David Hodgson
october 12 & 13 @ 8:00pm

David Hodgson - Saxophone
Aline Homzy - Violin
Steven Noronha - Piano
Evan Gratham - Bass
Mateos Labbe Phelan - Drums

New York-based saxophonist David Hodgson returns to Toronto for two nights of exciting musical reunions with mentors and friends. Prior to moving to New York City - where he is currently pursuing a masters of music from the Manhattan School of Music - David had established himself as one of the most ambitious and in-demand young musicians in Toronto. He approaches music with a commitment to community, energy, lyricism, and Black American musical traditions.

Angela Pincente Small band
October 14 @ 5:00pm

Angela Pincente - Trombone

Joel Bracken -Saxophone

Evan Miles - Piano

Hiro Tanaka - Bass

Daniel Villarraga - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Lorne Nehring
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:00pm

Lorne Nehring - Drums

Alex Dean - Saxophone

George Koller - Bass

Tom Reynolds - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Rebecca Hennessey's Makeshift Island
October 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00pm

Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpet / Vocals 

Kevin Breit - Guitar

Tania Gill - Piano 

Michael Herring - Bass 

Tim Shia - Drums

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music bridges jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is  Falling Rain, is a lush and heartfelt journey inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas  King. The project began in 2017 when Rebecca was commissioned by Silence in Guelph to  compose a night of music using King’s poetry. The experience proved so inspiring that, with  King’s blessing, she returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar Ruin to set seven of its  poems to music. To complete the collection, she added two of her own original lyric-based  songs. 

All Is Falling Rain brings together world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and  vocals), Tania Gill (piano), Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), weaving a  soundscape where King’s evocative words and Hennessy’s distinctive composing, voice and  trumpet meet in organic harmony. 

This new release follows her acclaimed albums Joy Will Find Us (2023), All the Little Things  You Do (2020), and Makeshift Island Live at the Jazz Room (2025). Each recording highlights  her long-standing musical partnership with guitarist Kevin Breit and showcases her ability to  fuse heartfelt songwriting with adventurous musicianship. 

Rebecca’s artistry is often shaped by literature and deep collaboration. Her arrangement of  King’s Dig Up the Stories for big band was premiered by Christine Jensen’s Orchestra at the  National Arts Centre in 2019. Beyond her vocal projects, she has released nine other albums as a  bandleader or co-leader and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe,  Mexico, Panama, and Sri Lanka. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Adele, Ron  Sexsmith, Andy Kim, Owen Pallett, Feist, Broken Social Scene, and Yellowjackets. 

A longtime fixture at Toronto’s Massey Hall, Rebecca led the Women’s Blues Revue band from  2013 to 2022 and returned as a featured vocalist in 2024. She received the Toronto Arts  Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award in 2018 and has been a proud Yamaha Artist since 2021,  performing on the YTR-8310Z trumpet.

Short blurb version:  

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music blends jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is Falling  Rain, is a lush and heartfelt collection inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas King.  The project began when Rebecca was commissioned in 2017 by Silence in Guelph to set King’s  poetry to music. With King’s blessing, she later returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar  Ruin, writing seven new songs, and added two of her own lyric-based pieces to complete the  album. 

Featuring world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and vocals), Tania Gill (piano),  Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), the album weaves King’s evocative words  with Rebecca’s warm vocals and expressive trumpet. 

Rebecca has released nine other albums as a leader or co-leader, including Joy Will Find Us (2023) and All the Little Things You Do (2020), and has performed with artists such as Adele,  Ron Sexsmith, Feist, and Broken Social Scene. A 2018 recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation  Emerging Jazz Artist Award, she has toured internationally and proudly performs as a Yamaha  Artist.

Avataar
October 2, 9, 16, 30 @ 5:00pm

Sundar Viswanathan - Saxophones, bansuri, vocals
Laura Swankey - Vocals
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Tyler Emond - Bass
Ravi Naimpally - Tablas
Max Senitt - Drums and percussion

Special guests include Aaron Lightstone (oud) and Todd Pentney (piano, Fender Rhodes, synth). 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Avataar is a JUNO award winning Toronto-based world-jazz group featuring some of the Canada’s finest jazz, world, funk, and pop musicians. The personnel includes bandleader Sundar Viswanathan (saxophones, bansuri, vocals), Laura Swankey (vocals), Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Tyler Emond (bass), Ravi Naimpally (tablas) and Max Senitt (drums and percussion). Special guests on the most recent, sophomore album, Worldview, include Aaron Lightstone (oud) and Todd Pentney (piano, Fender Rhodes, synth). 

Earmarked by JAZZFM91 as one of the ‘Best 25 Albums of 2021’, Worldview won the 2022 JUNO award for Best Jazz Album (Group). The music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh, emotive sonic experience. Bandmembers share an eclectic range of musical expertise - hardbop, pop, rock, electronica, free improvisation, world and R&B/Soul filter into the interpretations of the tunes. Both Worldview and Petal (Avataar’s debut CD (2016)) received critical acclaim internationally from publications including DOWNBEAT, JAZZIZ, allaboutjazz, Jazz Weekly, and worldmusiccentral.com. Production of both albums and an upcoming live video was generously supported with grants from Ontario and Canada Arts Councils.

The band’s original compositions are informed by artists including Shakti, Jarrett, Oregon, Jan Garbarek, Jobim, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Kenny Garrett and Ornette Coleman, and at their core are imbued with an intent toward political and social change and a spiritual focus that transcends the sound. While Avataar’s debut album, Petal, explored the evanescence of human life and was a call for a return to spiritual connectedness, Worldview attempts to also present a musical commentary on the state of our world, on the pandemic and on the inability of our leaders to lead with integrity, honesty and compassion. While the actions of our leaders affected so many, some of the songs started as gut responses to the treatment of children, our most valuable and vulnerable citizens, and act as vehicles of catharsis for the composer.

Avataar has been making original music together for over 12 years, and continues to develop a national and international reputation. The band's performance record includes the Toronto, Guelph, Antigonish, Sudbury, Markham and Brampton Jazz Festivals, JUNOFEST (Toronto), Lula Lounge, Trane Studio, The Rose Theater (Brampton), Hugh's Room, the Small World Centre, NUMUS concert series, the Emmett Ray, the Jazz Room (Waterloo) several universities and colleges in Ontario, and other venues. In 2018 Avataar successfully toured South Africa, playing in venues ranging from intimate jazz clubs to universities and concert halls. This tour took the band through Cape Town, Kalk Bay, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. And in 2019, a tour of Western Canada helped develop a national profile through performances to enthusiastic audiences in BC, AB and SK (Penticton, Revelstoke, Canmore, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Nelson and Cranbrook). Both tours were supported by grants from Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Avataar’s work has received critical acclaim from a wide range of online and print publications and from presenters internationally. Some quotes:

Don Griffiths (The Bassment) offers praise “Sundar Viswanathan and Avataar wowed our patrons with a first-rate performance…. Drawing on the jazz traditions of composition and improvisation, the group added a varied pallet of world music influences resulting in an exciting performance for our patrons. People will be talking about this show for a long time.”

