February 15, 2019
Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra featuring Ingrid Jensen
Tara Davidson, Allison Au, Joel Miller, Kelly Jefferson, Perry White, Brian O’Kane, Jason Logue, Lina Allemano, Rebecca Hennessy, William Carn, Kelsley Grant, Terry Promane, Christian Overton, Gary Versace, Lorne Lofsky, Jon Maharaj, Jon Wikan
The 2019 Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival opens with the Juno-Award winning Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra, featuring trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.
Christine Jensen is a force in Canadian music, both a major voice on the saxophone and a lauded composer with two JUNO awards to her credit. JazzTimes stated, “Jensen’s formidable orrchestra is the glistening sunlight, the tranquility and force of the ocean, and the majestic trees that her music imagines.”
Hear an extraordinary evening of pure Canadian jazz that will spotlight Christine’s sister, Ingrid, who is also an inventive and prolific talent. The band is also brimming with Canadian jazz stars including, guitarist Lorne Lofsky, saxophonists Joel Miller, Perry White and Kelly Jefferson among many others.
A highlight of the evening is sure to be the world premiere of Christine Jensen’s commissioned composition in tribute to Oscar Peterson, Something In His Smile.
February 16, 2019
Bill Charlap presents:
George Gershwin - The Blues and the American Soul (free event)
“Jazz is the voice of the American soul,” declared George Gershwin in 1926.
Acclaimed GRAMMY award-winning pianist Bill Charlap is not only recognized as one of the world’s greatest jazz pianists, he is also a renowned educator and enchanting story-teller. Charlap will discuss and demonstrate the important influence of jazz and the blues in George Gershwin’s music during this free afternoon event.
Bill Charlap's lecture and performance have been made possible by the generous support of the Robert Green and Kelly Willis Green Foundation.
Singin’ and Swingin’: A Jazz Summit
Joe Lovano, Jeremy Pelt, Niki Haris, Renee Rosnes, Russell Malone, Peter Washington, Lewis Nash
The Singin’ & Swingin’ Jazz Summit is a rare opportunity to hear seven modern masters create music together, each one a virtuoso.
Grammy award winner Joe Lovano is a creative genius and arguably, the leading tenor sax titan of our time. Vocalist Niki Haris is the daughter of jazz piano great Gene Harris, a friend and colleague of Oscar Peterson’s. Along with her jazz roots, Niki is gifted with a stunning vocal instrument of sweeping emotional range, and her style is always imbued with the blues. Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt is a technical marvel who can caress a ballad and execute a fiery solo with equal aplomb, and the charismatic Russell Malone plays the guitar with an infectious swing that embraces the entire history of jazz. Having toured and recorded together for over 25 years, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash are a rhythm section dream-team that brings telepathic interplay and swinging momentum to the bandstand.
February 17, 2019
Music with No Borders
Kenny Barron, Kirk MacDonald, Reg Schwager, Neil Swainson, Lewis Nash
Our Music With No Borders concert features an incredible lineup showcasing the exquisite pianism of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron with top-echelon players from both Canada and the United States. Tenor saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, guitarist Reg Schwager and bassist Neil Swainson are enjoying major league careers, and are currently at the peak of their powers. Driving the band behind the drums will be Lewis Nash, one of the most tasteful and swinging drummers of our time.
This will be a true celebration of the democracy that is jazz, and an historical meeting of five brilliant musical minds.
Canadian Jazz Master Awards Gala and Dinner
Under the auspices of the Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival, the Annual Canadian Jazz Master Awards was founded to celebrate and honour Canadian jazz musicians of the highest artistic excellence who are deserving of national recognition.
This year’s honourees are two jazz legends. The 2019 Canadian Jazz Master Awards will be presented to clarinetist, composer, and educator Phil Nimmons and to the family of influential trumpeter and composer, Kenny Wheeler. The award ceremony will be hosted by JAZZ.FM91 host John Devenish.
Enjoy a 3-course menu created by Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine paired with wine from our host Stratus Vineyards.
About the Canadian Jazz Master Awards
Each year, two awards are presented to one living and one past legend of Canadian jazz. Nominees are reviewed and chosen by a rotating advisory panel of 15 jazz experts from across Canada. The artists who receive the most votes by the panel in each of the two categories become the recipients of a CJMA.
In Feburary 2018, the first awards were given to guitarist Ed Bickert, and the family of trombonist/composer/arranger Rob McConnell. A 2018 honorary award was also given to the family of Oscar Peterson.