Alan Jones Sextet

Alan Jones likes to jump off high places. Off cliffs into the water, where you have to time the waves’ surge just right to survive the plunge. He’ll do a flip, too, 70 feet in the air, just to give it some style. Risky leaps with grace and style: that’s also what the jazz composer, drummer, and bandleader Alan Jones likes in his music. That sense of graceful adventure is what Alan’s compositions are all about.

The Alan Jones Sextet’s latest and “ideal” embodiment is an unbelievable, generational super group comprised of some of todays most provocative jazz musicians.

This true Canadian all-star ensemble includes Seamus Blake and Phil Dwyer on saxophones, Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Jon Ballantyne on piano and Tom Wakeling on bass.

The first incarnation of the Alan Jones Sextet was formed in 1985 during Alan’s time as a student at the renowned Banff Centre. Ironically, that original sextet, including Phil Dwyer and Jon Ballantyne, looked very similar to what his ideal sextet looks like today; 27 years and volumes of musical explorations later.

It was also in Banff, impressed by Alan’s original compositions, that both Kenny Wheeler and Don Thomson encouraged him to continue composing. This inspiring endorsement led to the formation of a second, European sextet that included (ironically again), Ingrid Jensen. These groups served as precursors for the band that would go on to record three CDs of Alan’s startlingly original music, produced by the brilliant pop icon Gino Vannelli.

The Alan Jones Canadian All Star Sextet delivers unpredictable improvisations framed by lush melodic passages set in narrative compositions. It’s free, but with a swampy, heavy pocket that offers the romance of risk without complete disorientation.

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Wednesday, June 26 - 10:30PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Ali Milner

Ali Milner’s fresh-faced appearance might make her look like a newcomer, but don’t be fooled. At 21 years old, she has already been recording and performing for eleven years. In that time she has quickly become a familiar face in Canada’s indie music world. Raised in Whistler, BC, but now living in Vancouver, her timeless sound blends R&B pop with old-soul jazz and even a dose of hard-hitting rock n’ roll.

The velvet-voiced songstress already has two albums under her belt. In 2009, she performed at Vancouver’s JunoFest, and the following year she played several venues surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler and Vancouver, including singing the national anthem at the closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games.

In the summer of 2010, she performed at the legendary Lilith Fair festival alongside icons like Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crowe, Erykah Badu, and Sugarland. Her music has been broadcast on CBC Radio 2 and Radio 3, and her busy performance schedule has taken her to the UK, USA, and Asia.

Along the way she’s shared bills with Michael Bublé, Ron Sexsmith, Divine Brown and the Barenaked Ladies.

Recently, Ali competed on the CBC reality television show, Cover Me Canada, placing third out of thousands of applicants. Joining Ali are bassist Erik P.H. Nielsen, and guitarist Matt Kelly.

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Thursday, June 27
Friday, June 28
Saturday, June 29
5:30 - 8:30PM
Local Public Eatery
$5 (Cover charge at the door.)

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Curtis Macdonald Trio

Curtis Macdonald is a Canadian saxophonist, composer and sound designer born and raised in Calgary, AB who is now living in New York. His first album, Community Immunity was released on Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music label. The Curtis Macdonald Trio has, in the past 18 months, toured across Canada, New York, and Europe, and will be celebrating the release of Twice Through The Wall in 2013.

The Curtis Macdonald Trio is an ambitious and efficient ensemble of incredibly skilled musicians that have been working together for nearly a decade. Today, their chemistry is the most vibrant it has ever been. The trio’s music, based heavily on Curtis’ concepts and compositions, showcases an original, fresh and organic sound while at the same time illustrates a sense of ease, thus engaging listeners in a state of deep listening.

Joining Curtis are bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Adam Jackson. Curtis graduated cum laude from the New School University in New York City in 2007 where he immediately became faculty.

We’re bringing New York to Medicine Hat. Check it out!

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Thursday, June 27 - 10:30PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Don Berner Sextet

Edmonton alto saxophonist Don Berner is no stranger to Medicine Hat. Don’s bebop-inspired technique and light distinctive sound have gained him quite a following. In addition to appearing alongside such notables as P.J. Perry, Bobby Shew, Hugh Fraser, Slide Hampton, Carol Welsman and Tommy Banks, he has performed at festivals across Canada including the Montreal Jazz Festival. Berner has appeared at Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite and numerous other jazz clubs throughout Canada and the U.S. He has performed at several embassies as well as being a part of international tours to Hong Kong and Mexico. He has performed on numerous radio and TV specials and has released his second album, Fortress of Solitude and his third, The Don Berner Sextet Invades Calgary; Live at the Beatniq!

