Marc Decho w/NYC's Damion Reid
November 2 & 3 @ 8:00pm

Marc Decho - Bass
NYC’S Damion Reid - Drums
James Hill - Piano

Born in Montreal and now based in Toronto, Canada,  electric bassist / composer / educator and producer  Marc Decho has established himself as an incredibly  versatile and creative artist on the Canadian music  scene. Decho is a longstanding member of the  legendary Cuban pianist Miguel De Armas (NG La  Banda) Latin Jazz Quartet & Latin Jazz Orchestra and  has performed with a wide variety of GRAMMY, Latin  GRAMMY, JUNO winning artists. In 2023 Marc  released his first self produced record as leader  “AAAAUM” under the guise of the Marc Decho Quartet  to critical acclaim. His latest record entitled “Forget The  World” was released in 2024-2025 and caused a  massive buzz in the UK jazz and broken beat scenes,  as well as garnered steady radio play across Europe  and Japan. The record was released on legendary jazz  dance and Northern Soul DJ Colin Curtis’ iconic imprint  label.

Damion Reid hailing from West Covina, California a city east of Los Angeles. He is the son of well-respected bassist and astute operatic singer and teacher. By the age of three, Damion was already playing in church. It was around the age of twelve that Damion began being mentored by the world-renowned drummer Billy Higgins. During these formative years Billy's spirit for life and music was deeply seeded in Damion's fertile mind. Seeing Damion's ability to grasp the music both, analytically and conceptually it wasn't long before Billy invited him to be a part of his drum collective. As he began to mature musically he found himself frequenting Billy's club “The World Stage,” learning and playing with the likes of Billy Childs, George Bohanon and Oscar Brashear.

As Damion continued to cultivate his love for music through his high school years, he managed school life with professional obligations. Damion graduated High School and made the move to Boston, Massachusetts New England Conservatory of Music where he spent time with Cecil McBee, Danilo Perez, Fred Buda and George Russell as well as his musical peers. It was while in Boston between the years of 1998 and 1999 that he received the prestigious Alan Dawson scholarship. He then was accepted into the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at the University of Southern California. Soon finding himself trekking to New York City to attend The New School. He then began performing and touring alongside Greg Osby, Terence Blanchard, Robert Glasper, Steve Lehman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Jacky Terrasson, Ravi Coltrane, Reggie Workman, Marcus Belgrave, Lauryn Hill, Robert Hurst, Bilal, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jason Moran, Mark Shim, Mark Turner, Chihiro Yamanaka, Steve Coleman, Bunky Green and many others.

Anise Russow
November 4 @ 5:00 pm

Anise Russow - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Anise Russow is a twenty year-old jazz and soul vocalist recognized for her rich, expressive voice and dynamic stage presence. Originally from Victoria BC, she began performing regularly by the age of thirteen years old. She has since led her own groups, drawing from a wide variety of genres such as jazz, R&B, funk, pop, and folk. 

Shortly after beginning her Bachelor of Music at Humber College, Anise became a rising artist in the Toronto music scene. Her versatility has led her to notable stages across both Victoria and Toronto, including appearances at the TD Victoria International JazzFest (2019, 2023, 2025) and the Toronto Undergraduate JazzFest (2024). Featuring some of the city’s best young musicians, the Anise Russow Quartet is guaranteed to create a warm and immersive evening of music from the jazz idiom.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
november 4, 11, 18, 25 @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.

Lorne Nehring
november 5 @ 5:00pm

Lorne Nehring - Drums

Alex Dean - Saxophone

George Koller - Bass

Tom Reynolds - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Mike Murley & Pat LaBarbera : The Music Of Joe Henderson
November 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:00pm

Pat LaBarbara - saxophone
Mike Murley- saxophone
Brian Dickinson - piano
Neil Swainson - bass
Fabio Ragnelli - drums

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.

Pat Labarbera, saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, jazz educator was born in Mt. Morris, New York and spent the first thirty years of his life in the United States before moving to Toronto in 1974. His father taught the basics of music to Pat and his two younger brothers, John (a gifted arranger/trumpeter) and Joe (a highly accomplished drummer). He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, began to make his presence felt with the best of the American big bands.

By the time he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1974, Pat LaBarbera was already well-known for his solo work with the bands of Louis Bellson, Woody Herman, and for seven years, touring and recording as featured tenor saxophone soloist with the Buddy Rich Band throughout every major city in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Universally considered one of the world’s most exciting saxophonists.

LaBarbera has performed and recorded consistently with Elvin Jones since 1975, appearing at premier jazz festivals all over the world. After a brief hiatus, he rejoined Elvin Jones’ ‘Time Machine’ in 2001 to perform and tour North America, Britain. Europe, and Japan for the next two years. Describing LaBarbera’s phenomenal talent, Elvin Jones said, “Pat has tremendous musical ability beyond technical facility. He has great power of concentration to detail and is totally committed with body and soul.”

LaBarbera has played on every major network television show including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show several times. He has worked with the biggest entertainers in the business including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Pat LaBarbera has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for the past three-plus decades, claiming Junos and ‘Jazz Report’ Awards for writing and performing with his own jazz ensembles all along the way. He has been on the full-time teaching faculty at Humber College for the past several years instructing on Saxophone, Ensemble Performance, Jazz Repertoire Development, and Advanced Jazz Theory and Performance. His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album.

His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album. His album, Crossing the Line, features pianist Brian Dickinson and bassist Neil Swainson, as well as special guests trumpeter Randy Brecker and drummer Joe LaBarbera.

In 2013, Pat and pianist Don Thompson released A Little SImple Magic, a duo recording featuring twelve standards.

Miles Cakebread - Kraus
November 6 @ 5:00pm

Miles Cakebread-Kraus - Guitar and Electronics

Lazar Miric - Alto Saxophone

Steven Norohna - Keyboards

Carlo Santo Domingo - Electric Bass

Aidan McConnell - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hailing from Prince Edward County and based in Toronto, Miles Cakebread-Kraus is a 24-year-old guitarist, and composer.

A passionate and creative musician, Miles uniquely blends jazz and improvised music with other genres, such as electronic, folk, and different types of popular music.

He has studied with the likes of Toronto musicians Michael Davidson, Trevor Giancola, Jocelyn Gould, and Kim Ratcliffe, as well as renowned Richmond VA
saxophonist Charles Owens.

Miles has a unique vision of melody and harmony that brings about captivating and distinctive compositions.

Mike Murley & Pat LaBarbera : The Music Of Joe Henderson
November 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:00pm

Pat LaBarbara - saxophone
Mike Murley- saxophone
Brian Dickinson - piano
Neil Swainson - bass
Fabio Ragnelli - drums

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.

Pat Labarbera, saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, jazz educator was born in Mt. Morris, New York and spent the first thirty years of his life in the United States before moving to Toronto in 1974. His father taught the basics of music to Pat and his two younger brothers, John (a gifted arranger/trumpeter) and Joe (a highly accomplished drummer). He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, began to make his presence felt with the best of the American big bands.

By the time he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1974, Pat LaBarbera was already well-known for his solo work with the bands of Louis Bellson, Woody Herman, and for seven years, touring and recording as featured tenor saxophone soloist with the Buddy Rich Band throughout every major city in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Universally considered one of the world’s most exciting saxophonists.

LaBarbera has performed and recorded consistently with Elvin Jones since 1975, appearing at premier jazz festivals all over the world. After a brief hiatus, he rejoined Elvin Jones’ ‘Time Machine’ in 2001 to perform and tour North America, Britain. Europe, and Japan for the next two years. Describing LaBarbera’s phenomenal talent, Elvin Jones said, “Pat has tremendous musical ability beyond technical facility. He has great power of concentration to detail and is totally committed with body and soul.”

LaBarbera has played on every major network television show including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show several times. He has worked with the biggest entertainers in the business including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Pat LaBarbera has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for the past three-plus decades, claiming Junos and ‘Jazz Report’ Awards for writing and performing with his own jazz ensembles all along the way. He has been on the full-time teaching faculty at Humber College for the past several years instructing on Saxophone, Ensemble Performance, Jazz Repertoire Development, and Advanced Jazz Theory and Performance. His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album.

His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album. His album, Crossing the Line, features pianist Brian Dickinson and bassist Neil Swainson, as well as special guests trumpeter Randy Brecker and drummer Joe LaBarbera.

In 2013, Pat and pianist Don Thompson released A Little SImple Magic, a duo recording featuring twelve standards.

Mike Murley & Pat LaBarbera : The Music Of Joe Henderson
November 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:00pm

Pat LaBarbara - saxophone
Mike Murley- saxophone
Brian Dickinson - piano
Neil Swainson - bass
Fabio Ragnelli - drums

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.

Pat Labarbera, saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, jazz educator was born in Mt. Morris, New York and spent the first thirty years of his life in the United States before moving to Toronto in 1974. His father taught the basics of music to Pat and his two younger brothers, John (a gifted arranger/trumpeter) and Joe (a highly accomplished drummer). He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, began to make his presence felt with the best of the American big bands.

By the time he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1974, Pat LaBarbera was already well-known for his solo work with the bands of Louis Bellson, Woody Herman, and for seven years, touring and recording as featured tenor saxophone soloist with the Buddy Rich Band throughout every major city in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Universally considered one of the world’s most exciting saxophonists.

LaBarbera has performed and recorded consistently with Elvin Jones since 1975, appearing at premier jazz festivals all over the world. After a brief hiatus, he rejoined Elvin Jones’ ‘Time Machine’ in 2001 to perform and tour North America, Britain. Europe, and Japan for the next two years. Describing LaBarbera’s phenomenal talent, Elvin Jones said, “Pat has tremendous musical ability beyond technical facility. He has great power of concentration to detail and is totally committed with body and soul.”

LaBarbera has played on every major network television show including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show several times. He has worked with the biggest entertainers in the business including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Pat LaBarbera has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for the past three-plus decades, claiming Junos and ‘Jazz Report’ Awards for writing and performing with his own jazz ensembles all along the way. He has been on the full-time teaching faculty at Humber College for the past several years instructing on Saxophone, Ensemble Performance, Jazz Repertoire Development, and Advanced Jazz Theory and Performance. His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album.

His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album. His album, Crossing the Line, features pianist Brian Dickinson and bassist Neil Swainson, as well as special guests trumpeter Randy Brecker and drummer Joe LaBarbera.

In 2013, Pat and pianist Don Thompson released A Little SImple Magic, a duo recording featuring twelve standards.

