Where Jazz Lives
THE BEST of JAZZ & Blues this month

Upcoming events

Interested in performing at The Rex?
Email info@therex.ca
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
June 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM
Alex Dean - Saxophone
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Shirantha Beddege - Saophone
Jeff Mcleod - Organ
Andy Scott - Guitar
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Alex Dean, one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists, has been a mainstay of the Canadian music scene for many years. He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Nimmons, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Alex held the tenor saxophone chair with Rob McConnell’s Grammy award winning Boss Brass and, the Juno award winning Rob McConnell Tentet. He has collaborated extensively on C.D’s as side man with Canadian and American Jazz Artists. The Alex Dean Quartet/Quintet recordings include the newly released At this Point (November 2010), Dreamsville, Both Feet, and Kaitlyn’s Waltz. Kaitlyn’s Waltz was voted Best Jazz CD of 1994 by The Jazz Report and one of the Top Ten Jazz CD releases by New York’s Village Voice. He was also voted Jazz Musician of the Year by the Toronto Star.
The Alex Dean Quintet in the last couple of years is a relatively new group of highly regarded Canadian jazz artists assembled to record and play original music by Alex – Brian Dickenson, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs and Ted Warren. The Quintet’s latest recording opened to standing room only crowds at Toronto’s Rex Jazz Club in November and will be playing/promoting their newest C.D. at various Jazz Festivals this summer including a feature date at The Toronto Jazz Festival.
Mark Eisenman Quintet
Mark Eisenman Quintet
June 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:30 PM
Mark Eisenmen - Piano
Pat LaBarbera - Saxophone
John Macleod - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Pat Collins - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums
Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.
Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.
Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.
In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.
"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).
In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.
Eric St-Laurent
Eric St-Laurent
June 6, 13, 20, 27 @5:30pm
Eric St-Laurent - Guitar
Luis Orbegoso - congas, lead vocals & trombone
Chendy Leon - Cajon & vocals
Calvin Beale - bass
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Born and raised in Montreal, St-Laurent studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes.
Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada.
Since returning to Toronto, Canada, St-Laurent has recorded and toured with Till Bronner, Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Rebekka Bakken, Slide Hampton, Luc de la Rocheliere, Sylvie Paquette, Richard Underhill, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Bernard Primeau and represented Canada at the International Guitar Summit in Nice (MIDEM).
Mark Eisenman Quintet
Mark Eisenman Quintet
June 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:30 PM
Mark Eisenmen - Piano
Pat LaBarbera - Saxophone
John Macleod - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Pat Collins - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums
Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.
Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.
Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.
In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.
"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).
In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.
Dr. Nick and the RollerCoasters
Dr Nick and the Rollercoasters
June 7 @ 2:00 pm
Blues Band
No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Over the past 20 years, Doctor Nick and the Rollercoasters have performed countless gigs at the venerable Rex Hotel and elsewhere. Their Blues is rooted in the early electric post-war period of Chicago's south side of the 1950's, where Blues luminaries such as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter and others honed their craft to produce a sound which is at the root of most of the contemporary music that we hear today.
Doctor Nick fronts the band singing and laying down the fat sax-like tone of the amplified harmonica that is so emblematic of that era. Juno award winning Julian Fauth also graces the stage on piano and vocals. On guitar, the talented Darren Gallen digs into some deep Blues grooves and is supported by the stellar rhythm section of Bob Vespaziani on drums and James Thompson on acoustic bass.
The Rollercoasters play the Blues in the only way they know how: with passion, sincerity and respect.
We invite you to come down and catch a show.
If you have the Blues, Doctor Nick has the remedy.
Selena Savage 7tet
Selena Savage 7tet
June 7 @ 5:30 pm
Selena Savage - Trombone
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Selena Savage is a trombonist, vocalist, arranger and composer from Whitehorse, Yukon. A recent graduate of the UofT jazz program, Selena has developed a distinct voice in the scene, both as a performer and through her work in arranging and composition. Her writing and playing take inspiration from iconic Canadian trombonists like Rob McConnell and Terry Promane.
The Selena Savage 7tet is a dynamic large jazz ensemble comprised of some of the city's best young musicians. Selena's writing is a fresh take on the classic Toronto big band sound, and her band plays a mix of standards and her original compositions.
Mark Eisenman Quintet
Mark Eisenman Quintet
June 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:30 PM
Mark Eisenmen - Piano
Pat LaBarbera - Saxophone
John Macleod - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Pat Collins - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums
Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.
Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.
Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.
In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.
"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).
In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.
Ori Dagan's Birthday Bash!
Ori Dagan's Birthday Bash!
June 8 @ 2:00 pm
Ori Dagan - Vocals
Ewen Farncombe - Piano
Brandi Disterheft - Bass
Ben Wittman - Drums
Primarily first-come, first-served, Limited VIP tickets are available for guaranteed premium seating and meet & greet.
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Toronto's Ori Dagan is an award-winning artist whose velvety tones and captivating charisma have earned him accolades and recognition as a songwriter and singer from such respected organizations as the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and DownBeat Magazine. With his rich baritone, infectious swing and fresh improvisations, he breathes new life to even the most familiar chestnuts. Dagan's clever original songs and unique interpretations of classics have taken him across Canada and internationally, including performances in Japan, South Korea, Germany, Morocco, Macedonia and the United States. Surrounding himself with the most creative and virtuosic musicians, Ori Dagan takes jazz music to new and exciting places.

Joe Bowden
Joe Bowden
June 8 & 9 @ 8:30 PM
Joe Bowden - Drums
Band TBA
A drummer, composer and arranger, Joe Bowden spent his formative years in the projects of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Toronto in the 80’s to pursue his music career. He toured with Salome Bey from ’84-’88, which included a performance at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. He also performed at the ’99 Barbados Jazz Festival, which featured Wynton and Brandford Marsalis, Regina Belle and Luther Vandross.
Joe then pursued his Music degree and Business diploma at Humber College. Since then, he has worked with some of Toronto’s top jazz, R&B and pop artists: Divine Brown, Alana Bridgewater, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jackie Richardson, Rich Kidd and Dave Young, to name a few.
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
June 2, 9, 16 & 30 @ 5:30 pm
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Mark Godfrey - Bass
Ernesto Cervini - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.
In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”
Joe Bowden
Joe Bowden
June 8 & 9 @ 8:30 PM
Joe Bowden - Drums
Band TBA
A drummer, composer and arranger, Joe Bowden spent his formative years in the projects of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Toronto in the 80’s to pursue his music career. He toured with Salome Bey from ’84-’88, which included a performance at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. He also performed at the ’99 Barbados Jazz Festival, which featured Wynton and Brandford Marsalis, Regina Belle and Luther Vandross.
Joe then pursued his Music degree and Business diploma at Humber College. Since then, he has worked with some of Toronto’s top jazz, R&B and pop artists: Divine Brown, Alana Bridgewater, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jackie Richardson, Rich Kidd and Dave Young, to name a few.
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
June 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 5:30pm
Champagne James Robertson - Guitar
Anh Phung - Alto Flute
Devon Henderson - Bass
Davide Dorenzo - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet plays Texas Surf, old Jazz and scooter Rock. When he’s not playing with this crew he plays with C&C Surf Factory, MOONRIIVR, Dwayne Gretzky and Junkhouse. Anh is a virtuosic flautist that plays with Twisted Pine, Billy Strings, Acidtrip.ca, among others. They will be accompanied by Davide Dorenzo and Devon Henderson.

