This week, Mission pianist Keith Gray teams up with a roster of talented local players for an evening of classic swing music steeped in the roots of early jazz and drawing inspiration from the legendary Jelly Roll Morton.

Keith will be joined by his old friend and Salmon Arm bassist Dan Smith, along with Sandy Cameron on saxophone, Liam Nadurak on trumpet, Bob Rogers on trombone, Jake Verburg on guitar, and Brian Pratt-Johnson on drums, coming together in a tribute to traditional New Orleans jazz. Expect infectious rhythms, swinging melodies, and a night of classic jazz that will have you tapping your feet!

Keith's playing captures the essence of traditional New Orleans stride and ragtime, bringing the lively spirit of Dixieland to every performance. Harkening from the golden age of jazz, Gray's style is influenced by pianists ranging from James P. Johnson and Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson and Errol Garner, through to Ray Charles and Red Garland.

Born in Mission B.C, Gray has been playing piano since he was 9 years old. From early on, he loved the music of Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and Jerry Lee Lewis. Being proficient at boogie-woogie style piano, Keith went on to further study Jazz at Capilano University where he fell in love with a variety of piano styles.  After he acquired his Diploma in Instrumental Jazz, he continued his schooling to work as a high-school music teacher. Keith now teaches Academics and Music in an alternate education facility in Mission B.C.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The Salmon Arm Jazz Club is pleased to present an Okanagan-based quartet led by saxophonist Craig Thomson on Thursday, March 13. Local jazz fans may recall Craig from his shows in previous seasons, where he performed the music of saxophone greats Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon and Joe Henderson.

Craig is a prolific performer, composer, recording artist and educator. He has a reputation as an outstanding saxophonist who delights audiences with his robust, muscular tenor sound, which is fresh and exciting while remaining anchored in the jazz tradition. Whether in the field of jazz performance or education, Craig Thomson’s name is synonymous with warmth, excellence, style and sophistication.

Craig is the Artistic Director for the B.C. Interior Jazz Festival, an annual three-day educational event that brings together over 1000 students from around Canada and the United States, connecting them with the expertise of North America's finest music professionals. 

His 2012 solo debut CD of all-original compositions, entitled Bright Beginnings, garnered much acclaim. And in 2013, Craig was honoured as the Okanagan Musician of the Year. He is a Yamaha Canada Artist Educator and presents regular educator workshops for the annual BC Music Educator’s Association conferences, and student and educator workshops and clinics.

Joining Craig for this show will be Sean Bray (guitar), Dan Smith (bass) and Will Friesen (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

This week’s show features The Dark Switch trio, which brings together local jazz artists Blair Shier (guitar), Dan Smith (bass) and Liam Nadurak (trumpet), as well as a couple of notable friends.

The group began with weekly sessions between Blair and Dan with the intention of revisiting classic jazz repertoire. Their approach to arrangements and interplay is heavily inspired by Bill Evans and Jim Hall's duo record 'Undercurrent' from 1962. The show will feature standards with an emphasis on the sadder side of the canon.

In addition to 10 strings and a dream, trumpeter Liam 'baby' Nadurak stumbled into enough rehearsals that he was invited to join, because he's amazing. Further additions include local trombone legend Bob Rogers and rising local vocalist Megan Abel.

Blair Shier studied jazz guitar at Mohawk college in Hamilton Ontario under the tutelage of Geoff Young and Bob Shields. Dan Smith started studying upright bass with Darren Radke during his fourth year studying guitar at Capilano University. Liam Nadurak emerged out of the jazz ether somewhere between Dauphin and Kenora, where the great plains begin.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The Jazz Implication is coming back for another show at the Nexus! This group of rising young musical talents is led by Liam Nadurak (trumpet), and includes Jordan Dick and Dan Smith (guitars), Darrin Herting (bass), and Will Friesen (drums).

The quartet is known for pushing their interpretations of standards and originals into exciting new ground. A growing sense of adventure and camaraderie between the musicians is allowing for experimentation, blurring the lines of the traditional approach to trading solos. At times it becomes unclear where the soloist starts and the ensemble ends, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Thanks to the generous donations of Jazz Club patrons, the group recorded some of Liam’s original compositions at Holy Cow Studios, a professional studio in Kamloops. The tracks have now been mastered and are available for you to check out on a variety of platforms here.

The group is inspired by the tradition of jazz but reinterpreted in the modern context. Each member brings their own authentic experience with music to the table to create a unique sound. Expect to hear a mix of some of their favourite traditional jazz standards mixed with original compositions that have never been performed publicly before.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

This week’s performance brings the Kamloops-based Garden Path Quartet to the Nexus stage. The group includes Alex Ward (bass), Aaron MacInnis (guitar), Stefan Thordarson (violin) and Jared Rinaldi Wilman (drums).