Roshane Wright
November 7 @ 10:45 pm

Roshane Wight - Drums / Percussion
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Michael Arnowitt and the ImproVisions Jazz Trio
November 8 @ 2:00 pm

Michael Arnowitt - Piano
Phil Albert - Bass
Nico Dann - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What you Can

Michael Arnowitt and the ImproVisions Jazz Trio

Pianist Michael Arnowitt is joined by Toronto favourites Phil Albert on upright bass and Nico Dann on drums for a colourful and lively set of acoustic jazz. The trio will perform creative versions of jazz standards such as There Will Never Be Another You, Benny Golson’s stylish classic Along Came Betty, Miles Davis’ evocative Nardis, music by Wayne Shorter, the Beatles’ She’s Leaving Home and Eleanor Rigby, and improvisations on tunes from more recent decades by Brad Mehldau and Dave Holland. A highlight of the set will be Michael Arnowitt’s jazz arrangement “The Stream” based on J.S. Bach’s atmospheric and moody Fugue in C-sharp minor from the Well-Tempered Keyboard, transformed into the language of jazz . Also featured will be a few of the band’s own original songs, including the world premiere of Michael Arnowitt’s just completed jazz composition Refuge.      

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

About the Performers

Michael Arnowitt recently immigrated to Canada from having lived in Vermont in the United States for many years, and has been warmly received by Toronto locals for his extraordinary sense of touch at the piano, the absorbing musical landscapes he creates through improvisation, and his natural and engaging onstage manner with audiences of all ages. He has delighted music lovers in concert halls and clubs around the world, including performances in Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Seoul. Bassist Phil Albert has performed with many leading musicians of today, including Mike Stern, Okkyung Lee, Mark O’Conner, Tony Wilson, Hugh Fraser, & Ross Taggart, and has released ten records including Situations and Beautiful Landscape by Sonic Perfume. Drummer Nico Dann is part of one of Toronto’s most notable musical families with his father Steven and sister Robin distinguishing themselves in diverse musical genres. Nico Dann has collaborated with outstanding musicians including Allison Au, Andrew Downing, Christine Jensen, Roberto Occhipinti, Michael Davidson, Reg Schwager, and  the double-bass virtuoso Joel Quarrington. Dann has performed at festivals in the U.S. and Europe at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreal’s Off Jazz Festival, South by Southwest and the Glastonbury Festival.

Mike Murley & Pat LaBarbera : The Music Of Joe Henderson
November 5, 6, 7, 8 @ 8:00pm

Pat LaBarbara - saxophone
Mike Murley- saxophone
Brian Dickinson - piano
Neil Swainson - bass
Fabio Ragnelli - drums

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.

Pat Labarbera, saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, jazz educator was born in Mt. Morris, New York and spent the first thirty years of his life in the United States before moving to Toronto in 1974. His father taught the basics of music to Pat and his two younger brothers, John (a gifted arranger/trumpeter) and Joe (a highly accomplished drummer). He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, began to make his presence felt with the best of the American big bands.

By the time he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1974, Pat LaBarbera was already well-known for his solo work with the bands of Louis Bellson, Woody Herman, and for seven years, touring and recording as featured tenor saxophone soloist with the Buddy Rich Band throughout every major city in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Universally considered one of the world’s most exciting saxophonists.

LaBarbera has performed and recorded consistently with Elvin Jones since 1975, appearing at premier jazz festivals all over the world. After a brief hiatus, he rejoined Elvin Jones’ ‘Time Machine’ in 2001 to perform and tour North America, Britain. Europe, and Japan for the next two years. Describing LaBarbera’s phenomenal talent, Elvin Jones said, “Pat has tremendous musical ability beyond technical facility. He has great power of concentration to detail and is totally committed with body and soul.”

LaBarbera has played on every major network television show including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show several times. He has worked with the biggest entertainers in the business including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Pat LaBarbera has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for the past three-plus decades, claiming Junos and ‘Jazz Report’ Awards for writing and performing with his own jazz ensembles all along the way. He has been on the full-time teaching faculty at Humber College for the past several years instructing on Saxophone, Ensemble Performance, Jazz Repertoire Development, and Advanced Jazz Theory and Performance. His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album.

His album, Deep in a Dream, won the 2000 Juno Award for Best Mainstream Jazz Album. His album, Crossing the Line, features pianist Brian Dickinson and bassist Neil Swainson, as well as special guests trumpeter Randy Brecker and drummer Joe LaBarbera.

In 2013, Pat and pianist Don Thompson released A Little SImple Magic, a duo recording featuring twelve standards.

Frank Botos
November 8 @ 10:45 pm

Frank Botos - Drums
Eric St. Laurent - Guitar
Andrew Stuart - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Frank Botos Bio  

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.

Selcuk Suna
November 9 @ 2:00pm

Selcuk Suna - Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1981, Selcuk comes from a family of musicians. His father, a professor of Traditional Turkish Music at Istanbul University, and his brother, a violin player and song writer, brought Selcuk into the music scene at a very young age. Selcuk was 8 years old when he joined the children's opera in AKM (Ataturk Cultural Centre). In addition, his parents decided to get him started on the clarinet when he was 11 in order to strengthen his lungs. It was the clarinet that led Selcuk to the saxophone at age 17. By the time Selcuk was 18, he was performing on various television programs and for many famous pop singers throughout Turkey. 

In his high school years, Selcuk studied clarinet at the conservatory in Istanbul.  He also won many high school vocal competitions. Selcuk was granted a full scholarship to study Jazz at Bilgi University, Istanbul, in the Jazz Performance (Saxophone) Department, which earned him a degree in Jazz Music. 

Selcuk has studied saxophone with great Ricky Ford, theory with greta Butch Morris. He has also played on stage with well-known artists such as Shakira. While living in Turkey, Selcuk played on a weekly friday late-night show(Beyaz Show) for 13 years; he also played for numerous Turkish pop-stars(Ajda Pekkan, Kayahan, Mustafa Ceceli etc.) Selcuk plays saxophone and clarinet for countless albums, theme music, television shows, and musicals. Selcuk also participates in vocal recordings, and is very knowledgeable in composition and has composed music for the theatre. 

Selcuk currently resides in Toronto, Canada, as a freelance musician. His past album "Turkish Standards / Non-standard" and the most recent album "The Space Between" can be found here.  He also performs with Moneka Arabic Jazz, Fethi Nadjem, Meltemi throughout Canada. In addition, Selcuk is a member of the New Canadian Global Music Orchestra, KUNÉ. Selcuk can be seen at various venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area...

Selcuk uses a soprano,alto & tenor saxophone (all Selmer Series III), clarinet (Buffet RC)

Laura hubert Band
november 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 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.  

Roberto Occhipinti
November 9 & 10 @ 8:00 PM

Luis Deniz - saxophone

Hilario Duran - piano

Mark Kelso - drums

Roberto Occhipinti - bass

Roberto Occhipinti is diversity personified. He’s won awards and acclaim as a musician, composer and record producer. Throughout his career, the Toronto-born bassist has performed in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, Latin groups, rhythm & blues outfits and rock bands. He has worked in theatre and opera, written for radio and television, played on film soundtracks and done more recording session jobs than he can remember. To call the hard-working musician versatile would be the height of understatement.

“I’ve always had very catholic tastes about my musical endeavors,” admits Occhipinti. “I don’t wait for the phone to ring. I’d rather make a call than hang around. I get involved with projects because I’m interested in doing lots of different things and you never know what they’re going to lead to.”

Occhipinti believes that his versatility is the direct result of his instrument. “The bass is the source of everything for me,” he says. “Unlike other instruments, it puts you in the centre of all sorts of situations. I play both double bass and electric bass, which creates a lot of opportunities. A guitar player can’t play in a symphony orchestra, for instance. I’m attracted to the social nature of music and the bass is the perfect instrument for that.”

From a young age, Occhipinti began straddling the worlds of jazz and classical music. His two earliest mentors, Joel Quarrington and Dave Young, represented that musical duality. Quarrington, a classical bassist with whom he grew up in the Toronto suburb of Don Mills, encouraged him to study with Peter Madgett and Thomas Monahan, while Young played bass with both orchestras and such jazz musicians as Oscar Peterson and Moe Koffman. “Dave was also doing studio work,” recalls Occhipinti, “basically all the kinds of things I wanted to do.”

After stints with the Winnipeg Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic and the Canadian Opera Company, Occhipinti fell under the spell of Latin music. Playing with Memo Acevedo’s Banda Brava led saxophonist Jane Bunnett to ask him to fill in for her bass player on a tour. Occhipinti wound up going to Cuba and playing on three of Bunnett’s albums, including the Juno Award-winning Ritmo and Soul and the Grammy-nominated Alma de Santiago. Through that association, he met Cuban-Canadian pianist Hilario Durán and produced three of Durán’s albums, including the Juno-winning New Danzon.

Throughout all of this, Occhipinti also worked in the field of contemporary music, acting as principal bassist with the Esprit Orchestra and as a longtime member of Arraymusic. At the same time, he wrote music for CBC radio dramas and scored the soundtrack for the animated hit children’s series George Shrinks, which earned him a SOCAN composer’s award.

But it has been on his own recordings that Occhipinti has best bridged his classical background with his deep love of jazz and world music. From his first album right up to last year’s A Bend in the River, he has forged a synthesis of symphonic strings, big-band horns with a rhythm section on a mix of original compositions and his interpretations of works by composers as varied as Giacomo Puccini, Thelonious Monk, Jimi Hendrix and Brazil’s Djavan. “I consider jazz to be the original world music,” says Occhipinti. “It’s an open platform—it can be whatever you want it to be.

Occhipinti’s talent and adventurous tastes have taken him as far afield as West Africa, where he appeared with the Mali Music project of Damon Albarn, frontman of British rockers Blur (he’d previously toured with Albarn’s experimental hip-hop act Gorillaz). Since 1990, he has played electric bass with Soul Stew, his six-piece funk and r&b band that includes some of Toronto’s most accomplished studio musicians.

Yet another of his undertakings has deep familial roots. Born of Sicilian heritage, Occhipinti introduced his guitarist brother Michael to field recordings made by ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax, when he visited Sicily in the 1950s. The result was The Sicilian Jazz Project, a CD of reinterpretation of that traditional folk music with arrangements by Michael and production by Roberto. Recently, after Roberto completed a tour with his own jazz quartet, the two brothers traveled to their parents’ hometown of Modica in Sicily to receive an award from the local government for their work. It was a “bittersweet” experience, says Roberto, “because our parents are no longer alive and they didn’t get to see Michael and I working together on this. But I’m very happy we did it.”