Berner was formerly the announcer and producer of A Time For Jazz on CKUA and the writer of the Jazz Standards column in Edmonton’s SEE magazine.

He has been nominated for the TD Canada trust Jazz award, the Galaxie rising star award, and several mayoral arts awards. Returning to the Medicine Hat JazzFest, the sextet will be playing some oft requested favourites off the new album, as well an abundance of new material as one of Canada’s busiest jazz ensembles continues writing and creating new music.

Joining Don will be Doug Berner on trumpet, Audrey Ochoa on Trombone, Rob Thompson on keys, Luis Tovar on drums and Mike Lent on bass.

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Saturday, June 29 - 10:30PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet

American jazz and Afro-Peruvian music have a bond that is both musical and spiritual. Since 2005 Afro-Peruvian Sextet leader Gabriel Alegría has devoted his career to exploring the connection between two musical worlds that evolved in separate hemispheres. He has done this as a trumpet player, educator, and composer. Over the past eight years Alegría has fused these two musical worlds into a vibrant new genre called Afro-Peruvian jazz music. The melodic beauty, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic vitality of this innovative style have never been more evident than in this high-energy ensemble.

After earning his doctorate degree from USC in 2007, the trumpeter was named Associate Director of the Jazz Studies Program at New York University and has been a resident of New York City ever since. He currently teaches jazz theory, world music focused on the music of coastal Perú, and a music business course, as well as directing two student bands that play Afro- Peruvian jazz music.

The Afro-Peruvian Sextet divides its time between performing in the United States and Perú. Alegría, Leguía, Lobatón, guitarist Yuri Juárez, and drummer Hugo Alcázar are Peruvian. Bassist John Benitez was born in Puerto Rico and has long been one of the most in-demand jazz musicians in New York City. When Alcázar — who incorporates a cajón into his trap drum kit and, according to Alegría, “singlehandedly created the whole language for the drums in this style”— is unable to travel to the U.S. due to family obligations, North Carolina–born drummer Shirazette Tinnin takes his place in the band.

Besides performing and teaching Afro-Peruvian jazz music, the trumpeter has worked to expand the appeal of Afro-Peruvian jazz through a program called Tour Perú. Once per year, fans of the band are invited to accompany the Sextet on the road in Perú, thereby gaining a unique perspective and insight into jazz, culture, and food in the southern hemisphere. Two such tours are scheduled for 2013. Participants of the tour effectively become an intrinsic part of the band’s “ecosystem,” participating in everything from show production to marketing.

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DOUBLE BILL
with Kellylee Evans

Tuesday, June 25 - 7:30PM
Esplanade Theatre - $35 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central.

Gypsophilia

Halifax-based Gypsophilia is a group of seven young performers whose music straddles the jazz and indie worlds. The band started in 2004 as a Django Reinhardt tribute, but soon found itself mixing gypsy jazz with klezmer, funk, classical music, and indie rock, composing original music, and selling out shows all over Canada.

Gypsophilia’s raucous mash-up of original sounds is in full force on their third album Constellation, the band’s most polished and inspired effort yet.

In recent years the band’s exuberant live shows have made them an audience favourite at major festivals and small clubs alike. With their serious musicianship, humour and showmanship they are capable of enchanting a sit-down crowd one moment, and having people up dancing, clapping and singing the next.

Gypsophilia is Adam Steven Fine on double bass, Alec Codere Frith on guitar and percussion, Gina Burgess on violin, Matthew William Myer on trumpet, organ and percussion, Nicholas Peter Wilkinson on rhythm guitar and percussion, Ross Llewelyn Burns on guitar and percussion and Sageev Steve Oore on keyboards.

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Friday, June 28 - 7:30PM
Esplanade Theatre
$35 + Esplanade S/C
Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Jaclyn Guillou

We’re all about finding the up-andcoming. Here’s one to watch! Vancouver born and raised Jaclyn Guillou (pronounced Ghee-you) is an emerging Canadian jazz vocalist. Her newly released, independently produced debut album, To The City, boasts original jazz music with infectious vocals reflecting a polished and playful sound.

In 2009 Jaclyn was the recipient of a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award from the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. She has toured throughout Europe, Canada and the United States and has performed in some of the most recognized jazz clubs and festivals with sold out shows at Birdland, The Yardbird Suite, Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club, The Rex Jazz Club, Hermann’s Jazz Club and the Beat Niq Jazz Club.

Her tours include New York, Moscow, Puerto Vallarta, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Portland and Toronto. She has studied with the likes of Nancy King, Sheila Jordan and Vancouver’s Jennifer Scott. Her vocal influences run the gamut from Joni Mitchell to Dinah Washington.