Dutch Journalist Ivan Rod says “..technically and artistically impressive, outrageous, thought-provoking.. the music is magnetic, many faceted, and brave”

Tom Haugen of ‘Take Effect’ writes “a very eclectic and original listen that’s capable of being cinematic, is always unpredictable and deserves to be listened to many, many times”

James A. Cox of ‘Midwest Book Review’ says “Worldview is emotional, profound, utterly unforgettable, and highly recommended”

John Frederick Moore of ‘Jazziz’ writes “This is fusion in the very best sense of the word. Whether the group is expressing ecstasy, transcendence or tranquility, there’s never a dull moment”

Rebecca Hennessey's Makeshift Island
October 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00pm

Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpet / Vocals 

Kevin Breit - Guitar

Tania Gill - Piano 

Chris Banks - Bass 

Tim Shia - Drums 

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music bridges jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is  Falling Rain, is a lush and heartfelt journey inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas  King. The project began in 2017 when Rebecca was commissioned by Silence in Guelph to  compose a night of music using King’s poetry. The experience proved so inspiring that, with  King’s blessing, she returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar Ruin to set seven of its  poems to music. To complete the collection, she added two of her own original lyric-based  songs. 

All Is Falling Rain brings together world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and  vocals), Tania Gill (piano), Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), weaving a  soundscape where King’s evocative words and Hennessy’s distinctive composing, voice and  trumpet meet in organic harmony. 

This new release follows her acclaimed albums Joy Will Find Us (2023), All the Little Things  You Do (2020), and Makeshift Island Live at the Jazz Room (2025). Each recording highlights  her long-standing musical partnership with guitarist Kevin Breit and showcases her ability to  fuse heartfelt songwriting with adventurous musicianship. 

Rebecca’s artistry is often shaped by literature and deep collaboration. Her arrangement of  King’s Dig Up the Stories for big band was premiered by Christine Jensen’s Orchestra at the  National Arts Centre in 2019. Beyond her vocal projects, she has released nine other albums as a  bandleader or co-leader and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe,  Mexico, Panama, and Sri Lanka. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Adele, Ron  Sexsmith, Andy Kim, Owen Pallett, Feist, Broken Social Scene, and Yellowjackets. 

A longtime fixture at Toronto’s Massey Hall, Rebecca led the Women’s Blues Revue band from  2013 to 2022 and returned as a featured vocalist in 2024. She received the Toronto Arts  Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award in 2018 and has been a proud Yamaha Artist since 2021,  performing on the YTR-8310Z trumpet.

Short blurb version:  

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music blends jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is Falling  Rain, is a lush and heartfelt collection inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas King.  The project began when Rebecca was commissioned in 2017 by Silence in Guelph to set King’s  poetry to music. With King’s blessing, she later returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar  Ruin, writing seven new songs, and added two of her own lyric-based pieces to complete the  album. 

Featuring world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and vocals), Tania Gill (piano),  Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), the album weaves King’s evocative words  with Rebecca’s warm vocals and expressive trumpet. 

Rebecca has released nine other albums as a leader or co-leader, including Joy Will Find Us (2023) and All the Little Things You Do (2020), and has performed with artists such as Adele,  Ron Sexsmith, Feist, and Broken Social Scene. A 2018 recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation  Emerging Jazz Artist Award, she has toured internationally and proudly performs as a Yamaha  Artist.

Ingrid Li Quartet
October 17 @ 5:00pm

Ingrid Li - Saxophone
Selena Savage - Trombone
Emmett Hodgins - Piano
Hiro Tanaka - Bass
Matteo Romaniello - Drums 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Ingrid Li is a 20 year-old saxophonist turning heads on the Canadian jazz scene. Based in Vancouver and Montreal, she enjoys working as a bandleader, composer, and sought-after sidewoman. Her warm, powerful alto sound and classic jazz language pays respects to her musical heroes and saxophonists Sonny Stitt, Frank Strozier, and notably, Cannonball Adderley.

Rebecca Hennessey's Makeshift Island
October 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00pm

Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpet / Vocals 

Tania Gill - Piano

Michael Herring - Bass 

Dave Clark - Drums 

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music bridges jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is  Falling Rain, is a lush and heartfelt journey inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas  King. The project began in 2017 when Rebecca was commissioned by Silence in Guelph to  compose a night of music using King’s poetry. The experience proved so inspiring that, with  King’s blessing, she returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar Ruin to set seven of its  poems to music. To complete the collection, she added two of her own original lyric-based  songs. 

All Is Falling Rain brings together world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and  vocals), Tania Gill (piano), Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), weaving a  soundscape where King’s evocative words and Hennessy’s distinctive composing, voice and  trumpet meet in organic harmony. 

This new release follows her acclaimed albums Joy Will Find Us (2023), All the Little Things  You Do (2020), and Makeshift Island Live at the Jazz Room (2025). Each recording highlights  her long-standing musical partnership with guitarist Kevin Breit and showcases her ability to  fuse heartfelt songwriting with adventurous musicianship. 

Rebecca’s artistry is often shaped by literature and deep collaboration. Her arrangement of  King’s Dig Up the Stories for big band was premiered by Christine Jensen’s Orchestra at the  National Arts Centre in 2019. Beyond her vocal projects, she has released nine other albums as a  bandleader or co-leader and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe,  Mexico, Panama, and Sri Lanka. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Adele, Ron  Sexsmith, Andy Kim, Owen Pallett, Feist, Broken Social Scene, and Yellowjackets. 

A longtime fixture at Toronto’s Massey Hall, Rebecca led the Women’s Blues Revue band from  2013 to 2022 and returned as a featured vocalist in 2024. She received the Toronto Arts  Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award in 2018 and has been a proud Yamaha Artist since 2021,  performing on the YTR-8310Z trumpet.

Short blurb version:  

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music blends jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is Falling  Rain, is a lush and heartfelt collection inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas King.  The project began when Rebecca was commissioned in 2017 by Silence in Guelph to set King’s  poetry to music. With King’s blessing, she later returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar  Ruin, writing seven new songs, and added two of her own lyric-based pieces to complete the  album. 