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks
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.
Tania Gill
Tania Gill
June 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 5:30 pm
Tania Gill - Piano
Chris Banks - Bass (June 4 & 11)
Phil Melanson - Drums (June 4 & 11)
Lina Allemano - Trumpet (June 18)
Rob Clutton - Bass (June 18 & 25)
Nico Dann - Drums (June 18 & 25)
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Toronto-based pianist and composer Tania Gill has spent over twenty years cultivating a singular but polymorphous musical approach. She has developed a distinctive improvisational language in jazz and improvised music, and has played in ensembles such as the Brodie West Quintet, Rebecca Hennessy’s FOG, See Through Trio, and the Titillators. She has also performed and recorded alongside Anthony Braxton, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Morris, Jean Derome, and Nick Fraser. Her own group, the Tania Gill Quartet, comprises leading Canadian musicians Lina Allemano (trumpet), Rob Clutton (bass), and Nico Dann (drums). Their acclaimed disc Bolger Station (2010, Barnyard Records), was nominated for best debut album in the Village Voice jazz critics’ poll and was included among the Globe and Mail’s top ten albums of the year. The follow-up, Disappearing Curiosities, launches in March 2022.
Gill’s unconventional versatility keeps her engaged in an eclectic array of styles. She was a member of Deep Dark United and the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, and is a regular collaborator to vocalist Fides Krucker, and singer-songwriter Kyp Harness. She has also shared the stage with Steve Reich, Chris Whitely, Man Forever, Gord Downie, Mary Margaret O’Hara, the Weather Station, Hector del Curto, Margaret Atwood, and Charles Spearin’s Happiness Project.
She is also supportive and dedicated educator and currently teaches at Humber College and University of Toronto, in addition to her roster of private students.
Mike Murley Group With special guest Johnny Aman
Mike Murley Group with special Guest Johnny Aman
June 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet ( June 11, 12 & 13)
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Johnny Aman- Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley co-leads his latest release—Juno-nominated—with veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman. The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting, fresh music while still respecting the core concepts of jazz: swing, melody, interaction, and being in the moment.
Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven original Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies over standard chord progressions—also known as contrafacts. Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).
Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.
As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11).
In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
June 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM
Alex Dean - Saxophone
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Shirantha Beddege - Saophone
Jeff Mcleod - Organ
Andy Scott - Guitar
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Alex Dean, one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists, has been a mainstay of the Canadian music scene for many years. He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Nimmons, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Alex held the tenor saxophone chair with Rob McConnell’s Grammy award winning Boss Brass and, the Juno award winning Rob McConnell Tentet. He has collaborated extensively on C.D’s as side man with Canadian and American Jazz Artists. The Alex Dean Quartet/Quintet recordings include the newly released At this Point (November 2010), Dreamsville, Both Feet, and Kaitlyn’s Waltz. Kaitlyn’s Waltz was voted Best Jazz CD of 1994 by The Jazz Report and one of the Top Ten Jazz CD releases by New York’s Village Voice. He was also voted Jazz Musician of the Year by the Toronto Star.
The Alex Dean Quintet in the last couple of years is a relatively new group of highly regarded Canadian jazz artists assembled to record and play original music by Alex – Brian Dickenson, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs and Ted Warren. The Quintet’s latest recording opened to standing room only crowds at Toronto’s Rex Jazz Club in November and will be playing/promoting their newest C.D. at various Jazz Festivals this summer including a feature date at The Toronto Jazz Festival.
Mike Murley Group With special guest Johnny Aman
Mike Murley Group with special Guest Johnny Aman
June 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet ( June 11, 12 & 13)
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Johnny Aman- Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley co-leads his latest release—Juno-nominated—with veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman. The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting, fresh music while still respecting the core concepts of jazz: swing, melody, interaction, and being in the moment.
Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven original Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies over standard chord progressions—also known as contrafacts. Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).
Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.
As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11).
In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.
Eric St-Laurent
Eric St-Laurent
June 6, 13, 20, 27 @5:30pm
Eric St-Laurent - Guitar
Luis Orbegoso - congas, lead vocals & trombone
Chendy Leon - Cajon & vocals
Calvin Beale - bass
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Born and raised in Montreal, St-Laurent studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes.
Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada.
Since returning to Toronto, Canada, St-Laurent has recorded and toured with Till Bronner, Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Rebekka Bakken, Slide Hampton, Luc de la Rocheliere, Sylvie Paquette, Richard Underhill, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Bernard Primeau and represented Canada at the International Guitar Summit in Nice (MIDEM).
Mike Murley Group With special guest Johnny Aman
Mike Murley Group with special Guest Johnny Aman
June 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet ( June 11, 12 & 13)
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Johnny Aman- Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley co-leads his latest release—Juno-nominated—with veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman. The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting, fresh music while still respecting the core concepts of jazz: swing, melody, interaction, and being in the moment.
Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven original Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies over standard chord progressions—also known as contrafacts. Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).
Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.
As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11).
In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.
Swing shift big band
SWING SHIFT BIG BAND
march 22 @ 2:00 pM
Led by : Jim John - Saxophone
No Reservations
Cover Charges:
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
“This is the home of Canada’s Premier Big Band - Jim John's Swing Shift Big Band. From the band’s beginning in 1996 it quickly became apparent that this was a band intent on preserving the sounds and quality of the big band era - a band that has since been recognized as one of the top big bands in the country. With 17 talented musicians, male and female vocalists and optional dancers and female vocal trio, this band can entertain audiences of all ages. From dances, corporate galas, and jazz festivals to weddings, theatre shows and everything in-between, Swing Shift has the variety to suit any occasion. We can also provide smaller groups, ranging from solo piano, trio, quartet and right up to our very popular 11 piece group - a versatile band that specializes in music for all ages. Leader Jim John has twenty years of leadership experience - he knows how to make your event a big success!!”

The Neon Eagle
the Neon Eagle
June 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm
Led by:
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.
Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!
Mike Murley Group With special guest Johnny Aman
Mike Murley Group with special Guest Johnny Aman
June 11, 12, 13, 14 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Murley - Saxophone
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet ( June 11, 12 & 13)
Brian Dickinson - Piano
Johnny Aman- Bass
Nick Fraser - Drums
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley co-leads his latest release—Juno-nominated—with veteran Toronto pianist Mark Eisenman. The internationally renowned rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke complete the quartet. These musicians’ accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and collectively they bring their vast experience and knowledge together to create exciting, fresh music while still respecting the core concepts of jazz: swing, melody, interaction, and being in the moment.
Murley and Eisenman perform four duo tracks, featuring music from Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn, and two standard tunes. The quartet takes on seven original Murley/Eisenman compositions, reflecting the co-leaders’ shared interest in writing new melodies over standard chord progressions—also known as contrafacts. Recent History is mainstream jazz at its best, capturing four of Canada’s most respected jazz artists in top form.
An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).
Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career that has spanned a wide stylistic spectrum. Recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase the saxophonist’s talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. On the more contemporary side, Murley has collaborated frequently with younger generations of improviser/composers including pianist David Braid and guitarist David Occhipinti. He is also well known for his work with the three-time Juno Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.
As an educator Murley has held positions at the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, and as a visiting member of faculty at the Banff School of Fine Arts. He also served as Jazz Area Chair/Coordinator at both U of T (2016-18, 2020-21) and York (2008-11).
In 2022 Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally.
Father's Day with the Carin Redman Quartet
Father's Day with the Carin Redman Quartet
June 15 @ 2:00 pm
Carin Redman - Vocals
Aidan Mason - Guitar
Russ Boswell - Bass
Bryan Humphreys - Drums
Primarily first-come, first-served, Limited VIP tickets are available for guaranteed premium seating and meet & greet.
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Carin Redman has been part of Toronto’s vibrant music scene for over 20 years, sharing her love of jazz, pop, and R&B with audiences across the city. As the former owner of the cozy bistro and jazz venue Ten Feet Tall, she helped create a space for live music and community, while continuing to perform at well-loved venues and events such as the Beaches Jazz Festival and the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
With a voice that’s smooth and soulful, Carin brings warmth and heart to every performance. Her style is rooted in classic jazz and soul, with a touch of modern flair. Over the years, she’s been fortunate to have collaborated with some of Canada’s most talented and respected musicians, which has helped shape her sound and deepen her musical journey.

Señor McNasty
Señor McNasty
June 15 & 16 @ 8:30 PM
Perry White - Saxophone
Steve McDade - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
Featuring: Reg Schwager, Daniel Barnes, Pat Collins and Ben Dwyer.
Señor McNasty is a group dedicated to the music of Horace Silver and the jazz music of the 50’s and 60’s. Comprised of some of Toronto’s most notorious and accomplished jazz artists. The band is co-lead by trumpeter Steve McDade and Perry White featuring Reg Schwager , Daniel Barnes, Pat Collins and Ben Dwyer.
Steve McDade (trumpet / flugelhorn) has become an integral name on the list of top Canadian trumpet players. Born in Glasgow, Scotland and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, McDade began playing the trumpet at the age of 12 with the Burlington Teen Tour Band, touring Europe and North America to participate in band competitions, and at just 14 was featured as a soloist at Hamilton Place in Hamilton, Ontario. He played professionally throughout the area after that, and entered the Humber College Jazz Studies program when he was 16 years old. Steve has played and recorded with some of the biggest names, ensembles, bands, and orchestras on the arts and entertainment scene including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Diana Krall, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, The Toronto Symphony, Manhattan Transfer, and worked and recorded with Doc Kupka of Tower of Power.
PERRY WHITE’s staggering list of career credentials ranges from long-time membership with ‘The Shuffle Demons’ to performing with ‘The Boss Brass’, Hugh Fraser’s Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation, Claude Ranger, Freddie Stone, Reg Schwager, Dave Young ,Phil Dwyer, CD 9 , John Macleod Big Band, Dave McMurdo Big Band, Kevin Breit’s Sisters Uclid and his current band Brighter Days, Holly Cole, Cirque du Soleil, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and a few memorable gigs with Aretha Franklin, as well as countless other jazz bands and ensembles. He has also been the recipient of many awards including Junos , Best Film Score at the Halifax Film Festival and four times recipient of the Jazz Report’s Best Baritone Sax Player in Canada. As well as live gigs Perry also works behind the scenes on film an television scores and backing up artists on recording projects.
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
June 2, 9, 16 & 30 @ 5:30 pm
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Mark Godfrey - Bass
Ernesto Cervini - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.
In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”
Señor McNasty
Señor McNasty
June 15 & 16 @ 8:30 PM
Perry White - Saxophone
Steve McDade - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
Featuring: Reg Schwager, Daniel Barnes, Pat Collins and Ben Dwyer.
Señor McNasty is a group dedicated to the music of Horace Silver and the jazz music of the 50’s and 60’s. Comprised of some of Toronto’s most notorious and accomplished jazz artists. The band is co-lead by trumpeter Steve McDade and Perry White featuring Reg Schwager , Daniel Barnes, Pat Collins and Ben Dwyer.
Steve McDade (trumpet / flugelhorn) has become an integral name on the list of top Canadian trumpet players. Born in Glasgow, Scotland and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, McDade began playing the trumpet at the age of 12 with the Burlington Teen Tour Band, touring Europe and North America to participate in band competitions, and at just 14 was featured as a soloist at Hamilton Place in Hamilton, Ontario. He played professionally throughout the area after that, and entered the Humber College Jazz Studies program when he was 16 years old. Steve has played and recorded with some of the biggest names, ensembles, bands, and orchestras on the arts and entertainment scene including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Diana Krall, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, The Toronto Symphony, Manhattan Transfer, and worked and recorded with Doc Kupka of Tower of Power.
PERRY WHITE’s staggering list of career credentials ranges from long-time membership with ‘The Shuffle Demons’ to performing with ‘The Boss Brass’, Hugh Fraser’s Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation, Claude Ranger, Freddie Stone, Reg Schwager, Dave Young ,Phil Dwyer, CD 9 , John Macleod Big Band, Dave McMurdo Big Band, Kevin Breit’s Sisters Uclid and his current band Brighter Days, Holly Cole, Cirque du Soleil, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and a few memorable gigs with Aretha Franklin, as well as countless other jazz bands and ensembles. He has also been the recipient of many awards including Junos , Best Film Score at the Halifax Film Festival and four times recipient of the Jazz Report’s Best Baritone Sax Player in Canada. As well as live gigs Perry also works behind the scenes on film an television scores and backing up artists on recording projects.
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
June 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 5:30pm
Champagne James Robertson - Guitar
Anh Phung - Alto Flute
Devon Henderson - Bass
Davide Dorenzo - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet plays Texas Surf, old Jazz and scooter Rock. When he’s not playing with this crew he plays with C&C Surf Factory, MOONRIIVR, Dwayne Gretzky and Junkhouse. Anh is a virtuosic flautist that plays with Twisted Pine, Billy Strings, Acidtrip.ca, among others. They will be accompanied by Davide Dorenzo and Devon Henderson.

