. Trevor has been a Professor at Humber College since 2009. Hired as one of the youngest faculty members of its world renowned music program, Trevor began as a part of Humber College’s Guitar Faculty teaching private lessons. In 2011, Trevor transitioned into his position as a Professor of Ear Training and Music Theory. In 2013, Trevor became the lead in the Enriched Theory program while teaching the advanced Ear Training classes. His teaching at Humber, which is still ongoing, ignited his passion for music education; it is here that Trevor developed his unique and effective teaching methods. He has shared the stage with Seamus Blake, John Abercrombie, John Stowell and countless Canadian artists across many genres.

FC3
FEBRUARY 3 @ 5:00PM

Finn Chercover - Bass
Gianluca Occhipinti - Keys
Sam Heggem-Truscott - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

FC3 Bio 

FC3 is a modern jazz trio led by bassist Finn Chercover and featuring Gianluca Occhipinti on keys and Sam Heggum-Truscott on drums. As FC3, they perform original compositions, drawing inspiration from modern jazz and fusion artists such as Christian Scott and Yussef Dayes, blending a strong groove with thoughtful harmonies to create an atmospheric landscape. 

Finn, Gianluca and Sam have been playing together since meeting at Humber Polytechnic Jazz program and can be found performing at venues throughout Toronto.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @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.

Maureen Kennedy
February 4 @ 5:00pm

Maureen Kennedy - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Vocalist Maureen Kennedy developed her love for jazz in her early twenties when she studied for six years with Canadian flugelhorn and trumpet player Fred Stone, renowned for his work with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus in the 1960s.  The clarity of her tone, her restrained use of vibrato, and unaffected vocal style, developed under his tutelage.  As a young student, Maureen also received a Canada Council grant to participate in the Jazz Workshop at the Banff Centre for the Arts, which, at the time, was under the direction of bassist Dave Holland and pianist Don Thompson.

After Banff, Maureen performed regularly in Toronto.  During this time, she received a number of very positive reviews from Val Clery, regular jazz columnist for The Toronto Star. In 1987 he named her Most Promising Vocalist for that year.

Maureen took time-off from her career to raise a family and seek new experiences, but this break only contributed to her growth as an artist.  It gave her time to research the music she loves and cultivate an extensive repertoire of memorable standards and rediscovered gems that compliment her very personal sound and reflect her musical curiosity.  This is evident in her debut recording This Is Always, which features a selection of classic standards as well as rarely recorded compositions by Billy Strayhorn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke and Alec Wilder.

This Is Always was produced by Kieran Overs and engineered by Juno Award winner Chad Irschick at Inception Sound studio in Toronto.  Accompanying Maureen on the disc are Toronto based musicians Nancy Walker (piano), Kieran Overs (bass) and Anthony Michelli (drums).

Since its Canadian release in 2004, the disc has received airplay on various CBC radio shows including Jazz Beat and After Hours and the new CBC radio jazz program Tonic; Jazz FM 91 in Toronto.  It also reached #6 on the National Jazz Chart in Canada for campus and community radio.  

In 2005, Ted Ono, a respected jazz historian who runs a Canadian-based jazz label with American distribution called Baldwin Street Music, heard Maureen sing at the Toronto jazz club The Montreal Bistro.  He approached Maureen with a request to add the recording to his label and it was released in the U.S. in January 2006.  Mr. Ono has described Maureen’s vocal approach as “straightforward, understated, and sincere.” 

Since it’s American release it has been played on a variety of NPR jazz shows, the New Orleans Jazz station WWOZ, and the nationally syndicated, Public Radio International program, Jazz After Hours. 

In April 2013, Maureen released her second CD, Out of the Shadows.   It was recorded with the assistance of CBC recording engineer Ron Searles and producer Ted Ono.  The CD features Reg Schwager (guitar); Steve Wallace (bass); Mike Murley (saxophone); and Andrew Millar (drums.)  The recording continues to be played on Toronto’s Jazz FM 91.1 .  It has also been played on the CBC radio program Tonic and is on regular rotation on the website CBC Music.  

Baldwin Street Music released the recording in the United States in April, 2014. The album reached 110 on the JAZZWEEK jazz chart and was on regular rotation on the syndicated PRI program Jazz After Hours and the New Orleans jazz station WWOZ. Her recording received several notable reviews including one in the jazz publication JAZZIZ. 

Maureen’s vast musical knowledge was put to great use in her work as a Media Librarian and visual researcher for the CBC in Toronto.   In her job she catalogued archival arts, music and entertainment programming on television and radio, which enabled her to expand her knowledge of Canadian jazz history.

Testimonials:

“Discerning listeners should find Maureen Kennedy’s warm, round and resonant sound both delightful and refreshing. She sings with understatement while still retaining her jazz identity… What she and her four accomplished accompanists successfully achieve here is the art of good mainstream jazz, the kind listeners find both comforting and enticing.”  Ted Ono, producer of Out of the Shadows

“Too often we heap praise on an artist. In the case of Maureen Kennedy, it is not often enough. Ethereal, soulful and a singular voice that is immediate in its impact and timeless in its breadth. Maureen Kennedy is that rarest of things, a jazz singer.” Ralph Benmergui, Canadian television and radio personality, formerly with the CBC and Jazz FM 91.1

“The Toronto based jazz vocalist Maureen Kennedy is one of today’s rare jazz vocalists who evokes the purity, simplicity and directness of such great 1950s jazz voices as Teddi King, Lucy Reed, Pinky Winters and Irene Kral.” – World Records

“She has a voice that soothes the soul with a distinct sound that is reminiscent of some of the jazz greats from another era. Her sound is pure, her phrasing precise and her style swings.” – Jazzreview.com

JIM GALLOWAY'S WEE BIG BAND LED BY BRIGHAM PHILLIPS
February 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:00 PM

Brigham Phillips - Piano 

Merlin Williams, Tom Skublics, Perry White, David French, Kevin Goss – Saxes

Alex Kundakcioglu, Sandy Barter, Paul Callander, John MacLeod –Trumpets
Rob Somerville, Scott Suttie, William Carn – Trombones

Martin Loomer – Guitar & Arrangements

Mark Dunn – Bass

Kevil Coady - Drums

Now in its 47th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at 

The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. 

Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specialising in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country.  The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band's library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20's to his sacred music in the 70's, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library.

 
From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada.  Today Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex. 

JIM GALLOWAY'S WEE BIG BAND LED BY BRIGHAM PHILLIPS
February 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:00 PM

Brigham Phillips - Piano 

Merlin Williams, Tom Skublics, Perry White, David French, Kevin Goss – Saxes

Alex Kundakcioglu, Sandy Barter, Paul Callander, John MacLeod –Trumpets
Rob Somerville, Scott Suttie, William Carn – Trombones

Martin Loomer – Guitar & Arrangements

Mark Dunn – Bass

Kevil Coady - Drums

Now in its 47th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at 

The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. 

Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specialising in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country.  The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band's library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20's to his sacred music in the 70's, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library.

 
From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada.  Today Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex. 

Rosie Nina
February 6 @ 5:00 PM

Rosie Nina - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Rosie Nina is a Toronto-based dynamic vocalist who has performed across North America, South Asia, and the Middle East. A Top 3 finalist in the Long & McQuade nationwide singing competition, Rosie has earned both provincial and national recognition for her vocal talent. She began singing at the age of eight and has been performing professionally since fifteen. In addition to live performance, Rosie has released original music available on all major streaming platforms.

Rosie has sold out shows at venues such as the Jazz Room and the KW Registry Theater, and has performed on the stages of jazz festivals all across Southern Ontario. While deeply rooted in jazz, her artistry extends to pop and R&B, where she brings the same emotional depth and charisma that define her performances.

JIM GALLOWAY'S WEE BIG BAND LED BY BRIGHAM PHILLIPS
February 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:00 PM

Brigham Phillips - Piano 

Merlin Williams, Tom Skublics, Perry White, David French, Kevin Goss – Saxes

Alex Kundakcioglu, Sandy Barter, Paul Callander, John MacLeod –Trumpets
Rob Somerville, Scott Suttie, William Carn – Trombones

Martin Loomer – Guitar & Arrangements

Mark Dunn – Bass

Kevil Coady - Drums

Now in its 47th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at 

The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. 

Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specialising in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country.  The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band's library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20's to his sacred music in the 70's, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library.

 
From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada.  Today Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex. 

Just Prince and Friends
February 6 @ 11 PM

Just Prince - Guitar / Vocals
Reza Moghaddas - Bass
Patrick O'Reilly - Guitar
Abbas Jan - Tabla
Marito Marques - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Just Prince is known for seamlessly blending Western and Eastern musical traditions into a rich, expressive tapestry. Defying genre boundaries, his music weaves together folk, rock, blues, and Hindustani classical influences into a captivating and immersive sound. Just Prince and Friends features an exceptional ensemble: Patrick O’Reilly (guitar), Abbas Jan (tabla), Reza Moghaddas (bass), and Marito Marques (drums). Together, they create a dynamic blend of Indian classical elements with blues, jazz, Folk and rock, highlighted by deep improvisation, melodic exploration, and intricate rhythmic interplay.