Featuring world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and vocals), Tania Gill (piano),  Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), the album weaves King’s evocative words  with Rebecca’s warm vocals and expressive trumpet. 

Rebecca has released nine other albums as a leader or co-leader, including Joy Will Find Us (2023) and All the Little Things You Do (2020), and has performed with artists such as Adele,  Ron Sexsmith, Feist, and Broken Social Scene. A 2018 recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation  Emerging Jazz Artist Award, she has toured internationally and proudly performs as a Yamaha  Artist.

Josh Warren & Stella White
October 17 @ 10:45 pm

Josh Warren - Bass
Stella White - Vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born & raised on Vancouver Island, Josh Warren and Stella White are two of BC’s brightest up-and-coming musicians. With musicality and professionalism beyond their years, they’ve quickly established themselves as mainstays in the Victoria scene, spanning a wide variety of groups and genres. Location: Gorge Harbour Marina

HORACE SILVER FLUTES - A TWO-FLUTE TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF HORACESILVER
October 18 @ 2:00pm

Bill McBirnie & Jeremy Price - Flutes
Mark Eisenman -Piano
Jordan O'Connor - Bass
Richard Brisco - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto's Bill McBirnie and Vancouver's Jeremy Price bring their Two-Flute tribute to Horace Silver, Horace Silver Flutes, to The Rex for a special Matinee performance on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 2pm. The flutes are supported by a highly creative rhythm section of Ewen Farncombe on piano, Jordan O'Connor on bass, and Richard Brisco on drums.

Sean Bray October 18 @ 5:00 PM

Sean Bray - Guitar
Alex Dean - Saxophone
Duncan Hopkins - Bass
Barry Romberg - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Rebecca Hennessey's Makeshift Island
October 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 8:00pm

Rebecca Hennessy - Voice and trumpet 

Tania Gill - Piano 

Michael Herring - Bass 

Dave Clark - Drums 

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music bridges jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is  Falling Rain, is a lush and heartfelt journey inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas  King. The project began in 2017 when Rebecca was commissioned by Silence in Guelph to  compose a night of music using King’s poetry. The experience proved so inspiring that, with  King’s blessing, she returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar Ruin to set seven of its  poems to music. To complete the collection, she added two of her own original lyric-based  songs. 

All Is Falling Rain brings together world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and  vocals), Tania Gill (piano), Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), weaving a  soundscape where King’s evocative words and Hennessy’s distinctive composing, voice and  trumpet meet in organic harmony. 

This new release follows her acclaimed albums Joy Will Find Us (2023), All the Little Things  You Do (2020), and Makeshift Island Live at the Jazz Room (2025). Each recording highlights  her long-standing musical partnership with guitarist Kevin Breit and showcases her ability to  fuse heartfelt songwriting with adventurous musicianship. 

Rebecca’s artistry is often shaped by literature and deep collaboration. Her arrangement of  King’s Dig Up the Stories for big band was premiered by Christine Jensen’s Orchestra at the  National Arts Centre in 2019. Beyond her vocal projects, she has released nine other albums as a  bandleader or co-leader and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe,  Mexico, Panama, and Sri Lanka. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Adele, Ron  Sexsmith, Andy Kim, Owen Pallett, Feist, Broken Social Scene, and Yellowjackets. 

A longtime fixture at Toronto’s Massey Hall, Rebecca led the Women’s Blues Revue band from  2013 to 2022 and returned as a featured vocalist in 2024. She received the Toronto Arts  Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award in 2018 and has been a proud Yamaha Artist since 2021,  performing on the YTR-8310Z trumpet.

Short blurb version:  

Rebecca Hennessy is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose  music blends jazz, roots, and singer-songwriter. Her upcoming studio vocal album, All Is Falling  Rain, is a lush and heartfelt collection inspired by the poetry of acclaimed author Thomas King.  The project began when Rebecca was commissioned in 2017 by Silence in Guelph to set King’s  poetry to music. With King’s blessing, she later returned to his book 77 Fragments of a Familiar  Ruin, writing seven new songs, and added two of her own lyric-based pieces to complete the  album. 

Featuring world-renowned collaborators Kevin Breit (guitar and vocals), Tania Gill (piano),  Michael Herring (bass), and Dave Clark (drums), the album weaves King’s evocative words  with Rebecca’s warm vocals and expressive trumpet. 

Rebecca has released nine other albums as a leader or co-leader, including Joy Will Find Us (2023) and All the Little Things You Do (2020), and has performed with artists such as Adele,  Ron Sexsmith, Feist, and Broken Social Scene. A 2018 recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation  Emerging Jazz Artist Award, she has toured internationally and proudly performs as a Yamaha  Artist.

Diskarte
October 18 @ 10:45 PM

Jon Catanus -Drums
Caleb Klager - Bass
Victor Xu - Piano
Bjorn Kriel - Vibraphone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Diskarte bio: 

Diskarte is a Toronto-based band founded in 2017 by Jon Catanus. They adhere to the philosophy and definition of the Tagalog word “diskarte,” improvising sets of groovy, soulful and intense music with a keen focus on the distinct voice and style of each individual musician. Stretching from virtuosic uptempo shredding to the most simple, sincerely delivered melody, there is nothing like the way these musicians strike the perfect balance between playfulness and wholehearted commitment to the music, each other, and the audience. The band consists of Jon Catanus (drums), Caleb Klager (bass), Victor Xu (piano), and Bjorn Kriel (vibraphone).

Global Jazz Series : The Sicilian Project
October 19 @ 2:00pm

Led by: Michael Occhipinti
Band TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Michael Occhipinti’s Sicilian Jazz Project 

“The players deeply feel this music… a triumphant recording on many levels”      Michael G. Nastos, Billboard 

“This is really why we listen to music: to be surprised and lifted up, stripped of our  preconceptions and left breathless” Bill Bentley - Sonic Boomer 

Michael Occhipinti’s SICILIAN JAZZ PROJECT has been dazzling audiences world wide with its unique mix of rare Old World Sicilian folk material and the New  World sounds of electric guitars, chamber music, funk and reggae grooves, and  modern jazz. Using music sung by Sicilian fishermen, sulphur miners, and folk  musicians as a starting point, the music is like a trip on the Mediterranean that  detours to Mali, Jamaica, and Toronto.  