Alex Ward is a multi-instrumentalist and music teacher, highly skilled on keyboards of all kinds, as well as bass, trumpet, saxophone, and flute. As a pianist, he joined trumpeter Liam Nadurak’s group The Jazz Implication during their recent Jazz Club recording project.

Music comes naturally to Stefan Thordarson who, as a third-generation fiddler, grew up in a home filled with inspiring sound. His musical journey as a violinist began early and he was performing gypsy-jazz and Texas-fiddle tunes professionally before he reached his teens. To great acclaim in the Vancouver media, he recorded his first CD at age 12. In addition to violin, he has been pursuing electronic instruments in his recent compositions.

Aaron MacInnis translated his formal university training in music into a love for jazz guitar. Moving to Kamloops in 2017, he divides his time between his passions as a top notch brewmaster and an equally skilled musician.

Jared is very active the Kamloops music scene, where he plays in a variety of local bands, including performing with Western Canada Theatre. Salmon Arm jazz fans will recognize Jared from his previous performances on the Nexus stage with guitarist Kris Ruston and others.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The first show of the New Year features jazz vocalist Karen Wiseman, hailing from Vernon. Karen is celebrated for her rich tonal variations and expressive phrasing. With a deep love for classic standards, she takes joy in discovering and sharing hidden gems within the jazz tradition.

Drawing inspiration from vocal legends like Peggy Lee and Julie London, Karen blends a repertoire that includes swing classics, soulful ballads, Latin jazz, and reimagined Broadway and pop tunes. Her performances are characterized by their elegance, subtlety, and sophisticated arrangements, offering a delightful and diverse musical experience.

Karen has collaborated with some of Canada's finest jazz artists, including Sean Bray, Bill Coon, Mike Rud, and Michael Creber. For this performance, she is supported by four of the Okanagan’s finest players, including Chris Startup (sax), Neville Bowman (piano), Gil Kafka (bass) and Will Friesen (drums).

Visit Karen’s website for further background and samples of her performances.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE: this show takes place on the 3rd Thursday of the month, a departure from the regular 2nd and 4th Thursday schedule.

Building on the success of previous jam sessions, we are presenting more local talent in a similar setting this week. Join us Thursday, December 19 at the Salmon Arm Jazz Club to hear the area’s finest jazz musicians engage in this age-old tradition. The evening will be hosted by our house band, with performers to be announced as showtime approaches.

The jam session—or "Blowin’ Session" as it is referred to in Johnny Griffin’s 1957 Blue Note album by that name—is an essential part of the jazz tradition. Throughout the history of jazz, players have engaged in these informal musical events to blow off steam, sharpen their improvisational skills, and prove themselves amongst their peers. Late night jam sessions amongst musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Bud Powell at the Harlem jazz club Minton’s Playhouse are often cited as playing a critical role in the development of Bebop. The average jam may not be as monumental as these historic sessions, but the tradition of the “Blowin’ Session” is indispensable in the development of all jazz practitioners.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The Jazz Club is excited to welcome the return of saxophonist Campbell Ryga, teaming up with Joe Auty on trumpet, for another "Neo-soul" performance.

What is Neo-soul? Well, that might be a little unclear, but to the band it is the fusion/crossover of the soulful sounds of a Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield with beautiful jazz harmonies and infectious high energy grooves. If you are a fan of Motown, soul, R&B, hip hop, and adjacent music and you are curious what it sounds like fused with jazz in an accessible way, this is a show not to be missed!

This is Joe Auty's debut solo performance in the Shuswap/Okanagan Valley since moving from Toronto to Vernon. Joe has been a successful freelance trumpet player and soloist for many years now in both Canada and the US, and plays with a fiery, groove focused, and spunky sort of sound in the style of Roy Hargrove or Clifford Brown. To fulfill this dream and vision of Joe's, he opted to collaborate with Campbell Ryga to add his exquisite taste, sensitivity, and beautiful harmonic expression to the sound of the band.

Campbell is literally a legendary saxophonist in Canada and is not only inarguably one of the most accomplished saxophonists in Canada, but in the world. He moved to Kamloops recently, so it seemed fitting for Joe and Campbell to collaborate with the goal to bring these new sounds and ideas to the Valley. Joe and Campbell are joined with some of the finest local rhythm section musicians in Jake McIntyre-Paul on bass, Loni Moger on guitar, and Will Freisen on drums.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
TIME: Doors open at 6:30 pm, show at 7:00 pm.

