Billy Dixon a native of Vancouver started singing at the age of 10 and hasn't stopped amazing audiences since then. A legend in his own time, a phenomenal singer, and a riveting performer. He has developed a very devoted following and is grateful to his audience for their love and support. We come to play for your listening and dancing pleasure with Motown, Soul and Rock n Roll With Olaf deShield - guitar, Peter Sweetzir - keys, Brock Miller - sax, Langston Raymond -  trumpet, Chris Hass - drums and Graham Clark - bass 

Tom Keenlyside, sax and flute, forges ahead with exciting new compositions from his latest album “Third Street Wobble”, plus explorations of jazz and latin classics. He is accompanied by a trio of superb players, masters of their craft. Wiith Tilden Webb- piano, Jodi Proznik- bass and Nick Bracewell - drums 

Composer,and Pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk was an original with a unique compositional and improvisational style that sounds as modern today as it did in he 40's and 50's . Many of his classic compositions like "Blue Monk", Round Midnight," "Straight No Chaser" and many others that have become jazz classics were composed at that time.Monk's music is difficult . The melodies are unpredictable and the harmonies and chord voicings are truly personal.  The quartet will be performing two sets of monk's music with arrangements by guitarist Wilson. With Dave Say - saxophones, André Lachance - bass and Nino DiPasquale - drums 

One of Vancouver's most beloved jazz groups of the past 15 years returns to Frankie's Jazz Club. Co-led by drummer Jesse Cahill and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds the Nightcrawlers serve up heaps of grease playing the music Brother Jack McDuff, Shirley Scott, Big John Patton and other purveyors of greasy jazz!  The band has recorded five albums for Cellar Music including their most recent effort Get Ready! With Chris Gestrin - organ, Dave Sikula - guitar and Jack Duncan - percussion 

Individually, the members of Blues Hoodoo have their own sparks of self-expression and creativity; collectively, they are a sizzling, entertaining quintet. Along with tasteful cover tunes from the masters - Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and The Brecker Brothers to name a few - the band features original material that showcases its tightness, musical expressiveness and harmonic adventure. With Konrad Breuers - guitars, Ron Wells - drums, Shawn Stewart - bass, Stu Young - keyboards and Ian Putz - saxophone. 

A Maple Blues Awards nominee, guitarist, songwriter and singer Arsen Shomakhov is an electric blues performer truly dedicated to the style’s roots yet never hesitating to borrow means of expression from other genres. Joining Arsen will be Darryl Havers - Hammond Organ, Brian Scott - bass and Chip Hart - drums 

Maria's soulful and soothing sounds captivate audiences in a musical breeze of jazz standards, French, pop and original songs. Her spellbinding stage presence will uplift your mind and brighten your day. Maria has recorded with George Robert, Phil Dwyer, Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, Krishna Booker, Lionel Young, Campbell Ryga, Fred Stride and Seamus Blake. Maria’s music has received rotation airplay on KUVO in Denver, WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, Coast to Coast AM, Penthouse Radio in New York, DR P1 and DR P8 Jazz in Denmark, and CBC Radio in Canada. Maria has performed in Italy, Las Vegas, Denver, and the B.C. Interior. In 2024, Maria was selected to perform at Hermann’s Jazz Club through the Victoria Music Strategy Grant. Maria’s voice has a most revealing almost transparent quality. Her superb diction brings true beauty to the entire performance. The technical quality of her recordings and arrangements represent benchmark levels of performance. Maria’s personality and delivery on recordings and in person has that special honest dimension. She builds a believable story making the lyrics her own, while transporting me back in time to the romantic period when pen set to paper in creating these songs that we all revere. Yes, Maria represents a musical breeze with the kiss of a butterfly to our ears. With Miles Black on piano, Emilio Suarez on bass and Dave Say on tenor saxophone 

The Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra, founded in 2015 by Michael Kim and Fred Stride, stands as a dynamic 17-piece ensemble. With a mission to revive the legacy of world-class composers, VLJO hosts mesmerizing tribute concerts. Emerging after a hiatus from 2020-2023, the orchestra is dedicated to infusing new life into timeless classics as well as rarely performed gems. This musical journey, featuring Vancouver's premier jazz talents, reflects a commitment to the rich traditions of jazz while embracing innovation and artistic exploration. Featuring Steve Kaldestad - Alto/Soprano, Ingrid Stitt - Alto, Tom Keenlyside - Tenor Sax/Flute, Ben Henriques - Tenor Sax, Jerry Cook - Bari, Michael Kim - Trumpet, Derry Byrne - Trumpet, John Korsrud - Trumpet, Jocelyn Waugh - Trumpet, Daniel Hersog - Trumpet, Kevin Jackson - Trombone, Ellen Marple - Trombone, Jim Hopson - Trombone, Andrew Broughton - Bass Trombone, Fred Stride - Piano/Musical Director, Graham Clark - Bass, Bernie Arai - Drums 

Canadian jazz vocalist Angela Verbrugge - 2020 JazzTimes Readers' Poll for Best Female Vocalist - infuses passion and emotion with each beautiful note. The charismatic singer / composer / lyricist spent the last three years touring across Canada, Europe, the UK, Turkey, and Japan. One of the busiest jazz vocalists in Canada, Angela has shared the stage with musicians who have been recognized with such awards as Junos, the Order of Canada, Deutsche Jazzpreis, Prix Django Reinhardt, Governor General Award, Canadian Jazz Awards, and Western Canada Music Awards. Joining Angela on her 2024 tour dates is acclaimed New York City bebop pianist Ray Gallon. Mentored by John Lewis, Hank Jones and Jaki Byard, Gallon has been a mainstay on the New York scene for forty years performing with luminaries such as Ron Carter, Lionel Hampton, Les Paul, Art Farmer, Benny Golson and backing artists like Sweets Edison, Dizzy Gillespie, Jane Monheit, Sheila Jordan, and Joe Williams. The ensemble's sound blends perfectly to create a close-knit chemistry to realize interpretations of classic vocal and instrumental jazz standards as well as original material in a timeless style. With Brent Jarvis - bass and Graham Villette - drums 

From the legendary organ rooms of Harlem and Greenwich Village, veteran New York City saxophonist Nick Hempton is bringing his free-blowing blend of “barroom excitement and modern jazz finesse” to Vancouver! Fronting a classic Hammond organ band, Hempton will be presenting “engagingly bluesy originals” (DownBeat) from his upcoming album, as well as classics of the organ jazz repertoire. Join Hempton along with hometown heroes Nick Peck and Jesse Cahill for a rousing night of swinging soul jazz! With NICK PECK organ, JESSE CAHILL drums 

From the legendary organ rooms of Harlem and Greenwich Village, veteran New York City saxophonist Nick Hempton is bringing his free-blowing blend of “barroom excitement and modern jazz finesse” to Vancouver! Fronting a classic Hammond organ band, Hempton will be presenting “engagingly bluesy originals” (DownBeat) from his upcoming album, as well as classics of the organ jazz repertoire. Join Hempton along with hometown heroes Nick Peck and Jesse Cahill for a rousing night of swinging soul jazz! With NICK PECK organ, JESSE CAHILL drums 

Tenor saxophonist Mike Allen brings his "stunning, smooth, smokey tone" (Planet Jazz) and "a style that is fresh and vital" (Jazz Journal International) to a night of swinging standards and original tunes. "Allen's world is well worth a visit" (The Jazz Report). With Miles Black-piano, Steve Holy-bass and Christian Casolary-drums. 

Dutch/Swiss singer Eva van Gunsteren's returns to Frankie's after a ANOTHER SOLD OUT show last yer! After moving to British Columbia, this experienced jazz performer is ready to continue capturing her audiences with her warm and touching voice, her love of straight ahead jazz, swing and bossas, as well as her warm personality. She will be performing with a stellar quintet: Cory Weeds on saxophone, Sharon Minemoto on piano, Conrad Good on bass and Bernie Arai on drums 

Vancouver guitarist Dave Sikula assembles this quintet featuring Brad Turner on trumpet, Steve Kaldestad on alto saxophone, David Caballero on bass and Joe Poole on drums.  Taking inspiration from many of the great, hard swinging quintets of the 1950s and 1960s , the listener can expect reworkings and arrangements of works of some of the great composers of the last century such as Cole Porter and Jerome Kern in addition to the debut of several new original compositions penned specifically for this ensemble. 