Michael's debut recording with the group The Sicilian Jazz Project, was a 2009  JUNO Award nominee (Canada's Grammy), and Michael and his brother  Roberto were flown to Ragusa, Sicily in 2009 to be presented with the  Ragusani nel Mondo prize for their contribution to the Province of Ragusa's  culture and presence globally. The 2015 followup Muorica came about after  Michael spent four months living in Sicily, gathering poems old and new, seeking  out old recordings, and considering his own family’s history. The result was an  ambitious album that further celebrated Sicilian language. 

The Sicilian Jazz Project features some of the best musicians from Toronto's  vibrant music scene, each a virtuoso in their own right, and able to freely move  between genres. Long-time musicians with the group include Michael's brother  Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Mark Kelso (drums), Louis Simao (accordion), Kevin  Turcotte (trumpet), and Ernie Tollar (woodwinds), and a number of featured  vocalists, including Maryem Tollar, Dominic Mancuso, Dia, Francesco Pellegrino and  Pilar (Ilaria Patassini). Brilliant American clarinetist Don Byron has also toured and  recorded with the group, as have members of the Gryphon Trio and The Cecilia  String Quartet. In 2023, Michael will be performing and collaborating with Sicilian  vocalists Giuseppe di Bella and Daniela Spalletta. 

Able to create a spontaneous street parade with its enthusiastic energy at venues  such as Mexico's Zacatecas Festival, or to captivate classical music audiences as it  has done multiple times at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, The Sicilian Jazz  Project's broad repertoire has a remarkable versatility and ability to connect with  audiences across cultures. 

www.michaelocchipintimusic.com casaocchipinti@icloud.com 416 904-5494

Michael's intention when he launched The Sicilian Jazz Project was to find a way to  preserve the old Sicilian dialect from Modica (pronounced Muorica in dialect) that  his late parents spoke with him at home in Toronto. Michael started collecting  songs from family and musicians in Sicily, and began adapting them for his group  along with the field recordings that Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella had made in  the 1950s. Michael conceived of the Sicilian Jazz Project as a group that could use  Sicilian folk music as a starting point, but then take off as a vehicle for  improvisation and ambitious arrangements across any style. Most musicians in  multicultural Toronto take it for granted that the style of music they'll perform  night to night will change, and Michael Occhipinti is a veteran of groups that  perform Indian fusion, Turkish music, Eastern European klezmer, modern and  traditional jazz, chamber music, and funk, blues, and pop. Michael wanted the  Sicilian Jazz Project to reflect the diversity of the Toronto sound even as he  performed old Sicilian music. The result is a group like no other that has been  celebrated by critics for its innovation.  

Nick Fraser’s Special Topics
October 19 & 20 @ 8:00pm

Nick Fraser - Drums
Josh Cole - Bass
Kae Murphy - Trumpet
Maxwell Stover - Saxophone

Nick Fraser’s Special Topics is a new group of established and younger musicians based in  Toronto. The band is Fraser’s attempt to become “Toronto’s 21st-century Art Blakey” by  fostering a spirit of mutual mentorship and multi-generational collaboration.  

Nick Fraser (drums) has been an active and engaging presence in the Toronto new jazz and  improvised music community since he moved there from Ottawa in 1995. A Juno Award winner  (and nine-time nominee), his recorded works include Owls in Daylight (1997), Nick Fraser and  Justin Haynes are faking it (2004), Towns and Villages (2013), Too Many Continents (2015)  Starer (2016) and Is Life Long? (2018), If There Were No Opposites (2021), and Farahser  (2024). Nick has performed with a veritable "who's who" of Canadian jazz and improvised music  in addition to such international artists as Anthony Braxton, Marilyn Crispell, William Parker,  and Ethan Iverson. "Fraser not so much plays the drums as hurls himself whole body and soul  against skin and metal... truly talented." -Bill Stunt, CBC Radio. 

Originally from Langley, BC, bassist, composer, and producer Josh Cole co-founded the  critically acclaimed October Trio with Dan Gaucher and Evan Arntzen in 2004. Since moving to  Toronto in 2010 Josh has worked with Colin Fisher, Brodie West, Nick Fraser, Ryan Driver,  Robin Dann (Bernice), Thom Gill and Prince Nifty amongst others. “Cole can be coolly lyrical,  he can write a controlled “classical” counterpoint, he can drop in some funk, and he can also let  the improvisers loose in the stratosphere.” -Popmatters.com 

Kae Murphy (they/him) is a Grammy-nominated trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist  originally from Owen Sound, ON. Now based in Toronto, they have been touring worldwide  with groups such as BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney, and the Generations Unit, playing venues  such as the Blue Note NY, Newport Jazz Festival, and Coachella Valley Music Festival. 

Maxwell Stover is a saxophonist. He also plays flute. He is living in Toronto. And he usually is  making music about things he thinks are beautiful or terrible. For example, plastic. Or else  maybe fruit. Oh! —usually Maxwell speaks out of the traditions of jazz. Or outsider music.  Usually with others he is grateful to be sharing space with.

Nick Fraser’s Special Topics
October 19 & 20 @ 8:00pm

Nick Fraser - Drums
Josh Cole - Bass
Kae Murphy - Trumpet
Maxwell Stover - Saxophone

Nick Fraser’s Special Topics is a new group of established and younger musicians based in  Toronto. The band is Fraser’s attempt to become “Toronto’s 21st-century Art Blakey” by  fostering a spirit of mutual mentorship and multi-generational collaboration.  

Nick Fraser (drums) has been an active and engaging presence in the Toronto new jazz and  improvised music community since he moved there from Ottawa in 1995. A Juno Award winner  (and nine-time nominee), his recorded works include Owls in Daylight (1997), Nick Fraser and  Justin Haynes are faking it (2004), Towns and Villages (2013), Too Many Continents (2015)  Starer (2016) and Is Life Long? (2018), If There Were No Opposites (2021), and Farahser  (2024). Nick has performed with a veritable "who's who" of Canadian jazz and improvised music  in addition to such international artists as Anthony Braxton, Marilyn Crispell, William Parker,  and Ethan Iverson. "Fraser not so much plays the drums as hurls himself whole body and soul  against skin and metal... truly talented." -Bill Stunt, CBC Radio. 

Originally from Langley, BC, bassist, composer, and producer Josh Cole co-founded the  critically acclaimed October Trio with Dan Gaucher and Evan Arntzen in 2004. Since moving to  Toronto in 2010 Josh has worked with Colin Fisher, Brodie West, Nick Fraser, Ryan Driver,  Robin Dann (Bernice), Thom Gill and Prince Nifty amongst others. “Cole can be coolly lyrical,  he can write a controlled “classical” counterpoint, he can drop in some funk, and he can also let  the improvisers loose in the stratosphere.” -Popmatters.com 

Kae Murphy (they/him) is a Grammy-nominated trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist  originally from Owen Sound, ON. Now based in Toronto, they have been touring worldwide  with groups such as BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney, and the Generations Unit, playing venues  such as the Blue Note NY, Newport Jazz Festival, and Coachella Valley Music Festival. 

