Shalom Murray Quintet
December 12 @ 5:00pm

Shalom Murray - Vocals
Samuel Heintzman - Trumpet
Ethan Williams - Tenor Sax
Alex Kohlsmith - Piano
Jessie Bassi - 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. Shalom Murray leads a compelling jazz quintet, marked by sophisticated arrangements and nuanced performances. Samuel Heintzman's trumpet offers sharp, articulate solos, complementing Ethan Williams's robust tenor sax. The rhythm section, anchored by Alex Kohlsmith on piano, Jessie Bassi on drums, and Ben Payne on bass, provides a subtly powerful foundation, allowing Murray's vocals to truly resonate.

Murley Eisenman Quartet
December 10, 11, 12, 13 @ 8:00 PM

Mike Murley - Saxophone
Mark Eisenman - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Joel Haynes - Drums

Juno Award winning saxophonist Mike Murley and veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman are joined by the internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete this popular quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting fresh music, while still respecting the core musical concepts of jazz music; swing, melody, interaction and being in the moment. This appearance is in support of their Juno ’24 nominated recording “Recent History”.

Luis Deniz Quartet
December 12 & 13 @ 11:00pm

December 12: Luis Deniz (Saxophone) Quartet
with Adrean Farrugia: Piano,
Julian Anderson Bowes: Bass,
Ethan Ardelli: Drums

December 13: Luis Deniz Trio with
Julian Anderson Bowes: Bass,
Ethan Ardelli: Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Winner of the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors 2006 at the Montreal Jazz Festival (David Virelles Quintet) and Galaxie Rising Star 2010 at the Halifax Jazz Festival (Rich Brown & Rinsethealgorithm), Grammy Nominated and Juno Award Winning artist (Hilario Duran Latin Jazz Big Band),

Alto saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camaguey, Cuba on April 21st, 1983. In 1993, Luis started his musical studies at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte Luis Casas Romero in his hometown of Camaguey before continuing at the Escuela Profesional de Musica Jose White. Luis then moved to Havana, Cuba, where he graduated from the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Musica (ENA), the alma mater of several of Cuba's most prominent musicians. After graduating with high honors, he was awarded first place at the international jazz competition JOJAZZ held in Havana (2003). He maintained a busy schedule teaching saxophone at the National School of Music while performing locally and touring internationally. Luis has performed and taught workshops throughout Cuba, Australia, Japan, USA, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

Since arriving in Toronto in 2004, Luis has performed or recorded with numerous Toronto-based and international musicians. He has played saxophone for Mark Turner, Tony Allen (Fela Kuti's Drummer), Hilario Duran, Luis Mario Ochoa, Paquito D'Rivera, Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, Reg Schwager, Dafnis Prieto, Francisco Mela, Barry Romberg, Darren Sigesmund, Cubanismo, Rich Brown (Rinsethealgorithm and Rich Brown & The Abeng), Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles, NOJO, Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra, Roberto Occhipinti, Canadian Idol Jazz Orchestra, The Art of Jazz Orchestra, Jane Bunnett, Canada’s Global Orchestra Kune. He has also shared the stage with international figures such as Barry Harris, Howard Johnson, Ray Vega, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Donald Harrison, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Feldman, Gary Versace, and Hermeto Pascoal.
A career highlight for Luis is as an educator. He is presently a prestigious Humber College faculty member as a private saxophone teacher and small and large ensemble instructor.

With an impressive career as a sideman and saxophonist, Luis continues to advance his own musical development. In 2010, he was awarded a Canada Council for the Arts grant to study with the innovative New York City-based saxophonist Greg Osby. With these accomplishments, Luis Deniz is definitely someone to follow in the future of jazz music.

Swing Shift Big Band
December 13 @ 2:00 PM

Led by : Jim John

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

This is the home of Canada’s Premier Big Band - Jim John's Swing Shift Big Band. From the band’s beginning in 1996 it became apparent that this was a band intent on preserving the sounds and quality of the big band era - a band that has since been recognized as one of the top big bands in the country. With 17 talented musicians, male and female vocalists and optional dancers and female vocal trio, this band can entertain audiences of all ages. From dances, corporate galas, and jazz festivals to weddings, theatre shows and everything in-between, Swing Shift has the variety to suit any occasion. We can also provide smaller groups, ranging from solo piano, trio, quartet and right up to our very popular 11 piece group - a versatile band that specializes in music for all ages. 

Bandleader Jim John has over twenty years of leadership experience - he knows how to make your event a big success!!

Murley Eisenman Quartet
December 10, 11, 12, 13 @ 8:00 PM

Mike Murley - Saxophone
Mark Eisenman - Piano
Neil Swainson - Bass
Joel Haynes - Drums

Juno Award winning saxophonist Mike Murley and veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman are joined by the internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete this popular quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting fresh music, while still respecting the core musical concepts of jazz music; swing, melody, interaction and being in the moment. This appearance is in support of their Juno ’24 nominated recording “Recent History”.

Luis Deniz Quartet
December 12 & 13 @ 11:00pm

December 12: Luis Deniz (Saxophone) Quartet
with Adrean Farrugia: Piano,
Julian Anderson Bowes: Bass,
Ethan Ardelli: Drums

December 13: Luis Deniz Trio with
Julian Anderson Bowes: Bass,
Ethan Ardelli: Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Winner of the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors 2006 at the Montreal Jazz Festival (David Virelles Quintet) and Galaxie Rising Star 2010 at the Halifax Jazz Festival (Rich Brown & Rinsethealgorithm), Grammy Nominated and Juno Award Winning artist (Hilario Duran Latin Jazz Big Band),

Alto saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Deniz was born in Camaguey, Cuba on April 21st, 1983. In 1993, Luis started his musical studies at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte Luis Casas Romero in his hometown of Camaguey before continuing at the Escuela Profesional de Musica Jose White. Luis then moved to Havana, Cuba, where he graduated from the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Musica (ENA), the alma mater of several of Cuba's most prominent musicians. After graduating with high honors, he was awarded first place at the international jazz competition JOJAZZ held in Havana (2003). He maintained a busy schedule teaching saxophone at the National School of Music while performing locally and touring internationally. Luis has performed and taught workshops throughout Cuba, Australia, Japan, USA, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

Since arriving in Toronto in 2004, Luis has performed or recorded with numerous Toronto-based and international musicians. He has played saxophone for Mark Turner, Tony Allen (Fela Kuti's Drummer), Hilario Duran, Luis Mario Ochoa, Paquito D'Rivera, Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, Reg Schwager, Dafnis Prieto, Francisco Mela, Barry Romberg, Darren Sigesmund, Cubanismo, Rich Brown (Rinsethealgorithm and Rich Brown & The Abeng), Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles, NOJO, Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra, Roberto Occhipinti, Canadian Idol Jazz Orchestra, The Art of Jazz Orchestra, Jane Bunnett, Canada’s Global Orchestra Kune. He has also shared the stage with international figures such as Barry Harris, Howard Johnson, Ray Vega, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Donald Harrison, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Feldman, Gary Versace, and Hermeto Pascoal.
A career highlight for Luis is as an educator. He is presently a prestigious Humber College faculty member as a private saxophone teacher and small and large ensemble instructor.

With an impressive career as a sideman and saxophonist, Luis continues to advance his own musical development. In 2010, he was awarded a Canada Council for the Arts grant to study with the innovative New York City-based saxophonist Greg Osby. With these accomplishments, Luis Deniz is definitely someone to follow in the future of jazz music.

Los Variants
December 14 @ 2:00 pm

Vince Maccarone - Drums
Suba Sankaran / Dylan Bell - Keys
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Onathan Amador - Bass
Luisito Orbegoso - Percussion

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Los Variants is the brainchild of Vince Maccarone. Vince’s vision is based on celebrating diversity by bending some of the rules of staying in one genre. This 6-piece super band uses versatile musicians that deliver a spectacular performance and explore the connections between their collective musical and cultural backgrounds to create a seamless mosaic of international groove.

Los Variants’ core personnel is made up of some of Canada’s top musicians featuring vocal powerhouses Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell (also on keys) Michael Occhipinti on guitars, Jonathan Amador on bass, Luisito Orbegoso on percussion and Vince Maccarone on drums and percussion. Tour guests may include: Luis Simao on accordion, Kevin Turcotte or Andrew McAnsh on trumpet, Fethi Nadjem on violin and Maryem Hassan Tollar on vocals.

The band takes the audience on a musical journey around the world highlighting the band members’ origins and cultures while maintaining a common thread in jazz and roots music. Flamenco, Middle Eastern groove, Caribbean rhythms are all found in a Los Variants performance.

