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

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

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

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

Jonathan Scott
February 13 @ 11:00 PM

Jonathan Scott - Drums
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Neon Eagle
February 14 @ 2:00 PM

Led by :Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.

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

Ori Dagan
February 14 @ 5:00 PM

Ori Dagan - Vocals

Mark Eisenman - Piano

Christopher Parnis - Bass

Morgan Childs - Drums

Elena Kapeleris - Sax

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ori Dagan is a Toronto-based jazz singer-songwriter whose rich bass-baritone, inventive scat, and sharp lyrical wit craft a sound that's both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. A graduate of York University's Music Department, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz—from his bold debut (S’Cat Got My Tongue), through the genre’s first visual album (Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole), to his clever, socially attuned originals (Click Right Here) and the award-winning tribute (Going That Counts—for Ella). A recipient of numerous awards—including the Great American Song Contest Grand Prize and the John Lennon Songwriting Grand Prize—Dagan’s artistry is repeatedly celebrated by critics for its humor, creativity, and honest musicality. Beyond the stage, he's a dedicated community leader, educator, writer, and influencer, bridging tradition and innovation while nurturing jazz’s next generation.

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

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

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

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

ALE NUÑEZ QUARTET
February 14 @ 11:00 pm

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Jake Hanlon
February 15 & 16 @ 8:00pm

Jake Hanlon - Guitar

Mark Godfrey - Bass

Anthony Michelli - Drums

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

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

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

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

Jake Hanlon
February 15 & 16 @ 8:00pm

Jake Hanlon - Guitar

Mark Godfrey - Bass

Anthony Michelli - Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Robert Chapman quartet
February 18 @ 5:00 pm

Robert Chapman - Guitar

Taylor Maslin - Saxophone

Jonathan Meyer - Bass

Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax

Neil Swainson - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shannon Butcher
February 19 @ 5:00 PM

Shannon Butcher - Vocals

Matt Giffin - piano

Drew Birston - bass

Tim Shia - drums 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax

Neil Swainson - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Reynolds Trio
February 20 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax

Neil Swainson - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alan Zemaitis Trio
February 20 @ 11:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Advocats Big Band
February 21 @ 2:00 Pm

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Gary Smulyan - Baritone Sax

Neil Swainson - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junestone
february 21 @ 11:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band
February 22 @ 11:00 AM

21 Member Big Band

No Reservations

Pay What You Can

The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band is a professional-level band experience under the direction of Kelsley Grant and Jesse Ryan for Grade 7-12 students in south central Ontario. This free program is creating a legacy of jazz appreciation and artistry for years to come.

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

Tamar Ilana - Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

The Danny Marks Combo
February 22 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

The Shortcake Trio
February 24 @ 5:00 PM

Serena Maddalena - Upright Bass / Vocals
Mateo Mancuso - Piano
Nate Ward - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Serena and Mateo met Nate while they were children attending the Community Music School Led by Cathy Mitro. Through their love for traditional jazz, and Serena's recent love for songwriting and folk music, they have created a wonderfully sweet trio filled with intuition, musical gentleness and fun! They hope you join them for an evening of original folk and arranged jazz music.

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Emily Steinwall
February 25 @ 5:00 PM

Emily Steinwall - Guitar / Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vocals). 

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

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

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

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

West End Riverboat Band
February 26 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

vocals). 

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

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

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

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

Karl Silveira Monktet
February 27 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Karl is proud to be a Yamaha Trombone Artist

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

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

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

vocals). 

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

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

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

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

Jacob Gorzhaltsan quartet
february 27 @ 11:00 pm

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

George Lake BIG Band
February 28 @ 2:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

 We’re pleased that we have two young singers with us this month. John Amato brings his take on classic and modern jazz standards, swinging and singing in the likes of Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Michael Buble.  Young Diya Tirone brings her vocal talents to wide range of music. Her performance ranges from Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and June Christy to Nancy Wilson, Linda Ronstadt and Allicia Keys. Not to be missed are John and Diya’s vocal duets.

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

www.georgelakebigband.com

SB Organ Trio
February 28 @ 5:00 PM

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).

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

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

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

vocals). 

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

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

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

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

Waleed Abdulhamid
February 28 @ 11:00 PM

Led by:
Waleed Abdulhamid - Bass Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Waleed Abdulhamid is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist; Composer; Vocalist; Music and Film Producer, and is known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion. He has been an active member of the Toronto music scene since his arrival from Sudan in 1992, and is the recipient of the Canadian New Pioneer Award; African Tama Award; Reel World Film Festival Award; Canadian Film Board of Excellence Award; Two times DORA Award; other international awards. He demonstrates his versatility playing 20 instruments: guitar; bass; drums; flute; harmonica; kirin; bass kirin; darabhuka; marimba; balimbo; congas; bongos; djembe; dumbek; aghera; tambour; cajun; denger; ekaa; tama. Waleed has played and recorded with a large number of well-known artists including David Clayton Thomas of the Grammy Award winning band Blood, Sweat & Tears, and with the Motown legend, The Drifters. However, Waleed is most proud of his role as a mentor to many acclaimed artists such as D’bi Young, Ngozi Paul, and Zaki Ibrahim to name a few.  Waleed has also been the subject of study for many researchers and PhD candidates seeking to understand the workings of the virtuoso mind. Waleed is also a Professor and faculty member of the Music Degree Program at Humber College.

Laura hubert Band
march 1, 15, 29 @ 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
march 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Laura hubert Band
march 1, 15, 29 @ 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
march 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Laura hubert Band
march 1, 15, 29 @ 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
march 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.