Maxwell Stover is a saxophonist. He also plays flute. He is living in Toronto. And he usually is  making music about things he thinks are beautiful or terrible. For example, plastic. Or else  maybe fruit. Oh! —usually Maxwell speaks out of the traditions of jazz. Or outsider music.  Usually with others he is grateful to be sharing space with.

Cody Copeland & Tymish Koznarsky
October 21 @ 5:00 pm

Cody Copland - Guitar
Tymish Koznarski - Alto Sax
Duncan Wilson - Piano
Jonathan Meyer - Bass
Alex Sgrignoli - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born and raised in Bowmanville, Ontario, guitarist Cody Copland picked up  the instrument at age 13 and quickly found his passion in jazz by the end of  high school. His love of the music led him to Humber College, where he  studied under some of Canada’s most respected musicians, including Neil  Swainson, Trevor Giancola, and Lucian Gray.  

Deeply inspired by the jazz tradition, Cody draws on the sounds of Clifford  Brown, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, and Peter Bernstein, while continuing  to shape a voice that is distinctly his own. After completing his Bachelor of  

Music at Humber, he went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the  University of Toronto.  

Now an active part of Toronto’s jazz community, Cody can be heard  performing with peers such as Steve Carson, Tymish Koznarsky, Duncan  Wilson, and Evan Miles, as well as long-time veterans of the scene  including Duncan Hopkins and Perry White. 

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Lorne Nehring
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:00pm

Lorne Nehring - Drums

Alex Dean - Saxophone

George Koller - Bass

Tom Reynolds - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Harley Card Quintet
October 22, 23, 24, 25 @ 8:00pm

Harley Card- Guitar and Compositions David French- Saxophone
Matt Newton- Piano
Dan Fortin- Bass
Ethan Ardelli- Drums

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

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

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

                  -Raul d’Gama Rose- All About Jazz

Dhaivat Jani plus
October 23 @ 5:00pm

Dhaivat Jani - Drums/Tabla/Compositions

Jonathan Kay - Sax

Michael Davidson - Vibraphone

Sam Little - Bass

Peter Henry Holbrook - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Dhaivat Jani PLUS is a contemporary jazz  ensemble led by award-winning drummer/tabla  player and composer Dhaivat Jani. The band’s  music that unfolds like stories blends modern jazz  with Dhaivat’s influences ranging from Indian  classical and folk rhythms to rock and free  improvisation. Their debut album Sum // Parts has  received international acclaim, highlighting the  band’s unique voice in Toronto’s jazz landscape.

Harley Card Quintet
October 22, 23, 24, 25 @ 8:00pm

Harley Card- Guitar and Compositions David French- Saxophone
Matt Newton- Piano
Dan Fortin- Bass
Ethan Ardelli- Drums

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

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

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

                  -Raul d’Gama Rose- All About Jazz

Sandra Bouza
october 24 @ 5:0pm

Sandra Bouza - Vocals / Guitar

No reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Harley Card Quintet
October 22, 23, 24, 25 @ 8:00pm

Harley Card- Guitar and Compositions David French- Saxophone
Matt Newton- Piano
Dan Fortin- Bass
Ethan Ardelli- Drums

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

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

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

                  -Raul d’Gama Rose- All About Jazz

Just Prince
October 24 @ 10:45 pm

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Just Prince, is known for  seamlessly blending Western and Eastern sounds into a  harmonious tapestry. With a captivating style that defies  genre constraints, his music weaves elements of folk,  rock, blues, and Hindustani classical music into a  mesmerizing experience. Just Prince's evocative  compositions take listeners on a sonic journey,  transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with the  soul. With Max Senitt on Drums, Patrick O'Reilly on Guitar  and Joan Lomas Ortega on Bass, they will craft a musical  landscape that bridges worlds with the intention of genuine  songwriting and experimental expression

Megacity Swing Band
October 25 @ 2:00pm

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Toronto’s own MegaCity Swing Band burst onto the scene in 2000 and is one of the swingingest bands in the GTA. We are a full sized jazz band – all 18 of us! We are comprised of some to Toronto’s best musicians performing the best jazz, latin, and swing tunes in Toronto.
 
Megacity enjoys performing at special events, weddings, parties, and corporate events all across the Toronto area. In the past we have been nominated for several awards at the CNE Big Band Festival. They have been guests at the Sunday Serenade Series in Mel Lastman Square. The band has been featured on Breakfast Television. Megacity has performed at Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as at many golf clubs and retirement homes in the Toronto area. They can be seen every fourth Monday of the month at The 744 on Mt. Pleasant.
 
Megacity is one of the few (if not the only) big band that plays original compositions. The leader writes original tunes for the band, and these can usually be heard at the 744 gigs when they play on Monday nights.
 
In addition to our vocalist, the fabulous Gillian Steyck, this eighteen piece band is often joined on Monday nights by at least two –sometimes three – guest vocalists that guarantee to bring the house down.

Not Bob Brough Quartet
October 25 @ 5:00pm

Shawn Nyquist - Saxophone
Artie Roth - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Harley Card Quintet
October 22, 23, 24, 25 @ 8:00pm

Harley Card- Guitar and Compositions David French- Saxophone
Matt Newton- Piano
Dan Fortin- Bass
Ethan Ardelli- Drums

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

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

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

                  -Raul d’Gama Rose- All About Jazz

James Griffith Quartet
October 25 @ 10:45 pm

James Griffith - Alto Saxophone

Andrew Marzotto - Guitar

Julian Anderson Bowes - Bass

Alex Sgrignoli  - Drums

No reservations
pay What you can

James Griffith is an international-award winning Toronto-based jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. Born and raised in Lloydminster, Alberta, Griffith aims to push the envelope of contemporary jazz while staying grounded within the swinging tradition of bebop and beyond.

Winner of the 2024 International Saxophone Symposium Jazz Saxophone Competition, Griffith has had the pleasure of working and performing with international jazz icons such as Joe Farnsworth, Larnell Lewis, Terri Lyne Carrington, Dayna Stephens, David Virelles, The U.S. Navy Commodores Big Band, Lucas Pino, Jacob Chung, Mike Downes and more. As a highly in-demand sideman, Griffith has been a member of many notable groups including The Shuffle Demons, the Marmalade/Listening Room Collective, The Live Video Game Jazz Orchestra and most recently the Joe Farnsworth Quartet. Griffith is elated to be back at The Rex as a leader presenting a program of new original music with a Canadian all-star quartet composed of Toronto's finest musicians.