Selena Savage Septet
February 7 @ 2:00 PM

James Griffith - Alto Sax

Steve Carson - Tenor Sax

Christian Antonacci - Trumpet 

Selena Savage - Trombone

Evan Miles - Piano

Hiro Tanaka - Bass

Jackson Haynes - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Selena Savage is a trombonist, vocalist, arranger and composer from  Whitehorse, Yukon. A recent graduate of the UofT jazz  program, Selena has developed a distinct voice in the scene, both as  a performer and through her work in arranging and composition.  

The Selena Savage Septet is a dynamic large jazz ensemble  comprised of some of the city's best young musicians. Selena's  writing is a fresh take on the classic Toronto big band sound, and her  band plays a mix of standards and her original compositions.

Trevor Hogg Trio
february 7 @ 5:00 PM

Trevor Hogg - Saxophone
Dan Fortin - Bass
Nico Dann - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Bio 

"In my opinion, Trevor Hogg's artistic integrity has, piece-by-piece, built a  sophisticated musical style devoid of self-affirmation or sentimentalism, placing him  within the rare category of musicians’ musician.” - David Braid 

Saxophonist Trevor Hogg has performed across North America, and Western Europe,  with pianist/composer David Braid and the Juno Award Nominated band Peripheral  Vision (Michael Herring, Don Scott, Nick Fraser). In Toronto, he leads his own group  which Mike Murley describes as “one of Canada’s leading proponents of the melodically  inventive tradition of saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh.”

JIM GALLOWAY'S WEE BIG BAND LED BY BRIGHAM PHILLIPS
February 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:00 PM

Brigham Phillips - Piano 

Merlin Williams, Tom Skublics, Perry White, David French, Kevin Goss – Saxes

Alex Kundakcioglu, Sandy Barter, Paul Callander, John MacLeod –Trumpets
Rob Somerville, Scott Suttie, William Carn – Trombones

Martin Loomer – Guitar & Arrangements

Mark Dunn – Bass

Kevil Coady - Drums

Now in its 47th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at 

The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. 

Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specialising in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country.  The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band's library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20's to his sacred music in the 70's, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library.

 
From its very first engagement, a broadcast on CJRT-FM from the Ontario Science Centre, the band has made numerous radio broadcasts and television appearances and has played throughout Canada.  Today Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band continues to perform at local jazz festivals, special occasion events and fundraisers, and most recently seasonal concerts at The Rex. 

Norbert Botos
February 7 @ 11:00 PM

Norbert Botos - Drums
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born in  Budapest,  Norbert Botos was born into a musical family.

His father Frank Botos, a well-known drummer and musician, influenced Norbert’s musical journey at a young age. After Norbert’s father noticed his love and talent for the drums, he started sitting Norbert in at his gigs where he learned a great deal on the bandstand.

Norbert has spent time studying at Humber College and Berklee College of Music studying with Barry Romberg and Terry Lyne Carrington. He has also won numerous awards including The Archie Alleyne Scholarship, The Lou Williamson Scholarship for Outstanding Drum Set Player Award and The Rising Young Star Award.

Norbert lives in Toronto and performs regularly with his own projects. He has had the chance to perform with musicians such as: Mike Murley, Neil Swainson, Mark Eisenman, Oliver Jones, John Lamb, Dave Young, Kelly Jefferson, Alex Goodman, Stephen Hall, Lucian Gray, Alison Au, Pat LaBarbara and many more.

Marc Decho’s Bom Começo
february 8 @ 2:00 PM

Marc Decho- Electric Bass / Compositions

Anh Phung - Flute / Electronics

Danae Olano - Piano

Marito Marques - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Marc Decho’s “Bom Começo” – A Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Jazz

The latest project from acclaimed electric bassist and composer Marc Decho. This dynamic, multi-cultural ensemble brings to life an irresistible blend of rhythm, harmony, and improvisation through all- original Afro-Brazilian Jazz works alongside fresh interpretations of tunes by legendary Brazilian composers Marcos Valle, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Hermeto Pascoal. With Bom Começo (“Good Beginning”), Marc Decho leads audiences on a soulful journey that bridges continents and cultures — honoring the timeless traditions of Brazilian music while pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.

Heather Luckhart
February 8 @ 5:00 PM

Heather Luckhart - Guitar / Vocals
Band - TBA

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.

Tryptique
February 8 & 9 @ 8:00 PM

Fern Lindzon - Piano & Vocals
Colleen Allen - Flute & Saxophone
George Koller - Bass

Tryptique is three kindred spirits with one compelling musical vision that balances the resonance of history with the here-and-now of improvisation. Their music ranges from Baroque to bop to the blues and beyond, with a particular flair for the work of several wonderful Canadian composers. Tryptique is chamber music with a jazz soul. It is a conversation between award winning musicians and close friends Fern Lindzon (piano), Colleen Allen (flute, saxophones) and George Koller (bass). It is about exploration, taking chances, and following refined musical intuition to create a unique sound entirely Tryptique’s own. Tryptique derives its name from the visual art world (triptych) meaning either three works intended to be shown together, or a single work of art divided into three. The three works together form a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.
Colleen: Fern, George, and I have been friends and colleagues for many years. In fact, our paths have crossed for my entire music career. During the pandemic, or The Grand Pause, as George called it, we were fortunate to be able to play weekly—socially distanced of course. During those sessions we amassed an incredibly diverse repertoire. Our communications are deep, flow easily and cover diverse topics, so not surprisingly, the musical language follows suit. This recording represents our diverse musical landscape through connected, conversational playing.
Fern: 
 Tryptique, it's how we finish each other's phrases. It's about trust, beauty and exploration. Of sound, tonality, and form. it's about going on a journey together. Listening, reacting, and being immersed in a whole that's greater than the sum of our three parts.
George: I simply love the vibes with Colleen and Fern. In the Tryptique trio we create chamber jazz with full use of space, allowing for free exploration while working within forms. Our repertoire is unlimited in scope with diverse styles and genres, and we often put the spotlight on Canadian composers in our live performances. It is playful and textural, sometimes referencing counterpoint and simultaneous interplay that one might hear in contemporary classical, Dixieland or third-stream jazz.

Tryptique
February 8 & 9 @ 8:00 PM

Fern Lindzon - Piano & Vocals
Colleen Allen - Flute & Saxophone
George Koller - Bass

Tryptique is three kindred spirits with one compelling musical vision that balances the resonance of history with the here-and-now of improvisation. Their music ranges from Baroque to bop to the blues and beyond, with a particular flair for the work of several wonderful Canadian composers. Tryptique is chamber music with a jazz soul. It is a conversation between award winning musicians and close friends Fern Lindzon (piano), Colleen Allen (flute, saxophones) and George Koller (bass). It is about exploration, taking chances, and following refined musical intuition to create a unique sound entirely Tryptique’s own. Tryptique derives its name from the visual art world (triptych) meaning either three works intended to be shown together, or a single work of art divided into three. The three works together form a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.
Colleen: Fern, George, and I have been friends and colleagues for many years. In fact, our paths have crossed for my entire music career. During the pandemic, or The Grand Pause, as George called it, we were fortunate to be able to play weekly—socially distanced of course. During those sessions we amassed an incredibly diverse repertoire. Our communications are deep, flow easily and cover diverse topics, so not surprisingly, the musical language follows suit. This recording represents our diverse musical landscape through connected, conversational playing.
Fern: 
 Tryptique, it's how we finish each other's phrases. It's about trust, beauty and exploration. Of sound, tonality, and form. it's about going on a journey together. Listening, reacting, and being immersed in a whole that's greater than the sum of our three parts.
George: I simply love the vibes with Colleen and Fern. In the Tryptique trio we create chamber jazz with full use of space, allowing for free exploration while working within forms. Our repertoire is unlimited in scope with diverse styles and genres, and we often put the spotlight on Canadian composers in our live performances. It is playful and textural, sometimes referencing counterpoint and simultaneous interplay that one might hear in contemporary classical, Dixieland or third-stream jazz.

Beverly Taft
February 10 @ 5:00 PM

Beverly Taft - Vocals
Tania Gill - Piano
Chris Gale - Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Beverly has explored and performed jazz standards, bossa nova, blues, and  chansons for more than 20 years, and released an album of critically-acclaimed  jazz and blues originals with guitarist and arranger Nathan Hiltz. The more she  studies this music, the deeper she wants to go into the melodies, harmonies,  and rhythms for the essence of the songs’ stories and feelings. Her particular  focus lately is on forgotten gems and Brazilian bossa nova (which she enjoys  singing in the original Portuguese). She’s grateful for the magical time on the  bandstand with jazz partners, and the connection with live (in-the-same-room)  audiences, in nightclubs, all-ages listening venues, and at outdoor festivals. For  this early-week performance, Beverly and two of her favourite musical friends  will play swing, bossa, originals, blues and more. Come on in to The Rex! 

“…a voice that envelopes you like a warm embrace…”. Errol Nazareth, CBC  Radio’s "Big City. Small World”

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @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.

