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

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 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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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

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.

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra @ Frankie's
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:30 | 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.

Accepting auditions for the 2026 Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra
2026-04-01 08:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59 | BC
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!

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

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.

Open jazz jam with David Sikula
2026-06-14 14:00 | Hero’s Welcome, 3917 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 3P2, Canada
Presented by Infidels Jazz, with the support of the VJO Society.

Infidels Jazz is proud to host a monthly free-to-attend jazz jam session at Hero’s Welcome at 3917 Main Street, one Sunday a month at 2PM. Guitarist David Sikula will host this edition of the jam session series.

At these open jazz jam sessions, we welcome everybody from professionals to high school students. Musicians under the age of 19 must have a guardian of legal age. The house band are happy to lend their instruments at the session, but please be respectful of them.

Klee Zubot Trio
2026-06-15 20:00 | The Heatley, 696 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1R1, Canada
Presented by Infidels Jazz, with the support of the VJO Society.

Klee Zubot is a young guitarist currently studying for a Bachelor of Music in jazz at McGill University. For his first Infidels Jazz performance, he’ll be joined by Erin Kim on bass, and Julian Ferrer on drums.

This performance is part of Pass the Hat, a monthly jazz series by donation at the Heatley. All attendees will be asked to donate what they can at each performance, with all funds going to the band.

Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray
2026-06-24 20:00 | The Revue Stage, 1601 Johnston St, BC, V6H 3S2, Canada
This performance is presented by Infidels Jazz, with the support of the VJO Society.

Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Pharoah Sanders, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Archie Shepp, Eddie Harris, Donny Hathaway, Paul Simon, Lester Bowie, Hamiet Bluiett, Malachi Favors, Billy Bang & Gene Ammons, to name a few. He is the former chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and has been nominated for a Grammy Award.

Saxophonist David Murray has recorded more than 300 acclaimed projects and has worked with Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Cecil Taylor, Jack DeJohnette, Chico Hamilton, Elvin Jones, Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders, and Randy Weston. He has won 2 Grammys and is the recipient of the Danish Jazz Par Award.

These jazz legends have been collaborating together for over 40 years, and have performed together all over the world to sold out audiences.

Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra 2026
2026-07-05 13:30 | Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R8, Canada
The Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra (VYJO) is an auditioned big band for BC’s secondary students in jazz. Up to 21 students from grades 8-12 will cultivate their talent and networks through mentorship from Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO) members. It culminates in a live performance at the 2026 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, co-presented by Coastal Jazz and Vancouver Community College (VCC).

The 2026 VYJO mentors are:

James Danderfer – VJO artistic director Bill Clark – bandleader, trumpet Brent Mah – saxophone Casey Thomas-Burns – trombone Sharon Minemoto – piano, rhythm section

Erin Kim Trio
2026-07-13 20:00 | The Heatley, 696 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1R1, Canada
Presented by Infidels Jazz, with support from the VJO Society.

Erin Kim is quickly earning a reputation one of Vancouver and Montreal’s top young bassists. For her first Infidels show as a leader, she’ll be joined by two fellow Vancouverites also studying jazz at McGill University in Montreal: Amrita Saini on trombone and Sadie Koshan on Drums

This performance is part of Pass the Hat, a monthly jazz series by donation at the Heatley. All attendees will be asked to donate what they can at each performance, with all funds going to the band.

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra: Big Band Mondays
2026-09-14 19:00 - 21:30 | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2M4, Canada

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra featuring Carl Allen
2026-10-18 17:30 - 21:30 | The Revue Stage, 1601 Johnston St, BC, V6H 3S2, Canada
The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra welcomes legendary drummer Carl Allen for a special concert celebrating one of jazz’s most respected and versatile artists. With a career spanning more than four decades, Allen has performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of jazz greats, including Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, and Christian McBride, among many others. A master of swing, groove, and musical leadership, Allen brings deep tradition and contemporary vitality to the bandstand. Joined by the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, this performance promises an evening of powerful ensemble playing, inspired improvisation, and world-class artistry.

2 showtimes: 5:30pm and 8pm.

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra: Big Band Mondays
2026-11-09 19:00 - 21:30 | 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 Chet Baker ft. David Braid & Benny Benack III w/ the VJO
2026-12-06 17:30 - 21:30 | The Revue Stage, 1601 Johnston St, BC, V6H 3S2, Canada
The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to the timeless music of Chet Baker in a special concert featuring acclaimed pianist and composer David Braid and rising jazz star Benny Benack III. Known for his lyrical voice and virtuosic trumpet playing, Benack brings fresh energy and deep feeling to Baker’s iconic repertoire. Grammy-winning pianist and composer David Braid, one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists, adds his distinctive musical voice, drawing on his extensive work bridging jazz, classical, and film. Braid composed music for the Chet Baker biopic Born to Be Blue, starring Ethan Hawke, lending a rare and authentic connection to Baker’s legacy. Together with the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, this concert offers a rich, swinging, and deeply expressive exploration of one of jazz’s most enduring songbooks. Two shows at 5:30pm & 8pm