Global Jazz Series: Waleed Abdulhamid
October 26 @ 2:00pm

Waleed Abdulhamid - Bass / Vocals
Band - Tba

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Hans Luchs
October 26 & 27 @ 8:00 PM

Hans Luchs- Guitar
Felipe Arce- Bass
Agustín Grasso- Drums

 Hans Luchs is a guitarist, composer, recording artist, and bandleader  living in New York City. Hans has performed in a wide array of  settings, from small jazz clubs to large outdoor festivals. He originally  got his start playing around his native Chicago, performing at The  Auditorium Theatre, The Chicago Jazz Festival, The Green Mill,  Buddy Guy’s Legends, and The Jazz Showcase to name a few. Since  moving to New York, Hans has played at Smalls, The Django,  Midnight Blue, Ornithology, Cafe Ornithology, Minton’s Playhouse,  The Bitter End, The Bowery Electric, and many other venues around  New York City. He has also played internationally at jazz clubs and  festivals in Sweden, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland,  Mexico, Canada, and Turkey.  

 Hans has performed and toured with an array of artists in several  musical traditions, including 8-time Grammy winner Pepe Aguilar,  Motown legend Martha Reeves, “daughter of the blues” Shirley King,  and many jazz musicians in New York, Chicago, and beyond.  

 As a recording artist, Hans has recorded in various formats as a leader  and sideman, including projects produced by NPR and Apple Music.  His 2015 debut recording “Time Never Pauses” (OA2 records) was met  with critical acclaim, including Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Weekly, and  All About Jazz. His most recent endeavor is 2025’s “The Spell is  Broken” (Fresh Sound New Talent), which features eight original  compositions of various moods and grooves, and has also been praised  by listeners and critics alike. 

Hans Luchs
October 26 & 27 @ 8:00 PM

Hans Luchs- Guitar
Felipe Arce- Bass
Agustín Grasso- Drums

 Hans Luchs is a guitarist, composer, recording artist, and bandleader  living in New York City. Hans has performed in a wide array of  settings, from small jazz clubs to large outdoor festivals. He originally  got his start playing around his native Chicago, performing at The  Auditorium Theatre, The Chicago Jazz Festival, The Green Mill,  Buddy Guy’s Legends, and The Jazz Showcase to name a few. Since  moving to New York, Hans has played at Smalls, The Django,  Midnight Blue, Ornithology, Cafe Ornithology, Minton’s Playhouse,  The Bitter End, The Bowery Electric, and many other venues around  New York City. He has also played internationally at jazz clubs and  festivals in Sweden, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland,  Mexico, Canada, and Turkey.  

 Hans has performed and toured with an array of artists in several  musical traditions, including 8-time Grammy winner Pepe Aguilar,  Motown legend Martha Reeves, “daughter of the blues” Shirley King,  and many jazz musicians in New York, Chicago, and beyond.  

 As a recording artist, Hans has recorded in various formats as a leader  and sideman, including projects produced by NPR and Apple Music.  His 2015 debut recording “Time Never Pauses” (OA2 records) was met  with critical acclaim, including Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Weekly, and  All About Jazz. His most recent endeavor is 2025’s “The Spell is  Broken” (Fresh Sound New Talent), which features eight original  compositions of various moods and grooves, and has also been praised  by listeners and critics alike. 

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

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Lorne Nehring
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:00pm

Lorne Nehring - Drums

Alex Dean - Saxophone

George Koller - Bass

Tom Reynolds - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Nancy Walker Quartet
October 29, 30, 31 & November 1

Nancy Walker - Piano / Compositions
Tara Davidson - Saxophones
Lauren Falls - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been recognized with honours Canada-wide, including the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, the National Jazz Awards Keyboardist Of The Year Award, a JUNO nomination for Instrumental Album Of The Year, and an induction into the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame. A dynamic improviser, an artful composer and a responsive accompanist, Nancy has been praised both for her work as a solo artist and as a musical collaborator. As a side player she can be heard on a wide range of recordings, by artists from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald to vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow to children’s entertainer Raffi. More recently she can be heard on the 2024 recording Here’s To Life by John Neudorf (on which she was both pianist and co-producer), and Sarah Jerrom’s 2025 JUNO-nominated Magpie.

Nancy has several discs to her credit as leader. This engagement at The Rex celebrates the release of her most recent recording Deeper Down, featuring Nancy as pianist and composer, with Tara Davidson (saxophones), Lauren Falls (bass) and Ethan Ardelli (drums). Her compositions reflect her view of the age we live in - at times intense, at times poignant, at times cerebral. Her inspirations include architecture, cinema, literature, visual art and nature.

Nancy has taught on the music faculties of Humber College and York University, and she herself holds a Master of Arts in Music (Composition) from York University.

“Walker’s music vocabulary is strong and varied enough to provide an emotional experience that never wallows. It’s music that celebrates itself while including the audience in that celebration. In other words it’s accessible without any commercial compromises.” John Corcelli, criticsatlarge.ca

“Nancy Walker has played enough piano to know how to keep listeners interested however hard she pushes the boundaries of familiarity.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

“Harmonically she's influenced by the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett, etc.—but her delicate touch and denser harmonic constructs brings to mind British pianist John Taylor as well…Walker's music is easy on the ears, but don't mistake that for lacking in interest or challenge, because she masks an advanced harmonic concept within an accessible veneer.” John Kelman, All About Jazz

“A fine example of the modern jazz musician’s art.” Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“A gifted pianist and composer, Nancy Walker is possessed of a lyricism that can suggest lapping water and bright skies, and a contrasting rhythmic drive. A former student of Fred Hersch, she builds on a tradition of romantic jazz piano that has deep roots in the harmonic innovations of Bill Evans.” Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life Magazine

“Toronto pianist Nancy Walker continues to write some of the most interesting and sophisticated contemporary jazz in the country. Contemporary, yet firmly connected to the history of jazz and therefore accessible.” Lyle Rebbeck, Medicine Hat Jazz Festival

Avataar
October 2, 9, 16, 30 @ 5:00pm

Sundar Viswanathan - Saxophones, bansuri, vocals
Laura Swankey - Vocals
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Tyler Emond - Bass
Ravi Naimpally - Tablas
Max Senitt - Drums and percussion

Special guests include Aaron Lightstone (oud) and Todd Pentney (piano, Fender Rhodes, synth). 

