Frankie's Jazz Club's Upcoming Shows

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Cory Weeds will be away this week and taking over Weeds / Wine / Wednesday will be pianist JIMI JAMES FRASER Jimi James Fraser has been playing in Vancouver for years and piano trio has always been a very exploratory process. Channeling the music of pianist like Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, and Phineas Newborn Jr., to name a few, the group has formed from various members of Jazz House alumni through the years and the arrangements are always evolving. In this performance, the Jimi James Trio features Brad Pearson on bass and Dave Robbins on drums 

With critically-acclaimed albums and countless sideman credits, Walt started his career with the Buddy Rich band at the age of 21. In the years since, he has released more than 20 CDs featuring a stellar cast of the best contemporary jazz musicians including Brad Mehldau, John Pattituci, Joe Magnarelli, Renee Rosnes, Joe Locke, Conrad Herwig, Peter Zak, Billy Drummond, and Peter Washington, to name a few. For 19 years, Weiskopf continues to be an active member of the Steely Dan band. American saxophonist, composer, and author Walt and his European Quartet (WWEQ) announce their 2025-26 (eigth annual) three-leg winter tour, hitting the European and Scandinavian jazz circuit in November and January; and then again in April for a third leg in Canada. Playing music from their most recent album All We Need Is Love(To be released during fall 2025), WWEQ is comprised of three of Europe's finest and most sought-after rhythm section artists, Carl Winther (piano), Andreas Lang (bass), and Anders Mogensen (drums). Along with Weiskopf, the quartet continues to make sterling marks in the worldwide jazz scene. 

With critically-acclaimed albums and countless sideman credits, Walt started his career with the Buddy Rich band at the age of 21. In the years since, he has released more than 20 CDs featuring a stellar cast of the best contemporary jazz musicians including Brad Mehldau, John Pattituci, Joe Magnarelli, Renee Rosnes, Joe Locke, Conrad Herwig, Peter Zak, Billy Drummond, and Peter Washington, to name a few. For 19 years, Weiskopf continues to be an active member of the Steely Dan band. American saxophonist, composer, and author Walt and his European Quartet (WWEQ) announce their 2025-26 (eigth annual) three-leg winter tour, hitting the European and Scandinavian jazz circuit in November and January; and then again in April for a third leg in Canada. Playing music from their most recent album All We Need Is Love(To be released during fall 2025), WWEQ is comprised of three of Europe's finest and most sought-after rhythm section artists, Carl Winther (piano), Andreas Lang (bass), and Anders Mogensen (drums). Along with Weiskopf, the quartet continues to make sterling marks in the worldwide jazz scene. 

5 veteran Vancouver blues artists join to bring you a groovy evening of saxophone led swing, jump, soul and rockin’ blues based tunes. From classics like ‘Honky Tonk’ to soulful originals, this group echoes the sounds of King Curtis and the Meters. Featuring the Grand Koolios: Tim Hearsey - guitar and vocals, Rob Becker -bass and vocals, Chris Nordquist - drums and vocals, Dave Webb- piano/keys & Jerry Cook- saxophones 

Guitarist, Jared Burrows, has been both a leader and sideman on the Vancouver scene for over three decades in an astonishingly wide variety of musical settings from Carnatic music to organ trio to free improv. This quintet delves deep into the core of the jazz tradition, exploring Burrows' original compositions inspired by influences such as Hugh Fraser, Duke Ellington, and Kenny Wheeler. The band features Jared's trusted friends and swinging, master musicians: Steve Kaldestad (alto sax), Dave Robbins (drums) and Russ Botten (bass), along with special guest, Victoria trumpeter, Pat Boyle. 

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Join saxophonist and Frankie's Artistic Director Cory Weeds EVERY WEDNESDAY for a night of swinging hard bop with a brand new band featuring TILDEN WEBB piano, DAVID CABALLERO bass and GRAHAM VILETTE drums. Cory Weeds is an expressive saxophonist with a warm and impactful sound rooted in jazz tradition. Jazz aficionados know that Cory, when playing tenor or alto sax, conveys an unerring sense of swing. 

