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

Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

Queen Kong
January 4 & 5 @ 8:00 PM

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

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

Queen Kong
January 4 & 5 @ 8:00 PM

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

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

Angela Pincente
January 6 @ 5:00 PM

Angela Pincente - Trombone
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
january 6, 13, 20, 27 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Taylor Maslin Quartet
January 7 @ 5:00 pm

Taylor Maslin - Saxophone/Clarinet

Eric Liang - Piano

Jonathan Meyer - Bass

Norbert Botos - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Taylor Maslin is a fixture on the Toronto jazz scene, where he performs on both the clarinet and tenor saxophone. At home playing both traditional and more contemporary styles, Maslin brings with him a deep appreciation for the artform and a keen ear for melody. 

A graduate of Humber College, Maslin has studied with a plethora of Canada’s finest musicians, including the likes of Pat Labarbera, Kirk Macdonald, Drew Jurecka, Andy Ballantyne, and others. As a leader he regularly leads groups at the Jazz Bistro, Rex, Drom Taberna, and a number of other venues around town.

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

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

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

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

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

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

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

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

Sean Bray
January 8 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

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

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

Atcheleh Aryee
January 9 @ 5:00pm

Atcheleh Aryee - Trumpet
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

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

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

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

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


No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

Sam Broverman Quartet
January 10 @ 2:00 pm

Sam Broverman Vocal

Peter Hill Piano

Jordan O'Connor Bass

Jacob Gorzhaltsan Saxophone

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

Frank Alkyer – Editor of Downbeat Magazine 

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

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

Duck Society
January 10 @ 11:00pm

Patrick Smith - Sax

Jon Catanus - Drums

Christian Antonacci - Trumpet

Tyler Emond - Bass

Miles Johnson - Percussion

Jen Lo - Keys

Minh Hoang - Piano

Jay You - Guitar

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Duck Society is a jazz fusion band based in Toronto, consisting of some of the city’s most prominent jazz musicians as well as up-and-coming players. The band plays all original music, with tight arrangements and ample room for experimentation and improvisation. With every composition a story, the band aims to take the audience on a journey, while constantly working to get everyone moving on the floor at the same time.

Sicilian Jazz Project with special guest Dia
January 11 @ 2:00 PM

No Reservations
Pay what You Can

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 Pilar (Ilaria Patassini). Maryem Tollar, Dominic Mancuso, Dia, Francesco Pellegrino and most recently Daniela Spalletta and Giuseppe di Bella.  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.  

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. 

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.  Michael is currently working on new music for a 3rd Sicilian Jazz Project album.

Sandra Bouza
January 11 @ 5:00 PM

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

Angela Verbrugge
January 11 & 12 @ 8:00pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angela Verbrugge
January 11 & 12 @ 8:00pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Rice Quartet
January 13 @ 5:00 pm

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

No Reservations
No Cover Charge

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

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

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
january 6, 13, 20, 27 @8:00pm

No Reservations
No 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.

Jay Boehmer's Queen Street Four
January 14 @ 5:00 PM

Jay Boehmer - Drums
Rebecca Hennessy - Trumpet
Chris Gale - Tenor Sax
Michael Herring - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Queen Street Four is a collective featuring Rebecca Hennessy (trumpet), Jay Boehmer (drums), Chris Gale (tenor sax) and Michael Herring (bass). The band performs classics by Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern and Fats Waller as well as original compositions.

The Pat Collins Trio Plus Two
January 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:00pm

Pat Collins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Tom Szcesniak - Accordian
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Joel Haynes - Drums.

Celebrating his 60th birthday, with his trio, Reg Schwager and Tom Szcesniak, as well as trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and Joel Haynes on drums.

Originally from Qualicum Beach, B.C., bassist Pat Collins moved to Toronto in 1988 and has become one of the more active bassists on the Canadian Jazz Scene.  Pat has performed with such legendary musicians as Oscar Peterson, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Cobb and Lee Konitz.  He has also performed with legendary Canadian musicians as Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard and Don Thompson.
  
