WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS

WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS

Wed, Oct 15

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 featuring the fabulous Jimi James Fraser Trio! 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. With Jimi James Fraser - piano, Brad Pearson - bass and Arvind Ramdas - drums 

Casey Thomas-Burns

Casey Thomas-Burns

Thu, Oct 16

Swingin’, singin’, and sparkling,” trombonist and vocalist Casey Thomas-Burns brings infectious energy and compelling artistry to the Canadian jazz scene. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Urbie Green, Sarah Vaughan, J.J. Johnson, and Bria Skonberg, Ms.Thomas-Burns leads her quartet - featuring Dean Thiessen on piano, Riley Poystila on bass and Clement Pytel on drums - in performances that blend the timeless elegance of the jazz Golden Age with the joyful spirit of New Orleans hot jazz. 

A CANADIAN LEGEND: PJ PERRY

A CANADIAN LEGEND: PJ PERRY

Fri, Oct 17

“a disciple of swing and improvisation…” PJ Perry has shared the stage with countless jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Michel LeGrand, Pepper Adams, Kenny Wheeler, Tom Harrell, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, Herb Spanier, Bobby Shew, Fraser McPherson, Tommy Banks, Joe LaBarbera, Clarence “Big” Miller, Red Rodney and many more talented artists, too numerous to list here. He was a featured soloist on the hit 2010 Broadway production of Come Fly Away, highlighting the songs of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Twyla Tharpe. In 2007 PJ was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta. In autumn of 1999 Justin Time Records released a JUNO-nominated recording of PJ and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. PJ Perry has become recognized by critics, colleagues and listeners as being one of North America’s premier saxophonists. Winner of a 1993 JUNO Award for Best Jazz Recording for his album My Ideal, PJ has received Jazz Report magazine’s Critic’s Choice Award for Best Alto Sax for a record-breaking seven years; from 1993 to 1999. In 2016 PJ Perry was awarded the Order of Canada by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. With Tilden Webb - piano, Steve Wallace - bass and Joe Poole - drums 

A CANADIAN LEGEND: PJ PERRY

A CANADIAN LEGEND: PJ PERRY

Sat, Oct 18

“a disciple of swing and improvisation…” PJ Perry has shared the stage with countless jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Michel LeGrand, Pepper Adams, Kenny Wheeler, Tom Harrell, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, Herb Spanier, Bobby Shew, Fraser McPherson, Tommy Banks, Joe LaBarbera, Clarence “Big” Miller, Red Rodney and many more talented artists, too numerous to list here. He was a featured soloist on the hit 2010 Broadway production of Come Fly Away, highlighting the songs of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Twyla Tharpe. In 2007 PJ was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta. In autumn of 1999 Justin Time Records released a JUNO-nominated recording of PJ and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. PJ Perry has become recognized by critics, colleagues and listeners as being one of North America’s premier saxophonists. Winner of a 1993 JUNO Award for Best Jazz Recording for his album My Ideal, PJ has received Jazz Report magazine’s Critic’s Choice Award for Best Alto Sax for a record-breaking seven years; from 1993 to 1999. In 2016 PJ Perry was awarded the Order of Canada by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. With Tilden Webb - piano, Steve Wallace - bass and Joe Poole - drums 

LAUREN BUSH

LAUREN BUSH

Sun, Oct 19

Canadian-born, London-based jazz vocalist Lauren Bush brings her quartet to Frankie’s as part of her debut Canadian tour. Known for her warm tone, effortless swing, and modern take on the jazz tradition, she performs music from her three acclaimed albums, including Tide Rises (Mighty Quinn Records). Blending reimagined standards with lyrical original material, Lauren’s set showcases her expressive phrasing, poetic influences, and the dynamic interplay of her band. Featuring... (see below) With Tilden Webb - piano, David Caballero - bass and Nick Bracewell - drums 

WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS

WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS

Wed, Oct 22

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 featuring the fabulous Jimi James Fraser Trio! 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. With Jimi James Fraser - piano, Brad Pearson - bass and Arvind Ramdas - drums 

RYAN OLIVER QUARET featuring DAVE SIKULA

RYAN OLIVER QUARET featuring DAVE SIKULA

Thu, Oct 23

Juno-nominated Saxophonist Ryan Oliver steeped his concept and artistry in the creative fires of Amsterdam and honed his craft in Toronto and New York City before returning to the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. For over 15 years, Oliver toured the world with legendary Canadian jazz group the Shuffle Demons along with performing with a who's who of the Canadian jazz scene. His saxophone tone and musical world reflect the uniqueness of his journey. Oliver's organ quartet, featuring Dave Sikula will be performing soulful renditions of jazz standards, Bossa novas, ballads and blues. With Joe Poole - drums and Dr. Tony Genge - Hammond B3 organ 