PDaniel Janke is a composer who also plays contemporary jazz and improvised piano. He is based out of his studio in Whitehorse, Yukon, and works regularly in Berlin, Germany as well as in parts of France. Daniel’s piano style is heavily influenced by an upbringing in gospel music. Compositionally, his work is eclectic, moving across many genres and styles. Influences in the jazz genre include Wayne Shorter, Carla Bley, and Craig Taborn. With Daniel Janke - piano, Scott White - bass and Kelby MacNayr - drums 

“An artist on the threshold of something remarkable” (Paris Move) Kieran Brown is a New York City based multi-genre vocalist, composer, and arranger with a strong concentration in Jazz, R&B, and The American Songbook. Her debut album “Loving You”, released in July 2025 on Cellar Live received the highest reviews from Jazz critics. With over a million views on social media, Kieran has made a name for herself amongst New York City’s most sought after jazz vocalists. Kieran has performed at many historic venues including Madison Square Garden, Mezzrow and Smalls Jazz Club(s), Dizzy’s Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, Birdland Jazz Club, and made her international debut in London in 2024. She has worked with world renowned and Grammy Winning musicians like Joe Farnsworth, Benny Benack III, Tony Glausi, Dave Stryker, Emmet Cohen, and Luther Allison. With Benjamin Sigerson - piano, David Caballero - bass and Graham Villette - drums 

Big Hank & The Smokin’ Hot Toasters Big Hank Lionhart, also known as Uncle Wiggly, just celebrated his 79th birthday. This marks Hank’s 61st year in the music business—a career that began in Edmonton during high school and continued in Seattle while attending art school. He played in several notable bands in Edmonton before moving to Victoria in 1978, where he formed Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band. The band was signed to RCA Records and opened shows for legends such as Muddy Waters, Joe Cocker, and George Thorogood. In 1985, Hank moved to Vancouver, where he met Steve Cross. Together, they founded The Toasters, becoming a mainstay in Vancouver’s vibrant Blues & R&B scene during the 1980s. The Toasters opened for the Neville Brothers, Koko Taylor, and John Mayall. Later, Jack Lavin joined the band, and they became The Kingpins, recording two albums featuring original songs penned by Jack. After The Kingpins, Hank returned to Edmonton and formed Big Hank & A Fist Full of Blues, a group that lasted nine years and recorded two albums of original material. During this time, Hank met his wife, Kim and in 2014, they relocated to Victoria, where Hank reformed the original Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band. The band achieved recognition by winning the right to represent British Columbia at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. As some members of Uncle Wiggly’s retired, Hank retired the band and reformed The Toasters, later renamed The Smokin’ Hot Toasters. Hank also performs with the Blue Heart Folk Blues Trio, alongside Mark Comerford from Uncle Wiggly’s and Mick Woodhouse from The Toasters. Hank continues to enjoy singing and performing live. The band features Big Hank Lionhart - (Vocals), Tom Bowler (guitar & vocals), Mick Woodhouse (bass & vocals), Steve Ranta (keys & vocals), James McRae (drums), Jerry Cook (sax) Book your spot early to avoid disappointment—KEEP IT LIVE 

There are singers who perform songs, and singers who inhabit them—Christie Grace is known for the latter. As the late NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan said, “When I hear Christie sing, I believe every word from her heart and soul.” With a signature velvety voice that Paul Shaffer calls “sweet honey & fine wine,” she brings the elegance of Burt Bacharach’s 1960s classics to life with lush harmonies, a swinging groove and nuanced phrasing. Joined by her stellar band—Tom Arntzen (piano/vocals), Buff Allen (drums), Conrad Good (bass), and Tom Keenlyside (tenor sax/flute)—Grace, a Bowen Island–based West Coast jazz vocalist, steps back onto the bandstand in a year shaped by faith, recovery, and renewal, celebrating her 70th birthday. 