Next up for the busy bass player are new albums that he’s produced for Durán, Cuban drummer Dafnis Prieto and Quarrington, now one of the world’s top classical bassists. Not surprisingly, Occhipinti credits his instrument with giving him steady production work. “Bass players make good producers,” he says, “because their job is to tie into the larger picture and they wind up with a more holistic view of the music that they’re playing. Ultimately,” he adds, “it all comes back to playing the bass.”

Roberto Occhipinti
November 9 & 10 @ 8:00 PM

Luis Deniz - saxophone

Hilario Duran - piano

Mark Kelso - drums

Roberto Occhipinti - bass

Roberto Occhipinti is diversity personified. He’s won awards and acclaim as a musician, composer and record producer. Throughout his career, the Toronto-born bassist has performed in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, Latin groups, rhythm & blues outfits and rock bands. He has worked in theatre and opera, written for radio and television, played on film soundtracks and done more recording session jobs than he can remember. To call the hard-working musician versatile would be the height of understatement.

“I’ve always had very catholic tastes about my musical endeavors,” admits Occhipinti. “I don’t wait for the phone to ring. I’d rather make a call than hang around. I get involved with projects because I’m interested in doing lots of different things and you never know what they’re going to lead to.”

Occhipinti believes that his versatility is the direct result of his instrument. “The bass is the source of everything for me,” he says. “Unlike other instruments, it puts you in the centre of all sorts of situations. I play both double bass and electric bass, which creates a lot of opportunities. A guitar player can’t play in a symphony orchestra, for instance. I’m attracted to the social nature of music and the bass is the perfect instrument for that.”

From a young age, Occhipinti began straddling the worlds of jazz and classical music. His two earliest mentors, Joel Quarrington and Dave Young, represented that musical duality. Quarrington, a classical bassist with whom he grew up in the Toronto suburb of Don Mills, encouraged him to study with Peter Madgett and Thomas Monahan, while Young played bass with both orchestras and such jazz musicians as Oscar Peterson and Moe Koffman. “Dave was also doing studio work,” recalls Occhipinti, “basically all the kinds of things I wanted to do.”

After stints with the Winnipeg Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic and the Canadian Opera Company, Occhipinti fell under the spell of Latin music. Playing with Memo Acevedo’s Banda Brava led saxophonist Jane Bunnett to ask him to fill in for her bass player on a tour. Occhipinti wound up going to Cuba and playing on three of Bunnett’s albums, including the Juno Award-winning Ritmo and Soul and the Grammy-nominated Alma de Santiago. Through that association, he met Cuban-Canadian pianist Hilario Durán and produced three of Durán’s albums, including the Juno-winning New Danzon.

Throughout all of this, Occhipinti also worked in the field of contemporary music, acting as principal bassist with the Esprit Orchestra and as a longtime member of Arraymusic. At the same time, he wrote music for CBC radio dramas and scored the soundtrack for the animated hit children’s series George Shrinks, which earned him a SOCAN composer’s award.

But it has been on his own recordings that Occhipinti has best bridged his classical background with his deep love of jazz and world music. From his first album right up to last year’s A Bend in the River, he has forged a synthesis of symphonic strings, big-band horns with a rhythm section on a mix of original compositions and his interpretations of works by composers as varied as Giacomo Puccini, Thelonious Monk, Jimi Hendrix and Brazil’s Djavan. “I consider jazz to be the original world music,” says Occhipinti. “It’s an open platform—it can be whatever you want it to be.

Occhipinti’s talent and adventurous tastes have taken him as far afield as West Africa, where he appeared with the Mali Music project of Damon Albarn, frontman of British rockers Blur (he’d previously toured with Albarn’s experimental hip-hop act Gorillaz). Since 1990, he has played electric bass with Soul Stew, his six-piece funk and r&b band that includes some of Toronto’s most accomplished studio musicians.

Yet another of his undertakings has deep familial roots. Born of Sicilian heritage, Occhipinti introduced his guitarist brother Michael to field recordings made by ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax, when he visited Sicily in the 1950s. The result was The Sicilian Jazz Project, a CD of reinterpretation of that traditional folk music with arrangements by Michael and production by Roberto. Recently, after Roberto completed a tour with his own jazz quartet, the two brothers traveled to their parents’ hometown of Modica in Sicily to receive an award from the local government for their work. It was a “bittersweet” experience, says Roberto, “because our parents are no longer alive and they didn’t get to see Michael and I working together on this. But I’m very happy we did it.”

Next up for the busy bass player are new albums that he’s produced for Durán, Cuban drummer Dafnis Prieto and Quarrington, now one of the world’s top classical bassists. Not surprisingly, Occhipinti credits his instrument with giving him steady production work. “Bass players make good producers,” he says, “because their job is to tie into the larger picture and they wind up with a more holistic view of the music that they’re playing. Ultimately,” he adds, “it all comes back to playing the bass.”

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
november 4, 11, 18, 25 @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.

Jill McCarron Quartet
November 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:00 PM

Jill McCarron - Piano and vocals

Brian O'Kane- Trumpet

Tony DePaolis - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

A bluesy, boppy, altogether terrific leader and pianist who chooses a number of rarely heard tunes by heroic players from the past. Jill McCarron has it all at her fingertips. I'm convinced she's headed for a lengthy career, playing so exquisitely. -- George Fendel, High Standards Jazz

McCarron, who in 1995 won the thirteenth annual Great American Jazz Piano competition in Jacksonville, FL, is a superb soloist who comps with perception and assurance. ★★★★☆ -- Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

Jill McCarron’s playing throughout Jazz Motif successfully makes the case that she is one of the top pianists in today’s jazz scene. -- Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

Jill McCarron is an icon of the New York City jazz scene. She's been uptown at Dizzy's, Carlyle, Knickerbocker, Iridium, Harvard Club, Pierre Hotel, Birdland; she's been downtown at Blue Note, Smalls, Mezzrow, Hermana. She has been there and she is there, with a timeless and classic sound and a deeply-rooted jazz sensitivity. -- Jazz Bird Records

Jill McCarron is the real deal. Let’s simply say that she has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight. -- High Standards Jazz

A gal that's been knocking them dead for years. A fellow traveler of Randy Brecker and other jazz police certified players, ever since she won her first competition, you can well hear she never looked back. With a set card of classics and chestnuts leading the way, this is a mighty fine calling card for anyone that wants to hear the real deal done right. Hot stuff. -- Midwest Record

Jill McCarron has bop in her blood. A looker and a cooker. -- Jazz Weekly

Matt Newton
November 13 @ 5:00pm

Matt Newton - Piano
Dan  Fortin - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Matt Newton Trio brings together three longtime musical  collaborators and friends—pianist Matt Newton, bassist Dan  Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli. Rooted in trust and shared  intuition, their music feels intimate, spacious, and quietly  adventurous. 

From the lyrical warmth of Newton’s compositions to the  subtle interplay between all three musicians, the trio creates a  sound that is as thoughtful as it is expressive. Their album  Within Reach captures that chemistry—moments of stillness,  bursts of energy, and the kind of connection that only comes  from years of playing together.

Jill McCarron Quartet
November 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:00 PM

Jill McCarron - Piano and vocals

Brian O'Kane- Trumpet

Tony DePaolis - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

A bluesy, boppy, altogether terrific leader and pianist who chooses a number of rarely heard tunes by heroic players from the past. Jill McCarron has it all at her fingertips. I'm convinced she's headed for a lengthy career, playing so exquisitely. -- George Fendel, High Standards Jazz

McCarron, who in 1995 won the thirteenth annual Great American Jazz Piano competition in Jacksonville, FL, is a superb soloist who comps with perception and assurance. ★★★★☆ -- Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

Jill McCarron’s playing throughout Jazz Motif successfully makes the case that she is one of the top pianists in today’s jazz scene. -- Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

Jill McCarron is an icon of the New York City jazz scene. She's been uptown at Dizzy's, Carlyle, Knickerbocker, Iridium, Harvard Club, Pierre Hotel, Birdland; she's been downtown at Blue Note, Smalls, Mezzrow, Hermana. She has been there and she is there, with a timeless and classic sound and a deeply-rooted jazz sensitivity. -- Jazz Bird Records

Jill McCarron is the real deal. Let’s simply say that she has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight. -- High Standards Jazz

A gal that's been knocking them dead for years. A fellow traveler of Randy Brecker and other jazz police certified players, ever since she won her first competition, you can well hear she never looked back. With a set card of classics and chestnuts leading the way, this is a mighty fine calling card for anyone that wants to hear the real deal done right. Hot stuff. -- Midwest Record

Jill McCarron has bop in her blood. A looker and a cooker. -- Jazz Weekly

Ale Nunez Group
November 14 @ 5:00pm

Ale Nunez - Vocals
Vlad Redzic - Guitar,
Eric Liang - Piano,
Hiro Tanaka - Bass.

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ale Nuñez is a Jazz vocalist, songwriter and bandleader from Toronto. Ale sings traditional jazz like no other, with a voice that is uniquely her own yet familiar and comforting. She has already established herself as an in-demand vocalist and musician, making her mark in music scenes near and far. She looks forward to returning to the Rex stage performing with her trio of class act musicians. Vlad Redzic on guitar, Eric Liang on the piano, and Hiro Tanaka on the upright bass.

Jill McCarron Quartet
November 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:00 PM

Jill McCarron - Piano and vocals

Brian O'Kane- Trumpet

Tony DePaolis - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

A bluesy, boppy, altogether terrific leader and pianist who chooses a number of rarely heard tunes by heroic players from the past. Jill McCarron has it all at her fingertips. I'm convinced she's headed for a lengthy career, playing so exquisitely. -- George Fendel, High Standards Jazz

McCarron, who in 1995 won the thirteenth annual Great American Jazz Piano competition in Jacksonville, FL, is a superb soloist who comps with perception and assurance. ★★★★☆ -- Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

Jill McCarron’s playing throughout Jazz Motif successfully makes the case that she is one of the top pianists in today’s jazz scene. -- Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

Jill McCarron is an icon of the New York City jazz scene. She's been uptown at Dizzy's, Carlyle, Knickerbocker, Iridium, Harvard Club, Pierre Hotel, Birdland; she's been downtown at Blue Note, Smalls, Mezzrow, Hermana. She has been there and she is there, with a timeless and classic sound and a deeply-rooted jazz sensitivity. -- Jazz Bird Records

Jill McCarron is the real deal. Let’s simply say that she has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight. -- High Standards Jazz

A gal that's been knocking them dead for years. A fellow traveler of Randy Brecker and other jazz police certified players, ever since she won her first competition, you can well hear she never looked back. With a set card of classics and chestnuts leading the way, this is a mighty fine calling card for anyone that wants to hear the real deal done right. Hot stuff. -- Midwest Record

Jill McCarron has bop in her blood. A looker and a cooker. -- Jazz Weekly

Third Hand
November 14 @ 10:45 pm

Alan Zemaitis - Organ
Adam Beer-Colacino - Guitar
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Doris Mason
November 15 @ 2:00pm

Doris Mason - Piano
John Johnson - Sax
Mark Kelso - Drums
Pat Kilbride - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

This Pictou County native is a well-known performer on the East Coast music scene and has successfully juggled a busy solo career, work as Musical Director for the hit touring show “DRUM!”, and starred in Denny Doherty’s “Dream a Little Dream”—the nearly true story of The Mamas and the Papas.