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks
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.
Tania Gill
Tania Gill
June 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 5:30 pm
Tania Gill - Piano
Chris Banks - Bass (June 4 & 11)
Phil Melanson - Drums (June 4 & 11)
Lina Allemano - Trumpet (June 18)
Rob Clutton - Bass (June 18 & 25)
Nico Dann - Drums (June 18 & 25)
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Toronto-based pianist and composer Tania Gill has spent over twenty years cultivating a singular but polymorphous musical approach. She has developed a distinctive improvisational language in jazz and improvised music, and has played in ensembles such as the Brodie West Quintet, Rebecca Hennessy’s FOG, See Through Trio, and the Titillators. She has also performed and recorded alongside Anthony Braxton, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Morris, Jean Derome, and Nick Fraser. Her own group, the Tania Gill Quartet, comprises leading Canadian musicians Lina Allemano (trumpet), Rob Clutton (bass), and Nico Dann (drums). Their acclaimed disc Bolger Station (2010, Barnyard Records), was nominated for best debut album in the Village Voice jazz critics’ poll and was included among the Globe and Mail’s top ten albums of the year. The follow-up, Disappearing Curiosities, launches in March 2022.
Gill’s unconventional versatility keeps her engaged in an eclectic array of styles. She was a member of Deep Dark United and the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, and is a regular collaborator to vocalist Fides Krucker, and singer-songwriter Kyp Harness. She has also shared the stage with Steve Reich, Chris Whitely, Man Forever, Gord Downie, Mary Margaret O’Hara, the Weather Station, Hector del Curto, Margaret Atwood, and Charles Spearin’s Happiness Project.
She is also supportive and dedicated educator and currently teaches at Humber College and University of Toronto, in addition to her roster of private students.
Grooveyard Summer Kickoff
Grooveyard Summer Kickoff
June 18 & 19 @ 8:30 PM
Lester McLean - Vocals and Saxophone
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Paul Neufeld - Keys
Nikku Nayar - Bass
Paul Antonio - Drums
Grooveyard is a sizzling soulful band with an unmatched energy and ability to engage a crowd, and we’ve done thousands of clubs, parties, weddings, and charity and corporate events. Everyone in the band is individually a great musician, with a vast knowledge of many styles of music, but the most important factor in the band is we’re all friends who love playing music together!
Grooveyard’s repertoire draws on everything from new pop to classic funk and soul, reggae, disco, ‘80’s new wave, classic rock, and, when required for weddings, traditional music (yes, we do a great horah!). The band puts its own distinct stamp on the music it performs and the group is definitely not just another cover band. Flexible in its size (the band performs dance music as everything from its core 5-piece to a 10-piece with multiples singers, horns, and percussion), Grooveyard is able to break into smaller groups for different functions (for example, a classical flute/guitar duo for wedding ceremonies, cocktail piano, or a jazz trio for dinner music) and coordinate everything for a seamless evening of music.
Grooveyard works closely with each client to make sure every event goes smoothly. We know all the sound companies and venues, and we’re very up front if we think you’re being overcharged or can do better. Our goal is to make sure that everyone in attendance leaves remembering that they had a great time with a great band, which is why Grooveyard benefits from so many positive word-of-mouth referrals. The band’s past clients include The Toronto Raptors, The Special Olympics, The Dragon Ball Gala, L’Arche, TSN, Global Television, Unisource, Daily Bread Food Bank, World the CFL, Kids’ Help Phone, and thousands of happy wedding and social event clients.
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
June 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 PM
Alex Dean - Saxophone
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Shirantha Beddege - Saophone
Jeff Mcleod - Organ
Andy Scott - Guitar
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Alex Dean, one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists, has been a mainstay of the Canadian music scene for many years. He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Nimmons, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Alex held the tenor saxophone chair with Rob McConnell’s Grammy award winning Boss Brass and, the Juno award winning Rob McConnell Tentet. He has collaborated extensively on C.D’s as side man with Canadian and American Jazz Artists. The Alex Dean Quartet/Quintet recordings include the newly released At this Point (November 2010), Dreamsville, Both Feet, and Kaitlyn’s Waltz. Kaitlyn’s Waltz was voted Best Jazz CD of 1994 by The Jazz Report and one of the Top Ten Jazz CD releases by New York’s Village Voice. He was also voted Jazz Musician of the Year by the Toronto Star.
The Alex Dean Quintet in the last couple of years is a relatively new group of highly regarded Canadian jazz artists assembled to record and play original music by Alex – Brian Dickenson, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs and Ted Warren. The Quintet’s latest recording opened to standing room only crowds at Toronto’s Rex Jazz Club in November and will be playing/promoting their newest C.D. at various Jazz Festivals this summer including a feature date at The Toronto Jazz Festival.
Grooveyard Summer Kickoff
Grooveyard Summer Kickoff
June 18 & 19 @ 8:30 PM
Lester McLean - Vocals and Saxophone
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar
Paul Neufeld - Keys
Nikku Nayar - Bass
Paul Antonio - Drums
Grooveyard is a sizzling soulful band with an unmatched energy and ability to engage a crowd, and we’ve done thousands of clubs, parties, weddings, and charity and corporate events. Everyone in the band is individually a great musician, with a vast knowledge of many styles of music, but the most important factor in the band is we’re all friends who love playing music together!
Grooveyard’s repertoire draws on everything from new pop to classic funk and soul, reggae, disco, ‘80’s new wave, classic rock, and, when required for weddings, traditional music (yes, we do a great horah!). The band puts its own distinct stamp on the music it performs and the group is definitely not just another cover band. Flexible in its size (the band performs dance music as everything from its core 5-piece to a 10-piece with multiples singers, horns, and percussion), Grooveyard is able to break into smaller groups for different functions (for example, a classical flute/guitar duo for wedding ceremonies, cocktail piano, or a jazz trio for dinner music) and coordinate everything for a seamless evening of music.
Grooveyard works closely with each client to make sure every event goes smoothly. We know all the sound companies and venues, and we’re very up front if we think you’re being overcharged or can do better. Our goal is to make sure that everyone in attendance leaves remembering that they had a great time with a great band, which is why Grooveyard benefits from so many positive word-of-mouth referrals. The band’s past clients include The Toronto Raptors, The Special Olympics, The Dragon Ball Gala, L’Arche, TSN, Global Television, Unisource, Daily Bread Food Bank, World the CFL, Kids’ Help Phone, and thousands of happy wedding and social event clients.
Eric St-Laurent
Eric St-Laurent
June 6, 13, 20, 27 @5:30pm
Eric St-Laurent - Guitar
Luis Orbegoso - congas, lead vocals & trombone
Chendy Leon - Cajon & vocals
Calvin Beale - bass
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Born and raised in Montreal, St-Laurent studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes.
Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada.
Since returning to Toronto, Canada, St-Laurent has recorded and toured with Till Bronner, Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Rebekka Bakken, Slide Hampton, Luc de la Rocheliere, Sylvie Paquette, Richard Underhill, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Bernard Primeau and represented Canada at the International Guitar Summit in Nice (MIDEM).
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart
June 20 & 21 @ 8:30 PM
Rich Brown - Bass
Fethi Nadjem - vocal, violin, mandola
Marito Marques - drums, percussion
Piano TBA
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart:
Acclaimed bassist and composer Rich Brown (Steve Coleman, rinsethealgorithm, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio) is proud to announce the launch of his latest musical venture, eart|-|eart (pronounced “Earth Heart”)—a bold, genre-defying project that brings together global musical traditions with fearless improvisation and rhythmic innovation.
With eart|-|eart, Brown explores a wide spectrum of sounds from around the world, fusing them into a unique and ever-evolving sonic experience. The project is driven by an experimental spirit, pushing the boundaries of rhythm, melody, and harmony while maintaining a strong emotional core. Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart is as spontaneous as is it powerful—an invitation to audiences to hear, feel, and move in new ways.
eart|-|eart is about connection—between people, cultures, and the heartbeat of the Earth itself.
Big Band Slam
Big Band Slam
June 21 @ 1:30 pm
The 2025 Big Band Slam features special guest Lauren Falls working and performing with bands from:
Cawthra Park Secondary School, under the direction of Andrew Jones
Uxbridge Secondary School, under the direction of Amy Peck
Mayfield Secondary School, under the direction of Michael Moon
No Reservations
No Cover Charge
Each year the Big Band Slam brings together high school bands from across the Greater Toronto Area for an afternoon of music on an official Festival stage. The Slam is not a competition; it is instead a chance to showcase some of the outstanding music being made by high school music students across the city. A different established local musician is selected to be the Slam’s guest artist each year; the guest artist works with each band in advance of the Festival - attending rehearsals with each band - and performs with each band at the Festival.