Mattaus Gretzinger
February 11 @ 5:00 PM

Mattaus Gretzinger - Saxophone
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Mattaus Gretzinger is a saxophonist, composer and teacher based in the dynamic city of Toronto.  Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, he discovered his love for the saxophone in 7th grade, finding any opportunity he could to learn more about the instrument. He has poured his heart and soul into mastering the saxophone, and constantly pushes boundaries to create a unique and captivating musical voice. Mattaus Gretzinger can be found playing around Toronto at venues such as The Rex, Jazz Bistro and Drom Taberna as well as theatre shows and corporate events. Mattaus has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Terri Lynne Carrington, Rich Brown, Ethan Ardelli, Jon Maharaj, Lorne Lofsky, Andrew Marzatto, Jacob Chung and more. In addition to his skills as an alto saxophonist, he is also an avid composer. Mattaus find immense joy in crafting original compositions that leave a lasting impression on the audience. Mattaus challenges conventions, tells stories, and evokes deep emotions through his compositions. Mattaus can't wait to share his passion and creativity with you through his performances and compositions. Stay tuned for what's to come—he's just getting started!

Novo Mundo Novo feat Luanda Jones
February 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:00 PM

Luanda Jones - Vocals
Luis Deniz - Alto Saxophone
Mark Kelso - Drums
Paco Luviano - Bass
Gordon Sheard - Piano

Novo Mundo Novo comprises five musicians who hail from different points on the Globe – Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ireland, and Mexico – and who all now call Canada home. The group’s focus is on the music of Brazil, from classics of Brazilian popular song to newly composed works that honour that tradition and colour it with the unique musical voices of its members.

The scion of a well-known musical Rio de Janeiro family, vocalist, composer, and guitarist Luanda Jones has performed in numerous concerts and festivals throughout Brazil, and has made an indelible mark on the Canadian musical scene since her arrival here in 2005. Luanda has shared the stage with such luminaries as Guido Basso, Guinga, Benjamim Taubkin, and Fred Martins, among numerous others. She also leads her own trio, and is the vocalist and co-composer of Gordon Sheard & Sinal Aberto. Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camagüey, Cuba. Already a celebrated musician in that spectacularly musical country, since relocating to Canada over twenty years ago he has performed with an impressive array of top-rank Canadian and international musicians; a short list of these includes Mark Turner, Hilario Duran, Paquito D Rivera, Reg Schwager, Cubanismo, Rich Brown, Mark Kelso, Jane Bunnett, Ingrid Jensen, Gary Versace and Hermeto Pascoal. Mark Kelso is one of Canada’s most in-demand drummers for both live performances and recording. A very small sampling of the very many high-profile musicians he has performed with includes Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Gino Vannelli, Michael Bublé, and Holly Cole. Also from a musical family Paco Luviano, originally from Acapulco, México, has recorded and/or toured with acclaimed artists such as Liona Boyd, Njacko Backo, Hilario Durán, Jane Bunnett, Amanda Martinez, Patricia Cano, the Shuffle Demons, and harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens. Pianist and composer Gordon Sheard has been a stalwart of the Canadian music scene for five decades. He has been a member of Manteca, Rick Shadrach Lazar and the Montuno Police, and the bands of Chuck Mangione, Alain Caron, Liona Boyd, and Eliana Cuevas, among many others. Gord holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and has done extensive fieldwork in Brazil. 

Novo Mundo Novo feat Luanda Jones
February 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:00 PM

Luanda Jones - Vocals
Luis Deniz - Alto Saxophone
Mark Kelso - Drums
Paco Luviano - Bass
Gordon Sheard - Piano

Novo Mundo Novo comprises five musicians who hail from different points on the Globe – Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ireland, and Mexico – and who all now call Canada home. The group’s focus is on the music of Brazil, from classics of Brazilian popular song to newly composed works that honour that tradition and colour it with the unique musical voices of its members.

The scion of a well-known musical Rio de Janeiro family, vocalist, composer, and guitarist Luanda Jones has performed in numerous concerts and festivals throughout Brazil, and has made an indelible mark on the Canadian musical scene since her arrival here in 2005. Luanda has shared the stage with such luminaries as Guido Basso, Guinga, Benjamim Taubkin, and Fred Martins, among numerous others. She also leads her own trio, and is the vocalist and co-composer of Gordon Sheard & Sinal Aberto. Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camagüey, Cuba. Already a celebrated musician in that spectacularly musical country, since relocating to Canada over twenty years ago he has performed with an impressive array of top-rank Canadian and international musicians; a short list of these includes Mark Turner, Hilario Duran, Paquito D Rivera, Reg Schwager, Cubanismo, Rich Brown, Mark Kelso, Jane Bunnett, Ingrid Jensen, Gary Versace and Hermeto Pascoal. Mark Kelso is one of Canada’s most in-demand drummers for both live performances and recording. A very small sampling of the very many high-profile musicians he has performed with includes Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Gino Vannelli, Michael Bublé, and Holly Cole. Also from a musical family Paco Luviano, originally from Acapulco, México, has recorded and/or toured with acclaimed artists such as Liona Boyd, Njacko Backo, Hilario Durán, Jane Bunnett, Amanda Martinez, Patricia Cano, the Shuffle Demons, and harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens. Pianist and composer Gordon Sheard has been a stalwart of the Canadian music scene for five decades. He has been a member of Manteca, Rick Shadrach Lazar and the Montuno Police, and the bands of Chuck Mangione, Alain Caron, Liona Boyd, and Eliana Cuevas, among many others. Gord holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and has done extensive fieldwork in Brazil. 

Hannah Barstow Quartet
February 13 @ 5:00 PM

Hannah Barstow - Piano / Vocals
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Christopher Parnis - Bass
Keith Barstow - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hannah Barstow is a Toronto-based jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer. As a  performer, she is influenced by the great pianist-vocalists Shirley Horn and Blossom  Dearie. As a composer, her motivic melodies, intricate harmonies and intimate lyrics  are reminiscent of Jobim compositions with a contemporary perspective. Hannah’s  latest album, In a Summer Dream (2022) was co-lead with Mike Murley, featuring  bassist Jim Vivian.

Novo Mundo Novo feat Luanda Jones
February 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:00 PM

Luanda Jones - Vocals
Luis Deniz - Alto Saxophone
Mark Kelso - Drums
Paco Luviano - Bass
Gordon Sheard - Piano

Novo Mundo Novo comprises five musicians who hail from different points on the Globe – Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ireland, and Mexico – and who all now call Canada home. The group’s focus is on the music of Brazil, from classics of Brazilian popular song to newly composed works that honour that tradition and colour it with the unique musical voices of its members.

The scion of a well-known musical Rio de Janeiro family, vocalist, composer, and guitarist Luanda Jones has performed in numerous concerts and festivals throughout Brazil, and has made an indelible mark on the Canadian musical scene since her arrival here in 2005. Luanda has shared the stage with such luminaries as Guido Basso, Guinga, Benjamim Taubkin, and Fred Martins, among numerous others. She also leads her own trio, and is the vocalist and co-composer of Gordon Sheard & Sinal Aberto. Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camagüey, Cuba. Already a celebrated musician in that spectacularly musical country, since relocating to Canada over twenty years ago he has performed with an impressive array of top-rank Canadian and international musicians; a short list of these includes Mark Turner, Hilario Duran, Paquito D Rivera, Reg Schwager, Cubanismo, Rich Brown, Mark Kelso, Jane Bunnett, Ingrid Jensen, Gary Versace and Hermeto Pascoal. Mark Kelso is one of Canada’s most in-demand drummers for both live performances and recording. A very small sampling of the very many high-profile musicians he has performed with includes Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Gino Vannelli, Michael Bublé, and Holly Cole. Also from a musical family Paco Luviano, originally from Acapulco, México, has recorded and/or toured with acclaimed artists such as Liona Boyd, Njacko Backo, Hilario Durán, Jane Bunnett, Amanda Martinez, Patricia Cano, the Shuffle Demons, and harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens. Pianist and composer Gordon Sheard has been a stalwart of the Canadian music scene for five decades. He has been a member of Manteca, Rick Shadrach Lazar and the Montuno Police, and the bands of Chuck Mangione, Alain Caron, Liona Boyd, and Eliana Cuevas, among many others. Gord holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and has done extensive fieldwork in Brazil. 

Jonathan Scott
February 13 @ 11:00 PM

Jonathan Scott - Drums
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Neon Eagle
February 14 @ 2:00 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!

Ori Dagan
February 14 @ 5:00 PM

Ori Dagan - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has attracted a dedicated and growing audience, both in his native Toronto and internationally. He brings a wry and agile sense of swing to everything he does, whether interpreting a standard, spinning a pop tune on its head or introducing his own original music and lyrics. Dagan's rich bass-baritone is unmistakable. His consistently forward-thinking style is inspired by hundreds of heroines and heroes, including Sheila Jordan (with whom Dagan recorded a duet in 2017). 