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Avataar is a JUNO award winning Toronto-based world-jazz group featuring some of the Canada’s finest jazz, world, funk, and pop musicians. The personnel includes bandleader Sundar Viswanathan (saxophones, bansuri, vocals), Laura Swankey (vocals), Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Tyler Emond (bass), Ravi Naimpally (tablas) and Max Senitt (drums and percussion). Special guests on the most recent, sophomore album, Worldview, include Aaron Lightstone (oud) and Todd Pentney (piano, Fender Rhodes, synth). 

Earmarked by JAZZFM91 as one of the ‘Best 25 Albums of 2021’, Worldview won the 2022 JUNO award for Best Jazz Album (Group). The music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh, emotive sonic experience. Bandmembers share an eclectic range of musical expertise - hardbop, pop, rock, electronica, free improvisation, world and R&B/Soul filter into the interpretations of the tunes. Both Worldview and Petal (Avataar’s debut CD (2016)) received critical acclaim internationally from publications including DOWNBEAT, JAZZIZ, allaboutjazz, Jazz Weekly, and worldmusiccentral.com. Production of both albums and an upcoming live video was generously supported with grants from Ontario and Canada Arts Councils.

The band’s original compositions are informed by artists including Shakti, Jarrett, Oregon, Jan Garbarek, Jobim, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Kenny Garrett and Ornette Coleman, and at their core are imbued with an intent toward political and social change and a spiritual focus that transcends the sound. While Avataar’s debut album, Petal, explored the evanescence of human life and was a call for a return to spiritual connectedness, Worldview attempts to also present a musical commentary on the state of our world, on the pandemic and on the inability of our leaders to lead with integrity, honesty and compassion. While the actions of our leaders affected so many, some of the songs started as gut responses to the treatment of children, our most valuable and vulnerable citizens, and act as vehicles of catharsis for the composer.

Avataar has been making original music together for over 12 years, and continues to develop a national and international reputation. The band's performance record includes the Toronto, Guelph, Antigonish, Sudbury, Markham and Brampton Jazz Festivals, JUNOFEST (Toronto), Lula Lounge, Trane Studio, The Rose Theater (Brampton), Hugh's Room, the Small World Centre, NUMUS concert series, the Emmett Ray, the Jazz Room (Waterloo) several universities and colleges in Ontario, and other venues. In 2018 Avataar successfully toured South Africa, playing in venues ranging from intimate jazz clubs to universities and concert halls. This tour took the band through Cape Town, Kalk Bay, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. And in 2019, a tour of Western Canada helped develop a national profile through performances to enthusiastic audiences in BC, AB and SK (Penticton, Revelstoke, Canmore, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Nelson and Cranbrook). Both tours were supported by grants from Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Avataar’s work has received critical acclaim from a wide range of online and print publications and from presenters internationally. Some quotes:

Don Griffiths (The Bassment) offers praise “Sundar Viswanathan and Avataar wowed our patrons with a first-rate performance…. Drawing on the jazz traditions of composition and improvisation, the group added a varied pallet of world music influences resulting in an exciting performance for our patrons. People will be talking about this show for a long time.”

Dutch Journalist Ivan Rod says “..technically and artistically impressive, outrageous, thought-provoking.. the music is magnetic, many faceted, and brave”

Tom Haugen of ‘Take Effect’ writes “a very eclectic and original listen that’s capable of being cinematic, is always unpredictable and deserves to be listened to many, many times”

James A. Cox of ‘Midwest Book Review’ says “Worldview is emotional, profound, utterly unforgettable, and highly recommended”

John Frederick Moore of ‘Jazziz’ writes “This is fusion in the very best sense of the word. Whether the group is expressing ecstasy, transcendence or tranquility, there’s never a dull moment”

Nancy Walker Quartet
October 29, 30, 31 & November 1

Nancy Walker - Piano / Compositions
Tara Davidson - Saxophones
Lauren Falls - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been recognized with honours Canada-wide, including the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, the National Jazz Awards Keyboardist Of The Year Award, a JUNO nomination for Instrumental Album Of The Year, and an induction into the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame. A dynamic improviser, an artful composer and a responsive accompanist, Nancy has been praised both for her work as a solo artist and as a musical collaborator. As a side player she can be heard on a wide range of recordings, by artists from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald to vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow to children’s entertainer Raffi. More recently she can be heard on the 2024 recording Here’s To Life by John Neudorf (on which she was both pianist and co-producer), and Sarah Jerrom’s 2025 JUNO-nominated Magpie.

Nancy has several discs to her credit as leader. This engagement at The Rex celebrates the release of her most recent recording Deeper Down, featuring Nancy as pianist and composer, with Tara Davidson (saxophones), Lauren Falls (bass) and Ethan Ardelli (drums). Her compositions reflect her view of the age we live in - at times intense, at times poignant, at times cerebral. Her inspirations include architecture, cinema, literature, visual art and nature.

Nancy has taught on the music faculties of Humber College and York University, and she herself holds a Master of Arts in Music (Composition) from York University.

“Walker’s music vocabulary is strong and varied enough to provide an emotional experience that never wallows. It’s music that celebrates itself while including the audience in that celebration. In other words it’s accessible without any commercial compromises.” John Corcelli, criticsatlarge.ca

“Nancy Walker has played enough piano to know how to keep listeners interested however hard she pushes the boundaries of familiarity.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

“Harmonically she's influenced by the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett, etc.—but her delicate touch and denser harmonic constructs brings to mind British pianist John Taylor as well…Walker's music is easy on the ears, but don't mistake that for lacking in interest or challenge, because she masks an advanced harmonic concept within an accessible veneer.” John Kelman, All About Jazz

“A fine example of the modern jazz musician’s art.” Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“A gifted pianist and composer, Nancy Walker is possessed of a lyricism that can suggest lapping water and bright skies, and a contrasting rhythmic drive. A former student of Fred Hersch, she builds on a tradition of romantic jazz piano that has deep roots in the harmonic innovations of Bill Evans.” Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life Magazine

“Toronto pianist Nancy Walker continues to write some of the most interesting and sophisticated contemporary jazz in the country. Contemporary, yet firmly connected to the history of jazz and therefore accessible.” Lyle Rebbeck, Medicine Hat Jazz Festival

Nancy Walker Quartet
October 29, 30, 31 & November 1

Nancy Walker - Piano / Compositions
Tara Davidson - Saxophones
Lauren Falls - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been recognized with honours Canada-wide, including the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, the National Jazz Awards Keyboardist Of The Year Award, a JUNO nomination for Instrumental Album Of The Year, and an induction into the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame. A dynamic improviser, an artful composer and a responsive accompanist, Nancy has been praised both for her work as a solo artist and as a musical collaborator. As a side player she can be heard on a wide range of recordings, by artists from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald to vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow to children’s entertainer Raffi. More recently she can be heard on the 2024 recording Here’s To Life by John Neudorf (on which she was both pianist and co-producer), and Sarah Jerrom’s 2025 JUNO-nominated Magpie.