In January, 2005, Pat released his first CD as a leader, on Cornerstone Records, entitled “In the Moment” featuring some of Canada’s premier jazz musicians, Mike Murley, Reg Schwager and Barry Elmes. The CD has received rave reviews, including “In the Moment is a CD that’s very easy to like”, (Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com), and “This is a classy contribution to the jazz canon”, (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star). The Pat Collins Quartet was nominated for a 2005 National Jazz Award as “Acoustic Group of the Year”, “Album of the Year” in 2006, and Pat was nominated as “Acoustic Bassist of the Year” in 2005 and 2006. 

In May 2020, Pat released his second CD as a leader, also on Cornerstone Records.  It's a trio recording featuring two of Canada's premier jazz musicians, Tom Szczesniak on accordion, and Reg Schwager on guitar. The album is entitled, "Time Well Spent" and features compositions by all members of the trio, as well as tunes by Paul Simon and Michel Legrand.

Pat is also an educator, and is on the full-time music faculty of Mohawk College, in Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat also taught for many years at Humber College in Toronto, as well as many summer music camps including the Interprovincial Music Camp, Kincardine Summer Music Festival and the National Music Camp.  Pat is currently on the faculty of the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina, Saskatchewan as well as the Jazz for Adults camp at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Pat is active as an adjudicator and clinician at music festivals across Canada, including Musicfest Canada, The Golden Horseshoe Musicfest, and the West Coast Jazz Festival.
 

The Pat Collins Trio Plus Two
January 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:00pm

Pat Collins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Tom Szcesniak - Accordian
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Joel Haynes - Drums.

Celebrating his 60th birthday, with his trio, Reg Schwager and Tom Szcesniak, as well as trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and Joel Haynes on drums.

Originally from Qualicum Beach, B.C., bassist Pat Collins moved to Toronto in 1988 and has become one of the more active bassists on the Canadian Jazz Scene.  Pat has performed with such legendary musicians as Oscar Peterson, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Cobb and Lee Konitz.  He has also performed with legendary Canadian musicians as Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard and Don Thompson.
  
In January, 2005, Pat released his first CD as a leader, on Cornerstone Records, entitled “In the Moment” featuring some of Canada’s premier jazz musicians, Mike Murley, Reg Schwager and Barry Elmes. The CD has received rave reviews, including “In the Moment is a CD that’s very easy to like”, (Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com), and “This is a classy contribution to the jazz canon”, (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star). The Pat Collins Quartet was nominated for a 2005 National Jazz Award as “Acoustic Group of the Year”, “Album of the Year” in 2006, and Pat was nominated as “Acoustic Bassist of the Year” in 2005 and 2006. 

In May 2020, Pat released his second CD as a leader, also on Cornerstone Records.  It's a trio recording featuring two of Canada's premier jazz musicians, Tom Szczesniak on accordion, and Reg Schwager on guitar. The album is entitled, "Time Well Spent" and features compositions by all members of the trio, as well as tunes by Paul Simon and Michel Legrand.

Pat is also an educator, and is on the full-time music faculty of Mohawk College, in Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat also taught for many years at Humber College in Toronto, as well as many summer music camps including the Interprovincial Music Camp, Kincardine Summer Music Festival and the National Music Camp.  Pat is currently on the faculty of the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina, Saskatchewan as well as the Jazz for Adults camp at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Pat is active as an adjudicator and clinician at music festivals across Canada, including Musicfest Canada, The Golden Horseshoe Musicfest, and the West Coast Jazz Festival.
 

James Griffith
January 16 @ 5:00 pm

James Griffith - Saxophone
Band - TBA

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.

The Pat Collins Trio Plus Two
January 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:00pm

Pat Collins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Tom Szcesniak - Accordian
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Joel Haynes - Drums.

Celebrating his 60th birthday, with his trio, Reg Schwager and Tom Szcesniak, as well as trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and Joel Haynes on drums.

Originally from Qualicum Beach, B.C., bassist Pat Collins moved to Toronto in 1988 and has become one of the more active bassists on the Canadian Jazz Scene.  Pat has performed with such legendary musicians as Oscar Peterson, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Cobb and Lee Konitz.  He has also performed with legendary Canadian musicians as Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard and Don Thompson.
  