Kicked off by the audaciously truthful "Viruses," which netted him a Grand Prize at the Great American Songwriting Contest, Dagan’s 2022 release "Click Right Here" solidifies his strengths as a lyricist. The album is a darkly humorous tongue-in-cheek sendup of life in the digital age, with songs about online dating, social media and other 21st century blues ironically paired with the old-school sound of an 8-piece jazz band. "Click Right Here" was praised by John Devenish of JAZZ.FM91 as “fun, provocative, fancy-free and spirited,” while George W. Harris of Jazz Weekly proclaimed: "Rare are the male singers these days who are just as clever with the pen as the vocal sword. Toronto-based Ori Dagan fits into that category with this clever release of mostly originals."   

Ori’s previous recordings, S’Cat Got My Tongue (2009) and Less Than Three <3 (2012), established his creative artistic voice. In 2017, with the support of an ambitious crowdfunding campaign, he collaborated with seven directors from around the world on the visual album Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, which garnered him invitations to headline around the world, won critical acclaim and recognition at film festivals worldwide, as well as an official showcase at SXSW.  During the pandemic, Ori’s weekly live-streamed concert Jazz It Up garnered over one million views collectively.  

Whether you are following his TikToks, watching his music videos or seeing him perform the old-school way, the Ori Dagan experience will continue to bring jazz into the 21st century.

Novo Mundo Novo feat Luanda Jones
February 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:00 PM

Luanda Jones - Vocals
Luis Deniz - Alto Saxophone
Mark Kelso - Drums
Paco Luviano - Bass
Gordon Sheard - Piano

Novo Mundo Novo comprises five musicians who hail from different points on the Globe – Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ireland, and Mexico – and who all now call Canada home. The group’s focus is on the music of Brazil, from classics of Brazilian popular song to newly composed works that honour that tradition and colour it with the unique musical voices of its members.

The scion of a well-known musical Rio de Janeiro family, vocalist, composer, and guitarist Luanda Jones has performed in numerous concerts and festivals throughout Brazil, and has made an indelible mark on the Canadian musical scene since her arrival here in 2005. Luanda has shared the stage with such luminaries as Guido Basso, Guinga, Benjamim Taubkin, and Fred Martins, among numerous others. She also leads her own trio, and is the vocalist and co-composer of Gordon Sheard & Sinal Aberto. Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camagüey, Cuba. Already a celebrated musician in that spectacularly musical country, since relocating to Canada over twenty years ago he has performed with an impressive array of top-rank Canadian and international musicians; a short list of these includes Mark Turner, Hilario Duran, Paquito D Rivera, Reg Schwager, Cubanismo, Rich Brown, Mark Kelso, Jane Bunnett, Ingrid Jensen, Gary Versace and Hermeto Pascoal. Mark Kelso is one of Canada’s most in-demand drummers for both live performances and recording. A very small sampling of the very many high-profile musicians he has performed with includes Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Gino Vannelli, Michael Bublé, and Holly Cole. Also from a musical family Paco Luviano, originally from Acapulco, México, has recorded and/or toured with acclaimed artists such as Liona Boyd, Njacko Backo, Hilario Durán, Jane Bunnett, Amanda Martinez, Patricia Cano, the Shuffle Demons, and harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens. Pianist and composer Gordon Sheard has been a stalwart of the Canadian music scene for five decades. He has been a member of Manteca, Rick Shadrach Lazar and the Montuno Police, and the bands of Chuck Mangione, Alain Caron, Liona Boyd, and Eliana Cuevas, among many others. Gord holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and has done extensive fieldwork in Brazil. 

ALE NUÑEZ QUARTET
February 14 @ 11:00 pm

Ale Nuñez - Vocals
Eric Liang - Piano
Hiro Tanaka - Bass
Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ale Avery Nuñez is a Jazz Vocalist, Songwriter, and bandleader based in Toronto, Canada. Rooted in jazz and soul, she brings a musical sophistication to every performance, with a tone that is uniquely her own and a true dedication to her artistry. Her influences range from Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Nat King Cole, and Etta Jones to Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones and Feist. Although a recent honours graduate of the Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College in Toronto, Ale has gone on to establish herself as an in-demand vocalist and musician, making her mark in music scenes near and far.

Jake Hanlon
February 15 & 16 @ 8:00pm

Jake Hanlon - Guitar
Band - TBA

Guitarist, composer, and educator Jake Hanlon is a prominent figure in the Atlantic Canadian jazz scene and is recognized as one of its leading voices. He has released four albums as a leader or co-leader, earning multiple nominations from both the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) and Music Nova Scotia.

Hanlon is an Associate Professor at Saint Francis Xavier University, home to Canada’s oldest degree-granting Jazz Studies program. There, he teaches Jazz Composition, Jazz Guitar, Popular Music History, and directs small ensembles. In 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Music Department.

An alumnus of the University of North Texas (’08) and Saint Francis Xavier University (’03), Hanlon studied jazz composition and guitar with Fred Hamilton, Tom Daniels, Alan Sutherland, John Abercrombie, and Vic Juris. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency (’07).

Hanlon has performed alongside renowned artists such as David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Matt Wilson, Tim Hagans, Andy LaVerne, Chad Wackerman, Mike Murley, Eric Harland, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, Diane Nalini, David Braid, John Stowell, Kelly Jefferson, and Vic Juris. He has toured extensively throughout Eastern Canada and internationally in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, and the United States.

Jake Hanlon
February 15 & 16 @ 8:00pm

Jake Hanlon - Guitar
Band - TBA

Guitarist, composer, and educator Jake Hanlon is a prominent figure in the Atlantic Canadian jazz scene and is recognized as one of its leading voices. He has released four albums as a leader or co-leader, earning multiple nominations from both the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) and Music Nova Scotia.

Hanlon is an Associate Professor at Saint Francis Xavier University, home to Canada’s oldest degree-granting Jazz Studies program. There, he teaches Jazz Composition, Jazz Guitar, Popular Music History, and directs small ensembles. In 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Music Department.

An alumnus of the University of North Texas (’08) and Saint Francis Xavier University (’03), Hanlon studied jazz composition and guitar with Fred Hamilton, Tom Daniels, Alan Sutherland, John Abercrombie, and Vic Juris. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency (’07).

Hanlon has performed alongside renowned artists such as David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Matt Wilson, Tim Hagans, Andy LaVerne, Chad Wackerman, Mike Murley, Eric Harland, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, Diane Nalini, David Braid, John Stowell, Kelly Jefferson, and Vic Juris. He has toured extensively throughout Eastern Canada and internationally in Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, and the United States.

Frank Botos Trio Featuring Lee Wales & Jon Mayer
February 17 @ 5:00 PM

Frank Botos - Drums
Lee Wales - Guitar
Jon Mayer - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born into a musical family, Frank became a first call drummer in  Hungary at an early age. He worked and recorded with  Hungary’s most well known musicians including Szakcsi, Tony  Lakatos, Robert Lakatos, Gabor Gado. Frank studied at the  Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music with Gyula Kovacs and Ivan  Nesztor. After leaving the school in 1991, Frank won first place  in the “Krakow International Jazz Competition” in Poland. He  has played on the main stages of European jazz festivals. In  1998 Frank Botos immigrated to Canada. Shortly after arriving  in Canada with his brother Robi Botos. 

Frank and Robi became well established in the Toronto jazz  scene as “The Botos Brothers”. They soon released their  independent CD featuring Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson and  Attila Darvas, which has received extensive airplay. Frank  continued his professional development in Canada by studying  with renowned jazz educator Jim Blackley. Since then, Frank  has worked with such international and local stars as Bela Fleck  and Jean Luc-Ponty (Toronto International Jazz Festival main  stage 2005), Avishai Cohen (Hungarian Jazz Festival  2005),Sonny Fortune(Hungarian Jazz Festival 2006), Mario  Rodrigues, Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny (Du Maruier  International Jazz Festival Toronto 1999), Dave Young, Pat  LaBarbara, Don Thompson, Kirk MacDonald, Mike Murley,  Michael Stewart,Phil Dwyer, Hugh Fraser, Jake Langley, Steve  Wallace, Bernie Senensky,Stan Fomin, Shawan Nykwist, Neil  Swanson, Gene Dinovi, David Braid, Lorne Lofsky, Shelley  Berger, Nancy Walker,Mike Downs, and Kirk Lightsey to name  a few.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @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.

Robert Chapman
February 18 @ 5:00 pm

Robert Chapman - Guitar
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Robert Chapman is a guitarist from Toronto, Ontario who has performed all over Canada since his early 20’s. Past performances include The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, The Jazz Bistro, The Jazz Room, and The Montreal Jazz Festival. He is a graduate of both Mohawk College and Humber College’s music programs, was a featured emerging artist as part of Jazz FM 91.1’s Jazzology program, and performs with the 2018 Juno award nominated Brad Cheeseman Group.

Gary Smulyan
February 18, 19, 20, 21 @ 8:00 PM

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax
Band - TBA

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan was born April 4, 1956, in Bethpage, New York. The gifted multi-instrumentalist started his music career by first learning alto saxophone during his teenage years on Long Island. Today he is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach — and perhaps most importantly – a strong and incisive wit.