Each year, jazz club artistic director and guitarist, Jordan Dick, teams up with the exceptional talent of guitarist Jake Verburg, to bring together a group of the region's finest jazz guitar players for a celebration of the instrument. It always proves to be an unpredictable and incomparable evening of musical artistry.

This year they are pulling in some extraordinary additional talent and expanding the palette of plucked string instruments to include dobro, banjo, and mandolin in a special Deluxe Edition performing songs from and inspired by Bill Frisell's groundbreaking album, "Nashville."

Joining Jordan and Jake on stage is singer-songwriter Sam Masterson on dobro & vocals, the award-winning Jeff Scroggins on banjo, James Clarke on mandolin, Blair Shier on guitar, and Dan Smith on bass.

"It's going to be a great show," says Jordan. "We've been rehearsing and are all really excited by the music everyone is creating together."

Bill Frisell's "Nashville" recording featured the sounds of classic Americana, country and western music reimagined through the ears of a contemporary jazz guitar legend. The result was beautiful, honest, and completely original. It has become a reference point for many musicians since its release in 1997.

For this Deluxe Edition show, Jordan and Jake have commandeered a remarkable group of musicians, including the banjo talents of Jeff Scroggins, an internationally known performer and teacher who has toured his fiery banjo style throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and won numerous contests and awards including the prestigious National Bluegrass Banjo Championship. He has performed and recorded with many of the top names in bluegrass and his work has been featured in movies, television and radio. Jeff now tours extensively with his own band, Jeff Scroggins and Colorado.

Join the Salmon Arm Jazz Club for a celebration of the contribution of these versatile stringed instruments to the world of jazz on November 28 and be prepared for fresh sounds and a good dose of the unexpected.

ADMISSION: By donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

Sandy Cameron and his Shuhorns band are back! Those familiar with our local music scene are already well aquainted with Sandy’s impressive expertise on a range of woodwind instruments. The Shuhorns band represents Sandy’s enthusiasm for larger ensembles and, if past shows are any indication, promises to deliver another exciting performance.

This show features trumpeter Nick Dyson, who is supplying the arrangements and taking the reigns as band leader. Nick has travelled the world as lead trumpeter and musical director aboard many cruise ships. In 2008, he settled in Ottawa where he established a teaching studio and founded the Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has worked with numerous musical legends and played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau, Capital Brassworks, and in a number of pit orchestras. Currently, he is an in-demand private instructor in trumpet, harmony and improvisation, and also an active clinician, adjudicator and guest soloist. When not performing, directing, or recording, Nick can be found teaching students of all ages and backgrounds.

Other musicians in the group include an incredible line-up of regional horn and rhythm section players including Sandy Cameron (tenor saxophone & clarinet), Campbell Ryga (alto saxophone), Mike Scharf (baritone sax), Liam Nadurak (trumpet), Bob Rogers (trombone), Jim Johnson (piano), Jordan Dick (guitar), Dave Marfleet (bass), and Gareth Seys (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

PLEASE NOTE: this show takes place on FRIDAY, a departure from the regular Thursday schedule. Set aside the date in your calendar — this show is not to be missed!

For this special show, we are excited to bring Vancouver-born vocalist and jazz pianist Jennifer Scott to the Nexus stage. Jennifer is widely respected as one of the most important contemporary jazz artists in Canada and the US. She has appeared with such jazz greats as Tommy Banks, Don Thompson, Kenny Wheeler, Skywalk, and Hugh Fraser, among others.

Jazz journalist Andy Gilbert (Jazz Times) writes: “Scott has set herself apart from the jazz-vocalist pack with her mesmerizing renditions of the most unlikely tunes… with her warm, flexible contralto, Scott brings a striking emotional intelligence to everything she sings, no matter what the context. As much a song stylist as an improviser, she puts her stamp on material through her supple sense of swing, and deft, slippery phrasing.”

Joining Jennifer for this show will be Bernie Arai on drums, and Rene Worst on bass. Both bring their own formidable career resumes. Rene was co-leader of the now-legendary fusion band Skywalk, and has toured Canada with jazz legends Chet Baker, Gene Bertoncini and Joe Pass. He has also recorded and performed with numerous jazz greats, including Jack Sheldon, Tommy Banks, Herb Ellis, Freddie Hubbard, Ernestine Anderson, John Faddis, and Don Thompson. Bernie has worked with the Brad Turner Trio, Bill Coon's BC Double Quartet, the Bill Runge quartet, the Hard Rubber Orchestra, the Ihor Kukurudza Trio, Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra, Sharon Minemoto Quintet and Quartet, the Paul Keeling Trio and Quintet, Tommy Babin's Sendero Luminoso, Altered Laws, and Mimosa.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

Great musical changes are taking place in the jazz landscape of Salmon Arm and our neighbouring cities. An exceptional example of these changes is showcased in this week's Jazz Club performance featuring two newcomers to the Vernon area: Bob Rogers on trombone and Chris Startup on saxophone.