The 2023 Touring Series will be a Global Musical Experience. Drawing from the release of the 1st Los Variants CD, – “jass/blues” and from the latest CD “O Passeio”. This CD features Afrofunk, reggae, jazz, blues and a raucous New Orleans jazz funk number.

Collectively the members of Vince Maccarone’s Los Variants have won and been nominated for many JUNOS, DORAs and other awards and will be bringing all of their rich musical history to Festivals in 2022.

Be prepared to move and groove at a Los Variants show!

Daniel Bruce's Ohm Trio
December 14 & 15 @ 8:00 PM

Daniel Bruce - Guitar
Jordan McBride - Bass
Gabe Jones - Drums

This trio believes in high-energy original music, forceful and dis8nc8ve grooves, and the healing  power of vamps. The chemistry between Dan Bruce (electric and acous8c guitars), Jordan  McBride (electric bass), and Gabe Jones (drums) is evident from the first note, as they invite the  audience to join them for a communal night of music. 

Ohm’s music is rooted in funky grooves and rock inflec8ons, while giving a nod to jazz tradi8ons.  Their technical prowess is unmistakable, but it is their irresis8ble energy and accessibility that  draws in audiences. 

“A perfect balance between the known and the exploratory” 

-C. Andrew Hovan, All About Jazz 

“...a generous, accessible sound with an exploratory edge, Bruce brings a finely-polished  technique that is at the same 8me subtly discontent, searching for new expressions and willing  to take some chances along the way”. 

-Troy Dostert, All About Jazz 

Dan Bruce 

 By embracing the influence of his heroes from the jazz tradition and 

retaining his own musical personality, guitarist Dan Bruce has developed a unique and impressive musical voice. Now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio after spending a decade as an important member of Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene, he is active throughout the United States as a performer, recording artist, 

composer and educator. 

 Bruce has performed on more than fifty albums as a sideman and has 

released four albums as a leader. He has worked with several eminent musicians including Seamus Blake, Ali Jackson, Sean Jones, Dan Wall, Lynn Seaton, Dan Wilson, and Marquis Hill. His  groups have been featured in The Chi-Town Jazz Festival, The Chicago Composers Collective  series at the Green Mill, The Chicago Cultural Center Chamber Music Series, The Jazz Institute  of Chicago NextGen Jazz Series, South by Southwest (TX), The Toledo Jazz Festival, and The  Rubber City Jazz Festival. He has been profiled in Fingerstyle Guitar, allaboutjazz.com, on WDCB  90.9 FM Chicago, WKSU 104.9 Cleveland, coolcleveland.com, and Chicago Jazz Magazine.  

 Dan is a member of The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Alla Boara, The Oblivion Project, Stephen  Philip Harvey Octet and Big Band, and Reclamation Band. He is the co-founder and Artistic  Director of The Hingetown Jazz Festival, an annual festival that takes place in the Ohio City  neighborhood of Cleveland. In 2020 and 2024 Dan received an Individual Excellence Award in  Music Composition from the Ohio Arts Council. In 2024 he was named a “Jazz Hero” by the Jazz  Journalists Association. Bruce is currently on faculty at Cleveland State University. 

Steve Koven’s SK3
December 15th @ 5:00 PM

Steve Koven - Piano
Zachary Dawood - Drums
Sergio Dhelomme - Bass

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

Daniel Bruce's Ohm Trio
December 14 & 15 @ 8:00 PM

Daniel Bruce - Guitar
Jordan McBride - Bass
Gabe Jones - Drums

This trio believes in high-energy original music, forceful and dis8nc8ve grooves, and the healing  power of vamps. The chemistry between Dan Bruce (electric and acous8c guitars), Jordan  McBride (electric bass), and Gabe Jones (drums) is evident from the first note, as they invite the  audience to join them for a communal night of music. 

Ohm’s music is rooted in funky grooves and rock inflec8ons, while giving a nod to jazz tradi8ons.  Their technical prowess is unmistakable, but it is their irresis8ble energy and accessibility that  draws in audiences. 

“A perfect balance between the known and the exploratory” 

-C. Andrew Hovan, All About Jazz 

“...a generous, accessible sound with an exploratory edge, Bruce brings a finely-polished  technique that is at the same 8me subtly discontent, searching for new expressions and willing  to take some chances along the way”. 

-Troy Dostert, All About Jazz 

Dan Bruce 

 By embracing the influence of his heroes from the jazz tradition and 

retaining his own musical personality, guitarist Dan Bruce has developed a unique and impressive musical voice. Now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio after spending a decade as an important member of Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene, he is active throughout the United States as a performer, recording artist, 

composer and educator. 

 Bruce has performed on more than fifty albums as a sideman and has 

released four albums as a leader. He has worked with several eminent musicians including Seamus Blake, Ali Jackson, Sean Jones, Dan Wall, Lynn Seaton, Dan Wilson, and Marquis Hill. His  groups have been featured in The Chi-Town Jazz Festival, The Chicago Composers Collective  series at the Green Mill, The Chicago Cultural Center Chamber Music Series, The Jazz Institute  of Chicago NextGen Jazz Series, South by Southwest (TX), The Toledo Jazz Festival, and The  Rubber City Jazz Festival. He has been profiled in Fingerstyle Guitar, allaboutjazz.com, on WDCB  90.9 FM Chicago, WKSU 104.9 Cleveland, coolcleveland.com, and Chicago Jazz Magazine.  

 Dan is a member of The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Alla Boara, The Oblivion Project, Stephen  Philip Harvey Octet and Big Band, and Reclamation Band. He is the co-founder and Artistic  Director of The Hingetown Jazz Festival, an annual festival that takes place in the Ohio City  neighborhood of Cleveland. In 2020 and 2024 Dan received an Individual Excellence Award in  Music Composition from the Ohio Arts Council. In 2024 he was named a “Jazz Hero” by the Jazz  Journalists Association. Bruce is currently on faculty at Cleveland State University. 

Max Gustav Sunshine Guitton Quartet
December 16 @ 5:00PM

Joel Bracken tenor - Saxophone
Max Gustave Sunshine Guitton - Piano 
Alex McPherson - Bass 
Daniel Villarraga - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Tuesday, December 16th, 8:00 PM
33rd Annual Player’s Party

[Closed to the public]

THE REX’S 33RD ANNUAL PLAYER’S PARTY

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 • 8:00 PM
At The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar

It’s that time again… Jazz Christmas!
Our annual tradition of gathering, grooving, and giving thanks to Toronto’s incredible jazz community continues with the 33rd Annual Player’s Party — our night to host and toast all the musicians who’ve filled our stage (and hearts) this past year.

This is our chance to say thank you to the players who keep The Rex swinging night after night — and to celebrate the friendships, collaborations, and musical moments that make this place home.

When: Tuesday, December 16th, 8:00 PM (come anytime — we know some of you will be finishing gigs!)
Where: The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar
What: Food, drinks, friends, laughter, and plenty of music
Who: All jazz musicians who’ve played here this past year — and all who keep the Toronto jazz scene alive and thriving

PLUS: The Rex Jazz Jam — Your Jam Tonight!
Hosted by Chris Banks, the evening’s jazz jam is open to everyone.
Bring your horn, sticks, or strings and join your fellow players on stage — or just sit back and enjoy the music from the floor. This one’s for you!

No RSVPs or fancy invites — just come as you are.
It’s your night to relax, reconnect, and raise a glass with the community that makes The Rex what it is.

Here’s to 33 years of jazz, camaraderie, and great nights together at The Rex.
See you at the Player’s Party!

Gianluca Occhipinti Trio
december 17 @ 5:00pm

Gianluca Occhipinti - Piano
Jacob Lee - Drums
  Jordan Pelunsky - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Gianluca Occhipinti Trio is an up and coming jazz piano trio,  showcasing original and improvised music. The group blends jazz,  funk, r&b, classical, and all kinds of genres within their musical  storytelling. With contagious grooves and memorable melodies, this  trio is sure to make a lasting impression.

Dave Young
December 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:00PM

Dave Young - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
John Johnson - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Tom Reynolds Trio
December 18th @ 5:00pm

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.

Dave Young
December 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:00PM

Dave Young - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
John Johnson - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Dave Young
December 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:00PM

Dave Young - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
John Johnson - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Angela Pincente Big Band
December 20th @ 2:00PM

Led by: Angela Pincente - Trombone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based trombonist, composer, and arranger  Angela Pincente is a dynamic force in the city's vibrant  jazz scene. A graduate of Humber College with a  Bachelor of Music, Pincente honed her craft under the  mentorship of renowned musicians such as Kelsley  Grant, William Carn, Mike Downes, and Shelly Berger.  Her sound blends intricate improvisation with a unique  compositional voice, reflecting a deep understanding  of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of the  genre. 