In January, 2005, Pat released his first CD as a leader, on Cornerstone Records, entitled “In the Moment” featuring some of Canada’s premier jazz musicians, Mike Murley, Reg Schwager and Barry Elmes. The CD has received rave reviews, including “In the Moment is a CD that’s very easy to like”, (Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com), and “This is a classy contribution to the jazz canon”, (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star). The Pat Collins Quartet was nominated for a 2005 National Jazz Award as “Acoustic Group of the Year”, “Album of the Year” in 2006, and Pat was nominated as “Acoustic Bassist of the Year” in 2005 and 2006. 

In May 2020, Pat released his second CD as a leader, also on Cornerstone Records.  It's a trio recording featuring two of Canada's premier jazz musicians, Tom Szczesniak on accordion, and Reg Schwager on guitar. The album is entitled, "Time Well Spent" and features compositions by all members of the trio, as well as tunes by Paul Simon and Michel Legrand.

Pat is also an educator, and is on the full-time music faculty of Mohawk College, in Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat also taught for many years at Humber College in Toronto, as well as many summer music camps including the Interprovincial Music Camp, Kincardine Summer Music Festival and the National Music Camp.  Pat is currently on the faculty of the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina, Saskatchewan as well as the Jazz for Adults camp at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Pat is active as an adjudicator and clinician at music festivals across Canada, including Musicfest Canada, The Golden Horseshoe Musicfest, and the West Coast Jazz Festival.
 

Midnight Munchies
january 16 @ 11:00 PM

Stone He - Bass
Darryl Britto - Guitar
Kenneth Menezes - Keyboard
David Malcolm - Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Mattaus Gretzinger - Saxophone
Eiji Tay - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Midnight Munchies is a jazz fusion band started by Stone He and Darryl Britto as a duo (under the name Darryl and Stone) with their shared interest in 80s Japanese Citypop and Jazz Fusion. Eventually, they gathered a group of musicians from various different backgrounds to make music that blends catchy melodies with great vibes (whatever that means). The band is always looking to experiment with new sounds and broaden their horizons with their influences. Late in 2025, they released their first single “Moonlight Promenade” and will release more in the future. 

If you’re wondering how we got the name of the band, it came from this cafe in Waterloo called “Midnight Run” where the band first performed. 

About the band leader: Stone He is a bassist and occasional keyboardist that has performed classical, jazz, and other genres across Toronto and the GTA. In 2024, he participated in the Side-by-Side program organized by Confluence Concerts for Young Artists, where he collaborated with musicians and artists of a wide range of genres. In addition, he has also arranged jazz and movie soundtracks for Toronto Pops Orchestra.

Michael Kawabe Quartet
January 17 @ 5:00 pm

Michael Kawabe - Drums
Jeff King - Sax
Tom Reynolds - Piano
Mark Dunn - Bass

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Born in Japan and growing up in the GTA, Mike Kawabe’s background in jazz, classical, world and various pop music idioms has provided him with a rare perspective. A drummer-percussionist-writer-arranger-educator who continues to perform in all styles of music for over 30 years. Mike has played with the likes of Guido Basso, Pat Labarbera, Robi Botos, John MacLeod, Kirk MacDonald, Gene DiNovi, and Mike Murley. He has also played in a number of musicals including Songs For A New World, The Producers, Kinky Boots, Little Shop of Horrors, Blood Brothers, Evita and Guys and Dolls to name a few.
Mike’s quartet performs a wide variety of jazz standards from traditional to modern and features original pieces by him and the members of his talented group. Mike adds a fresh and unique voice to venues from small clubs, studio sessions, orchestra pits to large scale

The Pat Collins Trio Plus Two
January 14, 15, 16, 17 @ 8:00pm

Pat Collins - Bass
Reg Schwager - Guitar
Tom Szcesniak - Accordian
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Joel Haynes - Drums.

Celebrating his 60th birthday, with his trio, Reg Schwager and Tom Szcesniak, as well as trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and Joel Haynes on drums.

Originally from Qualicum Beach, B.C., bassist Pat Collins moved to Toronto in 1988 and has become one of the more active bassists on the Canadian Jazz Scene.  Pat has performed with such legendary musicians as Oscar Peterson, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Cobb and Lee Konitz.  He has also performed with legendary Canadian musicians as Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard and Don Thompson.
  