Doris grew up in a big musical family and was playing piano before her feet could touch the pedals. She wrote her first song at seven. Her training continued with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and she excelled in Kiwanis Music Festivals in New Glasgow and Halifax.

She formed a pop/jazz band and recorded a self-titled album “The Mason Chapman Band.” “Photograph” is her solo CD, which garnered Doris an ECMA nomination. She was MD and co-producer of the Dutch Mason Blues Bash CD and concert, honouring the “Prime Minister of the Blues” on his 60th birthday.

Ms. Mason has been a featured artist with Symphony Nova Scotia as part of their Pops Concert Series along with singer-songwriters Ron Hynes, Terry Kelly, Gordie Sampson, and Ian Janes. She paid tribute to Dutchy, Denny, and John Allan Cameron at the 2008 ECMAs with J.P. Cormier, Charlie A’Court, George Canyon, Gordie, and Shaye.

Doris has been fortunate to have a multi-faceted background of Celtic, folk, blues, and jazz, which has afforded her a rich and diverse career throughout Nova Scotia, Canada, Europe, and the United States.

Jim Gelcer Trio
November 15 @ 5:00pm

Jim Gelcer - drums and vocals

Evan Miles - piano

George Koller - bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Jim Gelcer is a singing drummer and multiple chart topping recording artist, hailed as “a hidden jewel in the Canadian jazz landscape” who sings with “a purity of tone, a resonant vocal aesthetic and a deeply embedded rhythmic sensibility,” and sounds “like Chet Baker, with edge.”He is at home in an eclectic range of genres, from jazz and rock to klezmer and new age, and an accomplished film and television composer. His recording "Jim and Paul Play Glenn and Ludwig" hit #1 in Canada on both the jazz and classical charts. He is also renowned for his meditative music recordings, including “Quiet Expanse” which topped the New Age charts in 2025.

Jill McCarron Quartet
November 12, 13, 14, 15 @ 8:00 PM

Jill McCarron - Piano and vocals

Brian O'Kane- Trumpet

Tony DePaolis - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

A bluesy, boppy, altogether terrific leader and pianist who chooses a number of rarely heard tunes by heroic players from the past. Jill McCarron has it all at her fingertips. I'm convinced she's headed for a lengthy career, playing so exquisitely. -- George Fendel, High Standards Jazz

McCarron, who in 1995 won the thirteenth annual Great American Jazz Piano competition in Jacksonville, FL, is a superb soloist who comps with perception and assurance. ★★★★☆ -- Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

Jill McCarron’s playing throughout Jazz Motif successfully makes the case that she is one of the top pianists in today’s jazz scene. -- Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

Jill McCarron is an icon of the New York City jazz scene. She's been uptown at Dizzy's, Carlyle, Knickerbocker, Iridium, Harvard Club, Pierre Hotel, Birdland; she's been downtown at Blue Note, Smalls, Mezzrow, Hermana. She has been there and she is there, with a timeless and classic sound and a deeply-rooted jazz sensitivity. -- Jazz Bird Records

Jill McCarron is the real deal. Let’s simply say that she has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight. -- High Standards Jazz

A gal that's been knocking them dead for years. A fellow traveler of Randy Brecker and other jazz police certified players, ever since she won her first competition, you can well hear she never looked back. With a set card of classics and chestnuts leading the way, this is a mighty fine calling card for anyone that wants to hear the real deal done right. Hot stuff. -- Midwest Record

Jill McCarron has bop in her blood. A looker and a cooker. -- Jazz Weekly

Joe Bowden & The Pocket Squares
November 15 @ 10:45PM

Ewen Farncombe - piano
Jesse Ryan - alto sax
Andrew McAnsh - trumpet
Andrew Stewart - bass
Jojo Bowden - drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Playing music from Joe's catalogue and his newest album Music is Life. Also, remixes of the Great Wayne Shorter.

Demetri Petsalakis
November 16 @ 2:00pm

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Hailing from Athens Greece, Demetri Petsalakis performs in a variety of styles with a focus on Greek and Middle Eastern lutes. Influenced by the rich cultural diversity of Canada, Demetri incorporates musical elements from different traditions in order to create a contemporary sound that represents both his heritage and the community of which he is a part.  An active member of the Toronto world music scene Demetri has recorded and performed with groups including The New Canadian Global Music Orchestra, Tafelmusik, Ventanas, Near East, Nomadica, Zephyr, Turkwaz, Lenka Lichtenberg and Fray, Odessa Havana, and The Blue Dot. During his musical studies, Demetri has been fortunate to learn from many great teachers including oud masters Basam Bishara, and Christos Tsiamoulis as well as master of the Cretan Lyra Astrinos Zaharioudakis and renowned jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky.  

Laura hubert Band
november 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 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.  

Emily Steinwall Trio
November 16 @ 8:00 PM

Emily Steinwall - Vocals / Guitar
Jackson Steinwall - Bass
Andrew McCarthy - Drums

Emily Steinwall (born January 17, 1995), is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born and raised 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. 

Around 2017 Emily started to focus her energy more on songwriting and band leading, writing songs for her initial self-released album, titled “Welcome to the Garden”. Once described as “A Disney Princess on Acid” , this initial offering from Steinwall blends psychedelic rock, theatrical vocals and extended saxophone solos. It went on to receive the 2022 SOCAN songwriters prize. Steinwall’s sophomore album is currently in production and will be released later in 2025. 

John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
november 17 @ 8:00 PM

John MacLeod - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
20-piece Juno Award-winning Jazz Big Band

Canada’s Finest Big Band Jazz Ensemble

The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto".

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
november 4, 11, 18, 25 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Maureen Kennedy
November 19 @ 5:00 pm

Maureen Kennedy - Vocals
Lee Wallace - Piano / Guitar
Jon Meyers - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Maureen has cultivated an extensive repertoire of memorable standards and rediscovered gems that compliment her very personal sound.  Kennedy developed her love for jazz in her early twenties when she studied for six years with Canadian flugelhorn and trumpet player Fred Stone.  The purity of her sound and her restrained use of vibrato developed under his tutelage.

Through the years Ms. Kennedy has performed at numerous venues and arts events in and around the city of Toronto with many of Canada’s accomplished jazz players. This past summer she went to Vancouver for the first time and sang two nights at the Cory Weeds Cellar Jazz Club with a group that included Vancouver saxophonist Cory Weeds and guitarist Bill Coon.

Her debut recording This Is Always features a selection of classic standards including rarely recorded compositions by Billy Strayhorn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke, and Alec  Wilder. In addition, the arranging talents of pianist Nancy Walker are showcased in covers of two folk songs written by Nick Drake and Sandy Denny. Including Nancy Walker, accompanying Maureen on the recording are Kieran Overs (double bass) and Anthony Michelli (drums.)

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

Maureen’s vast musical knowledge has been put to great use in her work as a Media Librarian and visual researcher for the CBC in Toronto. In her job she catalogues archival arts, music and entertainment programming, which has given her insight into Canadian jazz history.

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

Carn Davidson 9
November 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:00pm

William Carn - Trombone
Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Kelly Jefferson – Tenor Saxophone
Shirantha Beddage – Baritone Saxophone
Jason Logue – Trumpet
Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet
Christian Overton – Trombone
Dan Fortin – Bass
Ernesto Cervini – Drums

The Carn Davidson 9 was formed at the beginning of 2011 as a collaborative project between JUNO Award nominated artists, trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Tara Davidson. As leaders of their own small jazz groups, Carn and Davidson have each released three CDs, all entirely comprised of their own original material. This collaborative project is an opportunity for both artists to “reimagine” their compositions for this chamber jazz instrumentation, shining new perspective on their existing repertoire. This 9-piece chord-less ensemble utilizes its seven horns as both melodic and harmonic devices, anchored by bass and drums.

The Carn Davidson 9’s unique sound is made stronger by an all-star lineup of prominent Canadian artists who are all exceptional ensemble players as well as outstanding soloists.  The CD9 has already been featured at Toronto’s Rex Hotel Jazz Bar and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.  In the Fall of 2012, the group  released their debut recording, 9, on Toronto’s Addo Records.

Trombonist WILLIAM CARN has emerged as one of Canada’s leading contemporary jazz composers and performers.  His debut release, Other Stories, was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award as Traditional Jazz Album of the Year.  He has also been nominated for Trombonist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards from 2004 to 2008.  He has performed and recorded with jazz artists including Rob McConnell, Randy Brecker, David Binney, Kenny Wheeler, Ingrid Jensen, Tim Hagans, Barry Harris, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Vince Mendoza, Don Braden, Mike Murley, and Hilario Duran. William also enjoys a diverse freelance career and is a regular member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival orchestra.  William is a RATH Trombone artist and is an instructor at Humber College and the University of Toronto.

Toronto-born alto and soprano saxophonist TARA DAVIDSON has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru, and The Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C.  She has produced three recordings as a leader since 2003 and performed on over a dozen recordings as a side person.  Davidson’s sophomore CD, Code Breaking, was released in the fall of 2006 and featured JUNO award winners, Mike Murley (tenor saxophone) and David Braid (piano).  The 2008 JUNO Awards nominated Code Breaking for “Traditional Jazz Album of the Year”. Davidson’s most significant musical influence has been saxophonist Mike Murley with whom she studied for five years and she is a graduate of the prestigious University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program.  Davidson is an instructor at York University in Toronto, ON.

WEST END RIVERBOAT BAND
November 20 @ 5:00pm

John Williams - Clarinet

Chris Adriaanse - Double Bass

Ben Lee - Banjo

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

John Williams (clarinet), Chris Adriaanse (double bass) and Ben Lee (banjo) play a broad repertoire drawing from the last 150-years of music, often in a traditional jazz style.