PHIL DWYER TRIO with ALAN JONES and BEN DWYER

PHIL DWYER TRIO with ALAN JONES and BEN DWYER

Fri, Oct 24

Forged on the streets of Brooklyn and honed through decades of touring and recording together in North America and Europe, the musical relationship between drummer Alan Jones and multi-instrumentalist Phil Dwyer is one of the most exciting and dynamic in contemporary jazz. Rounded out by rising star bassist (and Phil’s son) Ben Dwyer, this intergenerational trio merges decades of jazz tradition with fearless modern expression. Phil’s commanding tenor voice and explorative piano work blend seamlessly with Alan’s roots in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and Ben’s deep groove and youthful insight. Audiences can expect fresh treatment of familiar standards, inventive original compositions, and rich dialogue, layered with emotional depth and musical empathy. 

PHIL DWYER TRIO with ALAN JONES and BEN DWYER

PHIL DWYER TRIO with ALAN JONES and BEN DWYER

Sat, Oct 25

Forged on the streets of Brooklyn and honed through decades of touring and recording together in North America and Europe, the musical relationship between drummer Alan Jones and multi-instrumentalist Phil Dwyer is one of the most exciting and dynamic in contemporary jazz. Rounded out by rising star bassist (and Phil’s son) Ben Dwyer, this intergenerational trio merges decades of jazz tradition with fearless modern expression. Phil’s commanding tenor voice and explorative piano work blend seamlessly with Alan’s roots in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and Ben’s deep groove and youthful insight. Audiences can expect fresh treatment of familiar standards, inventive original compositions, and rich dialogue, layered with emotional depth and musical empathy. 

FROM NEW YORK: CHRIS MCARTHY TRIO

FROM NEW YORK: CHRIS MCARTHY TRIO

Sun, Oct 26

Known for his “high skill and sensitivity,” (NYTimes) Chris McCarthy is one of the most in demand pianists in New York City. McCarthy has developed a reputation as “one of the most imaginative and impressive voices on the New York jazz scene” (Hot House Jazz Magazine). Early accolades included the 2012 Gerald Wilson Award for big band composition at the Monterey Jazz Festival. After playing with Jerry Bergonzi and Jason Palmer’s working bands in Boston for several years, he moved to New York in 2016 and has been collaborating with artists from around the world in NYC ever since. He released his debut for Ropeadope Records Still Time To Quit in 2020. The album received widespread critical praise, including the #3 slot in Paul Rauch’s “Best Local Jazz Albums of 2020” for Seattle Times. McCarthy has appeared at Frankie's several times, both as a bandleader and as a sideman for Vanisha Gould and Nick Biello. McCarthy is known for his sensitive accompanying of vocalists, working with many of New York’s finest. McCarthy is also active in the world music scenes, touring with Carnatic vocalist Roopa Mahadevan and Gnawa musician Samir Langus. His playing is featured on albums by rising stars such as vibraphonist Sasha Berliner, (Azalea 2019) and saxophonist Eden Bareket (Day Dream, 2021). In 2021 his playing was featured on BBC Radio 1 and drummer Questlove’s social media. He currently plays in legendary tap dancer Dormeshia’s new show “Rhythm is Life,” a New York Times Critic’s pick. He also tours with the Mark Morris Dance Company’s newest production, “The Look of Love.” McCarthy released his piano trio project Priorities (Fresh Sound Records) in May 2022, featuring Chris Tordini on bass and Steven Crammer on drums. In 2024, his duo album with vocalist Vanisha Gould Life’s a Gig received a 4.5/5 review from Downbeat magazine, calling the record an “instant classic.” With Greg Feingold - bass and D'Vonne Lewis - drums 

BIG BAND MONDAYS! JILL TOWNSEND JAZZ ORCHESTRA

BIG BAND MONDAYS! JILL TOWNSEND JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Mon, Oct 27

The Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra is delighted to return to Frankie’s Jazz Club! JTJO performs sparkling compositions and delectable arrangements crafted by Jill Townsend and Bill Coon which embrace the unique and dynamic sound of the orchestra. Join us for an enchanting evening of big sounds, original compositions and fresh takes on familiar standards. Check out the superb soloists including Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Cory Weeds, Bill Coon, Dave Robbins, Dennis Esson, Bill Runge, Jon Bentley and many more. 