While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance.

After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Potsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978. It was a remarkable collection of young musicians who ultimately would find themselves in the forefront of present-day jazz. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn’t have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Gradually establishing himself the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.

Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. At this point in his career he has at least 10 recordings out under his own name. Meanwhile he continues to play with wide variety of artists – each presenting him with an opportunity to fully express himself. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan remains close with Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there is the exhilarating and liberating Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Beyond that, Smulyan has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.

No matter who he is performing with – or whether he is leading his own band at the time – Smulyan brings to the stage the spirit, style and savvy of a deep-toned master of bebop. “Gary Smulyan’s lineage comes more from musicians like Cecil Payne, Leo Parker, Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff and Nick Brignola – the few baritonists that dared to master the tricky, chromatic music known as bebop,” wrote All About Jazz’s Francis Lo Kee in a review. “Indeed…Smulyan is fluent in the language.” He was heavily influenced by Adams who was known as “The Knife” for his hearty tone and the energy of his rhythmic playing style. Smulyan’s Homage, featuring Tommy Flanagan was recorded following Adams’ death, and every track on the recording, released in 1994, is written by Adams. Similarly, Smulyan organized the Three Baritone Saxophone Band, which places him in the company of two of his seniors – Ronnie Cuber and the late Nick Brignola. The group released Plays Mulligan in 1998, the date serving as a tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan, one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a mentor for many artists, including Smulyan.

“Smulyan’s tone seems to get bigger and his ideas more expansive from album to album,” wrote long-time critic Doug Ramsey in Jazz Times magazine. In 1995, WBGO, the all-jazz, Newark, N.J.-based NPR station voted Smulyan’s Saxophone Mosaic as one of the best 25 CDs of 1995; two years later the Boston Globe selected the baritone saxophonist’s Gary Smulyan with Strings as one of the 10 best jazz CDs of 1997. Hidden Treasures, a piano-less trio date featuring Christian McBride was given four and a half stars in Down Beat magazine and voted as one of the best CD’s of the year.

Always in search of new ideas, in 2008 Smulyan released High Noon – The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine; it is a nine-piece band tribute to the prolific 1940s and 1950s pop singer Frankie Laine who died in 2007 at age 93. “This is the kind of album whose melodies linger after the session’s over,” wrote another long-time critic, Owen Cordle of Charlotte News and Observer.

These days Smulyan the Long-Island native lives in Amherst, Mass., with his wife, pianist and conductor Joan Cornachio. He is a faculty member of Amherst College and serves as the artistic director at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a two year post secondary music school for eighteen to thirty year olds with developmental disabilities.

The baritone saxophonist, is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Critic’s and Reader’s Poll’s and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Shannon Butcher
February 19 @ 5:00 PM

Shannon Butcher - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Shannon Butcher is an acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, arranger and record producer. She charms audiences with her joyful wit and warm energy - her performances capturing the unique spirit of each song while also celebrating the playful nature of jazz.

She has toured across Canada, including performances at Victoria’s Hermann’s Jazz Club, Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite, Montreal’s Upstairs Jazz and the major jazz festivals in Ontario. She has performed across The United States and in England.  

Shannon’s original songs reveal the breadth of her influences, from the sounds of Big Band music halls to Yorkville folk coffee houses. As an arranger, she interprets chart topping pop songs with a fresh and exciting jazz perspective.

Shannon has released five albums under her own label Summer Bloom Records, her first album earning an iTunes’ Best New Jazz Artist of the Year award. In addition to her solo work, she has performed and recorded with Swing Rosie - an Andrews Sisters-inspired trio - as well as the folk quartet Samways, which released its self-titled debut album in 2021.

In 2022, Shannon released two singles: a bass/voice duet recording of “They Say It’s Spring” with her longtime collaborator, bassist Ross MacIntyre; as well as her original song “You’re Getting Nothing For Christmas (But My Love)”, recorded by the Shannon Butcher Quintet featuring John MacLeod on trumpet.

Her sixth album, “Earbuds”, with Ross MacIntyre, will be released in Spring 2023.

Gary Smulyan
February 18, 19, 20, 21 @ 8:00 PM

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax
Band - TBA

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan was born April 4, 1956, in Bethpage, New York. The gifted multi-instrumentalist started his music career by first learning alto saxophone during his teenage years on Long Island. Today he is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach — and perhaps most importantly – a strong and incisive wit.

While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance.

After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Potsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978. It was a remarkable collection of young musicians who ultimately would find themselves in the forefront of present-day jazz. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn’t have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Gradually establishing himself the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.

Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. At this point in his career he has at least 10 recordings out under his own name. Meanwhile he continues to play with wide variety of artists – each presenting him with an opportunity to fully express himself. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan remains close with Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there is the exhilarating and liberating Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Beyond that, Smulyan has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.

No matter who he is performing with – or whether he is leading his own band at the time – Smulyan brings to the stage the spirit, style and savvy of a deep-toned master of bebop. “Gary Smulyan’s lineage comes more from musicians like Cecil Payne, Leo Parker, Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff and Nick Brignola – the few baritonists that dared to master the tricky, chromatic music known as bebop,” wrote All About Jazz’s Francis Lo Kee in a review. “Indeed…Smulyan is fluent in the language.” He was heavily influenced by Adams who was known as “The Knife” for his hearty tone and the energy of his rhythmic playing style. Smulyan’s Homage, featuring Tommy Flanagan was recorded following Adams’ death, and every track on the recording, released in 1994, is written by Adams. Similarly, Smulyan organized the Three Baritone Saxophone Band, which places him in the company of two of his seniors – Ronnie Cuber and the late Nick Brignola. The group released Plays Mulligan in 1998, the date serving as a tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan, one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a mentor for many artists, including Smulyan.

“Smulyan’s tone seems to get bigger and his ideas more expansive from album to album,” wrote long-time critic Doug Ramsey in Jazz Times magazine. In 1995, WBGO, the all-jazz, Newark, N.J.-based NPR station voted Smulyan’s Saxophone Mosaic as one of the best 25 CDs of 1995; two years later the Boston Globe selected the baritone saxophonist’s Gary Smulyan with Strings as one of the 10 best jazz CDs of 1997. Hidden Treasures, a piano-less trio date featuring Christian McBride was given four and a half stars in Down Beat magazine and voted as one of the best CD’s of the year.

Always in search of new ideas, in 2008 Smulyan released High Noon – The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine; it is a nine-piece band tribute to the prolific 1940s and 1950s pop singer Frankie Laine who died in 2007 at age 93. “This is the kind of album whose melodies linger after the session’s over,” wrote another long-time critic, Owen Cordle of Charlotte News and Observer.

These days Smulyan the Long-Island native lives in Amherst, Mass., with his wife, pianist and conductor Joan Cornachio. He is a faculty member of Amherst College and serves as the artistic director at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a two year post secondary music school for eighteen to thirty year olds with developmental disabilities.

The baritone saxophonist, is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Critic’s and Reader’s Poll’s and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Tom Reynolds Trio
February 20 @ 5:00 PM

Tom Reynolds - Piano
Lorne Nehring - Drums
George Koller - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Tom Reynolds Trio emerged from the context of performing for Sunday worship services at St. Andrew’s United Church (near Bloor and Yonge in Toronto), where it is known as the “St. Andrew’s Trio.” Providing jazz music in a liturgical format opened unique possibilities for performing in a more contemplative, textured, and reflective mode, even while retaining the distinct elements of improvisation and spontaneous interaction among the musicians.

When performing live in clubs in Toronto, such as the Rex or other venues, the trio ratches up the intensity. Reminiscent of Bill Evans and Keith Jarett trios, the trio foregrounds the flexible and collaborative elements of jazz performance. Each original composition is melodically and harmonically structured to open space for responsiveness between musicians (piano, bass, drums), expressed in both subtle and full-bodied emotional contours. Strong melodic content and layered harmony through the writing provides a bedrock for the performance to convey intensity of feeling and improvisational vitality. The contemporary jazz sound that results is distinctive and unique to the trio, as each musician brings their own voice to the performance. The ‘band vibe’ is very much alive in what we do.

Gary Smulyan
February 18, 19, 20, 21 @ 8:00 PM

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax
Band - TBA

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan was born April 4, 1956, in Bethpage, New York. The gifted multi-instrumentalist started his music career by first learning alto saxophone during his teenage years on Long Island. Today he is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach — and perhaps most importantly – a strong and incisive wit.

While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance.

After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Potsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978. It was a remarkable collection of young musicians who ultimately would find themselves in the forefront of present-day jazz. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn’t have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Gradually establishing himself the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.

Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. At this point in his career he has at least 10 recordings out under his own name. Meanwhile he continues to play with wide variety of artists – each presenting him with an opportunity to fully express himself. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan remains close with Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there is the exhilarating and liberating Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Beyond that, Smulyan has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.