Pincente leads several of her own ensembles,  including the Angela Pincente Quintet, Angela  Pincente Tentet, and Angela Pincente Big Band,  showcasing her distinctive style as both a performer  and a bandleader. Her compositions are marked by  rich harmonic structures, complex rhythms, and a  deep connection to the art of storytelling through  music.

Dave Young
December 17, 18, 19, 20 @ 8:00PM

Dave Young - Bass
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
John Johnson - Saxophone
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

"Dr. Dave Young is a master musician, an Order of Canada recipient and throughout his stellar career, has been featured on countless recordings. Originally from Winnipeg, he played with Oscar Peterson for about 35 years - and there is a reason that OP loved playing with him so much. Oscar once said, “To my way of thinking, Dave Young is one of the most talented bassists on the jazz scene. His harmonic simpatico and unerring sense of time, have kept him in the foreground of the jazz picture."

-Renee Rosnes, Artistic Director

(Oscar Peterson International
Jazz Festival)

Paul DeLong’s One Word
December 21 & 22 @ 8:00 PM

Victoria Yeh - Electric Violin
Marco Luciani - Keyboards
Steve Lucas -Bass
Michael Murray- Lead Guitar
Paul DeLong - Drums and Percussion

Paul DeLong
Juno Award winner, multi-platinum artist, author, and educator, Paul DeLong is a celebrated figure in Canadian music. His expansive career spans multiple genres including funk, Afro-Cuban, rock, and jazz. A member of Canada’s music royalty and regarded as one of North America’s top drummers, DeLong has channeled his lifelong musical journey into his passion project: the jazz-fusion band Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD. He is widely known for his work with legendary artists such as Kim Mitchell, Domenic Troiano, Lawrence Gowan (Styx), David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Tom Scott (L.A. Express), and David Blamires (Pat Metheny). These artists and many others have sought out his rhythmic expertise for live shows, television, and studio sessions. With an intuitive grasp of rhythm, genre versatility, and a deep musicality, DeLong remains in high demand. His band, Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, formed five years ago, brings together five exceptionally talented musicians: Victoria Yeh (electric violin), Marco Luciani (keyboards), Steve Lucas (bass), Michael Murray (lead guitar), and DeLong himself on drums and percussion. Their powerful and beautiful performances of fusion classics from artists like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Jeff Beck, and Return to Forever have captivated audiences.

Victoria Yeh
Toronto-based violinist Victoria Yeh is known for her dynamic and progressive style. Classically trained, she blends the purity of her musical foundation with the raw energy of progressive fusion. Her infectious stage presence and expressive playing have won her fans across Canada. Yeh performs both acoustically and with her striking red “flying V” electric violin, appearing as a solo artist and with ensembles such as her five-piece band The Spirit Awakens, the Barlow-Yeh-McNeil Trio, and the Groove Chakra jazz duo. She also serves as Concertmaster for Toronto’s Summerhill Orchestra. As a member of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, Yeh brings a rare and compelling presence to the violin within the jazz-fusion genre.

Michael Murray
Michael Murray, the lead guitarist for Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, brings technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage. His performance on "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is especially mesmerizing, offering a perfect counterpoint to Victoria Yeh’s evocative violin. A graduate of Humber College’s esteemed music program, Murray is well-versed in a variety of musical styles and genres. In addition to performing, he is an enthusiastic educator and a faculty member at Centennial College, where he teaches rock, jazz, and classical guitar.

Marco Luciani
Marco Luciani, a Juno Award-winning musician, is recognized as one of Canada’s most versatile and talented keyboardists. He began playing piano at age five, studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has since developed a distinctive style rooted in classical training but expanded through jazz and improvisational exploration. A sought-after composer and sideman, Luciani has contributed to albums, film scores, and TV soundtracks, collaborating with artists such as Gino Vannelli, Kim Mitchell, Alfie Zappacosta, and on productions like Dirty Dancing and The Big Bang Theory. His nuanced keyboard work brings a unique dimension to Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.

Steve Lucas
Steve Lucas is an internationally renowned bassist, electronic artist, and composer. His innovative approach to jazz fusion enhances every performance he’s a part of. Lucas has performed with celebrated artists including Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Moe Koffman, and Levon Helm. His compositions have been featured on high-profile platforms such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Diary of Alicia Keys. His Master’s thesis explored the intersection of jazz fusion, making him an ideal contributor to the sonic landscape of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.

Kalya Ramu & Ewen Farncombe
December 22 @ 5:00pm

Kayla Ramu - Vocals
Ewen Farncombe - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based vocalist Kalya Ramu and pianist Ewen Farncombe have just released a five-song EP called Duo, featuring all original songs by the rising jazz talents.

Influenced by the golden-age musical styles of the 1930s through the 1950s, the new recording “explores love in its many forms, whether it be towards a partner, a musical genre, a fleeting feeling, or one’s life choices.”

Duo is an intimate showcase of Ramu’s warm, dynamic voice and Farncombe’s emotive playing. The songs tend toward slow-paced, leisurely comforts, with highlights including “Laugh It Off” and “Comfort,” though the pair also throws some upbeat fun into the mix with “That Swingin’ Rhythm.” Ramu’s lyrics, meanwhile, are partly sweet and partly cynical, always seeking to avoid being overly serious.

The pair met in 2011 at Humber College, while they were both studying in the school’s contemporary music program. Brought together by a shared love of swing, they’ve been performing together for the last 10 years. Prior to this release, Ramu released her debut album Living in a Dream in 2019, featuring Farncombe in the backing band; Farncombe has also recorded as a sideman on a number of other releases by Toronto jazz artists.

Recorded separately at their homes in late 2020, Duo was self-produced by Ramu and mixed and mastered by Nick Bonin.

Paul DeLong’s One Word
December 21 & 22 @ 8:00 PM

Victoria Yeh - Electric Violin
Marco Luciani - Keyboards
Steve Lucas -Bass
Michael Murray- Lead Guitar
Paul DeLong - Drums and Percussion

Paul DeLong
Juno Award winner, multi-platinum artist, author, and educator, Paul DeLong is a celebrated figure in Canadian music. His expansive career spans multiple genres including funk, Afro-Cuban, rock, and jazz. A member of Canada’s music royalty and regarded as one of North America’s top drummers, DeLong has channeled his lifelong musical journey into his passion project: the jazz-fusion band Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD. He is widely known for his work with legendary artists such as Kim Mitchell, Domenic Troiano, Lawrence Gowan (Styx), David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Tom Scott (L.A. Express), and David Blamires (Pat Metheny). These artists and many others have sought out his rhythmic expertise for live shows, television, and studio sessions. With an intuitive grasp of rhythm, genre versatility, and a deep musicality, DeLong remains in high demand. His band, Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, formed five years ago, brings together five exceptionally talented musicians: Victoria Yeh (electric violin), Marco Luciani (keyboards), Steve Lucas (bass), Michael Murray (lead guitar), and DeLong himself on drums and percussion. Their powerful and beautiful performances of fusion classics from artists like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Jeff Beck, and Return to Forever have captivated audiences.

Victoria Yeh
Toronto-based violinist Victoria Yeh is known for her dynamic and progressive style. Classically trained, she blends the purity of her musical foundation with the raw energy of progressive fusion. Her infectious stage presence and expressive playing have won her fans across Canada. Yeh performs both acoustically and with her striking red “flying V” electric violin, appearing as a solo artist and with ensembles such as her five-piece band The Spirit Awakens, the Barlow-Yeh-McNeil Trio, and the Groove Chakra jazz duo. She also serves as Concertmaster for Toronto’s Summerhill Orchestra. As a member of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, Yeh brings a rare and compelling presence to the violin within the jazz-fusion genre.

Michael Murray
Michael Murray, the lead guitarist for Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, brings technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage. His performance on "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is especially mesmerizing, offering a perfect counterpoint to Victoria Yeh’s evocative violin. A graduate of Humber College’s esteemed music program, Murray is well-versed in a variety of musical styles and genres. In addition to performing, he is an enthusiastic educator and a faculty member at Centennial College, where he teaches rock, jazz, and classical guitar.

Marco Luciani
Marco Luciani, a Juno Award-winning musician, is recognized as one of Canada’s most versatile and talented keyboardists. He began playing piano at age five, studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has since developed a distinctive style rooted in classical training but expanded through jazz and improvisational exploration. A sought-after composer and sideman, Luciani has contributed to albums, film scores, and TV soundtracks, collaborating with artists such as Gino Vannelli, Kim Mitchell, Alfie Zappacosta, and on productions like Dirty Dancing and The Big Bang Theory. His nuanced keyboard work brings a unique dimension to Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.