In January, 2005, Pat released his first CD as a leader, on Cornerstone Records, entitled “In the Moment” featuring some of Canada’s premier jazz musicians, Mike Murley, Reg Schwager and Barry Elmes. The CD has received rave reviews, including “In the Moment is a CD that’s very easy to like”, (Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com), and “This is a classy contribution to the jazz canon”, (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star). The Pat Collins Quartet was nominated for a 2005 National Jazz Award as “Acoustic Group of the Year”, “Album of the Year” in 2006, and Pat was nominated as “Acoustic Bassist of the Year” in 2005 and 2006. 

In May 2020, Pat released his second CD as a leader, also on Cornerstone Records.  It's a trio recording featuring two of Canada's premier jazz musicians, Tom Szczesniak on accordion, and Reg Schwager on guitar. The album is entitled, "Time Well Spent" and features compositions by all members of the trio, as well as tunes by Paul Simon and Michel Legrand.

Pat is also an educator, and is on the full-time music faculty of Mohawk College, in Hamilton, Ontario.  Pat also taught for many years at Humber College in Toronto, as well as many summer music camps including the Interprovincial Music Camp, Kincardine Summer Music Festival and the National Music Camp.  Pat is currently on the faculty of the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina, Saskatchewan as well as the Jazz for Adults camp at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Pat is active as an adjudicator and clinician at music festivals across Canada, including Musicfest Canada, The Golden Horseshoe Musicfest, and the West Coast Jazz Festival.
 

Rash with Special Guest from Taipei - LEO37
January 17 @ 11:00 PM

Tim Shia - Drums
Andrew Rasmussen - Keys
Bret Higgins - Bass
LEO37 - MC/DJ

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

RASH is a trio like Rush but far less successful and more irritating.  

Whether it be an Aphex Twin cover or a spaghetti western sounding original, the band likes  improvising and sonic overindulgence.  

They also like long walks on the beach.  

The band features Andrew Rasmussen (Hailey Blaise, 99s, Carly Rae Jepsen), Bret Higgins  (Atlas Revolt, Great Lake Swimmers, Beyond the Pale) Tim Shia (The Worst Pop Band Ever,  Shannon Butcher, Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People). 

For their Rex show on Jan.16, they will be joined by award winning DJ/MC from Taiwan, LEO37  (Robot Swing, That’s MY SHHH, Hsieh Minyen)

Global Jazz: Nastasia Y
January 18 @ 2:00pm

Nastasia Y - keyboards, vocals
Band - TBA


No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Nastasia Y (nas-TA-sya Why) braids ancient  folk songs with modern grooves to create a  sound uniquely her own - but if you need a  genre, try Ukrainian soul. Her artistry is  shaped just as much by growing up in Kyiv,  raised on her late father’s freedom songs, as  by jazz school days in Toronto listening to  Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. Weaving  ancestral sounds with lush synths, funky  loops, and groovy basslines, her music is  fresh yet nostalgic - entangled in the  complex emotions of war and love,  heartbreak and hope. Her album Kyiv  Soul earned praise from CBC, World Music  Charts Europe, and a Canadian Folk Music  Award nomination.  

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

Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

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

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

Love Garden
January 18 & 19 @ 8:00 PM

John Pelosi- Guitar
Michael Ferfolia- Vocals
Selena Evangeline- Vocals 
Marco Luciani- Keyboards
Pat Kilbride- Bass
Mark Kelso- Drums

Love Garden is a six piece ensemble comprising of some of Canada’s top  musicians. Based in Toronto they are: John Pelosi- Guitar Michael Ferfolia- Vocals Selena Evangeline- Vocals  Marco Luciani- Keyboards Pat Kilbride- Bass Mark Kelso- Drums Formed in early 2022 by guitarist/composer John Pelosi, Love Garden released their debut album in June of 2022. In April 2025 Love Garden released a second album entitled “White Hole Echo”. Love Garden’s songs draw from the wide range of musical language in the modern  world including jazz, pop/rock , world… and aspire to create an uplifting experience for  the listener.