No matter who he is performing with – or whether he is leading his own band at the time – Smulyan brings to the stage the spirit, style and savvy of a deep-toned master of bebop. “Gary Smulyan’s lineage comes more from musicians like Cecil Payne, Leo Parker, Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff and Nick Brignola – the few baritonists that dared to master the tricky, chromatic music known as bebop,” wrote All About Jazz’s Francis Lo Kee in a review. “Indeed…Smulyan is fluent in the language.” He was heavily influenced by Adams who was known as “The Knife” for his hearty tone and the energy of his rhythmic playing style. Smulyan’s Homage, featuring Tommy Flanagan was recorded following Adams’ death, and every track on the recording, released in 1994, is written by Adams. Similarly, Smulyan organized the Three Baritone Saxophone Band, which places him in the company of two of his seniors – Ronnie Cuber and the late Nick Brignola. The group released Plays Mulligan in 1998, the date serving as a tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan, one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a mentor for many artists, including Smulyan.

“Smulyan’s tone seems to get bigger and his ideas more expansive from album to album,” wrote long-time critic Doug Ramsey in Jazz Times magazine. In 1995, WBGO, the all-jazz, Newark, N.J.-based NPR station voted Smulyan’s Saxophone Mosaic as one of the best 25 CDs of 1995; two years later the Boston Globe selected the baritone saxophonist’s Gary Smulyan with Strings as one of the 10 best jazz CDs of 1997. Hidden Treasures, a piano-less trio date featuring Christian McBride was given four and a half stars in Down Beat magazine and voted as one of the best CD’s of the year.

Always in search of new ideas, in 2008 Smulyan released High Noon – The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine; it is a nine-piece band tribute to the prolific 1940s and 1950s pop singer Frankie Laine who died in 2007 at age 93. “This is the kind of album whose melodies linger after the session’s over,” wrote another long-time critic, Owen Cordle of Charlotte News and Observer.

These days Smulyan the Long-Island native lives in Amherst, Mass., with his wife, pianist and conductor Joan Cornachio. He is a faculty member of Amherst College and serves as the artistic director at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a two year post secondary music school for eighteen to thirty year olds with developmental disabilities.

The baritone saxophonist, is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Critic’s and Reader’s Poll’s and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Alan Zemaitis Trio
February 20 @ 11:00 PM

Alan Zemaitis - Organ
Rob Christian - Saxophone
Galen Pelley - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto native Alan Zemaitis has been active on the Toronto scene for a couple decades, recently dedicating most time to souljazz and funk on organ, while lugging a Leslie speaker and bass pedals to every gig. With Rob Christian on sax and Galen Pelley on drums, improvised explorations evolve.

Advocats Big Band
February 21 @ 2:00 Pm

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

From its fledgling days in 1991 as an enthusiastic group of  lawyer/musicians, the Advocats Big Band has become one of the most  popular big bands performing in Toronto. The band's current personnel  features 17 top-flight musicians whose individual professional  experience ranges from studio, film, theatre and television work to  major symphony orchestra, chamber music and night clubs.  Performing on the first Monday of every month since 2004, starting at  the Chick’n’deli and currently at The Duke Toronto, as well as numerous  other venues and events, and with regular radio airplay, the Advocats  Big Band never fails to please its audience with a widely appealing  repertoire of Jazz, Swing and Latin music. The Advocats are delighted to  be back performing at The Rex!

Steve Koven
February 21 @ 5:00 PM

Steve Koven - Piano
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Steve Koven is a composer, performer, producer,  educator and film maker. In 1993 he established the  Steve Koven Trio.   Touring the world for more than  two decades, they have been coined as ‘Canadian  Cultural Ambassadors’. Aside from performing  world wide with his trio, Steve also performs solo  piano concerts throughout North America, Europe  and the Caribbean. Dozens of Koven’s  

compositions have been licensed for national and  international film and television productions. As an educator, Steve has been teaching in the  Faculty of Music at Toronto’ s York University since  2003, teaching Contemporary Improvisation and  Jazz Piano Studies. In addition, Steve teaches in  the Music Department at Centennial College in  Toronto, He holds a Masters in Music Composition  and has presented master classes and clinics  throughout Canada, China, Japan, Colombia,  Barbados, Bahamas, USA and Mexico. Steve is  also the Education Co-ordinator of the Eleuthera  International Jazz Festival on Eleuthera, Bahamas,  and has presented a TEDx TALK at Queens  University, Kingston, Ontario.

Koven is also an award winning film maker,  receiving first price for his documentary, 20, in the  2015 Toronto Independent Film Festival and for his  documentary, Improvisation in the 2018 Toronto  Short Film Festival

Gary Smulyan
February 18, 19, 20, 21 @ 8:00 PM

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax
Band - TBA

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan was born April 4, 1956, in Bethpage, New York. The gifted multi-instrumentalist started his music career by first learning alto saxophone during his teenage years on Long Island. Today he is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach — and perhaps most importantly – a strong and incisive wit.

While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance.

After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Potsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978. It was a remarkable collection of young musicians who ultimately would find themselves in the forefront of present-day jazz. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn’t have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Gradually establishing himself the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including: trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.

Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. At this point in his career he has at least 10 recordings out under his own name. Meanwhile he continues to play with wide variety of artists – each presenting him with an opportunity to fully express himself. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan remains close with Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there is the exhilarating and liberating Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Beyond that, Smulyan has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.

No matter who he is performing with – or whether he is leading his own band at the time – Smulyan brings to the stage the spirit, style and savvy of a deep-toned master of bebop. “Gary Smulyan’s lineage comes more from musicians like Cecil Payne, Leo Parker, Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff and Nick Brignola – the few baritonists that dared to master the tricky, chromatic music known as bebop,” wrote All About Jazz’s Francis Lo Kee in a review. “Indeed…Smulyan is fluent in the language.” He was heavily influenced by Adams who was known as “The Knife” for his hearty tone and the energy of his rhythmic playing style. Smulyan’s Homage, featuring Tommy Flanagan was recorded following Adams’ death, and every track on the recording, released in 1994, is written by Adams. Similarly, Smulyan organized the Three Baritone Saxophone Band, which places him in the company of two of his seniors – Ronnie Cuber and the late Nick Brignola. The group released Plays Mulligan in 1998, the date serving as a tribute to the late Gerry Mulligan, one of the foremost baritone saxophonists in jazz history and a mentor for many artists, including Smulyan.

“Smulyan’s tone seems to get bigger and his ideas more expansive from album to album,” wrote long-time critic Doug Ramsey in Jazz Times magazine. In 1995, WBGO, the all-jazz, Newark, N.J.-based NPR station voted Smulyan’s Saxophone Mosaic as one of the best 25 CDs of 1995; two years later the Boston Globe selected the baritone saxophonist’s Gary Smulyan with Strings as one of the 10 best jazz CDs of 1997. Hidden Treasures, a piano-less trio date featuring Christian McBride was given four and a half stars in Down Beat magazine and voted as one of the best CD’s of the year.

Always in search of new ideas, in 2008 Smulyan released High Noon – The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine; it is a nine-piece band tribute to the prolific 1940s and 1950s pop singer Frankie Laine who died in 2007 at age 93. “This is the kind of album whose melodies linger after the session’s over,” wrote another long-time critic, Owen Cordle of Charlotte News and Observer.

These days Smulyan the Long-Island native lives in Amherst, Mass., with his wife, pianist and conductor Joan Cornachio. He is a faculty member of Amherst College and serves as the artistic director at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a two year post secondary music school for eighteen to thirty year olds with developmental disabilities.

The baritone saxophonist, is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Critic’s and Reader’s Poll’s and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Junestone
february 21 @ 11:00 PM

Borys Franiczek - Guitars
Ian Aisling - Keyboards
Olivia Brown -Bass / Vocals
Justin McHugh - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Fresh, brilliant, and funky as hell are just some of the ways audience members describe Junestone and their undeniably groovy vibe. Inspired by improvisational music, alternative hits, and classic pop songs alike, their music is as sincere as it is beguiling. The band features Borys Franiczek on guitars, Ian Aisling on keyboards, Olivia Brown on bass and vocals, and Justin McHugh on drums.

JazzFM Youth Big Band
February 22 @ 11:00 AM

No Reservations

Pay What You Can

Global Sunday Tamar Ilana - Vetanas
february 22 @ 2:00 PM

Tamar Ilana - Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Tamar Ilana & Ventanas is a 6-piece global music and flamenco band based in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2011 by "powerhouse vocalist" (Downbeat Magazine) and Jewish-Indigenous artist Tamar Ilana, they've received 4 CFMA nominations, and toured across Canada, the US, Colombia, Portugal, Ireland and Spain. They released their 4th album, AZADI, in 2024: original compositions that reflect on life’s freedoms with strong influences from their unique combination of cultural and musical backgrounds including Flamenco, Sephardic, Balkan, Greek, Turkish, Jazz, Pop, Classical and Mediterranean folk

The Danny Marks Combo
February 22 @ 5:00 PM

Danny Marks - Vocals & Guitar
Bass - TBA
Drums - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Danny Marks is a Toronto-born musician and broadcaster with a lifelong passion for music. Starting guitar at 11, he immersed himself in the local scene, eventually co-founding Edward Bear, which opened for legends like Led Zeppelin, The Byrds, and Humble Pie. Marks has collaborated with 

icons like Rick James, Bo Diddley, and Rita Coolidge, and hosted radio shows including CBC Radio's Hum Line and JAZZ FM91's BLUZ FM (since 1997). His critically acclaimed albums include Guitarchaeology (1996), Big Town Boy (2004), A Friend in the Blues (2007), and Cities in Blues (2013), earning awards in Canada and Europe. A "Blues with a Feeling" lifetime achievement award recipient (2006), Marks continues to perform and record, celebrating blues legacy. Recent singles "Man on the Radio" and "I'm Ready" showcase his artistic evolution. His new release, "One Way Ticket Home b/w Please Mister Conductor," is a two-sided smash. With his guitar work and engaging personality, Marks remains a significant figure in Canadian music.