Steve Lucas
Steve Lucas is an internationally renowned bassist, electronic artist, and composer. His innovative approach to jazz fusion enhances every performance he’s a part of. Lucas has performed with celebrated artists including Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Moe Koffman, and Levon Helm. His compositions have been featured on high-profile platforms such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Diary of Alicia Keys. His Master’s thesis explored the intersection of jazz fusion, making him an ideal contributor to the sonic landscape of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.

Chris banks trio
December 23 @5:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

PAY WHAT YOU CAN

Mark McLean Holiday Soul Party
December 23rd @ 8:00 PM

Lester McLean - Vocals / Saxophone

Jeremy Ledbetter - Piano

Ted Quinlan - Guitar

Marc Rogers - Bass

Mark McLean - Drums

Mark McLean is a dynamic studio and touring musician. He has been in demand over the past two decades anchoring and collaborating with such greats as Joe Sample, Gladys Knight, Rickie Lee Jones, John Legend, Jamie Cullum, Michael Feinstein, Dionne Warwick, BillyJoel and the late  George Michael. Recently, Mark expanded his musical exploration into  composing for film and television, co-scoring "How It Feels 

To Be Free," an episode of PBS's long-running series AMERICAN MASTERS. He followed that by scoring TV documentary BLACK LIBERATORS  WWII for Canada’s History Channel and just finished scoring his first animated  series for GBH Kids/PBS entitled ACOUSTIC ROOSTER. 

www.markmclean.com 

IG: themarkmclean

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

wide arches
December 26 @ 5:00 PM

Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Woodwinds / Vocals

Meagan Luchko - Vocals

Jared Higgins - Guitar

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Wide Arches: "Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something New"

Toronto indie-folk band Wide Arches formed during the pandemic through remote-recording collaborations and released their first album on September 12th, 2023 (with the support of the Toronto Arts Council). Weaving a tapestry of images and emotions, the lyrical content of the band is both playful and introspective, while the music displays a rich array of folk and jazz sounds with a warm acoustic instrumentation. Most recently the band had the pleasure of performing at the Orillia Jazz Festival 2025, where they had the pleasure of leaning more heavily into their background and influences in jazz. On December 26th, the band is excited to perform in a trio format at the historic Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, featuring Jacob Gorzhaltsan, Meagan Luchko and Jared Higgins. For this show, Wide Arches will be performing music by artists that influenced, shaped, and inspired their own music — including jazz standards, blues favourites, and country-folk classics (as well as a few of the band’s originals to boot). Join Wide Arches on Dec 26th at 5pm for a very special show: “Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something New”.

Lorne Lofsky Quartet
December 26 & 27 @ 8:00 PM

Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums
David Occhipinti - Guitar

A master guitarist known for pianistic voicing and virtuosic skill; Lorne Lofsky is considered one of Canada's great musical treasures. Over the course of a 40+ year career, Lofsky has played, toured and recorded with some of the most prominent names in Jazz including Oscar

Peterson, Chet Baker, Ed Bickert, Pat LaBarbera, Ray Brown, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others.

Born, raised and based in Toronto, Canada, Lorne’s career began when Oscar Peterson offered to produce his first record, It Could Happen To You (Pablo Records), in 1980. During the years that followed, he worked extensively in the Toronto area, and toured with the likes of Pat LaBarbera, and fellow guitarist Ed Bickert. Lorne’s fruitful collaboration with Bickert ran from 1983 through 1991 and produced two widely acclaimed recordings including the well-known 1990 Concord release This Is New. in the mid-1990's, he gained further recognition as a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. From 1994-1996, Lorne toured with Peterson's group at venues all over the world from Carnegie Hall to the Montreal Jazz Festival and appeared on three recordings. Lorne was Chet Baker's go to Canadian guitarist - heavily featured on the legendary Jazz Trumpeter's 2000 release Live at the Renaissance II. His other notable collaborations include performances with Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Holland, Rosemary Clooney, and Clark Terry among others.

While Lorne has built a widely respected reputation as a world-class player, he has also become known as a prominent and sought-after educator. Lorne taught at York University for 48

years and is currently teaching in the Community Music Program at Humber College in Toronto. He also has an extensive private teaching practice, and has guest lectured at a plethora of top-notch institutions such as St. FX University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia McGill University in Montreal and Capilano University in British Columbia. In 2022/23, Lorne performed extensively throughout Europe as a featured member of the Canadian Jazz Collective. This resulted in two recordings: a studio recording at MPS Studios in Villingen, Germany and “Live at Le Vauban”, recorded in Brest, France. As well, the group played twice at the world famous U.K. club, Ronnie Scott’s. In 2024, the CJC did a western Canadian/ U.S. tour which included playing at Birdland and Dizzy’s, both in New York City. In 2022, Lorne did a tour of the U.K. with the great British guitarist Nigel Price, playing 9 concerts over a week and a half.

Lorne continues to be a mainstay of the jazz scene on the national and international stage.

Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz
December 26th @ 11:00 PM

Led by: Waleed Abdulhamid

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz is always evolving, just like the artists and landscapes that inspire it. The band lives in a constant state of “Becoming,” embracing a spirit of exploration, inclusivity, and accessibility. Their music is a rich blend of African rhythms and American jazz harmonies to create a true cultural melting pot. More than just a band, Waleed Kush-Afro Jazz draws from African values of community and shared knowledge. The group isn’t solely about performing; it’s dedicated to building connections – both within the ensemble and with audiences.

Their workshops mirror this philosophy, emphasizing mentorship and collective learning. This philosophy inspired Waleed to call himself and his bandmates “Humanity Practitioners,” due to their first-hand experience seeing music as a healing art form. Through their music and interaction with audiences, they create a space for healing—for themselves and everyone they reach. “...this music is where we meet, all of us. We (the group) are from Sudan, Japan, Poland, Cuba, Barbados, Spain, for sure I would not meet all these talented artists if I were still in Sudan.”

- Waleed Abdulhamid.

In addition to live performances, the band is actively involved in educational initiatives, offering workshops and seeking mentorship opportunities to nurture the next generation of musicians and artists. They believe in the power of education and shared experiences to foster understanding and build stronger communities. Their work exemplifies how art can be a catalyst for connection, healing, and positive change in the world.

Lorne Lofsky Quartet
December 26 & 27 @ 8:00 PM

Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Neil Swainson - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums
David Occhipinti - Guitar

A master guitarist known for pianistic voicing and virtuosic skill; Lorne Lofsky is considered one of Canada's great musical treasures. Over the course of a 40+ year career, Lofsky has played, toured and recorded with some of the most prominent names in Jazz including Oscar

Peterson, Chet Baker, Ed Bickert, Pat LaBarbera, Ray Brown, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others.

Born, raised and based in Toronto, Canada, Lorne’s career began when Oscar Peterson offered to produce his first record, It Could Happen To You (Pablo Records), in 1980. During the years that followed, he worked extensively in the Toronto area, and toured with the likes of Pat LaBarbera, and fellow guitarist Ed Bickert. Lorne’s fruitful collaboration with Bickert ran from 1983 through 1991 and produced two widely acclaimed recordings including the well-known 1990 Concord release This Is New. in the mid-1990's, he gained further recognition as a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. From 1994-1996, Lorne toured with Peterson's group at venues all over the world from Carnegie Hall to the Montreal Jazz Festival and appeared on three recordings. Lorne was Chet Baker's go to Canadian guitarist - heavily featured on the legendary Jazz Trumpeter's 2000 release Live at the Renaissance II. His other notable collaborations include performances with Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Holland, Rosemary Clooney, and Clark Terry among others.

While Lorne has built a widely respected reputation as a world-class player, he has also become known as a prominent and sought-after educator. Lorne taught at York University for 48

years and is currently teaching in the Community Music Program at Humber College in Toronto. He also has an extensive private teaching practice, and has guest lectured at a plethora of top-notch institutions such as St. FX University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia McGill University in Montreal and Capilano University in British Columbia. In 2022/23, Lorne performed extensively throughout Europe as a featured member of the Canadian Jazz Collective. This resulted in two recordings: a studio recording at MPS Studios in Villingen, Germany and “Live at Le Vauban”, recorded in Brest, France. As well, the group played twice at the world famous U.K. club, Ronnie Scott’s. In 2024, the CJC did a western Canadian/ U.S. tour which included playing at Birdland and Dizzy’s, both in New York City. In 2022, Lorne did a tour of the U.K. with the great British guitarist Nigel Price, playing 9 concerts over a week and a half.