Inspired by the Latin-infused, ’70s “groove jazz” of Bobby Hutcherson and Joe Chambers, “BONANZA” is a rich tapestry of beautiful melody and energetic rhythms. Featuring James Danderfer - sax/bass clarinet, Tilden Webb - piano, Jodi Proznick - bass, Jesse Cahill - drums, Jack Duncan - percussion, and special guest Nebyu Johannes on trombone. 

The Teahan Quartet will be playing standards from across the history of the jazz in a celebration of pianist Gerry Teahan’s birthday. Gerry has been an integral  part of Vancouver’s music scene for over 40 years! (edit at will to include all info. I can send a photo after we get together this weekend) With Gerry Teahan, piano, Kit Eakle, violin, Conrad Good, bass and Joe Poole, drums 

The Chris Berner Jazz Orchestra is delighted to play Frankie's Jazz Club for the first time! Vancouver-based composer Chris Berner leads the 18-person powerhouse ensemble in an evening of original music and arrangements. The ensemble boasts many of Vancouver's finest soloists, including Brad Turner, Jocelyn Waugh, John Nicholson, and Tristan Martinuson. Berner's compositions, in the tradition of legends like Kenny Wheeler and Thad Jones, features compelling melodies, surprising harmonic twists, and shifting time signatures. featuring Geoff Claridge - Alto/soprano saxophone, Adam Kyle - Alto Saxophone, John Nicholson - Tenor Saxophone, Tristan Martinuson - Tenor Saxophone, Sofia Avelino - Baritone Saxophone, Michael Kim - trumpet, Brad Turner - trumpet, Dan Hersog - trumpet, Jocelyn Waugh - trumpet, Jim Hopson - Trombone, Casey Thomas Burns - trombone, Will Broverman - bass trombone, Katie Stewart - violin, Seb Chamney - guitar, Emilio Suarez - bass, Duran Ritz - drums 

Vancouver bassist Russ Botten has assembled an all-star cast of Vancouver musicians including saxophonist Cory Weeds, pianist Miles Black and drummer Dave Robbins along with special guest Brad Turner on trumpet to celebrate trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard In the pantheon of jazz trumpeters, Freddie Hubbard stands as one of the boldest and most inventive artists of the bop, hard-bop and post-bop eras. Although influenced by titans like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, Hubbard ultimately forged his own unique sound – a careful balance of bravado and subtlety that fueled more than fifty solo recordings and countless collaborations with some of the most prominent jazz artists of his era. 

Black Gardenia band leader, mesmerizing vocalist Daphne Roubini, returns to Frankie’s with her all star band. Presenting a show of vintage jazz, blues, and old country classics along with her original penned tunes.  A night not to be missed! “Hard to say what it exactly is except I’m captivated when Daphne Roubini steps up to the microphone” Cory Weeds, president Cellar Music "Transporting listeners to a time of martinis, and lounge suits… the fact that Roubini’s originals are indistinguishable among the stacked line-up is the biggest compliment of all.” Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight. featuring Daphne Roubini – vox, Paul Pigat – guitar, Stephen Nikleva – guitar, Jeremy Holmes – bass, Brad Turner – trumpet 

Charismatic, vivacious and soulful singer Leslie Harris has been playing in and around Vancouver for over four decades and has gained a large and loyal fanbase.  When she brings her stellar band Lesismore into Frankie's on August 4th she'll have Curtis DeBray on guitar, Lee Oliphant on acoustic and electric basses and Nino DiPasquale on drums.  You don't want to miss this one! 

Marcus Mosely is a vocal force of nature. Originally from Ralls, Texas, Marcus grew up immersed in the music and culture of the Gospel tradition. He moved to Vancouver in 1985 and became a Canadian citizen in 2008. In 2016, he was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame. Accompanying Marcus at Frankie’s is Diane Lines - keyboards & vocal, Tim Porter - guitar, and Tony Chamberlist - drums & percussion 