Bob and Chris, along with Colin Spence (piano), Dan Smith (bass) and Brian Pratt Johnson (drums) will play music from the album “Stan Getz and JJ Johnson At The Opera House. Recorded live in 1957, it also features the Oscar Peterson Trio. The album includes a selection of well and lesser know standards such as Billie’s Bounce, My Funny Valentine, Yesterdays and It Never Entered My Mind. The band will also be playing a couple of JJ Johnson compositions and some tunes associated with Stan Getz to round out the program. This show promises energetic, straight ahead swing, beautiful ballads, and maybe even a bossa nova. Featuring some of the areas finest players, this is a show you don’t want to miss!

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

This week, we present guitarist Gabriel Vizcaino. A newcomer to Salmon Arm, Gabriel is a highly skilled jazz musician who has added his name to the growing roster of great players choosing to make BC’s southern interior their new home.

Born in Quito Ecuador, Gabriel never picked up a guitar until he was 17. After learning his favorite rock songs, he started playing with a couple of bands, got hooked, and decided to pursue a music career! After obtaining his music degree at Universidad de los Hemisferios in Ecuador, Gabriel earned a diploma in Jazz Studies at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona Spain, catching a serious interest in jazz after attending master classes with jazz legends like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Peter Bernstein and Jorge Rossy. In 2016 Gabriel moved to Canada and has been actively involved with the musical scene performing for a number of shows in PEI and BC.

Gabriel’s band includes Salmon Arm’s Dan Smith on bass and Gareth Seys on drums, as well as Kelowna-based Zach Griffin on tenor sax as a special guest. Zach is well-known in the Okanagan music scene. A jazz performance graduate (UofT, 2019), educator and on-call musician, he can be heard playing woodwinds on the albums 'Embargo' and 'TRADBURNER' on streaming services as well as in one-off jazz, rock, and classical groups at various events across the Okanagan.

CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

Guitarist Jordan Dick is teaming up with pianist Colin Spence, bassist Darrin Herting and drummer Gareth Seys for this week’s show. Further information on this performance will follow soon.

CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The Salmon Arm Jazz Club opener for our 2024-25 season features perennial favourite Sandy Cameron, who brings a new band of outstanding local musicians to the Nexus stage on September 12. For this performance, he is joined by guitarists Jake Verburg and Stephanie Clifford, along with bassist Dan Smith.

All four musicians are well known for their unique voice and distinct contribution to the local creative music scene. They have performed with each other in the past, but never together as a quartet quite like this for the Salmon Arm Jazz Club.

Sandy Cameron is known for his outstanding leadership of both big bands like The ShuHorns and smaller ensembles playing saxophone, clarinet, and flute. His album, Sandy Plays Benny, features arrangements of tunes made famous by the great jazz clarinetist, Benny Goodman.

Jake Verburg is arguably one of the most versatile, intuitive, and distinct guitarists in the BC Interior. His far-reaching musical curiosity is always rooted in a deeply soulful approach that spans genres and defies being pinned down with any one label.

Stephanie Clifford is best known for her exceptional song-writing compositions and guitar accompaniment, but is equally comfortable anchoring down the driving rhythm on a classic Django Reinhardt gypsy-jazz standard. She recently returned from recording sessions in Vancouver for an album of her latest compositions.

Dan Smith is quickly proving his cross-instrumental talents. Best known for his improvisational virtuosity on electric guitar (check out his work on Sandy Cameron's recent recording, Sandy Plays Benny), Dan has been bringing a similar quest for finding just the right compliment of groove and lyricism to his ensemble work on the bass.

The Salmon Arm Jazz Club is excited to hear what happens when these four exceptional musical voices join together.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Shuswap’s largest Heritage destination, R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, is proud to partner with the Salmon Arm Jazz Club for an evening of jazz in the park! Enjoy a gourmet meal from the Village’s licensed Sprig of Heather restaurant and some of the finest jazz in the Shuswap.