Lorne continues to be a mainstay of the jazz scene on the national and international stage.

SB Organ Trio
December 27th @ 11:00pm

Stuart Brignell - Saxophone
Alan Zemaitis - Organ
Lowell Whitty - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The SB Organ trio is a funky, soulful and high energy  trio from Toronto, playing only the best tunes from the  extensive canon of Organ jazz. Pulling repertoire from  the greats of this genre such as Jimmy Smith, Booker  

T, Maceo Parker, Jimmy McGriff and Dr. Lonnie Smith,  this electrifying trio never fails to ignite, energize and  uplift the souls of all who are lucky enough to hear  them. The group is led by rising Canadian  saxophonist, Stuart Brignell, and features in demand  players Alan Zemaitis (organ) and Lowell Whitty  (drums).

Nathan Hiltz Trio
Decemer 29th @ 5:00pm

Nathan Hiltz - Guitar
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Guitarist and composer born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1980, Nathan began studying guitar at age 12 with a family friend and then later with Ross Anderson, a disciple of George Benson, at the Halifax Folklore Centre. At 15 he met alto saxophonist and Dalhousie music professor Don Palmer  and was introduced to the jazz of Lee Konitz, Lennie Tristano, and John Coltrane. After listening to Lenny Breau, he started to hear other great Canadian jazz guitarists like Sonny Grenwich, Ed Bickert, and Lorne Lofsky. Soon after moving to Toronto at age 18 he began performing with drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve and pianist / hammond organist Bernie Senensky. He has since been recognized as an important voice on the Canadian guitar. Nathan studied with Canadian jazz icons like Don Thomposon, Alex Dean, and Rob McConnell of the Boss Brass. In 2014 Nathan was honoured to perform posthumously with McConnell’s Mighty Boss Brass at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

Nathan is a skilled performer having held residencies with his groups at The Rex Hotel, The Senator Restaurant, The Jazz Bistro, and in Toronto’s thriving theater district at Joe Mama’s for over 9 years. His groups feature music from the classic jazz guitar tradition, the great American songbook, and the great Hammond B3 organ trios and quartets. Nathan is also an accomplished solo guitarist, holding a residency at Motel in Toronto’s Parkdale strip for over 5 years. In this capacity Nathan has explored the solo work of master jazz guitarists like Lenny Breau, Joe Pass, and pianist Bill Evans alongside great South American guitarists like Luiz Bonfa, Garoto, and Augustin Barrios. Nathan is on a constant search for freedom within a wide range of forms and feelings. He injects improvisation into every performance and above all he seeks to dissolve the barriers across genres that are separated by time, place, and style. 

Nathan has played at Canadian jazz festivals including Halifax, St John’s Wreckhouse, Montreal, Toronto, The Beaches, Kensington Market, Markham, Uptown Waterloo, Huronia Arts Fest, Barrie Drumfest, Niagara, Edmonton, Victoria, Medicine Hat, Port Hope, Calgary, Regina, Jazz on the Wing in Whitehorse, Yukon, and the Ottawa Folk Festival. Internationally Nathan has performed at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, The Northern Lights Festival in Ajicjic, Mexico and the Leopolis Jazz Festival in Lviv, Ukraine. Nathan has toured nationally with artists Terra Hazelton, GHT, Melissa Lauren, and Jill Barber. 

Trombone Charlotte
December 30 @ 5:00 PM

Charlotte McAfee-Brunner - Trombone and Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
december 2 & 30 @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.

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025

8:00 PM - Brenda Earle Stokes

9:30 PM - Grooveyard

The Rex’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bash with Grooveyard

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Ring In 2026 in Style!

End the year on a high note at The Rex! Enjoy a lively evening of live funk, soul, and R&B, our full dinner menu, and a champagne toast at midnight.

This year’s returning headliners, Grooveyard, are guaranteed to keep you grooving all night — whether you’re dancing or relaxing with great food and company.

Live Music Schedule

8:00 PM — Brenda Earle Stokes

Start the evening with jazz vocals and piano from the acclaimed Brenda Earle Stokes, praised by Time Out New York as “a breezy delight.”

9:30 PM – After Midnight — Grooveyard

Toronto’s own funk & soul powerhouse returns! Expect dance-floor favorites, retro grooves, and good vibes all night.

The Band:
Lester McLean (Vocals/Sax) • Michael Occhipinti (Guitar) • Paul Neufeld (Keys) • Nikku Nayar (Bass) • Doan Pham (Drums)

Dinner, Drinks & Details

• Doors & Dinner open: 7:30 PM (no entry before)

• Full Menu Available: Order à la carte

• Cash Bar: Open all evening

• Champagne at Midnight: Included with your ticket

Tickets

$75 + Tax
Includes all performances & midnight champagne.
Available online or at the door (if not sold out).

Seating Info

• Seats assigned by purchase date (earlier = closer to the stage)

• Want to sit with friends? Contact us if you bought tickets separately

• Parties >6 may be split across nearby tables

• Singles may be seated with other patrons

• No physical tickets — your name is on the guest list (bring photo ID)

Important Notes

• $10 cancellation fee until Dec 23rd; no refunds after Dec 23rd

• No coat check or storage — please limit valuables

• Dancing is encouraged, but you can celebrate however you like!

About the Artists

Grooveyard
Toronto’s ultimate party band! Blending funk, soul, R&B, reggae, and disco, Grooveyard features Juno Award–winning musicians and frontman Lester McLean, whose charisma and energy make every show a blast.

Brenda Earle Stokes
A talented vocalist-pianist known for her smooth jazz phrasing and global influences — the perfect way to start your evening.

Brenda Earle Stokes is a rare jazz artist with a true command of both the voice and the piano. Hailed as “a breezy delight” by Time Out New York, Brenda’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition with influences ranging from Brazilian music to rock radio. As a bandleader she has toured clubs and festivals across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and has released 6 albums own her own label. As a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2014 studio album Right. About Now, Stokes sought to challenge herself to dig deep and share the full scope of her talents in the most intimate setting possible.

Brenda Earle Stokes has performed as a side person with John Riley, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Roxy Coss, Wycliffe Gordon, Maurice Hines and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. She has held residences at the Kennedy Center and Banff Center for Fine Arts, was a finalist of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition and was a winner of the IAJE Sister’s in Jazz competition, identifying her as one of the top emerging jazz artists of her generation.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Rex — great music, great food, great vibes, and the best crowd in town!

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

WE 3 TRIO
January 2 @ 5:00pm

Ilios Steryanis - Drums
Josh Smiley - Piano
Bennett Young - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Coming together under unusual circumstances, the members of piano trio We 3 found a  common thread in a mutual appreciation for pianist Phineas Newborn. They quickly decided to  add the entire 1958 album We Three to their repertoire, a classic piano trio record that features  Roy Haynes and Paul Chambers. Since then, Josh Smiley on piano, Bennett Young on bass and  Ilios Steryannis on drums have added other composers to their playlist, including Oscar  Pettiford, Benny Golson, and the late and dearly missed Toronto musician Julia Cleveland.

Mike Murley
January 2 & 3 @ 8:00pm

Mike Murley - Saxophone
Band - TBA

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

Nathan Tran Quintet
January 2nd @ 11 PM

Nathan Tran - Piano 

Avshalom Ravitz-Heller - Alto saxophone 

Joel Bracken - Tenor saxophone 

Kieran Menard - Double bass 

Keith Barstow - Drum set

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Mike Murley
January 2 & 3 @ 8:00pm

Mike Murley - Saxophone
Band - TBA

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum.  Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire.  On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti.  He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts.  He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11). 

In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.

Laura hubert Band
january 4 & 18 @ 5:00 PM

Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Canadian vocal treasure, born and raised in Toronto, Laura Hubert has remained a steady force on the city’s music scene over the past 25 years. Although she retired from rock and roll back per se when JUNO-winning indie-rock group Leslie Spit Treeo split up late last millennium, for several decades now she has been singing her soulful interpretations of vintage blues, jazz and Western swing all over the Greater Toronto Area. “I want to participate in the joy of the world, try to keep it light,” says Hubert.  “Just trying to have some fun. Sing some songs. Make some music. Give some joy.”

Over the years she recorded 3 solo albums with her band, led by pianist Peter Hill and featuring some of Toronto’s finest including Chris Whiteley, Brandi Disterheft, Victor Bateman, William Sperandei: “Girlish Days” (2000), “Live at the Rex” (2001) and “Half Bridled” (2004).