Love Garden
January 18 & 19 @ 8:00 PM

John Pelosi- Guitar
Michael Ferfolia- Vocals
Selena Evangeline- Vocals 
Marco Luciani- Keyboards
Pat Kilbride- Bass
Mark Kelso- Drums

Love Garden is a six piece ensemble comprising of some of Canada’s top  musicians. Based in Toronto they are: John Pelosi- Guitar Michael Ferfolia- Vocals Selena Evangeline- Vocals  Marco Luciani- Keyboards Pat Kilbride- Bass Mark Kelso- Drums Formed in early 2022 by guitarist/composer John Pelosi, Love Garden released their debut album in June of 2022. In April 2025 Love Garden released a second album entitled “White Hole Echo”. Love Garden’s songs draw from the wide range of musical language in the modern  world including jazz, pop/rock , world… and aspire to create an uplifting experience for  the listener.

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
january 6, 13, 20, 27 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Andrew McAnsh
January 21 @ 5:00 PM

Andrew McAnsh - Trumpet
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

An award-winning trumpeter/composer/educator and recent masters graduate of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Andrew McAnsh was born and raised in the modest city of Cambridge, Ontario. There, at the age of 12, upon his first exposure to the sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, he fell in love with music. Now 31, and an established professional musician with his own inventive, contemporary style, McAnsh still pays homage to the contributions of these two artists, as his greatest personal influences. McAnsh has performed and studied with notable artists including Esperanza Spalding, Barry Harris, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Laila Biali, Larnell Lewis, Bill Dobbins, Terri Lyne Carrington, George Garzone, Pat LaBarbera, Hilario Duran, and Bobby Shew at major international festivals such as the Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, Kobe Jazz Walk, Toronto Jazz Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival and many others.

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:00 PM

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia / Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:00 PM

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia / Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:00 PM

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia / Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Tyler Emond's 'Teenage Wasp'
January 23 @ 11:00 PM

Tyler Emond - Bass
Kevin Breit - Guitar
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Jeff Halischuk - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Tyler Emond is just another guy…

But, he happens to make very cool music and albums. Sometimes for other musicians, sometimes for himself.

Specifically, he is a producer, composer, arranger, and recording/mix engineer.

He is a multi-instrumentalist, though he is mostly known for playing bass & guitar (but also mandolin, cello, double-bass, drums, synthesizers, fretless guitar etc...)

He has produced and released two albums under the moniker Tennis Partner (Free Clothes and Life Cycles, 2020;

Johnny’s New Nose Job, 2024), and one as a co-leader in the group Hush (Pull The Sky, 2021).

As a producer he has worked on albums for Selcuk Suna (The Space Between, 2025), Ahmed Moneka (Kanzafula, 2024), Tamar Ilana & Ventanas (Azadi, 2024), Tara Moneka (Madina, 2024), Kune (Universal Echoes, 2023), Melissa Lauren (My Voice, 2022), Tyler Shaw (When You’re Home [Piano Version], 2021), Duane Forrest (Blackest Bird, 2022; Y Sol, 2021) Kristin Fung (Straight To The Heart Of It/You For You, 2020), Nature Boy (Opia, 2018).

He has composed music for film, symphony orchestra, jazz big band, and chamber ensembles.

Thomas Steele 10tet
january 24 @ 2:00 pm

Thomas Steele, Steve Carson, Joel Bracken, Alex Manoukas - Woodwinds
Kyle Pogline, Andrew McAnsh - Trumpets
Angela Pincente, Andrew Gormley -Trombones
Matthew O’Halloran - Piano
Evan Gratham - Bass
Jackson Haynes - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Thomas Steele 10Tet is a ten-piece contemporary large ensemble based in Toronto, Ontario. While a modern and contemporary group, the music composed and performed by the group is rooted in the jazz tradition. The group has performed across the city in a variety of venues, and has been a featured ensemble in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Toronto TU Jazz Festival.

Born in November 2019, the ensemble is most notable for its distinctive instrumentation and genre-defying compositions. The ensemble consists of four woodwinds players, two trumpeters, two trombonists, a bassist and drummer. The lack of a chordal instrument, such as a piano or guitar, creates a unique opportunity for the ensemble to experiment with incorporating melody, harmony and rhythm into their works.