The evening will feature The Jazz Implication, a group of rising young musical talents in the interior led by Liam Nadurak (trumpet), supported by Jordan Dick (guitar), Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass) and Will Friesen (drums). The Jazz Implication is a fitting name as the quartet is quickly becoming known for pushing their interpretations of standards and originals into exciting new ground. A growing sense of adventure and camaraderie between the musicians is allowing for experimentation, blurring the lines of the traditional approach to trading solos. At times it becomes unclear where the soloist starts and the ensemble ends, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

When asked about the band name, Liam replied, “It’s kind of a random story. I think Will (the group's regular drummer) saw an article about the Utah Jazz sports team and the headline was about a player implying that he might get traded or something. We all thought it sounded kind of hip. It was around the time we wanted to move away from The Liam Nadurak Quartet name, as it wasn’t just my group anymore.”

The group is inspired by the tradition of jazz but reinterpreted in the modern context. Each member brings their own authentic experience with music to the table to create a unique sound. Expect to hear a mix of some of their favourite traditional jazz standards mixed with original compositions that have never been performed publicly before!

R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization that proudly preserves the history of Salmon Arm and the surrounding areas. The Jazz Club sees this summer performance as a step in developing more music entertainment options in our community and a way to support R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum’s projects and educational programs.

Tickets can be purchased at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, or by calling 250-832-5243 to charge by phone. Gates open and music starts at 5:00 pm. meal service is from 5:30-6:30 pm. Local beer, wine and cider are available to purchase. R.J. Haney Heritage Village is located at 751 Highway 97B Salmon Arm, just south of Drivers Car and Truck Sales (map).

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Shuswap’s largest Heritage destination, R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, is proud to partner with the Salmon Arm Jazz Club for an evening of jazz in the park! Enjoy a gourmet meal from the Village’s licensed Sprig of Heather restaurant and some of the finest jazz in the Shuswap.

The evening will feature The Rolling Deep, a quartet of Salmon Arm-based musicians led by Jake McIntyre Paul on guitar, accompanied by Colin Spence (keyboards), Dan Smith (bass) and Brian Pratt-Johnson (drums). The newest project from some of our favourite musicians takes a deep dive into the popular songbook, adds a big dash of groove, a touch of cheek, and a whole lot of joy. Pleasant surprises abound!

When band leader, Jake McIntyre-Paul, brought the idea of The Rolling Deep to the other members his idea was to "have a bit of fun playing some stuff we don't normally play and not take ourselves too seriously". But they end up making some seriously good music together. Jake and Dan nudge each other out of their comfort zones trading bass and guitar, their usual instruments of choice. And Colin and Brian reach into their extensive resumes to draw on a wealth of electric keyboard sound textures and in-the-pocket drum grooves.

Asked about how The Rolling Deep got its name, Jake says "we may never know, but it sounded cool, and there's a sense of the tunes surfacing from the depths when we find them." Fittingly their repertoire takes a deep dive into the popular songbook looking for music you likely never expected to hear from the 70's & 80's, new arrangements of old favourites, and originals. It's music to keep you on your toes and feeling very good about what might surface next.

R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization that proudly preserves the history of Salmon Arm and the surrounding areas. The Jazz Club sees this summer performance as a step in developing more music entertainment options in our community and a way to support R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum’s projects and educational programs.

Tickets can be purchased at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, or by calling 250-832-5243 to charge by phone. Gates open and music starts at 5:00 pm. meal service is from 5:30-6:30 pm. Local beer, wine and cider are available to purchase. R.J. Haney Heritage Village is located at 751 Highway 97B Salmon Arm, just south of Drivers Car and Truck Sales (map).

Salmon Arm musicians are featured this week, as the Chris Petterson Quartet takes to the Jazz Club stage. The group includes Chris Petterson (saxophone), Colin Spence (piano), Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass) and Brian Pratt-Johnson (drums). Additional details will follow as the show date approaches.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This week, the Jazz Club brings you the John Lee Trio from Vancouver. John’s show will celebrate the upcoming release (July 2024) of his sophomore recording “Second Wind” on the Grammy Award winning record label Cellar Live. Recorded in December 2023 at Monarch Studios in Vancouver, the album features Lee on piano alongside the renowned and illustrious rhythm section of Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums.

For this show, John’s trio consists of Lee on piano, Kosma Busheikin on bass, and Graham Villette on drums. The sound of the trio bridges the gap between the past and the future of modern jazz — a collective true to the "straight ahead" sound with a contemporary improvisational approach on the repertoire of The Great American Songbook or compositions by a Jazz legend from the early 20th century.