Carn Davidson 9
November 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:00pm

William Carn - Trombone
Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Kelly Jefferson – Tenor Saxophone
Shirantha Beddage – Baritone Saxophone
Jason Logue – Trumpet
Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet
Christian Overton – Trombone
Dan Fortin – Bass
Ernesto Cervini – Drums

The Carn Davidson 9 was formed at the beginning of 2011 as a collaborative project between JUNO Award nominated artists, trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Tara Davidson. As leaders of their own small jazz groups, Carn and Davidson have each released three CDs, all entirely comprised of their own original material. This collaborative project is an opportunity for both artists to “reimagine” their compositions for this chamber jazz instrumentation, shining new perspective on their existing repertoire. This 9-piece chord-less ensemble utilizes its seven horns as both melodic and harmonic devices, anchored by bass and drums.

The Carn Davidson 9’s unique sound is made stronger by an all-star lineup of prominent Canadian artists who are all exceptional ensemble players as well as outstanding soloists.  The CD9 has already been featured at Toronto’s Rex Hotel Jazz Bar and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.  In the Fall of 2012, the group  released their debut recording, 9, on Toronto’s Addo Records.

Trombonist WILLIAM CARN has emerged as one of Canada’s leading contemporary jazz composers and performers.  His debut release, Other Stories, was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award as Traditional Jazz Album of the Year.  He has also been nominated for Trombonist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards from 2004 to 2008.  He has performed and recorded with jazz artists including Rob McConnell, Randy Brecker, David Binney, Kenny Wheeler, Ingrid Jensen, Tim Hagans, Barry Harris, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Vince Mendoza, Don Braden, Mike Murley, and Hilario Duran. William also enjoys a diverse freelance career and is a regular member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival orchestra.  William is a RATH Trombone artist and is an instructor at Humber College and the University of Toronto.

Toronto-born alto and soprano saxophonist TARA DAVIDSON has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru, and The Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C.  She has produced three recordings as a leader since 2003 and performed on over a dozen recordings as a side person.  Davidson’s sophomore CD, Code Breaking, was released in the fall of 2006 and featured JUNO award winners, Mike Murley (tenor saxophone) and David Braid (piano).  The 2008 JUNO Awards nominated Code Breaking for “Traditional Jazz Album of the Year”. Davidson’s most significant musical influence has been saxophonist Mike Murley with whom she studied for five years and she is a graduate of the prestigious University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program.  Davidson is an instructor at York University in Toronto, ON.

James Brown Trio
november 21 @ 5:00 pm

James Brown - Guitar
Hannah Barstow -Piano
Clark Johnston - Bass

No Reservations

Pay What You Can

James Brown (Guitarist, Composer, Educator) is one of Canada’s most talented  and versatile musicians. He has preformed and recorded with many leading  artists and ensembles and has recorded four critically acclaimed CD’s of original  music.  

His recent full scale composition “The Mosley Street Suite” was premiered at  Koerner Hall in August 2021 and his fourth studio album “Song Within the Story”, (featuring Clark Johnston, Anthony Michelli and Mike Murley) was  released on NGP records in March of 2022.  

A fifth album was released in 2025 and finds James expanding his craft to  include two new compositions with original lyrics. This new chamber jazz  recording, entitled “Anthem For Everyone” includes Aline Homzy on violin and  Hannah Barstow on vocals and piano. 

Other recordings have featured Don Thompson, Quinsin Nachoff, Jim Vivian, Andrew Downing, Ernie Tollar, John Obercian, Mike Milligan and Christopher  Lee. James has also performed with The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (with  Eric Idol), Toronto Philharmonia, Sound Streams Canada (with The Hilliard  Ensemble), Art of Time Ensemble and CanStage. He also performed in the  Canadian premiere of 2X5: a new work by New York composer Steve Reich. 

James’ compositions range from solo guitar to symphony orchestra and have  been performed and recorded by numerous ensembles and soloists including:  Orchestra Toronto, Trinity Chamber Ensemble, Jeffrey McFadden, William  Beauvais and The Montreal Guitar Trio. James has a Master of Arts Degree in  Composition from York University and is currently on Faculty at The Oscar Peterson School of Music (formerly: The Royal Conservatory School). His  article “The Grundgestalt Concept” was published in the July 2023 issue  of Downbeat Magazine.  

www.jamesbrown.ca

Carn Davidson 9
November 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:00pm

William Carn - Trombone
Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Kelly Jefferson – Tenor Saxophone
Shirantha Beddage – Baritone Saxophone
Jason Logue – Trumpet
Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet
Christian Overton – Trombone
Dan Fortin – Bass
Ernesto Cervini – Drums

The Carn Davidson 9 was formed at the beginning of 2011 as a collaborative project between JUNO Award nominated artists, trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Tara Davidson. As leaders of their own small jazz groups, Carn and Davidson have each released three CDs, all entirely comprised of their own original material. This collaborative project is an opportunity for both artists to “reimagine” their compositions for this chamber jazz instrumentation, shining new perspective on their existing repertoire. This 9-piece chord-less ensemble utilizes its seven horns as both melodic and harmonic devices, anchored by bass and drums.

The Carn Davidson 9’s unique sound is made stronger by an all-star lineup of prominent Canadian artists who are all exceptional ensemble players as well as outstanding soloists.  The CD9 has already been featured at Toronto’s Rex Hotel Jazz Bar and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.  In the Fall of 2012, the group  released their debut recording, 9, on Toronto’s Addo Records.

Trombonist WILLIAM CARN has emerged as one of Canada’s leading contemporary jazz composers and performers.  His debut release, Other Stories, was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award as Traditional Jazz Album of the Year.  He has also been nominated for Trombonist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards from 2004 to 2008.  He has performed and recorded with jazz artists including Rob McConnell, Randy Brecker, David Binney, Kenny Wheeler, Ingrid Jensen, Tim Hagans, Barry Harris, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Vince Mendoza, Don Braden, Mike Murley, and Hilario Duran. William also enjoys a diverse freelance career and is a regular member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival orchestra.  William is a RATH Trombone artist and is an instructor at Humber College and the University of Toronto.

Toronto-born alto and soprano saxophonist TARA DAVIDSON has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru, and The Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C.  She has produced three recordings as a leader since 2003 and performed on over a dozen recordings as a side person.  Davidson’s sophomore CD, Code Breaking, was released in the fall of 2006 and featured JUNO award winners, Mike Murley (tenor saxophone) and David Braid (piano).  The 2008 JUNO Awards nominated Code Breaking for “Traditional Jazz Album of the Year”. Davidson’s most significant musical influence has been saxophonist Mike Murley with whom she studied for five years and she is a graduate of the prestigious University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program.  Davidson is an instructor at York University in Toronto, ON.

The Triodes
November 21 @ 10:45pm

Paul Neufeld - keyboards

Roberto Occhipinti - bass

Jinu Isac - drums

Matt Lagan - saxophone and EWI

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto's Triodes is a genre-jumping instrumental group that traces its roots to the upbeat instrumental R+B, soul, and funk of groups such as Booker T and the MGs, The Meters, and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, all with generous nods to early reggae and ska, modern jazz, experimental rock, and electronica.

Their album Chunked features unique covers of everything from Desmond Decker's hit "The Israelites" to groovy Duke Ellington on "Blue Pepper" to the psychedelic funk of The Rhythm Machine's "The Kick," alongside funky and quirky original music.

Terry Cade
November 22 @ 5:00pm

Terry Cade - Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You can

Terry Cade, hailed as “a true jazz vocalist" and described as “extraordinary” by the Toronto Star, was born and raised in Toronto. From a young age, she devoted her life to music and over the course of decades, she has established herself as a respected musician, composer, and educator.

Her extensive training in jazz and classical music began during her early teens and included studies at The Royal Conservatory of Music, York University, Berklee College of Music and The Manhattan School of Music. She has worked with such notable figures as Anne Marie Moss, Meredith D’Ambrosio  and Fred Stone. In addition to leading Vocal Jazz Master Classes in Toronto and NYC, Cade is a highly sought after vocal coach. She has received multiple awards from The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, and FACTOR. 

Regarded as one of Canada's premier jazz vocalists, Cade has developed a distinctive and iconoclastic musical voice. She is described as creatively fearless and “always ready, willing and able to take the risk of bravely applying her artistry", (All Music Guide) 

She has recorded two critically acclaimed albums  - "Sometimes I'm Happy" and "All in a Day's Dream" and has performed and recorded with such luminaries as John Hicks, Ratzo Harris, Victor Jones, Lou Marini Jr., Cameron Brown,  and Dave Restivo and Jonathan Goldsmith.

Cade was a headline performer in the "Women in Jazz" series at The Texaco New York Jazz Festival. 

Carn Davidson 9
November 19, 20, 21, 22 @ 8:00pm

William Carn - Trombone
Tara Davidson - Alto Saxophone
Kelly Jefferson – Tenor Saxophone
Shirantha Beddage – Baritone Saxophone
Jason Logue – Trumpet
Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet
Christian Overton – Trombone
Dan Fortin – Bass
Ernesto Cervini – Drums

The Carn Davidson 9 was formed at the beginning of 2011 as a collaborative project between JUNO Award nominated artists, trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Tara Davidson. As leaders of their own small jazz groups, Carn and Davidson have each released three CDs, all entirely comprised of their own original material. This collaborative project is an opportunity for both artists to “reimagine” their compositions for this chamber jazz instrumentation, shining new perspective on their existing repertoire. This 9-piece chord-less ensemble utilizes its seven horns as both melodic and harmonic devices, anchored by bass and drums.

The Carn Davidson 9’s unique sound is made stronger by an all-star lineup of prominent Canadian artists who are all exceptional ensemble players as well as outstanding soloists.  The CD9 has already been featured at Toronto’s Rex Hotel Jazz Bar and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.  In the Fall of 2012, the group  released their debut recording, 9, on Toronto’s Addo Records.

Trombonist WILLIAM CARN has emerged as one of Canada’s leading contemporary jazz composers and performers.  His debut release, Other Stories, was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award as Traditional Jazz Album of the Year.  He has also been nominated for Trombonist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards from 2004 to 2008.  He has performed and recorded with jazz artists including Rob McConnell, Randy Brecker, David Binney, Kenny Wheeler, Ingrid Jensen, Tim Hagans, Barry Harris, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Vince Mendoza, Don Braden, Mike Murley, and Hilario Duran. William also enjoys a diverse freelance career and is a regular member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival orchestra.  William is a RATH Trombone artist and is an instructor at Humber College and the University of Toronto.