In the years since these recordings, Hubert and her fans enjoyed residencies at venerable venues such as Grossman’s Tavern, The Cameron House and The Rex Hotel. Singing many of the same old classic songs over the years, like the finest of wine Hubert’s art has aged in the best way, her bluesy growl deeper and more powerful than ever.

“One Night in Kensington” is an initiative spearheaded by Order of Canada member, singer-songwriter and long-time friend of Hubert, is the new recording fans have long been waiting for. “Hubert’s unique and soulful vocal delivery can make any old song sound brand new,” says Molly Johnson.

Produced by Johnson and her Kensington Market Jazz Festival team, the new album live at Poetry Jazz Café find Hubert in the happy company of four very fine players: Eric St-Laurent on guitar, Davide DiRenzo on drums, Steve Wallace on bass and long-time musical partner Peter Hill on piano.  

Queen Kong
January 4 & 5 @ 8:00 PM

Lorie Wolf - Drums, Bandleader, Composer
Max Forster - Trumpet
Josseé MacInnes - Clarinet
Nathan Dell-Vandenberg - Trombone
Graham Campbell - Guitar
Tom Richards - Sousaphone

Queen Kong’s aim is to push the boundaries of what can be considered Jewish/Klezmer music by combining traditional sounds with funk, improv and jazz sensibilities. The melodies are familiar and new, with harmonies that take the listener on a trip from the sacred to the profane. Lorie Wolf’s original compositions are contemplative and complex yet groovy as hell. Their debut recording, Fray, was released internationally in May 2022. In April 2024, the band was named Instrumental Band of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Fray was lauded by the Vancouver Sun among "five new albums from women musicians you need to hear." Queen Kong is Lorie Wolf (drums, bandleader, composer), Max Forster (trumpet), Josseé MacInnes (clarinet), Nathan Dell-Vandenberg (trombone), Graham Campbell (guitar) and Tom Richards (sousaphone).

Queen Kong
January 4 & 5 @ 8:00 PM

Lorie Wolf - Drums, Bandleader, Composer
Max Forster - Trumpet
Josseé MacInnes - Clarinet
Nathan Dell-Vandenberg - Trombone
Graham Campbell - Guitar
Tom Richards - Sousaphone

Queen Kong’s aim is to push the boundaries of what can be considered Jewish/Klezmer music by combining traditional sounds with funk, improv and jazz sensibilities. The melodies are familiar and new, with harmonies that take the listener on a trip from the sacred to the profane. Lorie Wolf’s original compositions are contemplative and complex yet groovy as hell. Their debut recording, Fray, was released internationally in May 2022. In April 2024, the band was named Instrumental Band of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Fray was lauded by the Vancouver Sun among "five new albums from women musicians you need to hear." Queen Kong is Lorie Wolf (drums, bandleader, composer), Max Forster (trumpet), Josseé MacInnes (clarinet), Nathan Dell-Vandenberg (trombone), Graham Campbell (guitar) and Tom Richards (sousaphone).

Angela Pincente
January 6 @ 5:00 PM

Angela Pincente - Trombone
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based trombonist, composer, and arranger  Angela Pincente is a dynamic force in the city's vibrant  jazz scene. A graduate of Humber College with a  Bachelor of Music, Pincente honed her craft under the  mentorship of renowned musicians such as Kelsley  Grant, William Carn, Mike Downes, and Shelly Berger.  Her sound blends intricate improvisation with a unique  compositional voice, reflecting a deep understanding  of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of the  genre. 

Pincente leads several of her own ensembles,  including the Angela Pincente Quintet, Angela  Pincente Tentet, and Angela Pincente Big Band,  showcasing her distinctive style as both a performer  and a bandleader. Her compositions are marked by  rich harmonic structures, complex rhythms, and a  deep connection to the art of storytelling through  music.

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.

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop
January 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:00 pm

Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia -Piano
Dan Loomis -Bass
Ernesto Cervini -Drums. 

Innovative and electrifying, Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini has energy to burn, whether  radiating it from behind his kit or working on any number of musical and educational projects. With  his sextet Turboprop Cervini flexes his arranging muscles, creating a vast landscape of musical textures,  and moods on which these monster musicians can play.  

Guided by Cervini’s driving, effervescent rhythms, the group’s eponymous debut album jaunts into the  realms of chamber jazz, balladry, hard bop and free jazz.  Regardless of the stylistic focus, the results are  always alluring and rendered alternately with polish and precision or daring excitement. Mark Holston – Jazziz 

Rev is the second album from Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop, and it’s a shoot-the-lights-out blast of a listen...  The group has an infectious, propulsive energy that delivers a power punch without forsaking nuance and  melody... Here and throughout the entire program there’s a sense of closeness and shared spotlight, playing  with, around and through, but never over, each other... Overall, Rev is a bright wave of an album and  Turboprop is the real deal. Turboprop will be on the road in 2018 and I, for one, would love to see this band  live.  

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

The band features a cross-section of some of North America's finest and most in-demand  musicians; Tara Davidson on Alto Saxophone, Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone, William Carn on  Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and Cervini on Drums. 

The band's sound is reminiscent to the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although  they tackle a wide range of music; from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals  from all the band members.   They have already toured across Canada multiple times to rave reviews,  and released four studio albums. Their 2nd album, Rev was nominated for a Juno Award, and their 3rd album, Abundance was the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for jazz album of the year: group. Their  latest album, A Canadian Songbook celebrates the music of Canadian composers, and received  critical acclaim across the globe. It was release in the Spring of 2024 on TPR Records.

Sean Bray
January 8 @ 5:00 PM

Sean Bray - Guitar
Davide Direnzo - Drums
Pat Collins - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop
January 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:00 pm

Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia -Piano
Dan Loomis -Bass
Ernesto Cervini -Drums. 

Innovative and electrifying, Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini has energy to burn, whether  radiating it from behind his kit or working on any number of musical and educational projects. With  his sextet Turboprop Cervini flexes his arranging muscles, creating a vast landscape of musical textures,  and moods on which these monster musicians can play.  

Guided by Cervini’s driving, effervescent rhythms, the group’s eponymous debut album jaunts into the  realms of chamber jazz, balladry, hard bop and free jazz.  Regardless of the stylistic focus, the results are  always alluring and rendered alternately with polish and precision or daring excitement. Mark Holston – Jazziz 

Rev is the second album from Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop, and it’s a shoot-the-lights-out blast of a listen...  The group has an infectious, propulsive energy that delivers a power punch without forsaking nuance and  melody... Here and throughout the entire program there’s a sense of closeness and shared spotlight, playing  with, around and through, but never over, each other... Overall, Rev is a bright wave of an album and  Turboprop is the real deal. Turboprop will be on the road in 2018 and I, for one, would love to see this band  live.  

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

The band features a cross-section of some of North America's finest and most in-demand  musicians; Tara Davidson on Alto Saxophone, Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone, William Carn on  Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and Cervini on Drums. 

The band's sound is reminiscent to the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although  they tackle a wide range of music; from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals  from all the band members.   They have already toured across Canada multiple times to rave reviews,  and released four studio albums. Their 2nd album, Rev was nominated for a Juno Award, and their 3rd album, Abundance was the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for jazz album of the year: group. Their  latest album, A Canadian Songbook celebrates the music of Canadian composers, and received  critical acclaim across the globe. It was release in the Spring of 2024 on TPR Records.

Atcheleh Aryee
January 9 @ 5:00pm

Atcheleh Aryee - Trumpet
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Atcheleh Aryee is an Ottawa-based trumpeter, composer, and arranger. Her versatility as a musician stems from an early exposure to and exploration of every genre under the sun.
Following several years in Toronto under the mentorship of some of Canada's finest musicians at Humber College, Atcheleh spends her time performing as a bandleader and sideman at venues and festivals throughout Ontario.

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop
January 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:00 pm

Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia -Piano
Dan Loomis -Bass
Ernesto Cervini -Drums. 

Innovative and electrifying, Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini has energy to burn, whether  radiating it from behind his kit or working on any number of musical and educational projects. With  his sextet Turboprop Cervini flexes his arranging muscles, creating a vast landscape of musical textures,  and moods on which these monster musicians can play.  

Guided by Cervini’s driving, effervescent rhythms, the group’s eponymous debut album jaunts into the  realms of chamber jazz, balladry, hard bop and free jazz.  Regardless of the stylistic focus, the results are  always alluring and rendered alternately with polish and precision or daring excitement. Mark Holston – Jazziz 

Rev is the second album from Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop, and it’s a shoot-the-lights-out blast of a listen...  The group has an infectious, propulsive energy that delivers a power punch without forsaking nuance and  melody... Here and throughout the entire program there’s a sense of closeness and shared spotlight, playing  with, around and through, but never over, each other... Overall, Rev is a bright wave of an album and  Turboprop is the real deal. Turboprop will be on the road in 2018 and I, for one, would love to see this band  live.  