Founded in 2015 by the visionary trumpet player and bandleader Michael Kim, the West Coast Big Band is a dynamic 18-piece ensemble that brings together Vancouver's top jazz musicians alongside rising stars who are shaping the city's vibrant music scene. Known for its powerful blend of seasoned talent and youthful energy, the band delivers a diverse repertoire, from high-octane jazz epics to mesmerizing ballads. Directed and led by Michael Kim, this ensemble features serious local talents such as James Danderfer, Jim Hopson, Julian Borkowski, Dave Robbins, Steve Holy, etc. 

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Join saxophonist and Frankie's Artistic Director Cory Weeds EVERY WEDNESDAY for a night of swinging hard bop. Weeds is an expressive saxophonist with a warm and impactful sound rooted in jazz tradition. Jazz aficionados know that Cory, when playing tenor or alto sax, conveys an unerring sense of swing. With Tilden Webb - piano, David Caballero - bass and Graham Villette This week we welcome special guest trumpeter JULIAN BORKOWSKI and the group will play the music of Cannonbal Adderley Live at The Club recording on Capitol Records! 

The quintet's performance will be focusing on the music of Charlie Parker and compositions associated with him as well as tunes by some of his contemporaries like Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. With Cory Weeds -alto sax.. Dave Say -tenor sax. Tony Wilson -guitar, Russell Sholberg acoustic bass and Nino Dipasquale- drums 

“Gritty, entertaining and thoroughly modern, Hempton keeps the flame of organ combo jazz burning brightly.” –Flophouse Magazine From the legendary organ rooms of Harlem and Greenwich Village, "soul-sax sensation" Nick Hempton is bringing his free-blowing blend of “barroom excitement and modern jazz finesse” back to Vancouver! Fronting a classic Hammond organ band, Hempton will present tunes from his acclaimed original albums, as well as classics of the organ jazz repertoire. Join Hempton along with hometown heroes Nick Peck on organ, and Jesse Cahill at the drums for a rousing night of soul jazz that promises to be “badass, swinging and flat-out fun!” – DownBeat Magazine 

“Gritty, entertaining and thoroughly modern, Hempton keeps the flame of organ combo jazz burning brightly.” –Flophouse Magazine From the legendary organ rooms of Harlem and Greenwich Village, "soul-sax sensation" Nick Hempton is bringing his free-blowing blend of “barroom excitement and modern jazz finesse” back to Vancouver! Fronting a classic Hammond organ band, Hempton will present tunes from his acclaimed original albums, as well as classics of the organ jazz repertoire. Join Hempton along with hometown heroes Nick Peck on organ, and Jesse Cahill at the drums for a rousing night of soul jazz that promises to be “badass, swinging and flat-out fun!” – DownBeat Magazine 

James Danderfer and Cory Weeds join forces to celebrate the music of the late Swiss tenor saxophonist George Robert, whose soulful sound and deep connection to the straight-ahead jazz tradition left a lasting impression on both musicians. A close friend and major influence to them both, Robert’s playing embodied warmth, swing, and a profound respect for the masters of the tenor saxophone lineage. In this special tribute, Danderfer and Weeds explore selections associated with Robert, honoring his spirit and musical legacy. They are joined by a stellar rhythm section featuring Tilden Webb on piano, Conrad Good on bass, and Jesse Cahill on drums, bringing Robert’s music to life with energy, heart, and swing. 

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Join saxophonist and Frankie's Artistic Director Cory Weeds EVERY WEDNESDAY for a night of swinging hard bop with a brand new band featuring TILDEN WEBB piano, DAVID CABALLERO bass and GRAHAM VILETTE drums. Cory Weeds is an expressive saxophonist with a warm and impactful sound rooted in jazz tradition. Jazz aficionados know that Cory, when playing tenor or alto sax, conveys an unerring sense of swing. 