Toronto-born alto and soprano saxophonist TARA DAVIDSON has performed around the world at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru, and The Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C.  She has produced three recordings as a leader since 2003 and performed on over a dozen recordings as a side person.  Davidson’s sophomore CD, Code Breaking, was released in the fall of 2006 and featured JUNO award winners, Mike Murley (tenor saxophone) and David Braid (piano).  The 2008 JUNO Awards nominated Code Breaking for “Traditional Jazz Album of the Year”. Davidson’s most significant musical influence has been saxophonist Mike Murley with whom she studied for five years and she is a graduate of the prestigious University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program.  Davidson is an instructor at York University in Toronto, ON.

Robert Diack
november 22 @ 10:45pm

Robert Diack - Drums
Band - TBA


No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Robert Diack is a drummer, producer, and composer whose music is grounded in the jazz tradition and explores the genre’s possible futures.

Born in 1993 in Toronto, Robert Diack attended Humber College’s community music program before studying jazz for two years at the University Of Toronto. Robert found his way back to academia after moving to New York City enrolling at The School of Jazz at The New School and graduating (online) last year. Robert has made a return to the University of Toronto where he is presently completing a master’s in jazz performance.

Robert has released 1 full length album, titled Lost Villages, completed a second, titled Small Bridges, which will be released in the upcoming months (a single from which is on streaming services), and is currently in the process of recording a third album. As a producer, Robert recently completed Hannah Barstow’s successful debut album Beneath with more projects being booked presently. As a drummer he can be heard playing jazz, country, and pop music, with ESTYR, David Madras, and Patrick O’Reilly.

Maurice Gordon
November 23 @ 2:00pm

Maurice Gordon - Guitar

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Maurice Gordon is an accomplished musician with a versatile resume. The composer, educator, and guitarist earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University, graduating with honors, and has since dedicated his time to sharing his knowledge with students and performing both nationally and internationally.

Gordon began playing in his teens on his father’s guitar and now plays bass and the keyboards as well. He is musically inspired by guitar greats like George Benson, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis. His Caribbean influences can be heard in his jazz renditions, offering a unique blend of sounds. He has performed at festivals internationally and with Canadian legends like Joe Sealy, Salome Bey, Liberty Silver, Shakura S’Aida, Brooke Blackburn, Fergus Hambleton, and more. He also contributed to Lazo’s Juno Award winning album, Heart and Soul.

With decades of experience in the music industry, Gordon heads many music workshops and programs. Some of his teaching credentials include instructing at the Toronto Board of Education’s Inner-City After-School Program at Bickford Collegiate and Essex Public School, teaching at Dixon Hall/Regent Park Community Centre, and instructing for over two decades as Head of the Guitar Department and as Senior Lecturer at the Jamaica School of Music.

Laura hubert Band
november 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 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.  

Patrick Smith Quintet featuring NYC’s Lex Korten 
November 23 & 24 @ 8:00PM

Patrick Smith - Saxophone
Kae Murphy-Trumpet 
Lex Korten-Piano 
Mark Godfrey-Bass 
Jon Catanus-Drums 

Patrick Smith is a saxophonist based in Toronto (originally from Ottawa)

He has established himself as a gifted and in demand saxophonist in the Canadian music scene. In recent years he has extensively toured Canada, the US, and Europe with Legends of Motown (featuring Michael Dunston and Gary Beals), My Son The Hurricane, The Reklaws, Chelsea Mcbride’s Socialist Night School, and Forever Seger. 

He keeps an active freelance schedule in Toronto and around North America appearing with artists such as Order of Canada Recipient Dave Young, Juini Booth (bassist for Mccoy Tyner and Tony Williams), Yemen Blues, Erez Zobary, Heavyweights Brass Band, Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Eighth Street Orchestra, Dan Pitt Quintet, King Cardiac, Queen Pepper, Kazdoura, and Shout The Band., An active bandleader, he currently leads three projects. His quintet which plays hard hitting original modern jazz. His chord-less trio called “3-Oh” which draws from the spirit of Sonny Rollins and plays music from the standard jazz canon, originals, as well as unique interpretations of more contemporary material. And Pangea,  which is a UK Jazz fused with Neo-Soul, World Music and R&B. A jazz fusion concept group featuring some of the top members of the Toronto music scene. This group draws from the spirit of John Coltrane reimagined in the 21st century in the age of connectivity across the globe. It features local heavyweights of the Toronto music scene. Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Listening Room), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte)

He has released several albums over the past 5 years with his various projects.

In 2018 he released his debut EP of original compositions with his quintet called “Still Searching.” 

In 2020 he released “Uranium 238” as a co-leader of The Archives of Eternity featuring vibraphonist Mark Hundevad. This music featured the unique avant-garde jazz compositions of the great Raphe Malik (trumpeter for Cecil Taylor) and Mark Hundevad.

In 2023, he released two singles off of his band “3-Oh”s forthcoming EP. An arrangement of “I Love You” the Billie Eilish tune followed by an intense rendition of Joe Henderson’s Afro-Centric

His debut album with Pangea was released January 2025 

He is currently working on recording his quintet’s debut full length album and keeps a very active freelance schedule in Southern Ontario. 

————————————————————-

Born in 1994 to parents with a boundless record collection and multifaceted languages of love towards music, Lex Korten discovered a personal relationship with the work of greats Duke Ellington and Jaki Byard at an early age. His childhood in Manhattan’s Upper West Side allowed him to pursue mentorships with several decorated pianists and achieve modest accolades in the national high school circuit, but it wasn’t until Korten moved to Ann Arbor, MI to study with Geri Allen that his path began to bend more trustfully towards a musical career. By the time he earned his BFA and relocated homeward, Korten had spent 4 years as an apprentice of the great legacy of Detroit Jazz and experimental music, while also completing two years of close mentorship with Benny Greenand others at the University of Michigan.

Korten’s auspicious first steps into the spotlight came in 2018 with a life-changing appointment to the piano chair of Tyshawn Sorey’s newly formed “Unfiltered.” sextet which toured and recorded intermittently for the following four years to notable acclaim. During this period, Korten won 1st prize in the UNISA International Piano Competition in South Africa and began cementing a reputation among his peers in New York as a valuable sideman and promising composer, bringing his first projects to The Jazz Gallery in Manhattan where he continues to perform today.

Since the pandemic, Lex Korten’s emergence into the echelons of the Jazz world has become ever more rapid and difficult to ignore. The list of renowned artists seeking Korten’s contributions over the last few years has become impractically long and impressively diverse, including the likes of Jaleel Shaw, Melissa Aldana, Joel Ross, Tyshawn Sorey, Robert Hurst, Caroline Davis, Mike Moreno, Ari Hoenig, Fay Victor, Dayna Stephens, Jonathan Kreisberg, Joe Farnsworth, Massimo Biolcati, Ben Solomon, Ndabo Zulu, John Ellis, Chris Turner, Joel Harrison, Or Bareket, Lage Lund, Nick Dunston, Luther Allison, DoYeon Kim and Clarence Penn to name just a few. Korten’s touring schedule yearly reaches dozens of US states and worldwide clubs and festivals, in between which he teaches lessons at The New School or privately at his home in New York City. In addition, Korten has given lessons and classes internationally to students from Greece, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom (at the Royal Academy of Music in London) and at several universities in the USA. His performance credits include an extensive list of esteemed theaters such as The Kennedy Center(Washington, D.C.) or Teatro Amazonas (Manaus, Brazil) and international festivals (North Sea, Montreal, Earshot, etc).
Perhaps most notably of all, and most enduringly, Lex Korten has defined the first decade of his career by his immersion in his own generation’s forward pushing activity in a way that sidesteps traditional barriers between scenes and styles. Among his 30+ recording credits are projects representing a thorough cross section of the 21st century’s rising leaders in improvised music; names like Simon Moullier, Milena Casado, Zoh Amba, Nicola Caminiti, Tyrone Allen, Hannah Marks, Ben Tiberio, Claire Dickson, Morgan Guerin, Alex Hitchcock, Dave Adewumi, Sasha Berliner, Alfredo Colón, Linda Sikhakhane and more. Korten’s own bandleading projects include the Lex Korten Trio and Quartet as well as Canopy; an experimental 5-member ensemble. Lex Korten’s long anticipated debut original album Canopy released on September 19th, 2025 to critical acclaim from outlets including The Wire Magazine (UK), WNYC, For The Record, All About Jazz and others.

Lex Korten currently is an active bandleader in New York City, bringing his projects to stages at Lincoln Center, Mezzrow, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, and across a blossoming roster of great Jazz clubs in Brooklyn while also appearing at experimental venues including Roulette, National Sawdust, LPR and The Stone.

​

As a native New Yorker, Lex is an avid student of NYC's history through the present day, and otherwise interested in urban geography as well as graphic design, cooking, world history and film. While a student at the University of Michigan, Lex double majored in Political Science, taking additional coursework for 2 years at the Ford School of Public Policy.

Some of Lex's favorite composers active in 2025 include Angel Marcloid, Ramona Andra Langley, Daniel Lopatin, and Cryptovolans as well as a countless list of improviser peers worldwide.

Patrick Smith Quintet featuring NYC’s Lex Korten 
November 23 & 24 @ 8:00PM

Patrick Smith - Saxophone
Kae Murphy-Trumpet 
Lex Korten-Piano 
Mark Godfrey-Bass 
Jon Catanus-Drums 

Patrick Smith is a saxophonist based in Toronto (originally from Ottawa)

He has established himself as a gifted and in demand saxophonist in the Canadian music scene. In recent years he has extensively toured Canada, the US, and Europe with Legends of Motown (featuring Michael Dunston and Gary Beals), My Son The Hurricane, The Reklaws, Chelsea Mcbride’s Socialist Night School, and Forever Seger. 

He keeps an active freelance schedule in Toronto and around North America appearing with artists such as Order of Canada Recipient Dave Young, Juini Booth (bassist for Mccoy Tyner and Tony Williams), Yemen Blues, Erez Zobary, Heavyweights Brass Band, Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Eighth Street Orchestra, Dan Pitt Quintet, King Cardiac, Queen Pepper, Kazdoura, and Shout The Band., An active bandleader, he currently leads three projects. His quintet which plays hard hitting original modern jazz. His chord-less trio called “3-Oh” which draws from the spirit of Sonny Rollins and plays music from the standard jazz canon, originals, as well as unique interpretations of more contemporary material. And Pangea,  which is a UK Jazz fused with Neo-Soul, World Music and R&B. A jazz fusion concept group featuring some of the top members of the Toronto music scene. This group draws from the spirit of John Coltrane reimagined in the 21st century in the age of connectivity across the globe. It features local heavyweights of the Toronto music scene. Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Listening Room), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte)

He has released several albums over the past 5 years with his various projects.

In 2018 he released his debut EP of original compositions with his quintet called “Still Searching.” 

