Vancouver Jazz Orchestra

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra @ Frankie's
2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2M4, Canada
The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra brings big-band fire to Frankie’s Jazz Club, delivering bold arrangements, deep grooves, and the unmistakable swing of one of Canada’s premier jazz ensembles—live and up close. Mixing classic repertoire by legends like Thad Jones and Count Basie with original works from local composers, the VJO celebrates both the timeless tradition of big-band jazz and the rich legacy of Vancouver’s own jazz voices.

The Music of Miles Davis & Gil Evans
2026-05-03 14:00 | The Hollywood Theatre, 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6K 2H2, Canada
Vancouver is celebrating the 100th birthday of Jazz icon Miles Davis this May with a series of concerts covering every era of this musical trailblazer. On May 03, 2026, the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of James Danderfer, will be performing the music of Miles Davis’s groundbreaking collaborations with Gil Evans, from landmark albums such as Sketches of Spain, Miles Ahead, and Porgy & Bess. Joining the VJO for this rare live performance of this music, will be trumpeter Chris Davis, known for his work with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jon Batiste and the Steven Colbert Late Show Band, and Lee Fields.

VJO presents: Ulysses Owens Jr. Generation Y CD release
2026-04-19 17:30 - 20:00 | The Revue Stage, 1601 Johnston St, BC, V6H 3S2, Canada
Drummer and bandleader Ulysses Owens Jr. brings his acclaimed Generation Y ensemble to Revue Stage for an electrifying night of contemporary jazz celebrating the CD release of Around the World with U. Featuring a powerhouse lineup: Erena Terakubo on alto saxophone, Anthony Hervey on trumpet, Tyler Bullock on piano, and Langston Kitchen on bass, the band blends deep swing, modern grooves, and fearless improvisation. Rooted in the jazz tradition while pushing boldly forward, Generation Y delivers music that is soulful, dynamic, and unmistakably of the moment. TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm

Accepting auditions for the 2026 Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra
2026-04-01 08:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59
Are you a high school-aged jazz musician in British Columbia looking to take your playing to the next level? Apply for the Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra (VYJO), an annual mentorship-focused program that brings together talented young musicians from across the province. Students rehearse and perform in a full big band while working closely with professional members of the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, with dedicated mentors for each section. The program culminates in a featured performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, offering an unforgettable on-stage experience and a powerful introduction to the professional jazz world. Check the news page soon for more information!

Fraser MacPherson Scholarship Winners
2026-02-14 11:30 - 2026-02-15 11:30 | Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5G 3T6, Canada
The ‘Jazz at the Bolt’ festival presents a special series of concerts showcasing the next generation of jazz talent in Vancouver, featuring the winners of the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship Competition. This inspiring evening brings together outstanding musicians from both the high school and post-secondary categories, celebrating excellence, dedication, and artistry at pivotal stages of their musical journeys. Honouring the legacy of legendary Canadian saxophonist Fraser MacPherson, this concert offers audiences a chance to hear today’s emerging voices as they step confidently onto the jazz stage.

The VJO w/ Champian Fulton & Klas Lindquist @ The Shadbolt
2026-02-13 19:30 - 20:00 | Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5G 3T6, Canada
Champian Fulton is recognized as the “most gifted pure jazz singer of her generation” (Mark Stryker, the Detroit Free Press). A jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, she has released 18 albums featuring her music in many different formats, including 2 albums with famed Canadian saxophonist and record producer Cory Weeds; and her newest project, a duo album with Swedish saxophonist and clarinetist Klas Lindquist. “A charming young steward of the mainstream Jazz tradition.” – Nate Chinen, The New York Times

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra ft. Jocelyn Gould
2025-10-19 18:00 - 19:15 | Pyatt Hall, 843 Seymour Stret, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B3L4, Canada
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Join the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra under the direction of James Danderfer for an evening of swing and spirit featuring Canadian jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould. 2021 JUNO Award winner Gould’s joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world. She has performed and recorded internationally as a leader as well as with GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Freddy Cole, JUNO-winning trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg, and many more luminaries.
Two showsEarly show: 6:00 PM (doors 5:30 PM)Second show: 8:00 PM (doors 7:30 PM)

Please note: this concert was originally billed as Vancouver Jazz Orchestra ft. Oliver Gannon and is the same concert, with all previously-sold tickets remaining valid.

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Vancouver Jazz Orchestra plays Dave Robbins' Happy Faces
2025-06-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 BEATTY ST, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B2M4, Canada
Under the direction of saxophonist/clarinetist James Danderfer, the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO) features an array of the city’s finest jazz artists. The VJO is dedicated to the presentation of classic big band music as well as a focus on Vancouver composers, past and present. Recent performances have featured international artists such as Jeremy Pelt and Seamus Blake and 2025 promises to be the VJO’s biggest year yet, starting off with this very unique presentation. This evening will highlight a seminal figure in the legacy of large ensemble jazz in Vancouver, in Canada, and beyond: Dave Robbins. As a trombonist, bandleader, arranger, composer, and teacher, Robbins made invaluable contributions to the fine art of big band and jazz orchestra performance. Shockingly, no recordings of large ensembles led by Robbins have been available for years; instead, studio and live recordings were passed privately between enthusiasts. That was the case until now, with the release of the album Happy Faces on Reel to Real Recordings. Join the VJO as they celebrate! With Michael Kim, Brad Turner, Thomas Marriott, Brian Harding, Ellen Marple, Dawn Haylett, James Danderfer, Mike Braverman, Mia Gazley, Sharon Minemoto, André Lachance, & Dave Robbins

Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra @ Performance Works
2025-06-29 14:00 | Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, V6H3R8, Canada

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra featuring Brian Charette
2025-05-30 19:30 | West Vancouver Public Library, 1950 Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, V7V 1J8, Canada
Friday Night Concert: Vancouver Jazz Orchestra featuring Brian Charette

Friday, May 30 , 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

In celebration of the Library’s 75th Anniversary, get ready to swing with the vibrant sounds of the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra! Featuring special guest Brian Charette on the Hammond B3 Organ, this lively performance will bring big band classics and contemporary jazz pieces to life in an unforgettable evening of music.
About the Performers
Grammy nominated, Hammond organist, Brian Charette has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. He has worked with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Lou Donaldson, and countless others. Since moving to New York in 1995 from his native Meriden, Connecticut, Charette has become an integral part of the New York City jazz scene. Brian is a Cellar Music recording artist, and has just released his first recording with them. “You Don’t Know Jack!” has received critical acclaim by jazz radio across North America as well as incredible reviews in Downbeat Magazine
Learn more about Brian’s new record in partnership with Cellar Live Records HERE.
Watch the Brian Charette Trio HERE.

Dave Robbins - Happy Faces
2025-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Jazz @ The Bolt, 6450 DEER LAKE PARKWAY, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Champian Fulton - Meet Me at Birdland
2025-04-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Birdland, 315 W 44th St, New York, United States

David Hazeltine
2025-04-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Jazz @ The Bolt, 6450 DEER LAKE PARKWAY, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