The Neon Eagle
the Neon Eagle
June 14, 21, 28 @ 5:30 pm
Led by:
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.
Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart
June 20 & 21 @ 8:30 PM
Rich Brown - Bass
Fethi Nadjem - vocal, violin, mandola
Marito Marques - drums, percussion
Piano TBA
Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart:
Acclaimed bassist and composer Rich Brown (Steve Coleman, rinsethealgorithm, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio) is proud to announce the launch of his latest musical venture, eart|-|eart (pronounced “Earth Heart”)—a bold, genre-defying project that brings together global musical traditions with fearless improvisation and rhythmic innovation.
With eart|-|eart, Brown explores a wide spectrum of sounds from around the world, fusing them into a unique and ever-evolving sonic experience. The project is driven by an experimental spirit, pushing the boundaries of rhythm, melody, and harmony while maintaining a strong emotional core. Rich Brown’s eart|-|eart is as spontaneous as is it powerful—an invitation to audiences to hear, feel, and move in new ways.
eart|-|eart is about connection—between people, cultures, and the heartbeat of the Earth itself.
Laura Hubert's Seven-Piece Band!
Laura Hubert's Seven-Piece Band!
June 22 @ 2:00pm
Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano
Brendan Davis - Bass
Morgan Childs - Drums
Eric St-Laurent - Guitar
Bob Brough - Tenor Sax
Alison Young - Baritone Sax
Primarily first-come, first-served, Limited VIP tickets are available for guaranteed premium seating and meet & greet.
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
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.”
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.

Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
JUNE 22 @ 8:30 PM
Kevin Breit - Guitar
John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale - Saxophone
Tyler Emond - Bass
Garth Breit - Drums
If you arrive later than 9:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Brighter Days is the brainchild of guitarist Kevin Breit . The repertoire is culled from Breit's extensive recorded past and features three of Canada's best tenor saxophonists, John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale. Rounding out the ensemble is bassist, Tyler Emond and drummer, Garth Breit. Collectively they have recorded and toured with many artists.
Chris Gale Trio
Chris Gale Trio
June 23 @ 5:30 pm
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Mark Godfrey - Bass
Davide Direnzo - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Chris Gale is a Toronto-based, nationally recognized saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator whose driving style and rich tone can be heard on over one hundred and fifty recordings. As a leader and a sideman, Gale has performed around the globe in theatres, clubs, and at festivals, impressing crowds with his lyrical sensibility and soulful approach.
Chris has performed with Colin James, Michael Kaeshammer, Blue Rodeo, Jeff Healey, Arkells, Ron Sexsmith, Brandi Disterheft, Johnny Reid, The Powder Blues Band, and more. Gale is also a longstanding member of The Worst Pop Band Ever and Gordon Mowat’s Skeleton Crew.
As a leader, Chris recently released Uncharted with his group Hector, featuring Ted Quinlan (guitar), Jeff McLeod (Hammond B3 organ), and Chris Wallace (drums).
“I’ll quite happily go out of my way to hear Chris Gale, a tenor saxophonist – among Toronto’s finest – who has matched an impressively sure, though not showy command of the instrument to a strong sense of its older and newer traditions in the service of a distinctive style that is timelessly melodic yet distinctively modern.”
~ Mark Miller, critic/author – jazz history and biography
Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kevin Breit's Brighter Days
JUNE 23 @ 8:30 PM
Kevin Breit - Guitar
John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale - Saxophone
Tyler Emond - Bass
Garth Breit - Drums
If you arrive later than 9:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Brighter Days is the brainchild of guitarist Kevin Breit . The repertoire is culled from Breit's extensive recorded past and features three of Canada's best tenor saxophonists, John Johnson, Perry White and Chris Gale. Rounding out the ensemble is bassist, Tyler Emond and drummer, Garth Breit. Collectively they have recorded and toured with many artists.
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
June 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 5:30pm
Champagne James Robertson - Guitar
Anh Phung - Alto Flute
Devon Henderson - Bass
Davide Dorenzo - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet plays Texas Surf, old Jazz and scooter Rock. When he’s not playing with this crew he plays with C&C Surf Factory, MOONRIIVR, Dwayne Gretzky and Junkhouse. Anh is a virtuosic flautist that plays with Twisted Pine, Billy Strings, Acidtrip.ca, among others. They will be accompanied by Davide Dorenzo and Devon Henderson.

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks
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.
Tania Gill
Tania Gill
June 4, 11, 18,@ 5:30 pm & 25 @ 5:00 pm
Tania Gill - Piano
Chris Banks - Bass (June 4 & 11)
Phil Melanson - Drums (June 4 & 11)
Lina Allemano - Trumpet (June 18)
Rob Clutton - Bass (June 18 & 25)
Nico Dann - Drums (June 18 & 25)
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Toronto-based pianist and composer Tania Gill has spent over twenty years cultivating a singular but polymorphous musical approach. She has developed a distinctive improvisational language in jazz and improvised music, and has played in ensembles such as the Brodie West Quintet, Rebecca Hennessy’s FOG, See Through Trio, and the Titillators. She has also performed and recorded alongside Anthony Braxton, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Morris, Jean Derome, and Nick Fraser. Her own group, the Tania Gill Quartet, comprises leading Canadian musicians Lina Allemano (trumpet), Rob Clutton (bass), and Nico Dann (drums). Their acclaimed disc Bolger Station (2010, Barnyard Records), was nominated for best debut album in the Village Voice jazz critics’ poll and was included among the Globe and Mail’s top ten albums of the year. The follow-up, Disappearing Curiosities, launches in March 2022.
Gill’s unconventional versatility keeps her engaged in an eclectic array of styles. She was a member of Deep Dark United and the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, and is a regular collaborator to vocalist Fides Krucker, and singer-songwriter Kyp Harness. She has also shared the stage with Steve Reich, Chris Whitely, Man Forever, Gord Downie, Mary Margaret O’Hara, the Weather Station, Hector del Curto, Margaret Atwood, and Charles Spearin’s Happiness Project.
She is also supportive and dedicated educator and currently teaches at Humber College and University of Toronto, in addition to her roster of private students.
Kneebody
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kneebody
June 25 @ 8:30 PM
Adam Benjamin -Keyboard
Shane Endsley - Trumpet
Ben Wendel - Saxophone
Nate Wood - Drums / Bass
If you arrive later than 9:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Kneebody has created a genre and style all its own. Their sound is explosive rock energy and high-level nuanced chamber ensemble playing set within the frames of highly wrought compositions that are balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. Kneebody is keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer/bassist Nate Wood. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; they’ve developed their own musical language, inventing a unique cueing system that allows them each to change the tempo, key, style, and more in an instant.
Kneebody
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kneebody
June 25 @ 10:30 PM
Adam Benjamin -Keyboard
Shane Endsley - Trumpet
Ben Wendel - Saxophone
Nate Wood - Drums / Bass
If you arrive later than 11:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Kneebody has created a genre and style all its own. Their sound is explosive rock energy and high-level nuanced chamber ensemble playing set within the frames of highly wrought compositions that are balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. Kneebody is keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer/bassist Nate Wood. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; they’ve developed their own musical language, inventing a unique cueing system that allows them each to change the tempo, key, style, and more in an instant.
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
Alex Dean 3 Bari Band
June 5, 12, 19,@ 5:30 PM & 26 @ 5:00 pm
Alex Dean - Saxophone
Chris Gale - Saxophone
Shirantha Beddege - Saophone
Jeff Mcleod - Organ
Andy Scott - Guitar
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Alex Dean, one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists, has been a mainstay of the Canadian music scene for many years. He has played and recorded with Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Nimmons, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Alex held the tenor saxophone chair with Rob McConnell’s Grammy award winning Boss Brass and, the Juno award winning Rob McConnell Tentet. He has collaborated extensively on C.D’s as side man with Canadian and American Jazz Artists. The Alex Dean Quartet/Quintet recordings include the newly released At this Point (November 2010), Dreamsville, Both Feet, and Kaitlyn’s Waltz. Kaitlyn’s Waltz was voted Best Jazz CD of 1994 by The Jazz Report and one of the Top Ten Jazz CD releases by New York’s Village Voice. He was also voted Jazz Musician of the Year by the Toronto Star.
The Alex Dean Quintet in the last couple of years is a relatively new group of highly regarded Canadian jazz artists assembled to record and play original music by Alex – Brian Dickenson, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs and Ted Warren. The Quintet’s latest recording opened to standing room only crowds at Toronto’s Rex Jazz Club in November and will be playing/promoting their newest C.D. at various Jazz Festivals this summer including a feature date at The Toronto Jazz Festival.
Kneebody
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kneebody
June 26 @ 8:30 PM
Adam Benjamin -Keyboard
Shane Endsley - Trumpet
Ben Wendel - Saxophone
Nate Wood - Drums / Bass
If you arrive later than 9:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Kneebody has created a genre and style all its own. Their sound is explosive rock energy and high-level nuanced chamber ensemble playing set within the frames of highly wrought compositions that are balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. Kneebody is keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer/bassist Nate Wood. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; they’ve developed their own musical language, inventing a unique cueing system that allows them each to change the tempo, key, style, and more in an instant.
Kneebody
Toronto Jazz Festival and The Rex Hotel Presents:
Kneebody
June 26 @ 10:30 PM
Adam Benjamin -Keyboard
Shane Endsley - Trumpet
Ben Wendel - Saxophone
Nate Wood - Drums / Bass
If you arrive later than 11:15 PM, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Kneebody has created a genre and style all its own. Their sound is explosive rock energy and high-level nuanced chamber ensemble playing set within the frames of highly wrought compositions that are balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. Kneebody is keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer/bassist Nate Wood. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; they’ve developed their own musical language, inventing a unique cueing system that allows them each to change the tempo, key, style, and more in an instant.
Eric St-Laurent
Eric St-Laurent
June 6, 13, 20 @5:30 june 27 @5:00
Eric St-Laurent - Guitar
Luis Orbegoso - congas, lead vocals & trombone
Chendy Leon - Cajon & vocals
Calvin Beale - bass
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Born and raised in Montreal, St-Laurent studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes.
Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada.
Since returning to Toronto, Canada, St-Laurent has recorded and toured with Till Bronner, Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Rebekka Bakken, Slide Hampton, Luc de la Rocheliere, Sylvie Paquette, Richard Underhill, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Bernard Primeau and represented Canada at the International Guitar Summit in Nice (MIDEM).
Mike Stern Band
toronto jazz festival & the rex hotel presents:
Mike Stern Band
June 27 @ 8:30 PM
Mike Stern - Guitar
Dennis Chambers - Drums
Noam Tanzer - Bass
Bob Franceschini - Saxophone
Leni Stern - Guitar
If you arrive later than 9:15pm, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Mike Stern is one of the most esteemed electric guitarists of his generation, playing with the likes of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastoriu, honing his own sound with searing lines informed mainly by bebop and the blues, played with a rock-tinged intensity
Mike Stern Band
toronto jazz festival & the rex hotel presents:
Mike Stern Band
June 27 @ 10:30 PM
Mike Stern - Guitar
Dennis Chambers - Drums
Noam Tanzer - Bass
Bob Franceschini - Saxophone
Leni Stern - Guitar
If you arrive later than 11:15pm, we will not be able to honor your ticket.
Mike Stern is one of the most esteemed electric guitarists of his generation, playing with the likes of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastoriu, honing his own sound with searing lines informed mainly by bebop and the blues, played with a rock-tinged intensity
William Carn's Choices
William Carn’s “CHOICES”
June 28 @ 2:00 pm
William Carn - Trombone
Luis Deniz - Trumpet
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Jen Lo - Synths
Rich Brown - Electric bass
Ian Wright -Drums
No reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Composer and trombonist William Carn's CHOICES, a sonic exploration born from the solitude of the global pandemic, defies expectations. Originally conceived in 2020 as a remote recording project, the album breaks new ground for Carn, venturing into electronic jazz territory after years of acoustic compositions. A testament to the transformative power of adversity, CHOICES captures the emotional landscape of its creator, offering a poignant reflection on life's challenges and triumphs.
Featuring some of Canada's most talented musicians, CHOICES brings Carn's vision to life with a stunning ensemble that perfectly complements the album's innovative sound.