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

The band features a cross-section of some of North America's finest and most in-demand  musicians; Tara Davidson on Alto Saxophone, Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone, William Carn on  Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and Cervini on Drums. 

The band's sound is reminiscent to the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although  they tackle a wide range of music; from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals  from all the band members.   They have already toured across Canada multiple times to rave reviews,  and released four studio albums. Their 2nd album, Rev was nominated for a Juno Award, and their 3rd album, Abundance was the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for jazz album of the year: group. Their  latest album, A Canadian Songbook celebrates the music of Canadian composers, and received  critical acclaim across the globe. It was release in the Spring of 2024 on TPR Records.

Usual Suspects - No Codes
January 9 @ 10:30 PM

Benjamin Deschamps - Alto saxophone
Frank Lozano - Tenor saxophone
Sebatien Pellerin - Upright bass
Louis-Vincent Hamel - Drums


No Reservations
Pay What You Can

No Codes is a Montreal based jazz collective formed by four musicians and composers:  Benjamin Deschamps (alto saxophone), Frank Lozano (tenor saxophone), Sébastien  Pellerin (double bass) and Louis-Vincent Hamel (drums). The group stands out for the  absence of a harmonic instrument and for the emphasis placed on improvisation,  interaction, and dialogue between the musicians. 

Following the success of their self-titled debut album released in 2018, the group is  back in full force with Usual Suspects, launched in November 2024. With this new  release, No Codes offers bold and refreshing jazz, blending bebop, free jazz,  contemporary music, classical influences, world music, and even punk/metal energy. 

No Codes celebrated the release of Usual Suspects with a cross-Canada tour, further  establishing its reputation as one of the most distinctive and creative ensembles on  today’s jazz scene.

Sam Broverman Quartet
January 10 @ 2:00 pm

Sam Broverman Vocal

Peter Hill Piano

Jordan O'Connor Bass

Jacob Gorzhaltsan Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop
January 7, 8, 9, 10 @ 8:00 pm

Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone
William Carn - Trombone
Adrean Farrugia -Piano
Dan Loomis -Bass
Ernesto Cervini -Drums. 

Innovative and electrifying, Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini has energy to burn, whether  radiating it from behind his kit or working on any number of musical and educational projects. With  his sextet Turboprop Cervini flexes his arranging muscles, creating a vast landscape of musical textures,  and moods on which these monster musicians can play.  

Guided by Cervini’s driving, effervescent rhythms, the group’s eponymous debut album jaunts into the  realms of chamber jazz, balladry, hard bop and free jazz.  Regardless of the stylistic focus, the results are  always alluring and rendered alternately with polish and precision or daring excitement. Mark Holston – Jazziz 

Rev is the second album from Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop, and it’s a shoot-the-lights-out blast of a listen...  The group has an infectious, propulsive energy that delivers a power punch without forsaking nuance and  melody... Here and throughout the entire program there’s a sense of closeness and shared spotlight, playing  with, around and through, but never over, each other... Overall, Rev is a bright wave of an album and  Turboprop is the real deal. Turboprop will be on the road in 2018 and I, for one, would love to see this band  live.  

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

The band features a cross-section of some of North America's finest and most in-demand  musicians; Tara Davidson on Alto Saxophone, Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone, William Carn on  Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and Cervini on Drums. 

The band's sound is reminiscent to the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although  they tackle a wide range of music; from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals  from all the band members.   They have already toured across Canada multiple times to rave reviews,  and released four studio albums. Their 2nd album, Rev was nominated for a Juno Award, and their 3rd album, Abundance was the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for jazz album of the year: group. Their  latest album, A Canadian Songbook celebrates the music of Canadian composers, and received  critical acclaim across the globe. It was release in the Spring of 2024 on TPR Records.

Solidaridad Tango quartet
January 11 @ 2:00 PM

No Reservations
Pay what You Can

Nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2025, Solidaridad Tango is North America’s original all-woman, diversity-affirming tango ensemble. It was founded in 2021 by Aparna Halpé, to create fair work, professional development, and performance opportunities for women tango musicians. Trained in historical tango performance practice focusing on Golden Age styles, Solidaridad is proud to present new music by women tango composers from around the world. Playing sold out performances in Toronto, Oregon, and New York, and hot off their debut tour in Buenos Aires, playing sold out shows in iconic tango venues such as Café Vinilo and Hasta Trilce, Solidaridad has been described as “bringing tango forward” by Laura Fernandez, host of Jazz FM 91’s Café Latino. Solidaridad’s debut album DISTANCIA (2023) is available now on Bandcamp. 

Sandra Bouza
January 11 @ 5:00 PM

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Sandra Bouza, a powerhouse artist with Canadian and Spanish roots, has had a year of career milestones. The soulful singer has played Massey Hall, was nominated for Maple Blues Award, and her last album; A Sound in the Dark, was nominated for best contemporary folk album of the year with the Canadian Folk Music Awards. 

Angela Verbrugge
January 11 & 12 @ 8:00pm

Angela Verbrugge - Vocals 
Ray Gallon - Piano
Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

Angela Verbrugge is a Canadian jazz vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose work blends the interpretive depth of an actor with the instincts of a trained musician and a lifelong devotion to the Great American Songbook. Based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, she drew international attention with her 2019 debut, The Night We Couldn’t Say Good Night, recorded in New York with pianist Ray Gallon and co-produced by bassist Cameron Brown (Jazz Messengers, George Adams, Sheila Jordan). Toronto Music Report hailed it as “a perfect album,” and the release earned Verbrugge a spot on music historian Scott Yanow’s list of the top 30 jazz albums of the year. In 2020, she won the JazzTimes Readers’ Poll for Best Female Vocalist, affirming the originality of her approach.

Verbrugge’s artistry reflects a distinctive combination: the storytelling power of a trained actor and the craft of a working musician. Having studied classical piano, theory, and trombone in her youth, she performs not simply as a singer but as a fellow instrumentalist, shaping arrangements, writing lead sheets, and contributing original compositions and lyrics. Critics have often highlighted this dual strength, noting both her interpretive range and her growing impact as a lyricist. Her style is firmly rooted in the swing-era and cool-school vocal traditions of the 1940s and ’50s — Anita O’Day, Helen Merrill, Dinah Washington, June Christy, Ella Fitzgerald — while carrying a modern sensibility.

Her sophomore release, Love for Connoisseurs (2022), marked a bold step into original songwriting. Featuring collaborations with Gallon, Nick Hempton, Ken Fowser, and others, the album once again landed on Yanow’s annual top 30 list. International outlets from Jazzwise to Jersey Jazz praised her personality and writing, while JazzWeekly described her as “fun and quirky, hip and a hoot, wispy and romantic, and [she] cleverly swings.” The Syncopated Times likened her precision and range to Annie Ross, underscoring her strengths as both interpreter and lyricist. Her third album, Somewhere (2024, Origin’s OA2 label), offered a collection of standards noted for restraint and clarity, with Michael Steinman (JazzLives) praising her “light touch with songs that ordinarily lead singers to melodrama,” and JazzWeeklyconcluding, “Less is more on this charmer.”

Her accomplishments have been recognized with major accolades. In addition to the JazzTimes poll win, she was nominated for Jazz Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards — a category spanning all instruments and styles. Her albums have charted on Canada’s Earshot reports and received airplay on CBC, NPR, and JazzWeek-reporting stations worldwide. In Japan, Europe, and the U.S., her CDs are stocked by major retailers, and her songs have appeared on editorial and themed playlists across Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify. She has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, Creative BC, Music BC, and the Province of British Columbia.

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Verbrugge grew up in a household where her mother accompanied school assemblies and her grandmother played organ at family gatherings. Old songbooks became her childhood companions, and by her teens she was performing with the Kingston Symphony in Gilbert and Sullivan productions and at the Grand Theatre in classic musicals. She studied acting at George Brown College’s Theatre Studies program in Toronto, graduating as one of the youngest in her cohort, and initially launched a career on stage. After moving to Vancouver in the late 1990s, a car accident that left her with two broken legs ended her acting ambitions. Later, while raising three young children, she faced cancer and emerged with renewed determination to pursue her first love: music. Encouraged at a patient seminar to “follow your passion and never look back,” she immersed herself in jazz study, working with Canadian mentors and attending workshops in the U.S. Her mentorship with Sheila Jordan in 2016 proved pivotal, connecting her to Ray Gallon and Cameron Brown and leading directly to her debut.