Lezlie Harrison is her own personal renaissance. Her constant state of evolution and growth brings with it, gifts for those paying attention. As a vocalist both bold and subtle, her vulnerability attends to the fragile matters of our collective human affairs while her optimistic momentum inspires us to rise above any tribulation to rejoice. Be it Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, The American Song Form, original compositions, or any song in ANY form, Ms. Harrison will imbue it with her distinctive stamp and make a very personal delivery. In 2023 Harrison recorded Let Them Talk for Vancouver's Cellar Music Group. "The songs I selected for this album share a message of bringing us together in our collective human experience. The music moves us in the way a preacher moves their congregation. We get up off our feet and hold on to the words and what they stir in us. We are transported to the absolute truth of the moment where we can join in the experience together. This is what the world needs right now, and it is what I want..." With Chris Gestrin - Hammond organ, Alvin Brendan - guitar and Jesse Cahill - drums 

Lezlie Harrison is her own personal renaissance. Her constant state of evolution and growth brings with it, gifts for those paying attention. As a vocalist both bold and subtle, her vulnerability attends to the fragile matters of our collective human affairs while her optimistic momentum inspires us to rise above any tribulation to rejoice. Be it Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, The American Song Form, original compositions, or any song in ANY form, Ms. Harrison will imbue it with her distinctive stamp and make a very personal delivery. In 2023 Harrison recorded Let Them Talk for Vancouver's Cellar Music Group. "The songs I selected for this album share a message of bringing us together in our collective human experience. The music moves us in the way a preacher moves their congregation. We get up off our feet and hold on to the words and what they stir in us. We are transported to the absolute truth of the moment where we can join in the experience together. This is what the world needs right now, and it is what I want..." With Chris Gestrin - Hammond organ, Alvin Brendan - guitar and Jesse Cahill - drums 

Vancouver's young vibraphonist Atley King leads an all-star Vancouver quintet of Vancouver’s finest young musicians alongside the incomparable Brad Turner. This sizzling band proves that jazz is most definitely in good hands. They will play music from their Unconditional  released on Cellar Music earlier this year.  With Max Huberdeau - piano, Brad Turner - trumpet/flugelhorn, David Caballero - bass and  - Arvind Ramdas-  drums 

Bruno Hubert is one of Canada’s most lyrical and expressive Jazz pianists, with a deep sense of swing, lush harmonies, and beguiling melodic lines. His conception, while highly original and utterly genuine, is evocative of, at once, Erroll Garner, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans and other luminaries of jazz. While he is careful to stress that he is not a composer, he nevertheless presents a cornucopia of medley-like arrangements of jazz standards, soul, rock and pop influenced pieces, often in a lively night club environment. Hubert has been quietly underpinning the Vancouver jazz scene for over twenty years now and while he has a number of recordings under his own name, he is also a key associate of other top jazz musicians such as Juno Award winner Brad Turner (Trumpet), Juno nominated vocalists Jaclyn Guillou and Denzal Sinclaire, Seamus Blake and others. Earlier in his career he collaborated with such musical luminaries as Gino Vannelli, and Norah Jones. Bruno will be celebrating the release of his newly recorded album, his 3rd for Cellar Music and his 1st since 2008. With André Lachance - bass and Joe Poole - drums 

Drummer Dave Robbins leads a vintage sounding hard bopping team of Steve Holy- bass Chris Gestrin – piano along with a rich front line of tenorist Mike Allen, trumpeter Brad Turner and alto saxophonist Cory Weeds through a toe tapping collection of originals and covers. Robbins has spent his career performing and recording with the finest jazz musicians in Canada and has always loved writing. The 20-year-old Dave Robbins Sextet was formed to spotlight this aspect of his musicianship, with a classic hard bop formation and exciting sound that also incorporates African and rock-infused jazz styles. 

Soulful, bluesy, funky, straight ahead and swinging. Jon Bentley’s saxophone/organ jazz quartet plays a mix of originals and classic jazz repertoire in an uplifting night of music as they prepare to record a new album for Cellar Live. Jon Bentley is a Juno nominated veteran jazz saxophonist with over 30 years of professional international experience and 30+ recordings as a leader and sideman. With Jon Bentley – tenor saxophone, Chris Gestrin – organ, Joe Poole – drums, Tristan Paxton, guitar 