The Neon Eagle
the Neon Eagle
June 14, 21, @ 5:30 pm & 28 @ 5:00 pm
Led by:
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.
Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!

Ghost Note
ghost note
June 28 @ 8:30pm
Robert “Sput” Searight (Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar) – drums
Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy) – percussion
Dwayne “MonoNeon” Thomas (Prince) – bass, guitar
Peter Knudsen – guitar
Sylvester Onyejiaka (Prince, Quantic) – baritone sax, tenor sax, flute
Dominique Xavier Taplin (Prince, Toto) – keyboards
Vaughn “V.Keys” Henry – keyboards
Jonathan Mones (Funky Knuckles, RC & The Gritz) – alto sax, flute
Mike Jelani Brooks (Kirk Franklin, RC & The Gritz) – tenor saxophone, flute
ROTATING CAST INCLUDES:
DOMi Degalle – keyboards
Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy) – keyboards
Daniel Jones (Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake) – keyboards
Nick Werth (Galaxe, Yak Attack) – xylosynth
Cody Wright (Eric Gales) – bass
A.J. Brown (Snoop Dogg, Fred Hammond) – bass
Jon Jon Webb (Rihanna, Ledisi, Beyoncé) – bass
Ben Burget – saxophone
Alvin Ford Jr. (Pretty Lights, Dumpstaphunk) – drums
Devon "Stixx" Taylor (Justin Bieber) – drums
Cleon Edwards (Erykah Badu) – drums
-Currently have over 80,500 followers on Instagram and over 59,000 followers on Facebook
-Debuted at #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart with "Swagism" (April 2018) - click here for one-sheet
-Debuted at #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart with "Fortified" (October 2015)
-2017 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Culcha Vulcha, as members of Snarky Puppy
-2016 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Sylva, as members of Snarky Puppy
-2014 Grammy Award Winners for Best R&B Performance (Snarky Puppy with Lalah Hathaway)
-Currently has over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify
Continuing to tour the world after the release of their acclaimed April, 2024 album Mustard n’Onions on Mack Avenue records, Ghost-Note is a tour de force of funk with dazzling solos and air-tight arrangements that will have you dancing and leave you shaking your head in awe. The band is led by drummer Robert “Sput” Searight and percussionist Nate Werth of Snarky Puppy and features musicians who have performed and recorded with Prince, Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Kirk Franklin and other icons. Ghost-Note are bracing in their virtuosity, affecting in their soulfulness and inspired in their sonic choices.

Ghost Note
ghost note
June 28 @ 10:30 PM
Robert “Sput” Searight (Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar) – drums
Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy) – percussion
Dwayne “MonoNeon” Thomas (Prince) – bass, guitar
Peter Knudsen – guitar
Sylvester Onyejiaka (Prince, Quantic) – baritone sax, tenor sax, flute
Dominique Xavier Taplin (Prince, Toto) – keyboards
Vaughn “V.Keys” Henry – keyboards
Jonathan Mones (Funky Knuckles, RC & The Gritz) – alto sax, flute
Mike Jelani Brooks (Kirk Franklin, RC & The Gritz) – tenor saxophone, flute
ROTATING CAST INCLUDES:
DOMi Degalle – keyboards
Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy) – keyboards
Daniel Jones (Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake) – keyboards
Nick Werth (Galaxe, Yak Attack) – xylosynth
Cody Wright (Eric Gales) – bass
A.J. Brown (Snoop Dogg, Fred Hammond) – bass
Jon Jon Webb (Rihanna, Ledisi, Beyoncé) – bass
Ben Burget – saxophone
Alvin Ford Jr. (Pretty Lights, Dumpstaphunk) – drums
Devon "Stixx" Taylor (Justin Bieber) – drums
Cleon Edwards (Erykah Badu) – drums
-Currently have over 80,500 followers on Instagram and over 59,000 followers on Facebook
-Debuted at #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart with "Swagism" (April 2018) - click here for one-sheet
-Debuted at #1 on iTunes Jazz Chart with "Fortified" (October 2015)
-2017 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Culcha Vulcha, as members of Snarky Puppy
-2016 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Sylva, as members of Snarky Puppy
-2014 Grammy Award Winners for Best R&B Performance (Snarky Puppy with Lalah Hathaway)
-Currently has over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify
Continuing to tour the world after the release of their acclaimed April, 2024 album Mustard n’Onions on Mack Avenue records, Ghost-Note is a tour de force of funk with dazzling solos and air-tight arrangements that will have you dancing and leave you shaking your head in awe. The band is led by drummer Robert “Sput” Searight and percussionist Nate Werth of Snarky Puppy and features musicians who have performed and recorded with Prince, Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Kirk Franklin and other icons. Ghost-Note are bracing in their virtuosity, affecting in their soulfulness and inspired in their sonic choices.
Denielle Bassels Trio
Denielle Bassels Trio
June 29 @ 2:00 pm
DENIELLE BASSELS - Vocals
RUSS BOSWELL - Bass
JULIEN BRADLEY-COMBS - Guitar
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Denielle Bassels Trio
Denielle Bassels is a celebrated and captivating international chanteuse, and songwriter who seamlessly blends jazz and pop into an unforgettable musical experience. Her second studio album firmly establishes her as a standout artist in the contemporary music scene. Recently nominated for a 2024 Juno Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her original songs on “Little Bit a’ Love”, Denielle's music resonates with audiences, drawing them in with its nostalgic swing-era charm fused with modern sensibilities. Lenny Stout describes her performance as "she lit up the joint like a six-alarm blaze!”

Andrew Downing's Utopia Ontario
Toronto Jazz Festival & The Rex Hotel Present:
Andrew Downing’s Utopia Ontario
June 29 @ 8:30 pm
Andrew Downing - Cello
Maggie Keogh - Vocals
Kevin Turcotte - Trumpet
Justin Orok - Guitar
Utopia Ontario is Andrew Downing’s new quartet featuring Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Justin Orok (guitar) and Maggie Keogh (voice). Based around a small town north of Toronto, the music goes deep into the woods where peace and quiet reign, melancholy mixes with nature and the details of trees are all you can think about.
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
June 2, 9, 16 & 30 @ 5:30 pm
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Mark Godfrey - Bass
Ernesto Cervini - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.
In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”
John Macleod's Rex Hotel Orchestra
John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
June 30 @ 8:30 PM
John MacLeod - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
20-piece Juno Award-winning Jazz Big Band
Canada’s Finest Big Band Jazz Ensemble
The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto".
Mark Eisenman Quintet
Mark Eisenman Quintet
June 4, 5, 6, 7 @ 8:30 PM
Mark Eisenmen - Piano
Pat LaBarbera - Saxophone
John Macleod - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Pat Collins - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums
Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.
Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.
Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.
In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.
"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).
In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.
Tania Gill
Tania Gill
June 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 5:30 pm
Tania Gill - Piano
Chris Banks - Bass (June 4 & 11)
Phil Melanson - Drums (June 4 & 11)
Lina Allemano - Trumpet (June 18)
Rob Clutton - Bass (June 18 & 25)
Nico Dann - Drums (June 18 & 25)
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Toronto-based pianist and composer Tania Gill has spent over twenty years cultivating a singular but polymorphous musical approach. She has developed a distinctive improvisational language in jazz and improvised music, and has played in ensembles such as the Brodie West Quintet, Rebecca Hennessy’s FOG, See Through Trio, and the Titillators. She has also performed and recorded alongside Anthony Braxton, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Morris, Jean Derome, and Nick Fraser. Her own group, the Tania Gill Quartet, comprises leading Canadian musicians Lina Allemano (trumpet), Rob Clutton (bass), and Nico Dann (drums). Their acclaimed disc Bolger Station (2010, Barnyard Records), was nominated for best debut album in the Village Voice jazz critics’ poll and was included among the Globe and Mail’s top ten albums of the year. The follow-up, Disappearing Curiosities, launches in March 2022.
Gill’s unconventional versatility keeps her engaged in an eclectic array of styles. She was a member of Deep Dark United and the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, and is a regular collaborator to vocalist Fides Krucker, and singer-songwriter Kyp Harness. She has also shared the stage with Steve Reich, Chris Whitely, Man Forever, Gord Downie, Mary Margaret O’Hara, the Weather Station, Hector del Curto, Margaret Atwood, and Charles Spearin’s Happiness Project.
She is also supportive and dedicated educator and currently teaches at Humber College and University of Toronto, in addition to her roster of private students.