In February 2021, the ensemble released their debut record “10Tet”, which has been heard across the globe. The record features seven pieces of original music written by Thomas and members of the ensemble, and features ten of Toronto’s finest young musicians.

As time passes, the group continues to expand their repertoire and look forward to continuing to compose and perform their innovative music for years to come.

Diane Roblin’s Life Force
January 24 @ 5:00 pm

Diane Roblin -Piano/Keyboards/Compositions  

George Koller - Electric and upright bass  

Tim Shia - Drums  

Colleen Allen - Reeds  

John Johnson - Tenor, Bass clarinet  

Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet 

No reservations
Pay What You Can

Diane Roblin’s Life Force band has been described as a "virtuosic  ensemble of Canadian hotshots” who play Diane’s diverse and spirited  compositions that blend her broad influences ranging from high-energy  jazz-funk to impressionism…something unique to offer jazz  fans" (JAZZ.FM91).  

Diane Roblin’s dynamic career has earned her a place among Canada’s  most respected women in jazz. Known for her powerful compositions and  expressive keyboard style, Diane’s performances blend technical agility  with a deep commitment to the connective power of music. As a composer,  pianist, electric keyboardist, improviser, and bandleader, Diane’s spirited,  genre-crossing work has led to collaborations with artists ranging from  avant-garde improviser Charles Gayle to the iconic rock band Rough  Trade. Her new album, Breath of Fresh Air showcases Roblin’s expansive  musical voice, weaving jazz, funk, and impressionist harmony into  compositions that are both adventurous and deeply moving. WholeNote  says…“Roblin reminds us of her skill, not only as a pianist but as a new  music composer.” Diane”s performances have reached audiences at major  venues both domestically and abroad including Amsterdam’s Bimhuis and  Smalls NYC. Diane is also an active member of the Association of  Canadian Women Composers. www.dianeroblin.com 

Re Breath of Fresh Air…“Their masterful collaboration has created an  extraordinary, multifaceted musical journey that sparks the imagination  and uplifts the spirit. Highly recommended!”….midwestbooks.com 

Worst Pop Band Ever
January 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:00 PM

Chris Gale - Saxophone
Adrean Farrugia / Dafydd Hughes - Keys
Drew Birston - Bass
Tim Shia - Drums

The Worst Pop Band Ever
With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Since forming in 2005, they have shared stages/ toured with the likes of the Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Jeff Parker, Rich Brown, Rich Underhill, Kelly Jefferson and Elizabeth Shepherd.
They have played festivals and clubs throughout North America including the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, NXNE, the Wreckhouse Jazz Festival (St. John’s, NL), the Ottawa Jazz Festival on Canada Day, IAJE, as well as filling notable venues/clubs like the Rex (Toronto), Schuba's (Chicago), Le Garage (Winnipeg), Yardbird Suite (Edmonton), Bassment (Saskatoon) and the Beat Niq (Calgary), the NAC (Ottawa), and The Cellar (Vancouver). They were recently referred to as a "highlight" of the 2012 TD Canada Trust Jazz festival in Toronto.

The band has just released it's latest EP, "Sometimes Things Go Wrong (and other songs we shouldn't play)". It was recorded live in Vancouver on their last tour while promoting their last album,"Dost Thou Believeth in Science" (2009). Like their first album, “Thanks for Coming Out”(2006), Dost thou received critical acclaim from traditional and online media such as the Toronto Star, Wholenote Magazine, Something Else! (jazz.com), FFWD, and All About Jazz.Com (including being the featured download of the day). The album has received national and international radio rotation, reaching # 1 on the CIUT Charts in Toronto, #28 on the overall Canadian College Radio Charts (Earshot) and was featured on CBC Radio 3.

Their music has also been used for film and videos for the United Nations, Teletoon, CBC and the National Film Board - including the NFB's video tribute to dancer, Peggy Baker at the Governor General Awards. They were shortlisted as part of Toronto's NOW Magazine and the Harbourfront Centre's "Soundclash" competition and were showcased in the June 2012 issue of Canadian Musician.