Joining Jaclyn will be Kristian Alexandrov on piano, Jeremy Coates on bass and Tyler Hornby on drums.

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Wednesday, June 26 - 7:30PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Kellylee Evans

What can we say! We like her. She likes us! 2011 Juno award winner — Kellylee Evans, returns to JazzFest for a third time! And we’re thrilled to have Kellylee once again as our feature for the overwhelmingly popular school performance.

Kellylee exudes a warmth and bubbly charm that make her live performances unforgettable. Her passion for the music and genuine love of life and people make an evening with Kellylee like a night out with an old friend.

Kellylee is still busy riding on the wave of her 2011 Juno win, that has taken her, among other things, to Paris for multiple performances and work on her recently released CD I Remember When.

Having a voice that mixes Dee Dee Bridgewater and Dianne Reeves, with a dash of Madeline Peyroux, Evans’ is a fresh Canadian voice taking its place alongside these greats and adding its own unique flavour that is — well, delightfully Kellylee!

Over the years, this Ottawa-based singer-songwriter has toured North America and France, opening for such luminaries as Tony Bennett, George Benson, Maceo Parker, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and collecting a host of honours along the way.

Her album Nina reached the top of the iTunes Jazz charts shortly after the album’s release, and Evans was soon earning both critical and popular acclaim for her energy-charged performances as she toured the album.

Evans’ previous two albums (the urbanjazz Fight or Flight, 2007, and an altsoul- pop collection of original tunes titled The Good Girl, 2010) have earned the artist both Juno and Gemini nominations as well as a win for best female artist at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.

If you haven’t seen Kellylee yet, now’s your chance!

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DOUBLE BILL
with Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet

Tuesday, June 25 - 7:30PM
Esplanade Theatre - $35 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central.

SCHOOL SHOW

Wednesday, June 26 - 10AM and 1PM
Esplanade Theatre - (must be accompanied by a student)

Call 403-529-4857 to reserve your seats.

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Kool Ray & the Hip Katz

This Medicine Hat-based dance band was formed in 2006 and has been putting in regular appearances at JazzFest ever since. Showcasing music that spans hits from the fifties to the present, this group of experienced professional musicians features full rhythm and horn sections, powerhouse vocals, and a reputation for keeping the dance floor hopping!

Co-led by Ray Martens on keyboards and drummer James Evangelos, the group features Will Nickel on trumpet, Mark Ward on trumpet and vocals, Bob Wagner on bass, Pete Mueller on guitar, Erica Bodnaruk on sax and vocals, and Teague Bates on trombone.

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Saturday, June 29 - 6:30PM
Downtown Bus Terminal Parkade
FREE - Bring a lawn chair.

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Pam Wagner/Rick Lett Combo

This brand new ensemble emerged on the scene in Medicine Hat this year combining the smooth melodic vocals of Pam Wagner with the hip and versatile jazz guitar playing of Rick Lett. Together with bassist Bob Wagner and drummer/saxophonist Daniel Schnee, this combo is exploring a repertoire that ranges from straight ahead jazz to soul to pop and even a little touch of Dixie.

With a background that spans musical theatre to travelling rock bands, Pam has a voice that sounds at home on any tune and in any key. Her passion for the music compels the listener and inspires the bands she performs with.

In a short time, Rick has become one of the busiest players in town. No wonder, when he is equally at home on guitar, bass and tuba! From symphony performances to the Banff Centre and Berklee School of Music, Rick’s playing is always interesting and playfully creative.

Together with one of the most experienced and solid bass players in town and a drummer/saxophonist with a doctorate in music and Ornette Coleman as a former teacher this delightful new combo is going to light up the street outside of Tim Hortons at one of the most unique venues in Alberta!

Friday, June 28
Saturday, June 29 - NOON
Tim Hortons Downtown
FREE

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Quetango Quartet

The terrace of the Esplande is one of those truly magical spots in town where the scenery and setting become an intricate part of the whole experience. And don’t forget the world class music. This year, the tradition of Gypsy Jazz takes a subtle turn into contemporary tango! And on the unique scale, this year’s ensemble is up there!

This Quebec City group is made up of Daneil Finzi on cello, Jonathan Hains on guitar, Frederic Vermette on bass and Simon Boudreault on percussion.

Quetango is the first and only Canadian group to have performed at the Festival Y Mundial de Tango of Buenos Aires. Their original compositions cross all sorts of musical boundaries and takes the listener to a wonderful intersection of tango, jazz, progressive and chamber music.

