Frankie's Jazz Club's Upcoming Shows

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.