WEDNESDAYS/WINE/WEEDS with guest JULIAN BORKOWSKI

WEDNESDAYS/WINE/WEEDS with guest JULIAN BORKOWSKI

Wed, Oct 29

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 featuring the fabulous Jimi James Fraser Trio! 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. With Jimi James Fraser - piano, Brad Pearson - bass and Arvind Ramdas - drums This week we welcome special guest trumpeter JULIAN BORKOWSKI and the group will play the music from pianist / composer HORACE SILVER'S SIX PIECES OF SILVER This 1956 recording by the Silver Quintet, featuring Hank Mobley on tenor sax and Donald Byrd on trumpet, is pure hard-bop heaven created by some of the masters of the genre. After spending the previous two years playing piano on some of Miles Davis' classic Prestige and Blue Note albums, and touring with the Art Blakey Quintet and the first edition of his Jazz Messengers, Silver was more than ready to step forward as a leader. His compositional talents had already been showcased with Blakey's groups, especially on 1954's "Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers" (Blue Note), but "Six Pieces of Silver" was his his first chance to record with his own working quintet. 

AARON HARDIE QUARTET

AARON HARDIE QUARTET

Thu, Oct 30

A long-standing member of the Vancouver jazz community, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Aaron Hardie brings a robust sound and an energetic approach to the instrument each time he plays. Deeply influenced by the jazz alto masters past and present, he continues in the tradition with an array of original material and selections from the modern jazz idiom. Hardie is performing with an outstanding rhythm section featuring Lorne Kellett - piano, David Caballero - bass, and Craig Scott - drums 

FROM NEW YORK: NAAMA QUARTET "Dream With Me"

FROM NEW YORK: NAAMA QUARTET "Dream With Me"

Fri, Oct 31

New York City vocalist Naama invites audiences to journey through the dreamy soundscape of her latest album, "Dream with Me." Known for her elegant velvety voice, Naama and her band create a mesmerizing performance that transports listeners to a world of emotion and imagination. Each concert is a celebration of human connection, exploring the concept of dreams, big, small, sweet and those that will never come true. With Tilden Webb - piano, David Caballero - bass and Jesse Cahill - drums 

WILD BLUE HERONS

WILD BLUE HERONS

Sat, Nov 01

Wild Blue Herons is the husband and wife team of pianist Bill Sample and singer Darlene Cooper. They play mostly groove-oriented jazz and select standards. They have recently added two horns to their lineup and are currently working on their 3rd album. They will be joined by Miles Hill on bass, Randall Stoll on drums, Steve Hilliam on tenor and Dennis Esson on trombone. 

STANLEY RUVINOV TRIO

STANLEY RUVINOV TRIO

Sun, Nov 02

All three young musicians have been key members of the burgeoning Seattle jazz scene, here in a passionate trio format allowing each to cut loose. Their post-modern, post-bop music twists through tricky turns to reveal crystalline melodies and confident improvisation.” - Abe Beeson (KNKX) DXS is a trio composed of Dylan Hayes on piano, Stanley Ruvinov on bass and Xavier Lecouturier on drums. 

MAGEE SECONDARY / LEADING LADIES BIG BAND

MAGEE SECONDARY / LEADING LADIES BIG BAND

Mon, Nov 03

Magee Secondary’s senior jazz is excited to be working with their fall artist in residence, Casey Thomas-Burns. Casey has been working with the band for several weeks to help them prepare for this event. They’re looking forward to playing some of her works and to perform with the Leading Ladies Big Band. Magee’s senior jazz has previously performed with Fred Stride, Jodi Proznick, Bill Coon, Dan Hersog, Chris Berner, and Thomas Holden. 

WEEDS/WINE/WEDNESDAY: ARDESHIR QUARTET

WEEDS/WINE/WEDNESDAY: ARDESHIR QUARTET

Wed, Nov 05

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Cory Weeds will be away for a few weeks and taking over Weeds / Wine / Wednesday will be saxophonist extraordinaire Ardeshir! Saxophonist Ardeshir Pourkeramati has become a prominent voice in British Columbia’s jazz community. Having recently returned to Vancouver after completing his doctoral studies at the Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, he is now active in a number of musical projects across the city. Rooted in the jazz tradition but driven by a spirit of exploration, Ardeshir’s quartet emphasizes deep communication and creative interplay to forge a sound that is both personal and forward-looking. With Roland Racz - piano, Conrad Good - bass (André Lachance on November 12th) and Joe Poole - drums 

TONY WILSON QUARTET

TONY WILSON QUARTET

Thu, Nov 06

The Tony Wilson 4tet has in past performances at Franlie's jazz Club the 4tet has performed full albums by Charles Mingus and others. For this performance, we will be playing compositions from these album tributes. They will present tunes by Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny and Bill Evans. With Wilson on guitar, Dave Say- tenor and soprano saxes, André Lachance - bass and Nino DiPasquale -drums. 