Triology is a supergroup of three award winning Canadian jazz musicians – Jodi Proznick on bass, Miles Black on piano and Bill Coon on guitar. They have joined forces to form one of Canada’s finest jazz trios. All three of the members have received numerous accolades over the years including JUNO nominations, National Jazz Awards, Galaxie Rising Star Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards and 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. For this special 2-night engagements they will be joined by tenor saxophone legend Scott Hamilton.  The group will go into the studio after these shows to make a record for The Cellar Music Group. Scott Hamilton is a true living legend and one of the all time great American Tenor Saxophone players. His big, warm, golden saxophone tone and perfect sense of swing carries on the tradition of the classic jazz tenor masters in the style of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins as well as Zoot Sims and Don Byas. He still successfully bridges the gap between swing and bop with a fluency and elegance that not many players achieve. With his trademark of a relaxed, elegant, warm and deep but effortless sound, Hamilton puts his own stamp on his style. He has recorded with some of the best pianists in the business (Tommy Flanagan, Gene Harris, John Bunch, Norman Simmons), as well as having played with Benny Goodman and Rosemary Clooney. Scott became a Concord recording artist in 1977, the huge publicity that followed guaranteeing a heady round of clubs, festivals and recordings around the world. Since then he has recorded over 40 albums for Concord. 

Triology is a supergroup of three award winning Canadian jazz musicians – Jodi Proznick on bass, Miles Black on piano and Bill Coon on guitar. They have joined forces to form one of Canada’s finest jazz trios. All three of the members have received numerous accolades over the years including JUNO nominations, National Jazz Awards, Galaxie Rising Star Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards and 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. For this special 2-night engagements they will be joined by tenor saxophone legend Scott Hamilton.  The group will go into the studio after these shows to make a record for The Cellar Music Group. Scott Hamilton is a true living legend and one of the all time great American Tenor Saxophone players. His big, warm, golden saxophone tone and perfect sense of swing carries on the tradition of the classic jazz tenor masters in the style of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins as well as Zoot Sims and Don Byas. He still successfully bridges the gap between swing and bop with a fluency and elegance that not many players achieve. With his trademark of a relaxed, elegant, warm and deep but effortless sound, Hamilton puts his own stamp on his style. He has recorded with some of the best pianists in the business (Tommy Flanagan, Gene Harris, John Bunch, Norman Simmons), as well as having played with Benny Goodman and Rosemary Clooney. Scott became a Concord recording artist in 1977, the huge publicity that followed guaranteeing a heady round of clubs, festivals and recordings around the world. Since then he has recorded over 40 albums for Concord. 

Embracing jazz’s past, present, and future, with a great chemistry and an adventurous, hard-swinging style; featuring acclaimed artists Mike Allen - saxophone, Brad Turner - piano & trumpet, and Dave Robbins drums.  For over four decades, Tom Wakeling has put hisbass to work with jazz greats such as Arturo Sandoval, Lee Konitz, Mel Torme, Benny Golson,James Moody, and Herb Ellis.  Wakeling has also worked with some of the most significant rhythm section players of our time, including Albert “Tootie”Heath, Mickey Roker, Lewis Nash, Butch Miles, Grady Tate, Dave Frishberg, Bill Mays, Roger Kellaway, and Art Lande. 

Mike Clement is a fiery up-and-coming jazz guitarist. Originally from the west coast of Canada, Clement has quickly become an in demand performer and sideman upon his relocation to New Orleans. Fresh off the release of his sophomore album Hittin’ It, Clement is constantly travelling and performing his original, fun and soulful tunes as well as fresh takes on classic jazz standards all in the classic organ trio soul jazz tradition. With John Lee - organ, Graham Villette - drums 

FRIENDSHIP, comprised of Jenny Xu on piano, Ben Feldman on bass, and Kofi Shepsu on drums, return to the west coast for a third triumphant tour. With a slew of new original music at hand, Xu, in the wake of having been the first Canadian woman selected as a Herbie Hancock International Jazz Competition semifinalist (formerly Thelonious Monk Competition) is guaranteed to dazzle, backed by the incomparable foundation that is Feldman and Shepsu. 