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks
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.
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet
June 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 5:30pm
Champagne James Robertson - Guitar
Anh Phung - Alto Flute
Devon Henderson - Bass
Davide Dorenzo - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Champagne James Robertson and Anh Phung's Electric Quartet plays Texas Surf, old Jazz and scooter Rock. When he’s not playing with this crew he plays with C&C Surf Factory, MOONRIIVR, Dwayne Gretzky and Junkhouse. Anh is a virtuosic flautist that plays with Twisted Pine, Billy Strings, Acidtrip.ca, among others. They will be accompanied by Davide Dorenzo and Devon Henderson.
Paul DeLong's One Word
Paul DeLong’s One Word
June 1, 2 @ 8:30pm
Victoria Yeh - Electric Violin
Marco Luciani - Keyboards
Steve Lucas -Bass
Michael Murray- Lead Guitar
Paul DeLong - Drums and Percussion
Paul DeLong
Juno Award winner, multi-platinum artist, author, and educator, Paul DeLong is a celebrated figure in Canadian music. His expansive career spans multiple genres including funk, Afro-Cuban, rock, and jazz. A member of Canada’s music royalty and regarded as one of North America’s top drummers, DeLong has channeled his lifelong musical journey into his passion project: the jazz-fusion band Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD. He is widely known for his work with legendary artists such as Kim Mitchell, Domenic Troiano, Lawrence Gowan (Styx), David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Tom Scott (L.A. Express), and David Blamires (Pat Metheny). These artists and many others have sought out his rhythmic expertise for live shows, television, and studio sessions. With an intuitive grasp of rhythm, genre versatility, and a deep musicality, DeLong remains in high demand. His band, Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, formed five years ago, brings together five exceptionally talented musicians: Victoria Yeh (electric violin), Marco Luciani (keyboards), Steve Lucas (bass), Michael Murray (lead guitar), and DeLong himself on drums and percussion. Their powerful and beautiful performances of fusion classics from artists like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Jeff Beck, and Return to Forever have captivated audiences.
Victoria Yeh
Toronto-based violinist Victoria Yeh is known for her dynamic and progressive style. Classically trained, she blends the purity of her musical foundation with the raw energy of progressive fusion. Her infectious stage presence and expressive playing have won her fans across Canada. Yeh performs both acoustically and with her striking red “flying V” electric violin, appearing as a solo artist and with ensembles such as her five-piece band The Spirit Awakens, the Barlow-Yeh-McNeil Trio, and the Groove Chakra jazz duo. She also serves as Concertmaster for Toronto’s Summerhill Orchestra. As a member of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, Yeh brings a rare and compelling presence to the violin within the jazz-fusion genre.
Michael Murray
Michael Murray, the lead guitarist for Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, brings technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage. His performance on "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is especially mesmerizing, offering a perfect counterpoint to Victoria Yeh’s evocative violin. A graduate of Humber College’s esteemed music program, Murray is well-versed in a variety of musical styles and genres. In addition to performing, he is an enthusiastic educator and a faculty member at Centennial College, where he teaches rock, jazz, and classical guitar.
Marco Luciani
Marco Luciani, a Juno Award-winning musician, is recognized as one of Canada’s most versatile and talented keyboardists. He began playing piano at age five, studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has since developed a distinctive style rooted in classical training but expanded through jazz and improvisational exploration. A sought-after composer and sideman, Luciani has contributed to albums, film scores, and TV soundtracks, collaborating with artists such as Gino Vannelli, Kim Mitchell, Alfie Zappacosta, and on productions like Dirty Dancing and The Big Bang Theory. His nuanced keyboard work brings a unique dimension to Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.
Steve Lucas
Steve Lucas is an internationally renowned bassist, electronic artist, and composer. His innovative approach to jazz fusion enhances every performance he’s a part of. Lucas has performed with celebrated artists including Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Moe Koffman, and Levon Helm. His compositions have been featured on high-profile platforms such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Diary of Alicia Keys. His Master’s thesis explored the intersection of jazz fusion, making him an ideal contributor to the sonic landscape of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
June 2, 9, 16 & 30 @ 5:30 pm
Chris Gale - Tenor Saxophone
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Mark Godfrey - Bass
Ernesto Cervini - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.
In all these settings, as J.D. Considine of JazzTimes has written, Cervini “drums like someone who’s an arranger at heart, carefully placing each accent for maximum melodic impact.” He’s been cited by Modern Drummer for his old-school knowledge and feel in the spirit of Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, yet credited by Musicweb International as a maker of music “grounded in the language of hard bop but not confined by it.”
Paul DeLong's One Word
Paul DeLong’s One Word
June 1, 2 @ 8:30pm
Victoria Yeh - Electric Violin
Marco Luciani - Keyboards
Steve Lucas -Bass
Michael Murray- Lead Guitar
Paul DeLong - Drums and Percussion
Paul DeLong
Juno Award winner, multi-platinum artist, author, and educator, Paul DeLong is a celebrated figure in Canadian music. His expansive career spans multiple genres including funk, Afro-Cuban, rock, and jazz. A member of Canada’s music royalty and regarded as one of North America’s top drummers, DeLong has channeled his lifelong musical journey into his passion project: the jazz-fusion band Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD. He is widely known for his work with legendary artists such as Kim Mitchell, Domenic Troiano, Lawrence Gowan (Styx), David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Tom Scott (L.A. Express), and David Blamires (Pat Metheny). These artists and many others have sought out his rhythmic expertise for live shows, television, and studio sessions. With an intuitive grasp of rhythm, genre versatility, and a deep musicality, DeLong remains in high demand. His band, Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, formed five years ago, brings together five exceptionally talented musicians: Victoria Yeh (electric violin), Marco Luciani (keyboards), Steve Lucas (bass), Michael Murray (lead guitar), and DeLong himself on drums and percussion. Their powerful and beautiful performances of fusion classics from artists like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Jeff Beck, and Return to Forever have captivated audiences.
Victoria Yeh
Toronto-based violinist Victoria Yeh is known for her dynamic and progressive style. Classically trained, she blends the purity of her musical foundation with the raw energy of progressive fusion. Her infectious stage presence and expressive playing have won her fans across Canada. Yeh performs both acoustically and with her striking red “flying V” electric violin, appearing as a solo artist and with ensembles such as her five-piece band The Spirit Awakens, the Barlow-Yeh-McNeil Trio, and the Groove Chakra jazz duo. She also serves as Concertmaster for Toronto’s Summerhill Orchestra. As a member of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, Yeh brings a rare and compelling presence to the violin within the jazz-fusion genre.
Michael Murray
Michael Murray, the lead guitarist for Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, brings technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage. His performance on "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is especially mesmerizing, offering a perfect counterpoint to Victoria Yeh’s evocative violin. A graduate of Humber College’s esteemed music program, Murray is well-versed in a variety of musical styles and genres. In addition to performing, he is an enthusiastic educator and a faculty member at Centennial College, where he teaches rock, jazz, and classical guitar.
Marco Luciani
Marco Luciani, a Juno Award-winning musician, is recognized as one of Canada’s most versatile and talented keyboardists. He began playing piano at age five, studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has since developed a distinctive style rooted in classical training but expanded through jazz and improvisational exploration. A sought-after composer and sideman, Luciani has contributed to albums, film scores, and TV soundtracks, collaborating with artists such as Gino Vannelli, Kim Mitchell, Alfie Zappacosta, and on productions like Dirty Dancing and The Big Bang Theory. His nuanced keyboard work brings a unique dimension to Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.
Steve Lucas
Steve Lucas is an internationally renowned bassist, electronic artist, and composer. His innovative approach to jazz fusion enhances every performance he’s a part of. Lucas has performed with celebrated artists including Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Moe Koffman, and Levon Helm. His compositions have been featured on high-profile platforms such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Diary of Alicia Keys. His Master’s thesis explored the intersection of jazz fusion, making him an ideal contributor to the sonic landscape of Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD.