THE BRADLEY / MCGILLIVRAY BLUES BAND

THE BRADLEY / MCGILLIVRAY BLUES BAND

Fri, Nov 07

Bradley/McGillivray blend blues, jazz, Motown and gospel into a hip brand of emotionally charged soul. Ruth McGillivray’s knockout vocals are nicely balanced by Sheldon Bradley’s tasteful, understated guitar. And an inventive rhythm section rounds out the whole sound. Their show features original tunes and signature versions of old favourites. AFTER DARK: BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO TRIO featuring Colin Sankey & Jordy McIntosh 11pm, walk-ins only, $10 

TWO MUCH GUITAR featuring DAVE SIKULA and BILL COON

TWO MUCH GUITAR featuring DAVE SIKULA and BILL COON

Sat, Nov 08

Juno-nominated guitarist Bill Coon teams up with guitarist Dave Sikula to form a new Two Much Guitar, a crowd favourite for 15 years, and always a swinging affair. Joined by Darren Radtke bass and Dave Robbins drums, this classic jazz quartet celebrates influences such as Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, but has a sound all its own. *Please note that Oliver Gannon was previously scheduled to perform but due to some health problems that prevent him from performing, he had to cancel. 

BILL COON: TRIBUTE TO THE BRIDGE

BILL COON: TRIBUTE TO THE BRIDGE

Sun, Nov 09

The Bridge is widely regarded as a jazz classic, celebrating the exceptional musical partnership between Sonny Rollins and Jim Hall. Be sure to catch this amazing group as they tribute this landmark album with verve and spirit, illuminating why so many regard this music as a high point for both Rollins and HallTribute to "The Bridge" With Jon Bentley - tenor, Bill Coon - guitar, Conrad good - bass and Joe Poole drums 

WEEDS/WINE/WEDNESDAY: ARDESHIR QUARTET

WEEDS/WINE/WEDNESDAY: ARDESHIR QUARTET

Wed, Nov 12

Enjoy 50% off all Reserve bottles of wine and cover charge starting at $5 Cory Weeds will be away for a few weeks and taking over Weeds / Wine / Wednesday will be saxophonist extraordinaire Ardeshir! Saxophonist Ardeshir Pourkeramati has become a prominent voice in British Columbia’s jazz community. Having recently returned to Vancouver after completing his doctoral studies at the Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, he is now active in a number of musical projects across the city. Rooted in the jazz tradition but driven by a spirit of exploration, Ardeshir’s quartet emphasizes deep communication and creative interplay to forge a sound that is both personal and forward-looking. With Roland Racz - piano, Conrad Good - bass (André Lachance on November 12th) and Joe Poole - drums 

JERRY STEINHILBER TRIO

JERRY STEINHILBER TRIO

Thu, Nov 13

“Steinhilber is a powerful but disciplined drummer...an equal partner in the development and execution of improvisational ideas...” Alain Drouot, Downbeat “Steinhilber’s arrangements provide the fuel for serious combustion...generating enough heat to make it through winter!” Larry Appelbaum, JazzTimes The Jerry Steinhilber Trio tantalizes the senses with distinctive, multi-song suites from their recent release, Four Suites. Unique arrangements interweave jazz masterworks with searing, collaborative improvisation. With Jerry Steinhilber — drums, Josh Cook — tenor saxophone and King Dahl — bass 

CORY WEEDS MEETS CHRIS HAZELTON

CORY WEEDS MEETS CHRIS HAZELTON

Fri, Nov 14

Tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds teams up with powerhouse organist Chris Hazelton for a two-week tour that will culminate in Vancouver, where the band will head into the studio to record. Joined by the soulful guitar work of David Rourke and the deep-pocket groove of drummer Rudy Petschauer, this classic organ quartet brings a perfect blend of grit, swing, and soul to every performance. The chemistry between Weeds’ robust, lyrical tenor sound and Hazelton’s rich Hammond organ playing creates an irresistible energy that channels the golden era of jazz organ groups. Audiences along the tour will be treated to a dynamic set filled with blues-soaked originals, clever arrangements, and a unique twist: fresh reimaginings of tunes from Huey Lewis and the News’ iconic Sports album from 1983. By the time they land in Vancouver to record, the group will be locked in and firing on all cylinders, delivering music that is at once steeped in tradition and refreshingly inventive.