In 2020 he released “Uranium 238” as a co-leader of The Archives of Eternity featuring vibraphonist Mark Hundevad. This music featured the unique avant-garde jazz compositions of the great Raphe Malik (trumpeter for Cecil Taylor) and Mark Hundevad.

In 2023, he released two singles off of his band “3-Oh”s forthcoming EP. An arrangement of “I Love You” the Billie Eilish tune followed by an intense rendition of Joe Henderson’s Afro-Centric

His debut album with Pangea was released January 2025 

He is currently working on recording his quintet’s debut full length album and keeps a very active freelance schedule in Southern Ontario. 

————————————————————-

Born in 1994 to parents with a boundless record collection and multifaceted languages of love towards music, Lex Korten discovered a personal relationship with the work of greats Duke Ellington and Jaki Byard at an early age. His childhood in Manhattan’s Upper West Side allowed him to pursue mentorships with several decorated pianists and achieve modest accolades in the national high school circuit, but it wasn’t until Korten moved to Ann Arbor, MI to study with Geri Allen that his path began to bend more trustfully towards a musical career. By the time he earned his BFA and relocated homeward, Korten had spent 4 years as an apprentice of the great legacy of Detroit Jazz and experimental music, while also completing two years of close mentorship with Benny Greenand others at the University of Michigan.

Korten’s auspicious first steps into the spotlight came in 2018 with a life-changing appointment to the piano chair of Tyshawn Sorey’s newly formed “Unfiltered.” sextet which toured and recorded intermittently for the following four years to notable acclaim. During this period, Korten won 1st prize in the UNISA International Piano Competition in South Africa and began cementing a reputation among his peers in New York as a valuable sideman and promising composer, bringing his first projects to The Jazz Gallery in Manhattan where he continues to perform today.

Since the pandemic, Lex Korten’s emergence into the echelons of the Jazz world has become ever more rapid and difficult to ignore. The list of renowned artists seeking Korten’s contributions over the last few years has become impractically long and impressively diverse, including the likes of Jaleel Shaw, Melissa Aldana, Joel Ross, Tyshawn Sorey, Robert Hurst, Caroline Davis, Mike Moreno, Ari Hoenig, Fay Victor, Dayna Stephens, Jonathan Kreisberg, Joe Farnsworth, Massimo Biolcati, Ben Solomon, Ndabo Zulu, John Ellis, Chris Turner, Joel Harrison, Or Bareket, Lage Lund, Nick Dunston, Luther Allison, DoYeon Kim and Clarence Penn to name just a few. Korten’s touring schedule yearly reaches dozens of US states and worldwide clubs and festivals, in between which he teaches lessons at The New School or privately at his home in New York City. In addition, Korten has given lessons and classes internationally to students from Greece, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom (at the Royal Academy of Music in London) and at several universities in the USA. His performance credits include an extensive list of esteemed theaters such as The Kennedy Center(Washington, D.C.) or Teatro Amazonas (Manaus, Brazil) and international festivals (North Sea, Montreal, Earshot, etc).
Perhaps most notably of all, and most enduringly, Lex Korten has defined the first decade of his career by his immersion in his own generation’s forward pushing activity in a way that sidesteps traditional barriers between scenes and styles. Among his 30+ recording credits are projects representing a thorough cross section of the 21st century’s rising leaders in improvised music; names like Simon Moullier, Milena Casado, Zoh Amba, Nicola Caminiti, Tyrone Allen, Hannah Marks, Ben Tiberio, Claire Dickson, Morgan Guerin, Alex Hitchcock, Dave Adewumi, Sasha Berliner, Alfredo Colón, Linda Sikhakhane and more. Korten’s own bandleading projects include the Lex Korten Trio and Quartet as well as Canopy; an experimental 5-member ensemble. Lex Korten’s long anticipated debut original album Canopy released on September 19th, 2025 to critical acclaim from outlets including The Wire Magazine (UK), WNYC, For The Record, All About Jazz and others.

Lex Korten currently is an active bandleader in New York City, bringing his projects to stages at Lincoln Center, Mezzrow, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, and across a blossoming roster of great Jazz clubs in Brooklyn while also appearing at experimental venues including Roulette, National Sawdust, LPR and The Stone.

​

As a native New Yorker, Lex is an avid student of NYC's history through the present day, and otherwise interested in urban geography as well as graphic design, cooking, world history and film. While a student at the University of Michigan, Lex double majored in Political Science, taking additional coursework for 2 years at the Ford School of Public Policy.

Some of Lex's favorite composers active in 2025 include Angel Marcloid, Ramona Andra Langley, Daniel Lopatin, and Cryptovolans as well as a countless list of improviser peers worldwide.

Hayden Stapleton
November 25 @ 5:00pm

Hayden Stapleton - Saxophone
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
november 4, 11, 18, 25 @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
November 26 @ 5:00pm

Robert Chapman - Guitar
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio
november 26, 27, 28, 29@ 8:00 PM

Thompson Egbo Egbo - Piano
Randall Hall - Bass
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

The Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio brings a fresh, compelling voice to the Canadian jazz scene — where elegance meets edge, and tradition dances with innovation. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo, the trio features longtime collaborators Randall Hall on bass and Jeff Halischuk on drums. Together, they create a sound that’s both grounded and adventurous, blending deep grooves, rich harmonic textures, and improvisational fire.

A classically trained pianist with roots in both jazz and contemporary music, Egbo-Egbo is known for his storytelling approach to performance — inviting audiences into a musical world that is at once cinematic, soulful, and rhythmically alive. His original compositions and thoughtful reinterpretations of familiar tunes showcase the trio’s dynamic interplay and unique voice.

Regular performers on major stages and festivals across the country, the trio’s live sets at The Rex have become a Toronto staple — known for their emotional depth, spontaneity, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

Whether reimagining a pop anthem or diving deep into original works, the Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio offers a concert experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is joyful. Catch them live and discover a trio redefining what modern jazz can be.

Pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo returns to The Rex with his long-standing trio featuring Randall Hall (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums). Known for their genre-bending approach, the trio blends deep grooves, rich harmonies, and cinematic storytelling. With dynamic originals and bold reimaginings of familiar tunes, their performances are both emotionally charged and rhythmically compelling. A must-see for fans of modern jazz with soul and edge.

Selena Savage Quintet
November 27 @ 5:00 PM

Hayden Stapleton - Alto Saxophone
Duncan Wilson - Piano
Hiro Tanaka - Bass
Alex Sgrignoli - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Selena Savage is a trombonist, vocalist, arranger and composer from Whitehorse, Yukon. A recent graduate of the UofT jazz program, Selena has developed a distinct voice in the scene, both as a performer and through her work in arranging and composition. Her writing and playing take inspiration from iconic Canadian trombonists like Rob McConnell and Terry Promane. 

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

Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio
november 26, 27, 28, 29@ 8:00 PM

Thompson Egbo Egbo - Piano
Randall Hall - Bass
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

The Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio brings a fresh, compelling voice to the Canadian jazz scene — where elegance meets edge, and tradition dances with innovation. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo, the trio features longtime collaborators Randall Hall on bass and Jeff Halischuk on drums. Together, they create a sound that’s both grounded and adventurous, blending deep grooves, rich harmonic textures, and improvisational fire.

A classically trained pianist with roots in both jazz and contemporary music, Egbo-Egbo is known for his storytelling approach to performance — inviting audiences into a musical world that is at once cinematic, soulful, and rhythmically alive. His original compositions and thoughtful reinterpretations of familiar tunes showcase the trio’s dynamic interplay and unique voice.

Regular performers on major stages and festivals across the country, the trio’s live sets at The Rex have become a Toronto staple — known for their emotional depth, spontaneity, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

Whether reimagining a pop anthem or diving deep into original works, the Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio offers a concert experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is joyful. Catch them live and discover a trio redefining what modern jazz can be.

Pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo returns to The Rex with his long-standing trio featuring Randall Hall (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums). Known for their genre-bending approach, the trio blends deep grooves, rich harmonies, and cinematic storytelling. With dynamic originals and bold reimaginings of familiar tunes, their performances are both emotionally charged and rhythmically compelling. A must-see for fans of modern jazz with soul and edge.

Waleed Abdulhamid Trio
November 28 @ 5:00 PM

Waleed Abdulhamid - Bass
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.

Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio
november 26, 27, 28, 29@ 8:00 PM

Thompson Egbo Egbo - Piano
Randall Hall - Bass
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

The Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio brings a fresh, compelling voice to the Canadian jazz scene — where elegance meets edge, and tradition dances with innovation. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo, the trio features longtime collaborators Randall Hall on bass and Jeff Halischuk on drums. Together, they create a sound that’s both grounded and adventurous, blending deep grooves, rich harmonic textures, and improvisational fire.

A classically trained pianist with roots in both jazz and contemporary music, Egbo-Egbo is known for his storytelling approach to performance — inviting audiences into a musical world that is at once cinematic, soulful, and rhythmically alive. His original compositions and thoughtful reinterpretations of familiar tunes showcase the trio’s dynamic interplay and unique voice.

Regular performers on major stages and festivals across the country, the trio’s live sets at The Rex have become a Toronto staple — known for their emotional depth, spontaneity, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

Whether reimagining a pop anthem or diving deep into original works, the Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio offers a concert experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is joyful. Catch them live and discover a trio redefining what modern jazz can be.

Pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo returns to The Rex with his long-standing trio featuring Randall Hall (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums). Known for their genre-bending approach, the trio blends deep grooves, rich harmonies, and cinematic storytelling. With dynamic originals and bold reimaginings of familiar tunes, their performances are both emotionally charged and rhythmically compelling. A must-see for fans of modern jazz with soul and edge.

Lester McLean
November 28 @ 10:45 pm

Lester Mclean - Saxophone / Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservation
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hart House Jazz Orchestra
November 29 @ 2:00PM

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Hart House Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo are active and vibrant bands made up of members from different colleges and campus communities united in one common interest: a love of jazz music.

The Jazz Combo is a group of 5 to 8 members that focuses on small group dynamics, standard jazz repertoire, musical interplay and improvisation. The Hart House Jazz Ensemble is an 18-piece big band that plays large ensemble repertoire from the 1940s all the way to current day arrangements. The group often features special guest performers, and guest vocalists.

Like all Hart House clubs, membership is open to all. The ensemble is conducted by bandleader Anders Azzopardi. Performance opportunities include the Arbor Room, The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar as well as at festivals in the Greater Toronto Area.