Alex Samaras Album Launch "Alex Samaras Meets Judy Garland"
JazzInToronto Community Celebration presents: The Songbird Series: Alex Samaras Album Launch "Alex Samaras Meets Judy Garland"
June 1 @ 2:00pm
Alex Samaras - Vocals
Steven Noronha - Piano
David French - Tenor Saxophone
No Reservations
Cover Charges
Tickets $20 on Eventbrite
Alex Samaras has finally made his first Jazz record! He is one of Canada's most loved singers and brings his warmth and musical integrity to every project he embarks on. This record is a return to his love of the intimate jazz setting of a trio and his favourite singer as a young child, Judy Garland. The record features Steven Noronha on piano and Madeleine Ertel on trumpet. For the album release show, Steven and Alex will be joined by David French on tenor saxophone.
MERRIAM MUSIC presents: PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT MASTERCLASS
JazzInToronto Community Celebration: MERRIAM MUSIC presents: PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT MASTERCLASS
June 1 @ 11:00am
Mark Eisenman - Piano
No Reservations
Cover Charges
$10 or FREE for students with ID
JUNO-nominated pianist extraordinaire Mark Eisenman has worked with jazz masters Ernestine Anderson, Mark Murphy, and Anne Hampton Callaway to name a few; some of the Canadian singers he has accompanied include Shirley Eikhard, Denzal Sinclair, John Alcorn, Bonnie Brett, Joe Coughlin, Carol Welsman, and the list goes on...
In this masterclass, Eisenman will discuss and demonstrate how to effectively accompany vocalists, from intros and outros to everything in between.
JazzInToronto thanks Merriam Music for sponsoring this event, thereby making it FREE to attend for students and participating musicians.
JABFUNG "Epoch" CD Release!feat. special guest from New York City, Adam O'Farrill
JABFUNG “epoch” cd release
May 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 pm
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys
Special Guest: New York’s Adam O’Farrill - Trumpet (May 30 & 31)
JabFung is the brainchild of Toronto-based bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and LA-based drummer Anthony Fung. Since 2014, the band has had a semi-annual residency at the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, where they have brought together local and international artists to rehearse and perform their original music. During these residencies, they have featured a shifting cast of Canadian jazz icons like Kirk MacDonald and Kelly Jefferson, as well as American counterparts like George Garzone and peers of their own generation, such as Simon Moullier, Isaac Wilson, Andrew Marzotto, and Mingjia Chen.
Over the last couple of years, however, the cast of JabFung has stabilized with the birth of a creative connection between the two leaders and two world-renowned and Juno-nominated Cuban-Canadian musicians, Luis Deniz (saxophone) and Rafael Zaldivar (piano). In the summer of 2023, the quartet did a four-night run of concerts at the Rex Hotel and discovered a musical dialogue based in trust and a shared vision for musical expression that was impossible for them—and their audiences—to ignore.
This musical spark led them to spend a day in the studio in early spring of 2024, recording their first album Epoch, a collection of songs written by Anthony and Julian specifically for the quartet.
Epoch features eight original compositions (four by Fung and four by Anderson-Bowes), as well as an unplanned version of the beautiful Thelonious Monk ballad, “Ask Me Now,” which captures the essence of a life-long friendship and musical bond between Zaldivar and Deniz, who grew up together studying music in Camagüey, Cuba. The album is a snapshot into a decade-long collaboration that spans cultures and generations, and is imbued with a profound mutuality and musical vision shared among these four powerful musicians.
Epoch releases in May of 2025, beginning with a four-night residency at the Rex Hotel—a club that has become a home for JabFung, supporting the energized and unpredictable explorations of the quartet.

The Neon Eagle
the Neon Eagle
MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 5:30 pm
Led by:
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.
Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!
MegaCity Big Band
megacity big band
MAY 31 @ 2:00pm
No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
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.
ONA ENSEMBLE
JazzInToronto Community Celebration presents: ONA ENSEMBLE
MAY 31 @ 11:30am
Olivia Esther & Victor Prado - French horn
Sheba Thibideau - Bassoon
Colleen Allen - Reeds
Andre Valerio - Guitar
Roberto Occhipinti - Bass
Alan Hetherington - Percussion
Tickets $20 On Eventbrite
ONÁ is a Canadian-Brazilian eclectic chamber jazz ensemble inspired by the life-force that is the music of Brazil. Each musician has achieved international recognition on the Classical, Jazz and World Music stages spanning 3 decades. The ensemble's unique instrumentation of two french horns, bassoon, reeds, guitar, bass, and percussion provides a captivating global, “classical” sound combined with the soul of Jazz and Brazilian Choro, and Samba.
ONÁ released their first EP in April 2025 titled, “São Paulo Sessions” which was recorded in Brazil with legendary, Grammy-nominated singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, Filó Machado.
JABFUNG "Epoch" CD Release!feat. special guest from New York City, Adam O'Farrill
JABFUNG "Epoch" CD Release!
May 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 pm
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys
Special Guest: New York’s Adam O’Farrill - Trumpet (May 30 & 31)
JabFung is the brainchild of Toronto-based bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and LA-based drummer Anthony Fung. Since 2014, the band has had a semi-annual residency at the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, where they have brought together local and international artists to rehearse and perform their original music. During these residencies, they have featured a shifting cast of Canadian jazz icons like Kirk MacDonald and Kelly Jefferson, as well as American counterparts like George Garzone and peers of their own generation, such as Simon Moullier, Isaac Wilson, Andrew Marzotto, and Mingjia Chen.
Over the last couple of years, however, the cast of JabFung has stabilized with the birth of a creative connection between the two leaders and two world-renowned and Juno-nominated Cuban-Canadian musicians, Luis Deniz (saxophone) and Rafael Zaldivar (piano). In the summer of 2023, the quartet did a four-night run of concerts at the Rex Hotel and discovered a musical dialogue based in trust and a shared vision for musical expression that was impossible for them—and their audiences—to ignore.
This musical spark led them to spend a day in the studio in early spring of 2024, recording their first album Epoch, a collection of songs written by Anthony and Julian specifically for the quartet.
Epoch features eight original compositions (four by Fung and four by Anderson-Bowes), as well as an unplanned version of the beautiful Thelonious Monk ballad, “Ask Me Now,” which captures the essence of a life-long friendship and musical bond between Zaldivar and Deniz, who grew up together studying music in Camagüey, Cuba. The album is a snapshot into a decade-long collaboration that spans cultures and generations, and is imbued with a profound mutuality and musical vision shared among these four powerful musicians.
Epoch releases in May of 2025, beginning with a four-night residency at the Rex Hotel—a club that has become a home for JabFung, supporting the energized and unpredictable explorations of the quartet.