David Santana is back at Frankies Jazz Club, bringing the music of one of the true masters of jazz, the great Hank Mobley. Get ready for an evening of deep swing, soulful melodies, and hard-bop fire, celebrating the timeless sound of one of the most lyrical voices in jazz history. This will be a high-energy, straight-ahead swinging show, full of classic Mobley tunes, rich grooves, and inspired improvisation. Santana will be joined by a stellar quartet featuring some of Vancouver's finest musicians: Arvind Ramdas on drums - Tilden Webb on piano and David Caballero on bass. 

Saul Berson is a Vancouver-based jazz saxophonist with over 40 years of international performance experience. Known for his vibrant bebop style and lyrical tone, Berson has released five acclaimed albums—two Canadian Music Award nominees—and collaborated with legends like Jaki Byard and Steve Grossman. The quartet will play a mix of original compositions and compelling jazz standards. “Saul Berson has a perfect, burnished saxophone tone that carves new paths through territory we had thought fully mapped." -Alexander Varty, THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT With Jimi James piano, Conrad Good bass, and Dave Robbins drums 

Join JUNO-nominated vocalist Andrea Superstein as she pays homage the legendary composers of the Broadway stage. From iconic showstoppers to beloved ballads, these timeless classics—now woven into the jazz canon—are reimagined with Andrea’s signature style, storytelling, and irresistible swing. With: Chris Gestrin - piano, Wynston Minckler - bass and Nino DiPasquale - drums 

The Noah Franche-Nolan Quartet features Juno-Nominated Noah Franche-Nolan on Piano, Juno-Nominated Nick Bracewell on drums, Tristan Paxton on guitar, and James Meger on bass. This is a new group that is currently exploring a variety of songs from the catalog of great jazz standards. Each member of the band brings a unique and energetic approach to their instrument and ensemble playing. Noah Franche-Nolan is a Juno-Nominated Canadian pianist, improviser, composer, and producer based in Vancouver, BC. He leads the Noah Franche-Nolan Trio, featuring bassist Jodi Proznick and drummer Nicholas Bracewell. This trio also serves as the rhythm section for the Indo-Jazz Fusion Juno-Nominated group Raagaverse, led by Shruti Ramani, blending rich cultural traditions with contemporary jazz elements. 

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Join saxophonist and Frankie's Artistic Director Cory Weeds EVERY WEDNESDAY for a night of swinging hard bop with a brand new band featuring TILDEN WEBB piano, DAVID CABALLERO bass and GRAHAM VILETTE drums. Cory Weeds is an expressive saxophonist with a warm and impactful sound rooted in jazz tradition. Jazz aficionados know that Cory, when playing tenor or alto sax, conveys an unerring sense of swing. 

Vancouver first-call jazz guitarist Chris Fraser’s newest ensemble project injects his signature soulful and energetic guitar stylings into his original compositions. Along with himself, the band is made up of Vancouver’s jazz scene’s most promising and in-demand talent, featuring John Nicholson on tenor saxophone, Rick Son on piano, Todd Stewart on drums, and David Caballero on bass. 

NYC Saxophonist and Composer Nick Biello and longtime musical collaborator and bassist Alex Tremblay unite with stalwart West Coast drummer Jerry Steinhilber for a presentation of brand new music. Biello and Tremblay feature a deep connection that is fully manifested in the subtle, delicate trio environment, and Steinhilber’s trio mastery includes his performances with saxophone legends George Garzone and Joe Lovano. Biello’s compositional voice rings true in the trio environment, having recorded “Between Light and Shadow”, an acclaimed trio recording featuring music inspired by astrophysics and alinear time. In his most recent trio project, “Flexitarian”, Biello has crafted new improvisatory vehicles that are equal parts storytelling and freewheeling explorations, both grounded in narrative melodic themes as well as being indulgently spontaneous. “Flexitarian” is as captivating as it is unpredictable.