Champagne James Robertson & Anh Phung
November 29 @ 5:00 pm

Champagne James Robertson - Guitar
Anh Phung - Alto Flute
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet plays Texas Surf, old Jazz and scooter Rock. When he’s not playing with this crew he plays with C&C Surf Factory, MOONRIIVR, Dwayne Gretzky and Junkhouse. Anh is a virtuosic flautist that plays with Twisted Pine, Billy Strings, Acidtrip.ca, among others. They will be accompanied by Davide  Dorenzo and Devon Henderson.

Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio
november 26, 27, 28, 29@ 8:00 PM

Thompson Egbo Egbo - Piano
Randall Hall - Bass
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

The Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio brings a fresh, compelling voice to the Canadian jazz scene — where elegance meets edge, and tradition dances with innovation. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo, the trio features longtime collaborators Randall Hall on bass and Jeff Halischuk on drums. Together, they create a sound that’s both grounded and adventurous, blending deep grooves, rich harmonic textures, and improvisational fire.

A classically trained pianist with roots in both jazz and contemporary music, Egbo-Egbo is known for his storytelling approach to performance — inviting audiences into a musical world that is at once cinematic, soulful, and rhythmically alive. His original compositions and thoughtful reinterpretations of familiar tunes showcase the trio’s dynamic interplay and unique voice.

Regular performers on major stages and festivals across the country, the trio’s live sets at The Rex have become a Toronto staple — known for their emotional depth, spontaneity, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

Whether reimagining a pop anthem or diving deep into original works, the Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio offers a concert experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is joyful. Catch them live and discover a trio redefining what modern jazz can be.

Pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo returns to The Rex with his long-standing trio featuring Randall Hall (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums). Known for their genre-bending approach, the trio blends deep grooves, rich harmonies, and cinematic storytelling. With dynamic originals and bold reimaginings of familiar tunes, their performances are both emotionally charged and rhythmically compelling. A must-see for fans of modern jazz with soul and edge.

Eric West
November 29 @ 10:30pm

Luis Deniz - Alto 
Kae Murphy - Trumpet 
James Hill - Piano
Julian Anderson- Bowes - Bass
Eric West - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Raised just north of Toronto in the suburb of Woodbridge, Eric began playing the drums at the age of 5, and by age 12 was enrolled in the Humber College Community Music Program. It was there that he fostered his love for jazz under the tutelage of Canadian jazz giants Kirk MacDonald, Barry Romberg and Don Palmer.

Eric pursued post-secondary education at Humber College, where he was awarded the Sabian Cymbals Award for outstanding achievement. Following the completion of his Bachelors of Music degree, Eric would go on to tour and perform in many cities across Canada, the United States, Europe and the UK.

 In 2014 Eric was awarded the prestigious Grande Prix de Jazz award at the Montreal Jazz Festival as a member of Pram Trio, a co-led contemporary Jazz trio. Around this time he was beginning to establish himself as an active member in the Toronto Jazz community, as well as branching off into other musical genres. From 2015-17 he toured the United States and Europe with indie rock band Moon King. In 2018 he joined international sensation Banners for a Canada/US tour. And held the drum chair from 2019 through 2022 with multi-platinum Juno award winning artists, the Tenors. One highlight in particular was getting to play the historic Massey Hall.  

In 2022 Eric was nominated for a Juno in the Vocal Jazz Category from having played on Alex Bird’s You Are The Light And The Way album

Aside from working as a freelance musician, Eric Also began venturing into musical accompaniment in the dance community. He’s worked extensively with the Cawthra Park Secondary School program (2017-2023), as well as periodically with the National Ballet of Canada.

Robert Lee
November 30 @ 2:00 PM

Robert Lee - Bass
Band - TBA

No reservations
Pay What You Can

Robert Lee is an emerging upright bassist, composer, and bandleader in the Toronto jazz scene. His musical interest started with the violin before switching to the bass. He is a graduate from the University of Guelph and Humber College music programs. He obtained his Masters in Contemporary Performance from Berklee Valencia in 2021. Lee has had the opportunity to study with Neil Swainson, Ted Quinlan, Mike Downes, Geoff Young, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Andrew Scott, Kevin Turcotte, Amanda Tosoff, Andrew McAnsh, Nick Mancini (Los Angeles), Perico Sambeat, Matt Baker, Magda Giannikou, and others.

He has performed at various venues and festivals across Ontario, including the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival, the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Newmarket Music Festival, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival, MusicFest Canada, and the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.

In October 2023, Lee performed alongside the Seocho Philharmonia (Seoul, Korea) and the Glen Gould School Orchestra as part of the Korean War Memorial Concert at Koerner Hall (Toronto, CA), conducted by Jong Hoon Bae . He performed with world-renowned artists Sumi Jo (soprano), Jens Lindermann (trumpet), and Matt Catingub (piano).

He has been recognized for his compositional and arranging work, earning the Humber College Duke Ellington Society Scholarship in 2017 and 2018 as well as the James Appel School Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship in 2018. In 2018 he had the opportunity to work with the Artist-in-Residence at Humber College Pat Metheny, arranging the composition "Then and Now" for the Humber Studio Band and performing with the Ted Quinlan Pat Metheny Tribute Ensemble for the Artist-in-Residence Showcase concert. He has also been commissioned by the York Region Chamber Music Society to compose an original piece for the Hogtown Brass Quintet, entitled “Castle in the Sky” which premiered at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in 2019.

Robert in 2017 participated in the Spectrum Music New Voices Composers Residency. He attended the Keep an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands in 2018, studying under the likes of John Riley, Jay Anderson, Jesse Van Ruller, Frans van der Hoeven, and Dick Oats. He has also been featured on Jazzology with Heather Bambrick on JazzFm91 in 2018, as well as on Big City Small World and Saturday Night Jazz on CBC.

• JazzFM91 Feature: https://jazz.fm/robert-lee-emerging-jazz-artist-finding-creative-voice/

Robert performed on the Juno Nominated album “ Little Bit a’ Love” by vocalist Denielle Bassels. He was named a Toronto Arts Foundation Finalist for “Breakthrough Jazz Artist” in 2025

The Robert Lee Group is a unique project consisting of original compositions inspired by Korean traditional music, instrumentation, and folk stories spanning various fantasy and romantic narratives. The project aims to develop an artistic identity founded in the emotional provocation of jazz and improvised music while exploring and implementing Korean traditional elements into one cohesive creative theatre. Robert has delved deeper into exploring his identity as a Korean Canadian, questioning what it means to simultaneously straddle two contrasting cultural identities. Featuring Jacqueline Teh (vocals), Sangah Lee (guest vocals), Jen Lo (piano), Roa Lee (gayageum), Allison Au (on saxophone), Jay Yoo (guitar) and Andrew McCarthy (drums) the project blends jazz improvisation, R&B/soul, folk, and film music with Korean traditional elements into a seamless amalgamation of colourful textures and unique arrangements.

Laura hubert Band
november 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 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.  

Mario Bakuna and Brazilian Landscapes
November 30 & December 1 @ 8:00pm

Mario Bakuna - acoustic guitar and vocals

Roberto Occhipint - bass

Mark Kelso - drums

Juan Carlos Medrano - percussion
Jeffrey Faffard - Drums

Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, singer and guitar player currently  based in London-UK. Mario's study focuses on the development of a music repertoire  inspired by the greats of Afro-Brazilian Music, Samba, Jazz and Bossa Nova. Over  the past few years, Mario has emerged as a leading figure and a reference in the  Brazilian Jazz Music scene in England. Bakuna has extensively performed in Europe  and beyond, playing at distinguished venues and festivals across 18 European  countries, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. 

Following his first album ‘Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia’, Bakuna’s most recent  project is 'Brazilian Landscapes' which is a tribute to the culture and memory of  Brazilian people and it's the result of years of inspiration Mario Bakuna drew upon  while travelling through Brazil, experiencing its rhythmic and harmonic richness. From  the arid landscape of the northeast, which is reflected in the chorus of songs of Forró,  Baião and Xaxado, to the African influence found in Ijexá, the popularity of Samba  and the sophistication of Bossa Nova, Mario Bakuna and his musicians celebrate the  most musically rich territory on Earth.  

“Mario Bakuna, a sparkling guitarist, plays with palpable feeling - his virtuosic  fluency on the fretboard is controlled and flourishes are perfectly placed. His voice  has a texture like heavy cloth”. Songlines Magazine 

“Mario Bakuna, a man who exudes music. (…) ‘vocals’ doesn’t begin to do him  justice: his expressive range and the precision with which he was able to deploy it  was truly the band’s fifth instrument. (…) And he did this while playing guitar with  precision and finesse. (…) his solos were a further source of amazement, his  technique somewhere between finger-picking style and classical. His solo introduction  to a Baden Powell number made a hash of any attempt at a definition.” The Whitman  Review, Wakefield Jazz

Mario Bakuna and Brazilian Landscapes
November 30 & December 1 @ 8:00pm

Mario Bakuna - acoustic guitar and vocals

Roberto Occhipint - bass

Mark Kelso - drums

Juan Carlos Medrano - percussion

Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, singer and guitar player currently  based in London-UK. Mario's study focuses on the development of a music repertoire  inspired by the greats of Afro-Brazilian Music, Samba, Jazz and Bossa Nova. Over  the past few years, Mario has emerged as a leading figure and a reference in the  Brazilian Jazz Music scene in England. Bakuna has extensively performed in Europe  and beyond, playing at distinguished venues and festivals across 18 European  countries, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. 

Following his first album ‘Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia’, Bakuna’s most recent  project is 'Brazilian Landscapes' which is a tribute to the culture and memory of  Brazilian people and it's the result of years of inspiration Mario Bakuna drew upon  while travelling through Brazil, experiencing its rhythmic and harmonic richness. From  the arid landscape of the northeast, which is reflected in the chorus of songs of Forró,  Baião and Xaxado, to the African influence found in Ijexá, the popularity of Samba  and the sophistication of Bossa Nova, Mario Bakuna and his musicians celebrate the  most musically rich territory on Earth.  

“Mario Bakuna, a sparkling guitarist, plays with palpable feeling - his virtuosic  fluency on the fretboard is controlled and flourishes are perfectly placed. His voice  has a texture like heavy cloth”. Songlines Magazine 

“Mario Bakuna, a man who exudes music. (…) ‘vocals’ doesn’t begin to do him  justice: his expressive range and the precision with which he was able to deploy it  was truly the band’s fifth instrument. (…) And he did this while playing guitar with  precision and finesse. (…) his solos were a further source of amazement, his  technique somewhere between finger-picking style and classical. His solo introduction  to a Baden Powell number made a hash of any attempt at a definition.” The Whitman  Review, Wakefield Jazz