Nancy has several discs to her credit as leader. This engagement at The Rex celebrates the release of her most recent recording Deeper Down, featuring Nancy as pianist and composer, with Tara Davidson (saxophones), Lauren Falls (bass) and Ethan Ardelli (drums). Her compositions reflect her view of the age we live in - at times intense, at times poignant, at times cerebral. Her inspirations include architecture, cinema, literature, visual art and nature.

Nancy has taught on the music faculties of Humber College and York University, and she herself holds a Master of Arts in Music (Composition) from York University.

“Walker’s music vocabulary is strong and varied enough to provide an emotional experience that never wallows. It’s music that celebrates itself while including the audience in that celebration. In other words it’s accessible without any commercial compromises.” John Corcelli, criticsatlarge.ca

“Nancy Walker has played enough piano to know how to keep listeners interested however hard she pushes the boundaries of familiarity.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

“Harmonically she's influenced by the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett, etc.—but her delicate touch and denser harmonic constructs brings to mind British pianist John Taylor as well…Walker's music is easy on the ears, but don't mistake that for lacking in interest or challenge, because she masks an advanced harmonic concept within an accessible veneer.” John Kelman, All About Jazz

“A fine example of the modern jazz musician’s art.” Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“A gifted pianist and composer, Nancy Walker is possessed of a lyricism that can suggest lapping water and bright skies, and a contrasting rhythmic drive. A former student of Fred Hersch, she builds on a tradition of romantic jazz piano that has deep roots in the harmonic innovations of Bill Evans.” Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life Magazine

“Toronto pianist Nancy Walker continues to write some of the most interesting and sophisticated contemporary jazz in the country. Contemporary, yet firmly connected to the history of jazz and therefore accessible.” Lyle Rebbeck, Medicine Hat Jazz Festival

Ronley Teper
October 31 @ 10:45 pm

Ronley Teper - Vocals
Chris Banks - Bass
Tim Posgate - Banjo/guitar
Caleb Hamilton - Trumpet/accordion
Elena Kapeleris - Bari/Tenor Saxophone Dafydd Hughes - Piano
Dave Clark - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Children at heart who love comedic, poetic, theatric, yet at times serious storytelling alongside truly magical music, should prepare themselves for the surprising world of Ronley Teper. Born in South Africa and growing up in Toronto, she is an active composer, producer & multimedia artist. As Ronley Teper and The Lipliners, Teper invites a rotating roster of some of the finest musicians, animators and multimedia artists to publicly improvise around her storytelling and songwriting styles that cycle through many influences from folk, funk, jazz, cabaret, cinematic, post rock and pop musical sensibilities. This process has developed a series of collaborations and an ever flowing body of work. She has been described as reminiscent of artists including Tom Waits, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, and Frank Zappa.

A musician and performance artist, Teper has been an active member in the arts scene for almost two decades. Over this time, she has recorded 5 independent LP’s; with an upcoming 6th “Everyone Loves A Good Story” (Coming out Fall 2021). Composed, and performed works for puppet theatre in both Summerworks and Fringe Festivals in Toronto and Montreal; in COVID times created & directed So Whatcha Doin? A Youtube series hosted by Sock Face Teper that explores music, art, friendship and philosophical questions, such as: What is your favourite snack? hosted by a sock remote.  She has had musical placements in television, documentary films, and a few video games.  She was a guest speaker at the first TEDx talks in Bangkok, Thailand. Teper has participated in a variety of collaborations, artist’s residencies and has toured regularly in Canada, Europe and abroad.

Nancy Walker Quartet
October 29, 30, 31 & November 1

Nancy Walker - Piano / Compositions
Tara Davidson - Saxophones
Lauren Falls - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums

Pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been recognized with honours Canada-wide, including the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, the National Jazz Awards Keyboardist Of The Year Award, a JUNO nomination for Instrumental Album Of The Year, and an induction into the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame. A dynamic improviser, an artful composer and a responsive accompanist, Nancy has been praised both for her work as a solo artist and as a musical collaborator. As a side player she can be heard on a wide range of recordings, by artists from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald to vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow to children’s entertainer Raffi. More recently she can be heard on the 2024 recording Here’s To Life by John Neudorf (on which she was both pianist and co-producer), and Sarah Jerrom’s 2025 JUNO-nominated Magpie.

Nancy has several discs to her credit as leader. This engagement at The Rex celebrates the release of her most recent recording Deeper Down, featuring Nancy as pianist and composer, with Tara Davidson (saxophones), Lauren Falls (bass) and Ethan Ardelli (drums). Her compositions reflect her view of the age we live in - at times intense, at times poignant, at times cerebral. Her inspirations include architecture, cinema, literature, visual art and nature.

Nancy has taught on the music faculties of Humber College and York University, and she herself holds a Master of Arts in Music (Composition) from York University.

“Walker’s music vocabulary is strong and varied enough to provide an emotional experience that never wallows. It’s music that celebrates itself while including the audience in that celebration. In other words it’s accessible without any commercial compromises.” John Corcelli, criticsatlarge.ca

“Nancy Walker has played enough piano to know how to keep listeners interested however hard she pushes the boundaries of familiarity.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

“Harmonically she's influenced by the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett, etc.—but her delicate touch and denser harmonic constructs brings to mind British pianist John Taylor as well…Walker's music is easy on the ears, but don't mistake that for lacking in interest or challenge, because she masks an advanced harmonic concept within an accessible veneer.” John Kelman, All About Jazz

“A fine example of the modern jazz musician’s art.” Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“A gifted pianist and composer, Nancy Walker is possessed of a lyricism that can suggest lapping water and bright skies, and a contrasting rhythmic drive. A former student of Fred Hersch, she builds on a tradition of romantic jazz piano that has deep roots in the harmonic innovations of Bill Evans.” Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life Magazine

“Toronto pianist Nancy Walker continues to write some of the most interesting and sophisticated contemporary jazz in the country. Contemporary, yet firmly connected to the history of jazz and therefore accessible.” Lyle Rebbeck, Medicine Hat Jazz Festival