Carl Bray Trio
Carl Bray Trio
MAY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 5:30 PM
Carl Bray - Piano
Bennet Young - Bass
Will Fisher - Drums
NO RESERVATIONS
$10 COVER CHARGE
Oscar Peterson Award winner, Carl Bray, was named one of Canada’s rising star pianists by CBC Radio. He has performed for the Governor General of Canada and was invited to speak and perform at The Walrus Talks - The Future of the Arts alongside Canadian luminaries including Margaret Atwood and Tom Jackson. The trio features bassist Mark Godfrey, who was awarded the Grand Prix de Jazz (Montreal Jazz Festival) and nominated for the Julian Award of Excellence for Emerging Canadian Jazz Artists. As well as Juno-nominated drummer Will Fisher who has performed at the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Birdland Jazz Club (NYC), and released his own album as leader which received an ECMA nomination for Jazz Recording of the Year.
Their debut album, Talk of Hands, features exciting original compositions set in the classic piano trio style made famous by Hank Jones, Ahmad Jamal, and Wynton Kelly, to name a few. Upon hearing the trio perform, award winning producer George Koller (Peter Gabriel, Holly Cole, David Clayton-Thomas) suggested recording live-off-the-floor to capture the natural energy, dynamics, and communication of the group. To complete this classic sound, Talk of Hands was mixed and mastered using fully analog equipment.
JABFUNG "Epoch" CD Release!
JABFUNG
May 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 pm
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys
Special Guest: New York’s Adam O’Farrill - Trumpet (May 30 & 31)
JabFung is the brainchild of Toronto-based bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and LA-based drummer Anthony Fung. Since 2014, the band has had a semi-annual residency at the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, where they have brought together local and international artists to rehearse and perform their original music. During these residencies, they have featured a shifting cast of Canadian jazz icons like Kirk MacDonald and Kelly Jefferson, as well as American counterparts like George Garzone and peers of their own generation, such as Simon Moullier, Isaac Wilson, Andrew Marzotto, and Mingjia Chen.
Over the last couple of years, however, the cast of JabFung has stabilized with the birth of a creative connection between the two leaders and two world-renowned and Juno-nominated Cuban-Canadian musicians, Luis Deniz (saxophone) and Rafael Zaldivar (piano). In the summer of 2023, the quartet did a four-night run of concerts at the Rex Hotel and discovered a musical dialogue based in trust and a shared vision for musical expression that was impossible for them—and their audiences—to ignore.
This musical spark led them to spend a day in the studio in early spring of 2024, recording their first album Epoch, a collection of songs written by Anthony and Julian specifically for the quartet.
Epoch features eight original compositions (four by Fung and four by Anderson-Bowes), as well as an unplanned version of the beautiful Thelonious Monk ballad, “Ask Me Now,” which captures the essence of a life-long friendship and musical bond between Zaldivar and Deniz, who grew up together studying music in Camagüey, Cuba. The album is a snapshot into a decade-long collaboration that spans cultures and generations, and is imbued with a profound mutuality and musical vision shared among these four powerful musicians.
Epoch releases in May of 2025, beginning with a four-night residency at the Rex Hotel—a club that has become a home for JabFung, supporting the energized and unpredictable explorations of the quartet.
Lester McLean Trio
Lester McLean Trio
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 PM
Lester McLean - Vocals/Saxophone
Michael Occhipinti - Guitar (May 1&29)
Wade O Brown - Vocals (May 8)
Paul Neufeld - Keys (May 22)
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Lester McLean is a native of Toronto, Ontario and has been active on the city’s busy music scene since the early 90’s. He studied jazz as a saxophonist while earning a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications and Sociology at York University. Although he performed as a lead vocalist in high school, he resumed singing with a serious focus in the late 90’s. The instrumental funk-fusion band The Colour of Soul was the first outlet for McLean’s songwriting and under his leadership the band recorded and released 3 Independent records in 1998, 1999, and 2002 respectively.
The next endeavour was The Lester McLean Trio featuring Lester on lead vocals and Soprano Sax, Juno award winning and nationally recognized Michael Occhipinti on acoustic guitar, and multi-instrumentalist Louis Simao on upright acoustic bass. The trio released a full-length CD entitled “Best Foot Forward” in 2005. Drummer Mark McLean guests on a few tracks. The disc features a collection of covers and originals, 5 of which were penned by Lester.
Fast forwarding to 2009, the band went into John “Beetle” Bailey’s Drive Shed Studio for sessions that resulted in the 2011 release “Lester McLean – LM: 4, 3,2,1” which features 12 originals all penned by McLean and 3 covers. LM: 4,3,2,1 continues to demonstrate Lester’s versatility with a wide array of musical styles and genres, great melodies, thoughtful lyrics, ear catching grooves, thick harmonies, and the soulful, eclectic sound that defines Lester McLean’s listening tastes and talents.
Since the release of Lester McLean – LM: 4, 3,2,1, Lester has expanded his already wide array of talents by taking up congas, djembe, and other percussive instruments which has increased his demand as a freelance artist. When the tribute band Elton Rohn came calling in 2013, Lester answered and is the 7th member of the group on Saxes, percussion, and backing vocals. This is a role that he enjoys and it shows.
Fast forwarding to March 2014, Lester again found himself in the studio with his long-time friend and former Colour of Soul band mate bassist/producer “jk” to start the sessions that what would become “A Mostly A Cappella Christmas” released in December 2014. This album was a collection of original compositions and the culmination of a long-time dream come true.
If all of these qualities are not enough, Lester’s skills a musician are complimented by his dynamic stage presence. His drive and passion for music and live performance show no signs of diminishing.
JABFUNG "Epoch" CD Release!
JABFUNG “epoch” cd release!
May 28, 29, 30, 31 @ 8:30 pm
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Bass
Anthony Fung - Drums
Luis Deniz - Saxophone
Raphael Zaldivar - Keys
Special Guest: New York’s Adam O’Farrill - Trumpet (May 30 & 31)
JabFung is the brainchild of Toronto-based bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and LA-based drummer Anthony Fung. Since 2014, the band has had a semi-annual residency at the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, where they have brought together local and international artists to rehearse and perform their original music. During these residencies, they have featured a shifting cast of Canadian jazz icons like Kirk MacDonald and Kelly Jefferson, as well as American counterparts like George Garzone and peers of their own generation, such as Simon Moullier, Isaac Wilson, Andrew Marzotto, and Mingjia Chen.
Over the last couple of years, however, the cast of JabFung has stabilized with the birth of a creative connection between the two leaders and two world-renowned and Juno-nominated Cuban-Canadian musicians, Luis Deniz (saxophone) and Rafael Zaldivar (piano). In the summer of 2023, the quartet did a four-night run of concerts at the Rex Hotel and discovered a musical dialogue based in trust and a shared vision for musical expression that was impossible for them—and their audiences—to ignore.
This musical spark led them to spend a day in the studio in early spring of 2024, recording their first album Epoch, a collection of songs written by Anthony and Julian specifically for the quartet.
Epoch features eight original compositions (four by Fung and four by Anderson-Bowes), as well as an unplanned version of the beautiful Thelonious Monk ballad, “Ask Me Now,” which captures the essence of a life-long friendship and musical bond between Zaldivar and Deniz, who grew up together studying music in Camagüey, Cuba. The album is a snapshot into a decade-long collaboration that spans cultures and generations, and is imbued with a profound mutuality and musical vision shared among these four powerful musicians.
Epoch releases in May of 2025, beginning with a four-night residency at the Rex Hotel—a club that has become a home for JabFung, supporting the energized and unpredictable explorations of the quartet.
Marc Decho Trios
Marc Decho TRIOS
May 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 8:30 PM
Marc Deco - Bass
Jeremy Ledbetter - Piano (May 7)
James Hill - Piano (May 14& 28)
Roshane Wright - Percussion (May 7)
Marito Marques - Drums (May 14)
Amhed Mitchel - Drums (May 21)
Ian Wright - Drums (May 28)
No Reservations
Montreal-born electric bassist Marc Decho has established himself as an incredibly versatile and creative artist. Along with being a highly in demand electric bass player in Canada, Marc is additionally a composer, bandleader and educator. He has recorded one album as a leader, and appears as a sideman on a plethora of recordings ranging from Jazz, Fusion, Latin Jazz to Funk to traditional Cuban, Salsa & Folk music. Decho is longstanding member of the legendary Cuban pianist "Miguel De Armas Quartet" and has performed with a wide variety of artists such as Jane Bunnett, Grammy winning bassist/producer Roberto Riveron, Latin-Grammy Winning percussionist Amado Dedeu Garcia, Petr Cancura, Rachel Therrien, Okan, George Crotty, Jeremy Ledbetter, Luis Deniz, Sarah Thawer, Marito Marques, Danae Olano, Rafael Zaldivar, Gabriel Palatchi among many others. He leads multiple groups including his most recent project the Marc Decho Quartet.

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks
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.
Jim Lewis Quartet
Jim Lewis Quartet
May 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 5:30 Pm
Jim Lewis - Trumpet
Harley Card - Guitar
Dan Fortin - Bass
Ethan Ardelli - Drums
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
John Macleod's Rex Hotel Orchestra
John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra
mAY 26 @ 8:30 PM
John MacLeod - Trumpet / Flugelhorn
20-piece Juno Award-winning Jazz Big Band
Canada’s Finest Big Band Jazz Ensemble
The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto".
Eric Liang
Eric Liang
MAY 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 5:30 pm
Eric Liang - Piano
Band :TBA
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Eric Liang (b. 2003) is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto and has studied with notable musicians including Glenn Zaleski and Steven Feifke among others. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Morgan Childs, and Laura Anglade, among other big names in the jazz world.

CHRIS Banks
Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!
Hosted by the legendary Chris Banks.

Laura Hubert Band
LAURA HUBERT BAND
May 4, 11, 18, 25 @5:30PM
Laura Hubert - Vocals
Peter Hill - Piano
NO RESERVATIONS
$10 COVER CHARGE
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.
Card, Samaras & Godfrey
Card, Samaras & Godfrey
May 25 @ 2:00 pm
Harley Card - guitar, voice
Alex Samaras - voice
Mark Godfey - acoustic bass, voice
Primarily first-come, first-served, Limited VIP tickets are available for guaranteed premium seating and meet & greet.
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Card, Samaras, and Godfrey are a trio dedicated to finding intimate musical moments through song. With an emphasis on Card’s output as a songwriter, the trio also curates a range of intriguing repertoire performed on guitar, upright bass, and intricate three part vocal arrangements.
New York’s Jacob Chung Quintet
Jacob Chung Quintet
May 21, 22, 23, 24 @ 8:30 PM
Jacob Chung - Saxophone
Mason Millard - Trumpet
Tyler Henderson - Piano
Caleb Tobocman - Bass
Willie Bowman - Drums
And special guests:
Ale Nunez - voice (May 21 & 22)
Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacob Chung’s commitment to swing has charmed audiences in his hometown Toronto and in New York City, where he is currently based. Having established himself as one of the most exciting players in Toronto, he relocated to NYC in 2022 to find Vincent Herring at Manhattan School of Music. Herring’s mentorship and advocacy for Jacob’s talent led to the recording of Jacob’s sophomore album in December 2023 for the Cellar Music Group label, featuring both Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth. In the summer of 2023, Jacob performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and at the Burlington Jazz Festival (VT) as a member of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Since moving to NYC, Jacob has also performed with Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, and the Erena Terakubo Septet.
The Jacob Chung Quintet’s 2022 debut album Epistle was received with critical acclaim for its embodiment of the spirit of jazz; “A bunch of swingers that know the history without the baggage, they zip the ears open with a delightful sound that uplifts while it makes you smile” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record). Jacob’s aesthetic direction has drawn comparison to that of the 1990s neo-bop renaissance. Will Chernoff (Rhythm Changes) writes that “Jacob and the band are part of a full-on second generation of Young Lions,” a sentiment expanded upon by Jamie Lee Rake (Shepherd Express): “What they are about is connecting the dots between the sophisticated heat of jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie with a post-bop drive.” The Jacob Chung Quintet has played at several major Toronto venues and festivals including The Rex Hotel, The Jazz Bistro, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, TD Markham Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

The Neon Eagle
the Neon Eagle
MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 5:30 pm
Led by:
Mike Eckert - Pedal Steel
No Reservations
$10 Cover Charge
Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.
Come in, sit back, and feel the hypnotic vibes of this incredible group!
Robin Jessome & Blunt Objects
ROBIN JESSOME & BLUNT OBJECTS
May 24 @ 2:00 PM
Robin Jessome -Trombone
No Reservations
Cover Charges
$15 Front Section
$10 Back Section
Blunt Object is a Toronto-based 11-piece jazz ensemble performing energetic, creative music; balancing unique improvisors with quirky and compelling arrangements. Featuring the music of Carla Bley, the ensemble presents engaging music with a refreshing sense of humour.
Trombonist Robin Jessome has been based in Kitchener/Waterloo and performing around the Tri-Cities as well as Hamilton and Toronto, making loud and intriguing creative music. Robin likes things dark, with a quirky sense-of-humour — deeply influenced by the likes of Carla Bley, Tom Waits, Kenny Wheeler and Charles Mingus. Originally from Nova Scotia, Robin received a Bachelor of Music at St. Francis Xavier University (2003) and then completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto (2009). While at UofT he studied trombone with William Carn and Terry Promane; composition with Phil Nimmons and David Braid.