Join tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds as he celebrates the music of Hank Mobley. Weeds will be joined by two very special guests from New York City; trumpeter JOE MAGNARELLI and alto saxophonist NICK GREEN One of the Blue Note label’s definitive hard bop artists, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley remains somewhat underappreciated for his straightforward, swinging style. Any characterization of Mobley invariably begins with critic Leonard Feather’s assertion that he was the “middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone,” meaning that his tone wasn’t as aggressive and thick as John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins, but neither was it as soft and cool as Stan Getz or Lester Young. Instead, Mobley’s in-between, “round” (as he described it) sound was controlled and even, given over to subtlety rather than intense displays of emotion. Even if he lacked the galvanizing, mercurial qualities of the era’s great tenor innovators, Mobley remained consistently solid throughout most of his recording career. His solo lines were full of intricate rhythmic patterns that were delivered with spot-on precision, and he was no slouch harmonically either. As a charter member of Horace Silver’s Jazz Messengers, Mobley helped inaugurate the hard bop movement: jazz that balanced sophistication and soulfulness, complexity and earthy swing, and whose loose structure allowed for extended improvisations. As a solo artist, he began recording for Blue Note in the latter half of the ’50s, and hit his peak in the first half of the ’60s with hard bop cornerstones like Soul Station, No Room for Squares, and A Caddy for Daddy. Henry “Hank” Mobley was born on July 7, 1930 The band will be featuring music from HI VOLTAGE recorded in 1967 Rounding out the group will be Chris Gestrin on piano, John Lee on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums 

Join tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds as he celebrates the music of Hank Mobley. Weeds will be joined by two very special guests from New York City; trumpeter JOE MAGNARELLI and alto saxophonist NICK GREEN One of the Blue Note label’s definitive hard bop artists, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley remains somewhat underappreciated for his straightforward, swinging style. Any characterization of Mobley invariably begins with critic Leonard Feather’s assertion that he was the “middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone,” meaning that his tone wasn’t as aggressive and thick as John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins, but neither was it as soft and cool as Stan Getz or Lester Young. Instead, Mobley’s in-between, “round” (as he described it) sound was controlled and even, given over to subtlety rather than intense displays of emotion. Even if he lacked the galvanizing, mercurial qualities of the era’s great tenor innovators, Mobley remained consistently solid throughout most of his recording career. His solo lines were full of intricate rhythmic patterns that were delivered with spot-on precision, and he was no slouch harmonically either. As a charter member of Horace Silver’s Jazz Messengers, Mobley helped inaugurate the hard bop movement: jazz that balanced sophistication and soulfulness, complexity and earthy swing, and whose loose structure allowed for extended improvisations. As a solo artist, he began recording for Blue Note in the latter half of the ’50s, and hit his peak in the first half of the ’60s with hard bop cornerstones like Soul Station, No Room for Squares, and A Caddy for Daddy. Henry “Hank” Mobley was born on July 7, 1930 The band will be featuring music from HI VOLTAGE recorded in 1967 Rounding out the group will be Chris Gestrin on piano, John Lee on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums 

Nick Green's latest release, Green On The Scene, is a captivating musical journey which combines masterful instrumentation,intricate compositions and a profound sense of improvisational exploration..." Nick has had the opportunity to perform in critically acclaimed venues in N.Y.C such as Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola Jazz at Lincoln Center, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Ornithology Jazz Club, Cellar Dog. Nick has also performed internationally in Barcelona Spain’s Club Jamboree. He has been leading an ensemble of his own at the Flying Lobster bar in Brooklyn as well as curating a weekly music series there in Brooklyn for the past 12 years. Nick has been honored to perform with such artists as: Charles McPherson, Jon Faddis, Jerry Dodgion, Gary Bartz, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Davis, Marvin Stamm, Ann Hampton Calloway, Mino Cinelu, Zaid Nasser, John Mosca, Pasquale Grasso, Ari Roland, Bruce Barth, Jeff Williams, Pete Malinverni, Joe Lovano, Michael Weiss, Jeb Patton, David Wong, Bruce Harris, Clifford Barbaro, and Kenny Washington to name a few. With Joe Magnarelli - trumpet, Chris Gestrin - piano, John Lee - bass and Jesse Cahill - drums 