Their first album Postango was nominated for Instrumental Album of the year at ADISQ. They produced a live concert for Bravo Canada television. They have also been recorded and broadcast on CBC Radio2. Musica Urbana, their second album was released on February 18, 2013.

Bring an umbrella or a parasol if you’d like a little shade. The Esplanade Studio Theatre serves as a back-up.

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Friday, June 28 - 2PM
Esplanade Terrace (with the Studio Theatre as back-up)
$15 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Rob Hudec Band

You can’t go far in the Medicine Hat club scene without hearing this multi-talented musician.

Rob Hudec has been a force on the Medicine Hat music scene for many years, known just as much for his prowess as a blues guitar slinger as for his talents as a singer/songwriter.

While he wears an abiding love of blues music on his sleeve he shows an affinity for a very deep grab-bag of roots music, jazz, R&B, pop, folk, gospel, country, and reggae.

Hudec’s band features some of Medicine Hat’s finest musicians that includes James Evangelos on drums, Troy Biccum on bass, and Dan Howard on guitar.

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Saturday, June 29 - 6:30PM
Downtown Bus Terminal Parkade
FREE - Bring a lawn chair.

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Shannon Gaye

Following a year off, Shannon, Kristian and the Ben are back on the patio at earls. What can we say! It’s a perfect fit. Shannon Gaye and her trio have not been idle in that year. They have a brand new CD Little Wonder that they will be featuring at JazzFest this year. The recoding pays homage to vintage soul and R&B, with Shannon’s own modern spin. Co-written & produced by pianist extraordinaire Kristian Alexandrov, the new recording features solid grooves, evocative lyrics, and the sophisticated harmony that defines the jazz idiom. From the most delicate melodies to sky high, roof-raising licks, Shannon is in full command of her voice.

This longtime band is rounded out with bassist Ben Harries and together, they create a tight rhythm section that forms the basis for strong melodies and fiery improvisation. With a middle name that gives a nod to the great Marvin Gaye, Shannon’s musical influences include Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder as well as Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day.

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Thursday, June 27
Friday, June 28
Saturday, June 29
5:30 - 8:30PM
earls
$10 on the patio

Tickets for the patio must be purchased in advance at earls. Any available seats will be sold at the door. Pass holders will be admitted to the patio at no charge. There will be no cover charge to sit inside.

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Taking August

We’re happy to be showcasing another new local group, Taking August for our popular wind-up celebration on the terrace of the Esplanade.

This lively ensemble, formed in August of 2012, is made up of two local musicians, Daniel Hooft on vocals and guitar, and Kelsey Porter on vocals and a host of instruments from guitar to bass to banjo. Their music spans a unique range of classic, folk, and rock covers as well as some originals. Their repertoire of familiar tunes makes a night with Taking August like a visit to an old familiar spot.

Kelsey grew up on a cattle/buffalo ranch east of Medicine Hat. She began piano and voice studies at age four at the Medicine Hat College Conservatory. She started guitar at age ten under the instruction of Tim Herman and later Todd Lefever. She toured with a family band, SWASS, which included her brother Kalan (2004 Canadian Idol winner) and sister Mackenzie.

Daniel was born and raised in Medicine Hat and started singing and playing guitar at the age of eight. He has performed in Dystortion FX and Theskylife. He has shared the stage with acts such as Lights, Jason Zerbin and Ten Second Epic.

Whether you choose to dance, or sit back and enjoy, this will be another great party for all.

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Sunday, June 30 - 7:30PM
Esplanade Terrace (with the Studio Theatre as back-up)
$20 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Thomas Enhco Trio

Thomas Enhco was born in Paris in 1988 and started playing the violin at age three and the piano at age six, studying classical and jazz styles on both instruments. At age twelve, Thomas quit school to study classical piano and at age seventeen entered the Paris Conservatory to study jazz and improvisation. After a couple of CD’s he composed his first film score Aux Arts, Citoyens! and the same year toured France and Japan with his trio and won two major French music awards. In 2011, the pianist toured the world playing 130 concerts in 14 countries and 4 continents and composed the original film score for the movie Les Cinq Parties du Monde.



Last year he recorded a trio album with the distinguished Jack DeJohnette and John Patitucci in New York City. His latest recording Fireflies was released on October 2012 and features the trio he will be touring the Jazz Festivals with, Canadian bass player Chris Jennings and Belgian drummer Nicolas Charlier. This latest recording reveals a strong personal direction distinctive in Thomas Enhco’s composition: entirely original music, a powerful lyricism combined with subtle narrative and depth. This is music that explores the world between jazz and classical music. Completely contemporary while remaining accessible and intensely musical.