Raised in Nanaimo BC, multi-instrumentalist John Lee continues to be one of the highest acclaimed jazz artists nationwide. After showing great interest in music at a young age, Lee developed into a virtuoso by his late teens. He moved to Boston in 2010 to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston where he was mentored by Ralph Peterson Jr and Dave Santoro. Lee then relocated back to his west coast motherland in 2016 and began his professional career.

Lee's experience as a sideman goes far beyond his years. Raised as a local of Vancouver Island, his early performing experiences were with Canadian artists such as Order of Canada recipient Phil Dwyer and internationally acclaimed Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. At age 19, Lee made his performance debut in the US with pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in New York City. Lee spent much of the early 2010's on the bandstand supporting visiting artists in Victoria BC where he performed with American pianists Larry Fuller, George Colligan and Misha Piatigorsky. Starting an association with internationally recognized Jazz saxophonist and impresario Cory Weeds in recent years, Lee was provided many opportunities to share the stage with the who's who of the Jazz world. Since 2017, Lee has performed with many world class visiting artists in Vancouver BC including Terell Stafford, Roy McCurdy, Ralph Moore, Grant Stewart, Jeremy Pelt, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Bernstein, Benny Benack III, Alexander Claffy, Mike LeDonne, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Michael Weiss, Dick Oatts, Jim Rotondi, Nicole Glover and Joe Magnarelli.

With the support of the Cellar Music Group, Lee recorded his first album “The Artist” in 2021 under the Cellar Live record label featuring legendary Jazz drummer Carl Allen. His new recording “Second Wind” is set to release this summer; however, advanced physical copies will be available for purchase exclusively at the concert.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

PLEASE NOTE — this event has modified, and no longer includes pianist Dave Restivo. However, with the trio now in place for the show, this performance promises to be a stellar event.

The Mike Rud Trio features one of Canada’s finest musicians now living just across the mountains to our east, in Nelson, BC!

Mike Rud is a Juno award-winning jazz guitarist and songwriter, and now also a music instructor at Selkirk College in Nelson. As an instrumentalist, Mike has played alongside some of the greatest jazz musicians of the era, including Peter Bernstein, Kenny Wheeler, Herb Ellis and Joey DeFrancesco. As a songwriter and arranger, Mike won the 2014 Juno Award for his album “Notes” on Montreal, a critically acclaimed musical portrait of the city. Mike’s subsequent 2015 solo release, “Miniatures”, delighted audiences across Canada, creating the effect of a small group with only his voice and his guitar. He has a Master’s Degree from McGill and studied privately in New York City with one of the fathers of modern jazz guitar, Jim Hall.

Adding to the excitement of this performance, Salmon Arm’s Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass) and Will Friesen from Kelowna (drums) will be joining Mike for this show.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

PLEASE NOTE: this show takes place on FRIDAY, a departure from the regular Thursday schedule.

Triology is a supergroup of award-winning Canadian jazz musicians, with Jodi Proznick on bass, Miles Black on piano and Bill Coon on guitar. The trio was formed in 2008 and fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. All three members have won numerous accolades over the years, including JUNO nominations, National Jazz Awards, Galaxie Rising Star Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards. They have shared the stage with jazz stars such as Lewis Nash, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Ed Thigpen, Clark Terry, Max Roach and Harry "Sweets" Edison.

Triology will be performing wonderful impromptu arrangements of classic standards and original tunes. Set aside the date in your calendar — this show is not to be missed!

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This week, we are pleased to present guitarist Gabriel Vizcaino and his quintet. A newcomer to Salmon Arm, Gabriel is a highly skilled jazz musician who has added his name to the growing roster of great players choosing to make BC’s southern interior their new home.

Born in Quito Ecuador, Gabriel never picked up a guitar until he was 17. After learning his favorite rock songs, he started playing with a couple of bands, got hooked, and decided to pursue a music career! After obtaining his music degree at Universidad de los Hemisferios in Ecuador, Gabriel earned a diploma in Jazz Studies at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona Spain, catching a serious interest in jazz after attending master classes with jazz legends like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Peter Bernstein and Jorge Rossy. In 2016 Gabriel moved to Canada and has been actively involved with the musical scene performing for a number of shows in PEI and BC.

Gabriel brings together a highly talented group of local and regional musicians for this performance, including Craig Thomson (tenor and soprano sax), Spencer Dean (keyboard), Jake McIntyre-Paul (electric bass) and Will Friesen (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

Sandy Cameron and his Shuhorns band are back! Those familiar with our local music scene are already well aquainted with Sandy’s impressive expertise on a range of woodwind instruments. The Shuhorns band represents Sandy’s enthusiasm for larger ensembles and, if past shows are any indication, promises to deliver another exciting performance.