Since then, Verbrugge has built an international profile, appearing at leading jazz clubs and festivals across Canada, the UK, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and Türkiye. She has performed with Canadian luminaries including drummer Terry Clarke, bassist Neil Swainson, guitarist Reg Schwager, and multi-instrumentalist Miles Black, while pursuing songwriting collaborations with peers such as Gallon, Hempton, Fowser, Neal Miner, and Caity Gyorgy. Her ensembles often include Juno Award winners, nominees, and Order of Canada recipients, underscoring her place within the top tier of Canadian jazz.

Critics have consistently noted her ability to inhabit characters in song, drawing on her acting background to deliver performances of empathy, wit, and theatrical flair. Raul da Gama observed that “she plays the characters to the hilt, inhabiting their skins,” while JazzTimes remarked that she is an artist with “conspicuously good taste.” Yanow adds that she is “a major lyricist whose songs deserve to be covered by other performers.” With each release, she deepens her dual identity as interpreter and writer, ensuring her work resonates in both timeless standards and new contributions to the repertoire.

Today, Angela Verbrugge continues to tour internationally, teach and mentor, and release acclaimed recordings. With four albums since 2019, she has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz — an artist whose resilience, musicianship, and interpretive depth mark her as a vital force in the global scene.

Angela Verbrugge
January 11 & 12 @ 8:00pm

Angela Verbrugge - Vocals 
Ray Gallon - Piano
Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums

Angela Verbrugge is a Canadian jazz vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose work blends the interpretive depth of an actor with the instincts of a trained musician and a lifelong devotion to the Great American Songbook. Based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, she drew international attention with her 2019 debut, The Night We Couldn’t Say Good Night, recorded in New York with pianist Ray Gallon and co-produced by bassist Cameron Brown (Jazz Messengers, George Adams, Sheila Jordan). Toronto Music Report hailed it as “a perfect album,” and the release earned Verbrugge a spot on music historian Scott Yanow’s list of the top 30 jazz albums of the year. In 2020, she won the JazzTimes Readers’ Poll for Best Female Vocalist, affirming the originality of her approach.

Verbrugge’s artistry reflects a distinctive combination: the storytelling power of a trained actor and the craft of a working musician. Having studied classical piano, theory, and trombone in her youth, she performs not simply as a singer but as a fellow instrumentalist, shaping arrangements, writing lead sheets, and contributing original compositions and lyrics. Critics have often highlighted this dual strength, noting both her interpretive range and her growing impact as a lyricist. Her style is firmly rooted in the swing-era and cool-school vocal traditions of the 1940s and ’50s — Anita O’Day, Helen Merrill, Dinah Washington, June Christy, Ella Fitzgerald — while carrying a modern sensibility.

Her sophomore release, Love for Connoisseurs (2022), marked a bold step into original songwriting. Featuring collaborations with Gallon, Nick Hempton, Ken Fowser, and others, the album once again landed on Yanow’s annual top 30 list. International outlets from Jazzwise to Jersey Jazz praised her personality and writing, while JazzWeekly described her as “fun and quirky, hip and a hoot, wispy and romantic, and [she] cleverly swings.” The Syncopated Times likened her precision and range to Annie Ross, underscoring her strengths as both interpreter and lyricist. Her third album, Somewhere (2024, Origin’s OA2 label), offered a collection of standards noted for restraint and clarity, with Michael Steinman (JazzLives) praising her “light touch with songs that ordinarily lead singers to melodrama,” and JazzWeeklyconcluding, “Less is more on this charmer.”

Her accomplishments have been recognized with major accolades. In addition to the JazzTimes poll win, she was nominated for Jazz Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards — a category spanning all instruments and styles. Her albums have charted on Canada’s Earshot reports and received airplay on CBC, NPR, and JazzWeek-reporting stations worldwide. In Japan, Europe, and the U.S., her CDs are stocked by major retailers, and her songs have appeared on editorial and themed playlists across Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify. She has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, Creative BC, Music BC, and the Province of British Columbia.

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Verbrugge grew up in a household where her mother accompanied school assemblies and her grandmother played organ at family gatherings. Old songbooks became her childhood companions, and by her teens she was performing with the Kingston Symphony in Gilbert and Sullivan productions and at the Grand Theatre in classic musicals. She studied acting at George Brown College’s Theatre Studies program in Toronto, graduating as one of the youngest in her cohort, and initially launched a career on stage. After moving to Vancouver in the late 1990s, a car accident that left her with two broken legs ended her acting ambitions. Later, while raising three young children, she faced cancer and emerged with renewed determination to pursue her first love: music. Encouraged at a patient seminar to “follow your passion and never look back,” she immersed herself in jazz study, working with Canadian mentors and attending workshops in the U.S. Her mentorship with Sheila Jordan in 2016 proved pivotal, connecting her to Ray Gallon and Cameron Brown and leading directly to her debut.

Since then, Verbrugge has built an international profile, appearing at leading jazz clubs and festivals across Canada, the UK, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and Türkiye. She has performed with Canadian luminaries including drummer Terry Clarke, bassist Neil Swainson, guitarist Reg Schwager, and multi-instrumentalist Miles Black, while pursuing songwriting collaborations with peers such as Gallon, Hempton, Fowser, Neal Miner, and Caity Gyorgy. Her ensembles often include Juno Award winners, nominees, and Order of Canada recipients, underscoring her place within the top tier of Canadian jazz.

Critics have consistently noted her ability to inhabit characters in song, drawing on her acting background to deliver performances of empathy, wit, and theatrical flair. Raul da Gama observed that “she plays the characters to the hilt, inhabiting their skins,” while JazzTimes remarked that she is an artist with “conspicuously good taste.” Yanow adds that she is “a major lyricist whose songs deserve to be covered by other performers.” With each release, she deepens her dual identity as interpreter and writer, ensuring her work resonates in both timeless standards and new contributions to the repertoire.

Today, Angela Verbrugge continues to tour internationally, teach and mentor, and release acclaimed recordings. With four albums since 2019, she has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz — an artist whose resilience, musicianship, and interpretive depth mark her as a vital force in the global scene.

Chris Rice Quartet
January 13 @ 5:00 pm

Chris Rice - Bass
Hayden Stapleton - Alto Saxophone
Eric Liang - Piano
Elnoe Budiman - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hailing from the British Columbia interior, Chris Rice is an upright bass player making big moves in the Toronto scene. Currently in his second year at Humber Polytechnics esteemed jazz program, and inspired by the legendary quarter notes of Ray Brown and Robert Hurst Chris has been developing his own unique sound on, and off of the bandstand. 

Marking his debut show bandleading at The Rex, Chris and his quartet of some of Torontos greatest up and comers will be paying homage to the music of the 80s and 90s greats featuring compositions from Wynton Marsalis, Dick Oatts, and more! 

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.

Laura hubert Band
january 4 & 18 @ 5:00 PM

Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Canadian vocal treasure, born and raised in Toronto, Laura Hubert has remained a steady force on the city’s music scene over the past 25 years. Although she retired from rock and roll back per se when JUNO-winning indie-rock group Leslie Spit Treeo split up late last millennium, for several decades now she has been singing her soulful interpretations of vintage blues, jazz and Western swing all over the Greater Toronto Area. “I want to participate in the joy of the world, try to keep it light,” says Hubert.  “Just trying to have some fun. Sing some songs. Make some music. Give some joy.”

Over the years she recorded 3 solo albums with her band, led by pianist Peter Hill and featuring some of Toronto’s finest including Chris Whiteley, Brandi Disterheft, Victor Bateman, William Sperandei: “Girlish Days” (2000), “Live at the Rex” (2001) and “Half Bridled” (2004).

In the years since these recordings, Hubert and her fans enjoyed residencies at venerable venues such as Grossman’s Tavern, The Cameron House and The Rex Hotel. Singing many of the same old classic songs over the years, like the finest of wine Hubert’s art has aged in the best way, her bluesy growl deeper and more powerful than ever.

“One Night in Kensington” is an initiative spearheaded by Order of Canada member, singer-songwriter and long-time friend of Hubert, is the new recording fans have long been waiting for. “Hubert’s unique and soulful vocal delivery can make any old song sound brand new,” says Molly Johnson.

Produced by Johnson and her Kensington Market Jazz Festival team, the new album live at Poetry Jazz Café find Hubert in the happy company of four very fine players: Eric St-Laurent on guitar, Davide DiRenzo on drums, Steve Wallace on bass and long-time musical partner Peter Hill on piano.  

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.

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.