Sloth Broth
January 24 @ 11:00 PM

Gianluca Occhipinti - keys, synth & synth bass
Jamie Wells - Drums

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Sloth Broth is a jazz fusion duo comprised of Gianluca Occhipinti on keys, synth and synth bass, and Jamie Wells on drums—they are best of friends. Music has always sat at the core of their camaraderie, a quality they hope remains constant as their friendship unfolds into the unyielding passage of time. So if you like to be dazzled, brazzled and swazzled by the groove, come catch a Sloth Broth show and we’ll be sure to be your friend too.

Global Sunday Donne Roberts
January 25 @ 2:00 pm

Donne Roberts - Guitar / Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Donné Roberts was born in Madagascar. Now based in Toronto, Canada. He’s earned a matchless reputation for his compositions, strong catchy melodic lines that makes his audience sing along with him during live performances, strong message on the lyrics, also the excitement and the high energy and professionalism of his live shows. 
Donné Roberts is a passionate performer. When he hits the stage, he carries with him an energy that immediately exhilarates the crowd even if they've never heard his music before. Donné performs mainly in Malagasy mother tongue from his birthplace of Madagascar. Yet this never proves to be a barrier to the audience, providing living proof that music truly does transcend languages.
Donné came to wider recognition in Canada after he released his albums “Rhythm Was Born”, “Internation” and the most recent release “OYA” was released in October 2021. Also got recognitions for his contribution as one of the members of the African Guitar Summit project, which won a JUNO Award in 2005 and was nominated for another one in 2007 and also as a former original member of Okavango the African Orchestra that won a JUNO Award while he was a member in 2017. Also known as one of the African musicians in Toronto who’s been invited to collaborate and co-write songs with various Canadian musicians such as the Sultans Of Strings, Amanda Martinez and more. 
 
Donné was raised and educated in Moscow, Russia, speaks and sings in Malagasy, French, and English. In Moscow, he was the first black VJ on MTV Russia. 
From touring as a backup singer for Ace of Base (Swedish pop group) to a stint as the first black VJ on MTV Russia, Donné has led a prolific and varied artistic life since he left his home country of Madagascar as a boy. 
Touring Canada, he introduces his music to new fans that might be unfamiliar with the kinds of rhythms his music conveys and his fusion of seemingly dissimilar sounds.
 
His success led to CBC Radio asking him to compose the theme song for their popular morning show Fresh Air, which still runs today. Also, he was invited and co-wrote a theme song with Yukiko Tsutsui (Japanese singer songwriter) for ABS TV & Radio station Japan after his successful tour with Yukiko Tsutsui in Japan in 2018. 

The Jay Blues Trio
January 25 @ 5:00pm

Jwoel “Jay” Benn - Guitar / Vocals
Ben Graffam - Drums
Kyle Colasanti - Bass / backing vocals

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

The Jay Blues Trio are a Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto composed of Jwoel “Jay” Benn (guitar/vocals), Ben Graffam (drums) & Kyle Colesanti (Bass). The band formed in 2023 from a collective of Blues, Rnb, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking and preforming within the local scene. Channeling the styles of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago Blues, 70’s Funk, and Whirling solos with Slow Sultry Acid-Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to groove.

Ernesto Cervini Quartet
january 25 @ 8:00 PM

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

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

Cole Matheson Quintet
January 27 @ 5:00 PM

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

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

Classic REx jam
hosted by chris banks
january 6, 13, 20, 27 @8:00pm

NO RESERVATIONS

$10 Cover Charge

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

Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Emmett Hodgins Trio
January 28 @ 5:00 PM

Emmett Hodgins - Piano
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

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

Noam Lemish - Piano
Band - TBA

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

Sherie Marshall
January 29 @ 5:00 PM

Sherie Marshall - Vocals
Band - TBA

No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Noam Lemish - Piano
Band - TBA

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

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

Noam Lemish - Piano
Band - TBA

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

Roshane Wright
January 30 @ 11:00 PM

Roshane Wight - 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.*

Trombone Charlotte
January 31 @ 2:00 PM

Trombone Charlotte - Trombone / Vocals
Band - TBA


No Reservations
Pay What You Can

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

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

Noam Lemish - Piano
Band - TBA

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

Shalom Murray
January 31 @ 11:00 PM

Shalom Murray - Vocals
Band - TBA

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