Chinese-Canadian saxophonist, synthesist, composer, and graphic designer GORDY LI is mercurial, relentlessly unmatchable, and has been turning heads with an artistic voice that is as unhinged as it is refreshingly sensitive.  His unfiltered musicianship reflects elements of diasporan identity and Black American music, tempered by an astute awareness of his sonic surroundings in many online subcultures and in so-called Richmond and Vancouver where he is currently based. Smurfing: when you perform so well that people think you’re on an alternate account and your actual rank is much higher than that of the current online multiplayer lobby FOUR smurfs on one team! THREE of Vancouver’s highest-elo jazz enthusiasts in PIYOTR KAO  on bass, QUINCY MAYES on piano and JULIAN FERRER on drumset are summoned GORDY LI on saxophones to play Frankie’s for the first time! Come if you like 60s Miles, 80s Wynton, Impulse Trane, and also stuff I wrote!! The GORDY BOOK is steadily growing and growing and growing 

With his bright playful sound, alto saxophonist Saul Berson is a Vancouver mainstay in the bebop styles of Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley. The quartet will play compelling mix of unique jazz standards as well as original compositions written by Saul and Miles respectively. “Saul Berson has a perfect, burnished saxophone tone that carves new paths through territory we had thought fully mapped." -Alexander Varty, The Straight With Miles Black on piano, André Lachance on bass, and Buff Allen on drums. 

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. 

Dylan Cramer brings his trio back to Frankie's for another night of warm, sophisticated, heartfelt melodies. Cramer will play songs from Grover Washington Jr., Sonny Criss, Vangelis, John Barry, Miles, and Trane. Cramer is joined by two Vancouver legends - Michael Creber on piano and Rene Worst on bass. If you like the alto saxophone and melody playing, this night is for you. 

The yearly tradition continues! The VSO School Of Music Summer Jazz Workshop is in full swing this week! Join artistic director and bassist Jodi Proznick and her award-winning faculty as they celebrate music together. Special guests include guitarist Bill Coon, pianist Miles Black, drummer Jesse Cahill, vocalist Steve Maddock, saxophonists James Danderfer and Shirantha Beddage (from Toronto), Vince Mai on trumpet , Nebyu Yohannes on trombone as well as the emerging artists working as the VSO SoM Summer Jazz teaching assistant team.   With Jodi Proznick - bass, Miles Black - piano, Bill Coon - guitar, Jesse Cahill - drums plus special guests. 

Lauren Bush is a trailblazing jazz vocalist whose seamless fusion of traditional jazz with contemporary flair has garnered global acclaim. Renowned for her enchanting delivery and impeccable phrasing, Lauren is being hailed as a true standout on the international jazz scene. Lauren's highly anticipated third album Tide Rises, Released on Mighty Quinn Records, and debuted at the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to a sold out audience, showcases her evolving artistry. This album features even more dynamic arrangements (by Liam Dunachie) of popular favourites from Joni Mitchell and Rodgers and Hammerstein, but also takes a further look at Bush's budding prowess as a songwriter. Her debut release All My Treasures in 2016 was praised for its inventive arrangements and showcased her versatility, so much so that she was selected to compete in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in the same year, finishing 4th. In 2021, Dream Away marked another milestone, earning recognition as one of the top ten albums of the year. Celebrated for its sophistication and featuring originals from both Lauren and her collaborators, the album achieved remarkable recognition, making it to the top 10 albums of the year on Bebop Spoken Here. (Tide Rises was also recognised on this list at number 2!)   Lauren's commitment to innovation and emotive storytelling continues to shine. With a voice that resonates across generations, she has captivated audiences worldwide and continues to push the boundaries of the genre. 

Join two local Vancouver legends, bassist Jodi Proznick and pianist Tilden Webb, as they welcome two special guests from the vibrant Montreal jazz scene to Frankie's - Sam Kirmayer and Valerie Lacombe - for a night of joyful, swinging music. JUNO-nominated guitarist and composer Sam Kirmayer plays with "fearlessness and momentum" (Katie Malloch, CBC Jazz Beat & Tonic) and was named one of CBC Music's picks for the "35 Best Canadian Jazz Musicians Under 35." Meanwhile, vibrant drummer Valerie Lacombe is in demand as a touring artist and has played in clubs and festivals all over Canada with The Ostara Project, Quinn Bachand's Brishen, Laura Anglade Quintet, and the Sam Kirmayer Quartet. Bassist Jodi Proznick and pianist Tilden Webb are well-known to Vancouver audiences, having performed and recorded with jazz legends such as Peter Bernstein, David 'Fathead' Newman, Joe Magnarelli, Seamus Blake, and Gary Smulyan over the years. They have also recorded two JUNO-nominated albums together with the Jodi Proznick Quartet. 