A tribute to thelonious monk
February 22 @ 8:00 PM

Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Josh Goldman - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums
Mark Hundevad -Vibes

Ewen Farncombe is a multi Juno nominated pianist and composer based out of Toronto and has been a professional on the scene there for over a decade. Having played on various recordings and with numerous artists, he has earned his reputation as a highly skilled musician. While he was attending Humber College for a degree in music performance, he received several prestigious awards, including the Hnatyshyn Foundation Oscar Peterson award and the Downbeat Jazz Soloist award in the Undergraduate category. While jazz is Ewen’s passion, he is a versatile player and is known to play many genres of music with many decorated artists.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @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.

Emily Steinwall
February 25 @ 5:00 PM

Emily Steinwall - Guitar / Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Emily Steinwall is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter born and based in Toronto, Canada.

Steinwall’s roots in Toronto’s music scene run deep; her grandparents and parents were all active members of the local live music scene. This organically grew into a full-time career as a gigging musician for local and touring acts. 

Her self-produced and independently released debut album as a solo artist, “Welcome to the Garden”, was the recipient of the 2022 SOCAN songwriters prize. Once described as “A Disney Princess on Acid” , this ambitious album blends psychedelic rock, theatrics and extended saxophone solos.

Steinwall is currently finishing her second studio album, entitled “But, there is Beauty in the Fall from Grace” , which will be released in early 2026.

Michael Occhipinti's Shine on : The Universe of John Lennon
February 25, 26, 27, 28 @ 8:00pm

Elizabeth Shepherd - Piano / Vocals
Yvette Tollar - Vocals
Mark Kelso - Drums / Vocals
Tyler Emond - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar / Vocals

Shine On: the Universe of John Lennon is a super group bringing some of  Canda’s most acclaimed musicians together to perform music by John Lennon and  the Beatles. Uniquely arranged by guitarist Michael Occhipinti, the all-star lineup  collectively boasts over 20 JUNO Award nominations, and includes the unique  voices of Elizabeth Shepherd, Yvette Tollar, and singer/drummer Mark Kelso, joined  by Tyler Emond (bass), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Michael Occhipinti (guitar/ 

vocals). 

Named as a best of they year album by the radio hosts at Jazz FM, The  Universe of John Lennon was released in 2012, and and the band have since  appeared at festivals and venues from St. John’s to Victoria to New York.       Michael Occhipinti is no stranger to reinventing popular music, having received  JUNO nominations for his albums Creation Dream - The Songs of Bruce Cockburn,  The Sicilian Jazz Project, and (as ES:MO with Elizabeth Shepherd) The Weight of Hope  celebrating a variety of singer-songwriters from Stevie Wonder to Gordon  Lightfoot. 

          With John Lennon’s music so deeply engrained in our cultural fabric,  Occhipinti took a huge risk re-imagining songs that are so familiar. Michael,  however, felt that too many artists miss the opportunity to do something new  with Lennon’s material.   

    “Our familiarity with Lennon and the Beatles is kind of liberating from an  arranger’s point of view. It allows us to alter the songs in imaginative ways that  make them new for the audience, but at the same time they still recognize the  songs and feel the emotions Lennon wove into the music” he explains. “For me it’s  never been about recreating songs the way so many tribute bands do, but rather  trying be creative and personal, while still expressing an honest admiration for  John Lennon’s music”   

    That sentiment is beautifully expressed throughout the album. From the  inventive takes on “I Am The Walrus” and “Working Class Hero” featuring  Elizabeth Shepherd’s cool vocals, to Yvette Tollar’s surprising version of “I’m Only  Sleeping.” Michael Occhipinti’s creative palette of guitar sounds wind throughout  the project so that The Universe of John Lennon makes the familiar into something  new. Tracing an arc from Lennon’s best work from Beatles’s albums such as  Revolver and Rubber Soul to his last solo work, Shine On is a genre-crossing  group that is a tribute like no other.

West End Riverboat Band
February 26 @ 5:00 PM

Chris Adriaanse - Bass
John David Williams - Clarinet
Ben Lee - Banjo

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The West End Riverboat Band is a musical paradox, combining the musicianship and roots of  traditional New Orleans jazz with the vivaciousness and raw energy of a contemporary rock  band.

Michael Occhipinti's Shine on : The Universe of John Lennon
February 25, 26, 27, 28 @ 8:00pm

Elizabeth Shepherd - Piano / Vocals
Yvette Tollar - Vocals
Mark Kelso - Drums / Vocals
Tyler Emond - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar / Vocals

Shine On: the Universe of John Lennon is a super group bringing some of  Canda’s most acclaimed musicians together to perform music by John Lennon and  the Beatles. Uniquely arranged by guitarist Michael Occhipinti, the all-star lineup  collectively boasts over 20 JUNO Award nominations, and includes the unique  voices of Elizabeth Shepherd, Yvette Tollar, and singer/drummer Mark Kelso, joined  by Tyler Emond (bass), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Michael Occhipinti (guitar/ 

vocals). 

Named as a best of they year album by the radio hosts at Jazz FM, The  Universe of John Lennon was released in 2012, and and the band have since  appeared at festivals and venues from St. John’s to Victoria to New York.       Michael Occhipinti is no stranger to reinventing popular music, having received  JUNO nominations for his albums Creation Dream - The Songs of Bruce Cockburn,  The Sicilian Jazz Project, and (as ES:MO with Elizabeth Shepherd) The Weight of Hope  celebrating a variety of singer-songwriters from Stevie Wonder to Gordon  Lightfoot. 

          With John Lennon’s music so deeply engrained in our cultural fabric,  Occhipinti took a huge risk re-imagining songs that are so familiar. Michael,  however, felt that too many artists miss the opportunity to do something new  with Lennon’s material.   

    “Our familiarity with Lennon and the Beatles is kind of liberating from an  arranger’s point of view. It allows us to alter the songs in imaginative ways that  make them new for the audience, but at the same time they still recognize the  songs and feel the emotions Lennon wove into the music” he explains. “For me it’s  never been about recreating songs the way so many tribute bands do, but rather  trying be creative and personal, while still expressing an honest admiration for  John Lennon’s music”   

    That sentiment is beautifully expressed throughout the album. From the  inventive takes on “I Am The Walrus” and “Working Class Hero” featuring  Elizabeth Shepherd’s cool vocals, to Yvette Tollar’s surprising version of “I’m Only  Sleeping.” Michael Occhipinti’s creative palette of guitar sounds wind throughout  the project so that The Universe of John Lennon makes the familiar into something  new. Tracing an arc from Lennon’s best work from Beatles’s albums such as  Revolver and Rubber Soul to his last solo work, Shine On is a genre-crossing  group that is a tribute like no other.

Karl Silveira Monktet
February 27 @ 5:00 PM

Karl Silveira - Trombone
Michael Davidson - Vibraphone
Dan Fortin - Bass
Nico Dann - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Karl Silveira is an award winning Jazz trombonist, composer, arranger and educator from  Toronto, Canada. He completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and Composition  from the University of Toronto in 2019. He plays in many great Toronto musical projects  including the Hilario Duran Big Band and The Rex Hotel Jazz Orchestra. His own quintet has  played multiple festivals and was recently awarded Artist of the Year by the TU Jazz Festival  in 2025. His debut album “A Porta Aperta” is available on all streaming platforms. 

Karl is proud to be a Yamaha Trombone Artist

Michael Occhipinti's Shine on : The Universe of John Lennon
February 25, 26, 27, 28 @ 8:00pm

Elizabeth Shepherd - Piano / Vocals
Yvette Tollar - Vocals
Mark Kelso - Drums / Vocals
Tyler Emond - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar / Vocals

Shine On: the Universe of John Lennon is a super group bringing some of  Canda’s most acclaimed musicians together to perform music by John Lennon and  the Beatles. Uniquely arranged by guitarist Michael Occhipinti, the all-star lineup  collectively boasts over 20 JUNO Award nominations, and includes the unique  voices of Elizabeth Shepherd, Yvette Tollar, and singer/drummer Mark Kelso, joined  by Tyler Emond (bass), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Michael Occhipinti (guitar/ 

vocals). 