This show features trumpeter Nick Dyson, who is supplying the arrangements and taking the reigns as band leader. Nick has travelled the world as lead trumpeter and musical director aboard many cruise ships. In 2008, he settled in Ottawa where he established a teaching studio and founded the Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has worked with numerous musical legends and played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau, Capital Brassworks, and in a number of pit orchestras. Currently, he is an in-demand private instructor in trumpet, harmony and improvisation, and also an active clinician, adjudicator and guest soloist. When not performing, directing, or recording, Nick can be found teaching students of all ages and backgrounds from his recently relocated home studio in Kamloops.

Other musicians in the group include a who’s who of regional horn and rhythm section players: Sandy Cameron (saxophone & clarinet), Chris Startup (saxophone), Mike Scharffe (baritone sax), Liam Nadurak (trumpet), Bob Rogers (trombone), Jim Johnson (piano), Dan Smith (guitar), Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass) and Gareth Seys (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This week, we are very fortunate to have booked legendary Vancouver saxophonist and flautist Tom Keenlyside and his quartet for an evening at the Nexus stage. Tom’s quartet includes Neil Fraser (guitar), Shelby Wahl (guitar) and Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass).

Keenlyside’s musical career has spanned six decades, featuring performances and recordings throughout North America and Europe. His saxophone and flute playing have been featured with a wide variety of groups at many major festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival. He has performed with many of the biggest names in the music business: Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme and Tom Jones. In November 2006, Tom was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.

“Tom Keenlyside is one of Canada’s foremost musicians. His musicality transcends categories.” Paul Horn

“Keenlyside has a lush, warm sound, a fleet technique and a complete command of the expressive devices available to the flute.” Cadence Magazine, New York

"The flute is a very difficult instrument to matriculate in the world of jazz... Tom Keenlyside is one of a few to do it successfully." Hubert Laws

“Jazz flutist and saxophonist Tom Keenlyside has seen international success, done sessions for pop stars, and now runs his own label. His passion for his music permeates his performances.” Jim Dupuis-Earshot Magazine

“…a subtle and masterful flutist.” Winnipeg Free Press

“Tom’s work on flute is masterful, inventive and lyrical” TV Week

“Keenlyside is a musician’s musician” Red Robinson

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

The Rolling Deep plays the Salmon Arm Jazz Club on the FIFTH Thursday, February 29 (yes - it's a leap year!). The newest project from some of our favourite musicians takes a deep dive into the popular songbook, adds a big dash of groove, a touch of cheek, and a whole lot of joy. Pleasant surprises abound! The Rolling Deep is Jake "who put this guy in charge" McIntyre-Paul (guitar), Colin "saucy" Spence (keyboards), Dan "mojo maestro" Smith (bass) and Brian "party jazz" Pratt-Johnson (drums).

When band leader, Jake McIntyre-Paul, brought the idea of The Rolling Deep to the other members his idea was to "have a bit of fun playing some stuff we don't normally play and not take ourselves too seriously". But they end up making some seriously good music together. Jake and Dan nudge each other out of their comfort zones trading bass and guitar, their usual instruments of choice. And Colin and Brian reach into their extensive resumes to draw on a wealth of electric keyboard sound textures and in-the-pocket drum grooves.

Asked about how The Rolling Deep got its name, Jake says "we may never know, but it sounded cool, and there's a sense of the tunes surfacing from the depths when we find them." Fittingly their repertoire takes a deep dive into the popular songbook looking for music you likely never expected to hear from the 70's & 80's, new arrangements of old favourites, and originals. It's music to keep you on your toes and feeling very good about what might surface next.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This week, Montreal-based vocalist Sienna Dahlen and Vancouver guitarist Bill Coon will perform together as a duo on the Nexus stage. Although they currently reside at opposite ends of the country, the duo melds as though they have been performing together day in and day out for years. In 2020 they decided to embark on the creation of a predominantly jazz ballads album to pay homage to the enigmatic journey of their collective inspiration. Embracing both the unexpected and well-charted musical paths, they engaged in a deliberate and harmonious dance through time, supporting and leading each other. The outcome of this exploration is their album "Balladextrous", which will form the centrepiece of this week’s performance.

A Juno award-winning performer, Dahlen has toured extensively in Canada, Europe, and the United States, as well as Mexico and South America. With six albums highlighting her original jazz and folk compositions, she has not only led and collaborated on various national and international projects but has also made notable appearances as a guest vocalist on multiple recordings. She is also a dedicated educator, teaching jazz voice and directing small ensembles at the post-secondary level. She has taught at McGill and Concordia University in Montreal, while also conducting voice clinics and songwriting masterclasses globally. Highlights include engagements at the Konsort Music Academy in Moscow, Kiev National University, and the Performance House Jazz Camp in Silkeborg, Denmark.