Adam Moezinia's "Folk Element Trio" is rooted in the tradition of jazz but reach beyond to incorporate different styles of folk music from around the world including West Africa, the Caribbean, The UK and Appalachia. They released their debut album in April of 2021 to rave reviews and have since been performing all around the country. They will be performing at Frankie's as part of a month-long west coast tour from San Diego to Vancouver. With Ben Ring on drums, Will Lyle on bass 

The yearly tradition continues! The VSO School Of Music Summer Jazz Workshop is in full swing this week! Join artistic director and bassist Jodi Proznick and her award-winning faculty as they celebrate music together. Special guests include guitarist Bill Coon, pianist Miles Black, drummer Jesse Cahill, vocalist Steve Maddock, saxophonists James Danderfer and Shirantha Beddage (from Toronto), Vince Mai on trumpet , Nebyu Yohannes on trombone as well as the emerging artists working as the VSO SoM Summer Jazz teaching assistant team.   With Jodi Proznick - bass, Miles Black - piano, Bill Coon - guitar, Jesse Cahill - drums plus special guests. 

In a jazz world of questionable infrastructure, shrinking media and variable degrees of artistic taste, one thing remains clear: New York City-based alto saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator Mike DiRubbo has been the most swinging and soulful artist on his instrument for nearly 30 years.  As his music and accomplishments make clear: Mike DiRubbo will be a steady guide as we navigate the shape of jazz to come in this post-COVID world.  With Tilden Webb on piano, David Cabellero on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums 

In a jazz world of questionable infrastructure, shrinking media and variable degrees of artistic taste, one thing remains clear: New York City-based alto saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator Mike DiRubbo has been the most swinging and soulful artist on his instrument for nearly 30 years.  As his music and accomplishments make clear: Mike DiRubbo will be a steady guide as we navigate the shape of jazz to come in this post-COVID world.  With Tilden Webb on piano, David Cabellero on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums 

Leora's rich, resonant voice and commanding stage presence have enchanted audiences from Vancouver to Italy, Belgium, and the UK, earning her widespread acclaim. She expertly balances boldness and subtlety in her vocal artistry, seamlessly blending genres to create a powerful, soulful experience. Whether she's performing jazz, gospel, or original compositions, Leora brings her unique style and impeccable phrasing to each piece, delivering it with a deeply personal touch. Hailing from Alberta, Leora has shared the stage and recorded with numerous renowned Canadian artists, including jazz legend Tommy Banks for CBC, Cory Weeds, Ross Taggart and Luigi Bonafede. She also had the privilege of opening for the late Stanley Turrentine at Vancouver's International Jazz Festival. Leora has released two independent jazz vocal albums, "My Heart Stood Still" and "Another Side Now: The Songs of Joni Mitchell," featuring the late Ross Taggart. Her vocals also shine on Luigi Bonafede's Italian jazz CD, "Dedicato." Additionally, she has released two gospel CDs: "Tears of Joy," nominated for a West Coast Music Award, and "Inspiration." "... a deep, dark, delicious voice with an extraordinary range and diversity of colour" - Charles Austin (MMusEd), jazz pianist/educator/author With Miles Black - piano, Conrad Good - Bass, Julian MacDonough - drums 

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach unabashedly embraces and excels at both Contemporary and Classic jazz, as a succinct and lyrical trumpeter, flugelhornist, and flautist, with mad skills across the wide jazz spectrum. He has 15 critically acclaimed albums under his name, 11 certified Contemporary Jazz Billboard hits, several Mainstream JazzWeek hits, several JUNO Awards, am West Coast Music Award, and Album of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2011 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Gabriel has charted on mainstream and contemporary charts simultaneously, has racked up nearly two million track streams, and feels that both jazz formats have emotional, intellectual, and artistic merit. He has performed at festivals all over the world,and still maintains a local presence. Performing a mix of funky and swinging originals with him will be bassist extraordinaire Glenn Riley - acoustic and electric basses, Richard Freeman - piano and organ, Paul Driver - drums, Yewchi Takata - guitars 

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 (saxophone), is performing with an outstanding rhythm section including Lorne Kellett -piano, Graham Clark - bass and Craig Scott - drums.