Over the past few years, the Saturday afternoon jazz jam has grown into one of the popular events at JazzFest; for players and audience members alike. Nothing more completely embodies the traditional nature of jazz than players getting together and playing just for the fun of it, trying out their chops, and seeing how they make it in a real live setting.

Whether you’re a high-school student or a seasoned veteran, you are welcome to come out and participate. A rhythm section will be on hand, and we’re giving you the chance to try out those tunes you’ve been working on in the basement!

And who knows. Some years we get drop-ins from visiting JazzFest performers, resulting in some exciting combinations of visiting and local players having some fun with the music!

Bring your own charts, or play by ear.

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Tuesday, June 25 - 10:30PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

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Tyler Hornby Trio

The late night lobby of the Esplanade has become one of the most intimate, unique and inspiring venues we’ve come up with in JazzFest history. The responsive acoustics, the theatre-in-the-round seating and the beautiful ambiance created by the Esplanade staff combine to transport listeners and performers to another world.

This year we are presenting long time JazzFest participant, drummer Tyler Hornby in trio with another long time JazzFest performer keyboardist Kristian Alexandrov and bassist Jeremy Coates.

Former schoolmates, these three have a history to their collaborations. While they have all gone in many directions, JazzFest is pleased to bring them back together for what promises to be an exciting mix of original tunes from various projects under the leadership of Hornby.

Tyler holds a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance / Pedagogy from the University of Colorado and is an instructor at Mount Royal University. He has been nominated for the Galaxie Rising Star Award as well as the grand jazz award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. His 2011 recording, A Road to Remember was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Awards prize for Best Jazz Recording of the Year. His latest CD, Locus was released in March 2013 and features the Tyler Hornby B3 Trio.

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Friday, June 28 - 10:30PM
Esplanade Lobby (club setting)
$18 + Esplanade S/C

Tickets available at the Esplanade and Tixx Central

WORKSHOP - Thursday, June 27 - 2PM
The Studio Club (Esplanade Studio Theatre)
$5 - tickets available at the door.

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Wil Campa y Su Gran Union

** NOTE: The Medicine Hat JazzFest is moving the Thursday Latin Dance Party originally scheduled for the Curling Club, to the Field House at the Stampede Grounds, 2055 21 Ave SE.

Click here for a map of the Stampede Grounds if you are unsure where this is located. Show time is still 7:30PM. We still ask you to bring a lawn chair – some chairs will be available – and definitely your dancing shoes. Cuba’s 13 piece premiere band Wil Campa will have everybody dancing. This is one of the highlights of JazzFest. **

Every few years this dance party goes looking for a new interesting space. After many years at the historic Medalta Pottery site, we’re moving!

We thought cool. We thought Canadian. We thought – curling! That’s right. We’re setting up a dance party in the spacious Medicine Hat Curling Club! Pretty Canadian! Pretty cool!

And after two previous performances in our city, word has spread that for a Latin dance party, it’s hard to beat Cuba’s 13-piece premiere band, Wil Campa y Su Gran Union! From exciting choreography to tight high energy ensemble playing, impeccable percussion to soaring lyrics this band delivers the utmost in what Cuban Salsa and Latin Jazz is all about.

As former lead singer for another of Cuba’s top bands, Maraca, Wil Campa is well equipped to lead this all-star band of his country’s finest players.

Wilfredo Campa was born and raised in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. As a child, he would organize concerts by enrolling children from the neighborhood and family members. From an early age, his ambition and love for music, dance and songwriting led him to study professional singing at the acclaimed a Escuela Superacion de Arte Raul Sanchez in Cuba.

Moved by Wil’s singing ability and impressive stage presence, Cuba’s prestigious group Maraca welcomed him in 1998 as their lead singer. For the next seven years, he toured throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America and performed in some of the most important Jazz Festivals around the world in which he had the opportunity to share the stage with the ranks of Wynton Marsalis, Poncho Sanchez, Natalie Cole, Joe Lovano and Jimmy Bosh. He also worked with the well-known Ibrahim Ferrer whom he shared a stage with, on his last concert at The JazzFestival in Marciac France. Wil recorded three albums with Maraca one of which earned them an American Grammy nomination in 2002.

Wil Campa y Su Gran Union was formed in 2005 and has recorded two albums and toured extensively.

A night with Wil Campa is a total experience. Cuban music doesn’t get any better than this. And it’s right here in Medicine Hat! No plane tickets. It’s a dance party for the whole family. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

We hope you’ll give our new venue a try. You might be surprised! Bring a lawn chair, the neighbours and your dancing shoes.... Hurry Hard!

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Thursday, June 27 - 7:30PM
Field House at the Stampede Grounds
$25 + Esplanade S/C

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