Named as a best of they year album by the radio hosts at Jazz FM, The  Universe of John Lennon was released in 2012, and and the band have since  appeared at festivals and venues from St. John’s to Victoria to New York.       Michael Occhipinti is no stranger to reinventing popular music, having received  JUNO nominations for his albums Creation Dream - The Songs of Bruce Cockburn,  The Sicilian Jazz Project, and (as ES:MO with Elizabeth Shepherd) The Weight of Hope  celebrating a variety of singer-songwriters from Stevie Wonder to Gordon  Lightfoot. 

          With John Lennon’s music so deeply engrained in our cultural fabric,  Occhipinti took a huge risk re-imagining songs that are so familiar. Michael,  however, felt that too many artists miss the opportunity to do something new  with Lennon’s material.   

    “Our familiarity with Lennon and the Beatles is kind of liberating from an  arranger’s point of view. It allows us to alter the songs in imaginative ways that  make them new for the audience, but at the same time they still recognize the  songs and feel the emotions Lennon wove into the music” he explains. “For me it’s  never been about recreating songs the way so many tribute bands do, but rather  trying be creative and personal, while still expressing an honest admiration for  John Lennon’s music”   

    That sentiment is beautifully expressed throughout the album. From the  inventive takes on “I Am The Walrus” and “Working Class Hero” featuring  Elizabeth Shepherd’s cool vocals, to Yvette Tollar’s surprising version of “I’m Only  Sleeping.” Michael Occhipinti’s creative palette of guitar sounds wind throughout  the project so that The Universe of John Lennon makes the familiar into something  new. Tracing an arc from Lennon’s best work from Beatles’s albums such as  Revolver and Rubber Soul to his last solo work, Shine On is a genre-crossing  group that is a tribute like no other.

Jacob Gorzhaltsan quartet
february 27 @ 11:00 pm

Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Woodwinds
Noam Lemish - Piano
Bret Higgins - Bass
Eric West - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jacob Gorzhaltsan is a Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist,  composer, and singer-songwriter/producer based in Toronto, Ontario.  Born in Jerusalem, Israel to parents who are both visual artists, Jacob moved to Canada and (with his parent's encouragement) began studying music shortly afterwards. Early on in his musical pursuits, Jacob was fortunate to attend a workshop and play with his jazz clarinet-hero, the legendary Buddy DeFranco. This moment continues to serve as a huge musical inspiration for Jacob. Subsequently, he joined the student jazz band, Toronto All-Star Big Band, further developing his love for performance and delving deeper into the jazz tradition. During his tenure with TABB, Jacob was fortunate to get the opportunity to perform with Peter Appleyard and Doc Severinson.  He studied privately with a plethora of local Toronto musicians, and enjoyed four years at Humber College's B.A. of Music program. While at Humber, Jacob was honoured to share the stage with special resident-guests like Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Dobbins, Joe Lovano, Will Kennedy, The New York Voices, and Larry Goldings.  

He now performs and records professionally as a sideman with numerous groups in Toronto, and leads several bands of his own (Wide Arches, The Jellyfish, JG Quartet). Throughout his career, Jacob has played in countless venues and theatres across Canada and the United States. He has had the pleasure of being a part of an incredible cast and crew for concert productions/recordings with Soulpepper Theatre Company (Promised Land: Steinbeck Through Song, A Moveable Feast: Paris in the '20s, The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, The 27 Club, Prohibition: The Concert, Manhattan Concert Cycle: Melting Pot, Harlem, 42nd Street and Broadway, Detroit: Music of Motor City, On A Night Like This). He is honoured to have shared the stage with Jackie Richardson, Denzal Sinclaire, Kevin Breit, Stephane Wrembel, Noam Lemish and Amos Hoffman Quartet, Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks, Pedram Khavarzamini, Kalyna Rakel, The Israeli-Iranian Music Initiative, Heavyweights Brass Band, Holla Jazz Collective, Travis Knights, Mike Ross, Divine Brown, Denielle Bassels, Big Rude Jake, among many other talented and inspiring artists.

In 2021, Jacob was awarded a Toronto Arts Council grant to record a full-length album of original material. He released the record, "Farewell to All the Lovely Things", with his indie-folk band Wide Arches on September 12th, 2023. The album has been garnering much attention, receiving warm reviews from critics and charting nine times on Canadian college-radio (CFBX, CJSF, CICK, CJAM, CFRC) including three top 10 appearances.

Jacob can be seen and heard regularly playing at venues all around Toronto and the surrounding-area. In addition to performing extensively, Jacob is an active producer/recording-mixing engineer. His independent record label, Parpar Records, recently released a new EP by local band, Yosl and the Yingels. On Dec 1st, 2025, Jacob's improv-trio, The Jellyfish, released their debut full-length album. In addition to performing and recording, Jacob is an active music educator, and privately teaches woodwinds, improvisation, and music theory.

Rocky Verweel and Queen City Blues
february 28 @ 2:00 pm

Rocky Verweel - Piano / Vocals
Chris Perkins - Guitar
Steve Chadwick - Bass Guitar
Gerry Fielding - Drums & Background Vocals
Jim McGrath - Trumpet
Simon Wallis - Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Rocky Verweel and Queen City Blues is a six piece Blues/Roots/Soul band with a dynamic two piece horn section. 

They play an exciting upbeat and funky horn and guitar driven mix of old classics and new and original vocal and instrumental tunes. 

Inspired by such Blues legends as Little Milton, Bobby Blue Bland, Ray Charles, Etta James and many more. 

The seasoned and talented veterans in this band know how to stay true to the roots and feel of the Blues while adding their own interpretation. 

Come and dance or just listen.

George Lake BIG Band
February 28 @ 5:00 PM

Led by - Steve Pettafor
Vocals - Vincent Wolfe & Diya Tirone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Since 1997 The 20-piece George Lake BIG Band has been performing for audiences around the GTA and beyond. Regulars on the festival, dance and jazz venue scene, the band’s repertoire includes the timeless hits of the big band era. Music from Miller, Dorsey, Ellington, Basie and Herman has always been the core of the band’s repertoire but the band has always moved with the times. 

 Singing veteran Vincent Wolfe covers the vocals of the crooner greats such as Sinatra, Bennett, Nat Cole, Darin, Buble and more.  Young Diya Tirone brings her vocal talents to wide range of music. Her performance ranges from Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and June Christy to Nancy Wilson, Linda Ronstadt and Allicia Keys. Not to be missed are Vincent and Diya’s vocal duets.

Under direction of band leader Steve Pettafor, the George Lake BIG Band is pleased to return to The Rex where the focus is always on great music.

www.georgelakebigband.com

Michael Occhipinti's Shine on : The Universe of John Lennon
February 25, 26, 27, 28 @ 8:00pm

Elizabeth Shepherd - Piano / Vocals
Yvette Tollar - Vocals
Mark Kelso - Drums / Vocals
Tyler Emond - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar / Vocals

Shine On: the Universe of John Lennon is a super group bringing some of  Canda’s most acclaimed musicians together to perform music by John Lennon and  the Beatles. Uniquely arranged by guitarist Michael Occhipinti, the all-star lineup  collectively boasts over 20 JUNO Award nominations, and includes the unique  voices of Elizabeth Shepherd, Yvette Tollar, and singer/drummer Mark Kelso, joined  by Tyler Emond (bass), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Michael Occhipinti (guitar/ 

vocals). 

Named as a best of they year album by the radio hosts at Jazz FM, The  Universe of John Lennon was released in 2012, and and the band have since  appeared at festivals and venues from St. John’s to Victoria to New York.       Michael Occhipinti is no stranger to reinventing popular music, having received  JUNO nominations for his albums Creation Dream - The Songs of Bruce Cockburn,  The Sicilian Jazz Project, and (as ES:MO with Elizabeth Shepherd) The Weight of Hope  celebrating a variety of singer-songwriters from Stevie Wonder to Gordon  Lightfoot. 

          With John Lennon’s music so deeply engrained in our cultural fabric,  Occhipinti took a huge risk re-imagining songs that are so familiar. Michael,  however, felt that too many artists miss the opportunity to do something new  with Lennon’s material.   

    “Our familiarity with Lennon and the Beatles is kind of liberating from an  arranger’s point of view. It allows us to alter the songs in imaginative ways that  make them new for the audience, but at the same time they still recognize the  songs and feel the emotions Lennon wove into the music” he explains. “For me it’s  never been about recreating songs the way so many tribute bands do, but rather  trying be creative and personal, while still expressing an honest admiration for  John Lennon’s music”   

    That sentiment is beautifully expressed throughout the album. From the  inventive takes on “I Am The Walrus” and “Working Class Hero” featuring  Elizabeth Shepherd’s cool vocals, to Yvette Tollar’s surprising version of “I’m Only  Sleeping.” Michael Occhipinti’s creative palette of guitar sounds wind throughout  the project so that The Universe of John Lennon makes the familiar into something  new. Tracing an arc from Lennon’s best work from Beatles’s albums such as  Revolver and Rubber Soul to his last solo work, Shine On is a genre-crossing  group that is a tribute like no other.