Vancouver-based Bill Coon is a Juno nominee, as well winner of 'Guitarist of the Year' at the 2009 National Jazz Awards. With over thirty years of professional experience, Coon has collaborated with numerous jazz luminaries and boasts an impressive discography of over 50 recordings. As a sought-after composer and arranger, he has received commissions from esteemed orchestras worldwide. Currently, Coon imparts his expertise as a faculty member at Capilano University, covering composition, arranging, jazz history, and, of course, jazz guitar.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

The Bob Rogers band is comprised of some of the finest players from throughout the interior. Led by Vernon-based trombonist Bob Rogers, the band plays a mix of original material and original takes on jazz standards. The members of the band have a wealth of experience playing in a wide variety of bands throughout the province and you will hear all of those influences here. From funk to blues, swing to Latin, and even some horn infused rock and roll thrown in for good measure, this band plays music that you don't need to be a jazz musician or aficionado to enjoy. Guaranteed to get you fingers snapping and your toes tapping, and dancing is encouraged.

The Bob Rogers Band is:

Bob Rogers - trombone (Vernon)
Chris Petterson - saxophone (Salmon Arm)
Jordan Dick - guitar (Salmon Arm)
Colin Spence - keyboards (Salmon Arm)
Shannon Sternloff - bass (Revelstoke)
Trevor Wallach - drums (Revelstoke)

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

TRADBURNER is an instrumental trio comprised of bass, drums and sax. Drawing influence from psychedelic rock, hip-hop, and fusion, this band of jazz school graduates released their self-titled debut album on November 25, 2022.

The group takes an improvisational approach to composition, finding sounds by way of play. Pulling intricate drum grooves, heavy bass lines and high-energy melodies from writing sessions, the band has developed a distinctive catalogue. Performances weave continuously through their songs, often extending and developing themes to make way for explosive improvisation and interplay.

The trio includes Cole Smith (bass), Will Friesen (drums) , and Zach Griffin (sax and keyboard).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

The Salmon Arm Jazz Club hosts a classic jam session over the holiday season on Thursday, December 28, at the Nexus on First.

A who’s who from the local improvisational jazz music scene – and maybe a few newcomers – take to the stage calling tunes on the fly and creating music in the moment in what has become a well anticipated favorite of the jazz club. As always, it’s anyone’s guess what might happen.

Referred to as “blowin’ sessions”, there will be instruments, musicians, and jazz charts called on the spot. Expect thrills, chills, spills and maybe even a few delights and surprises as off the cuff improvisations fly.

As always audiences can expect a mix of favorites and unexpected gems during these blowing sessions. Nothing is predetermined as the creative imaginations and skill of the musicians converse with each other through the language of music.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

This week, guitar virtuosos and innovators Jordan Dick and Jake Verburg take to the Salmon Arm Jazz Club stage. They are joined by Gareth Says on drums, Dan Smith on bass, and rumors of a few special guests.

Jordan and Jake bring two very different but complimentary styles to their performances together. Each driving the other to respond in layers at times lyric, at times edgy, often full of big fat groove, and always full of life. As Jordan is fond of saying, “Expect the familiar in unfamiliar ways, and the unfamiliar in familiar ways.” Their rare knack of playing exactly the thing you never realized you always wanted to hear is uncanny.

Expect very fresh takes on familiar and original compositions with music ranging from jazz standards to contemporary classics. It’s not unusual to be caught off guard realizing you’re in the middle of a very fresh tour of a Patsy Cline classic or a Tragically Hip remix, catch a contemporary jazz nod to the likes of Bill Frisell, then tumble into an original pushing against the edges of prog rock.

Jordan and Jake are long-time pillars of a constantly surprising and burgeoning improvisational musical landscape in the Shuswap. Verburg was part of the Salmon Arm Jazz Club at its inception in 2009 when he, Darrin Herting and Leon Power began looking for a place to jam with other local musicians. What emerged was a truly musician led, community powered creative music scene uniquely rooted in the Shuswap.

Jordan stepped into the role of artistic musical director for the Salmon Arm Jazz Club in 2013 and has helped to maintain a twice monthly performance schedule of diversely adventurous music. Audiences are well rewarded when he steps onto the stage with guitar in hand. The evening beckons to be another memorable one on the Salmon Arm Jazz Club stage.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm