June 2025

June 23-29, 2025

JazzYYC Summer Festival

Various locations

Schedule:
Headliners
Featuring the biggest marquee names.

Monday, June 23

ARTEMIS

7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Studio Bell, 850 4 Street S.E.

JazzYYC is proud to present the Calgary debut of ARTEMIS, an all-star ensemble featuring some of the most powerful voices in modern jazz. At the heart of this dynamic group are two of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists—pianist Renee Rosnes and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen—both internationally recognized as among the best in the world.

Tickets:

General: $69.99

Youth (25 and under): $20.00

Wednesday, June 25

Mike Stern

7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Bella Concert Hall, 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W.

Six-time GRAMMY®-nominated guitarist Mike Stern has been a trailblazer in jazz and fusion since the 1970s, performing with legends like Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, and The Brecker Brothers. Known for his fiery improvisation and signature blend of bebop, blues, and rock-infused jazz, Stern continues to push musical boundaries.

Tickets: $70.64, $76.09, $81.54

Thursday, June 26

Molly Johnson

7:00 p.m.

Studio Bell, 850 4 Street S.E.

JazzYYC and the National Music Centre are proud to welcome one of Canada’s most iconic voices to Studio Bell. Experience the incomparable Molly Johnson, a celebrated jazz vocalist whose rich, soulful tone and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences across Canada and Europe for decades. Tickets:

General: $69.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Saturday, June 28

Delvon Lamarr B3 Organ Trio

8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Mikey's Juke Joint, 6404 Bowness Rd. N.W. unit 109

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (DLO3) specialize in the lost art of “feel good music.” The ingredients of this intoxicating cocktail include a big helping of the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette a pinch of the snappy soul strut of Booker T. & The M.G.’s and The Meters and sprinkles Motown, Stax Records, blues, and cosmic Jimi Hendrix-style guitar. It’s a soul-jazz concoction that goes straight to your heart and head makes your body break out in a sweat. Live, the band’s fiery and intuitive chemistry is unstoppable, brimming with improvisation, instant composition, imaginative takes on classic tunes, and a booty-shaking back catalogue of soulful gems.

Experience DLO3 live only during our 2025 JazzYYC Summer Festival on Saturday night June 28 for two shows, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. from the rocking, intimate, Mikey’s Juke Joint.

Tickets:

General: $49.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Canadian Stage

Showcasing top Canadian jazz artists.

Friday, June 27

Christine Jensen Quartet

7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave. S.E.

Canadian saxophonist and composer Christine Jensen has lent a distinct voice to the creative jazz scene of the past twenty-five years. Her jazz orchestra recordings Treelines and Habitat were JUNO Award-winners for Jazz Album of the Year (group) in 2011 and 2014, respectively, while her third jazz orchestra album Harbour (Justin-Time Records) is nominated in this year’s signature celebration of Canadian talent.

Tickets:

General: $49.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Saturday, June 28

Lorraine Desmarais Trio play Bill Evans

7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave. S.E.

Bill Evans profoundly revolutionized jazz piano and the trio formation. A subtle performer and inspired composer, Evans integrated the harmonic colors of French impressionists Debussy, Fauré and Ravel into his playing. The musicians of Trio Lorraine Desmarais are thrilled to recreate their favorite Bill Evans pieces on stage creativity, virtuosity, musicality and sophistication.

Tickets:

General: $49.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Global Jazz Stage

Highlighting both Canadian and international artists.

Tuesday, June 24

Anthony D’Alessandro Quartet featuring Benny Benack III

7:30 p.m.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9th Avenue S.E.

Toronto-based pianist, composer, and bandleader Anthony D’Alessandro brings his hard-swinging, straight-ahead style to the JazzYYC Summer Festival, joined by New York City trumpet/vocal sensation Benny Benack III. Known for his “natural feeling for swing and groove” (WholeNote Magazine) and scintillating technique, D’Alessandro has toured extensively across Canada, the U.S., South America, and Europe, performing at top venues like Birdland, Koerner Hall, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Wednesday, June 25

Brekky Boy

8:00 p.m.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9th Avenue S.E.

After giving up the dream of competing in the World Surf League, Brekky Boy turned to jazz—and we’re all better for it. This hard-hitting trio from the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, has crafted an unpredictable live show that fuses cinematic jazz, electronica, beat music, and chaotic fun (including the occasional object hurled mid-solo.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Thursday, June 26

New Jazz Underground

8:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9th Avenue S.E.

Blazing a trail for a new generation of jazz artists, New Jazz Underground fuses the heart of traditional jazz with the pulse of today—infused with swing, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban grooves, house, and Afrobeat. Millions have discovered their high-energy sound through viral videos that showcase the group’s infectious chemistry, masterful musicianship, and fearless creativity.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Friday, June 27

Henk Kraaijeveld

8:30 p.m.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9th Avenue S.E. Award-winning Dutch vocalist Henk Kraaijeveld brings a bold and poetic voice to the European jazz scene—literally and figuratively. Known for his warm tone, playful stage presence, and fearless musicality, Henk blends lyrical storytelling, rich harmonies, and improvisation in ways that surprise and connect. A rare male voice in modern jazz with an adventurous spirit, he creates soundscapes that invite reflection while pushing the boundaries of vocal jazz.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Saturday, June 28

PJ Perry Quintet

8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9th Avenue S.E.

PJ’s Calgary performance will feature his long-standing working quintet—an ensemble celebrated for its exceptional chemistry, dynamic interplay, and deep musical connection developed over years of collaboration.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Groove & Fusion Series

Funk, fusion, and groove-focused jazz.

Friday, June 27

Carl Mayotte Quintet

9:00 p.m.

King Eddy (Studio Bell - West Block), 438 9 Avenue S.E.

Winner of the Radio-Canada Jazz Revelation title for 2020–2021, bassist and composer Carl Mayotte has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in Canadian jazz. A virtuoso performer with a deep love for groove, fusion, and modern harmony, Mayotte’s fearless approach to the electric bass has earned acclaim from critics, fellow musicians, and jazz icons alike—including the legendary Alain Caron and Bass Magazine.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Saturday, June 28

Shuffle Demons

9:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

King Eddy (Studio Bell - West Block), 438 9 Avenue S.E.

Explosive horns, wild stage antics, and a fearless mix of jazz, funk, and hip-hop—The Shuffle Demons are a high-energy musical spectacle like no other. If you’re into killer solos, spontaneous crowd romps, and genre-bending fun, this is one show you don’t want to miss.

Tickets:

General: $39.99

Youth (25 and under): $19.99

Sandman Late Night Jams

Sandman Signature Downtown Calgary, 888 7 Ave. S.W.

Wednesday, June 25

Aaron Shorr Trio

10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Guitarist Aaron Shorr hosts the Late Night Jazz Jam, showcasing his distinctive sound and technical prowess across jazz, soul, folk, and classical traditions. Known for his creativity, precision, and fearless improvisation, he brings a fresh, dynamic energy to every performance.

Tickets:

General Admission: $19.99

Members: $14.99

Youth 25 and under: $9.99

Thursday, June 26

Michelle Grégoire Trio

10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Pianist, composer, and arranger Michelle Grégoire hosts the Late Night Jazz Jam, bringing her elegance, technical mastery, and deep harmonic understanding to the stage. A key figure in the Canadian jazz scene, she draws on her rich background in jazz, classical, and contemporary music to inspire both musicians and audiences alike.

Tickets:

General Admission: $19.99

Members: $14.99

Youth 25 and under: $9.99

Friday, June 27

Esteban Herrera Trio

10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Originally from Mexico City and now based in Calgary, pianist Esteban Herrera hosts the Late Night Jazz Jam with his globally influenced, rhythmically rich approach to contemporary jazz. A JUNO-nominated artist and YYC Music Award winner, he brings three decades of experience to a night of bold improvisation and creative exchange.

Tickets:

General Admission: $19.99

Members: $14.99

Youth 25 and under: $9.99

Saturday, June 28

Sean Craig Trio

10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Sean Craig is an educator and saxophonist based in Calgary, Alberta. He is a graduate of McGill University where he completed a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance. He also holds an education degree and works as a teacher for the Calgary Catholic School Board.

He is an active member of the local Calgary music scene working with various artists and ensembles and performs regularly with Prime Time Big Band and The Calgary Jazz Orchestra. As an educator, Sean is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor. He held the position of artistic director of the JazzYYC Youth Lab Band from 2016-2020 and sits on the education and community outreach committee for JazzYYC.

Tickets:

General Admission: $19.99

Members: $14.99

Youth 25 and under: $9.99

Free Jazz Clinics

Monday, June 23

Free Clinic – Allison Miller – Drums

Moderated by Celene Yohemas

12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Cornerstone Music Cafe, #139 14919 Deer Ridge Dr. S.E.

New York–based drummer, composer, and educator Allison Miller is a dynamic force in modern jazz. A member of the Blue Note supergroup Artemis, Miller brings deep expertise in improvisation to every performance. She teaches at the Peabody Conservatory and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and is known for her innovative, award-winning projects.

Wednesday, June 25

Free Clinic – Mike Stern – Guitar

Moderated by Aaron Shorr

12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

National Music Centre Drop-In Zone, 850 4 St. S.E.

Festival headliner Mike Stern—one of the most influential electric guitarists in modern jazz—has spent 40 years shaping jazz fusion through collaborations with icons such as Blood, Sweat & Tears, Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, the Brecker Brothers and Joe Henderson, while releasing 18 albums, six of them GRAMMY-nominated.

Thursday, June 26

Free Clinic – Mike Downes – Bass

Moderated by Kodi Hutchinson

12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Cornerstone Music Cafe, #139 14919 Deer Ridge Dr. S.E.

Toronto bassist, composer, and educator Mike Downes—multiple JUNO winner and “one of my favorite bass players” (Pat Metheny)—directs the Bass Department at Humber College, tours globally with Molly Johnson and penned the acclaimed Jazz Bass Line Book. His celebrated solo albums, award-winning ensembles, and far-reaching collaborations cement his status as a leading voice on the bass.

Saturday, June 28

Free Jazz Jam – Rucell Veloso Quartet

3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Kawa Espresso Bar, 101-1333 8th Street S.W.

Rucell Voloso is a vocalist and University of Calgary music major whose grounding in classical technique, jazz language, and contemporary styles shapes a clear, unforced sound and genuine joy onstage. Balancing academic study with regular gigs, she emphasizes honest lyric delivery and close interplay with her bandmates.

Jazz in the Burbs

Sunday, June 29

Peter Van Huffel’s “CALLISTO”

7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Cornerstone Music Cafe, # 139 14919 Deer Ridge Dr. S.E.

Immerse yourself in the world of CALLISTO, where innovation meets tradition and sonic landscapes are painted with bold strokes of creativity. Saxophonist Peter Van Huffel’s latest project is a bass-less quartet that skews the line between composition and improvisation. Featuring Peter on baritone saxophone and electronics, Canadian trumpeter Lina Allemano, Greek pianist and electronics artist Antonis Anissegos, and German drummer Joe Herstenstein, CALLISTO offers a unique and profound approach to modern jazz with their debut album, “Meandering Demons.”

Tickets:

General Admission: $34.99

Members: $29.99

Youth 25 and under: $14.99

Youth Jazz Showcase

FREE live music featuring musicians from the JazzYYC Youth Lab Band Programs

Sunday, June 29

Calgary Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E.

12:30 p.m. JazzYYC Youth Combo

1:00 p.m. JazzYYC Youth Lab Band Two

1:30 p.m. JazzYYC Youth Combo

2:00 p.m. JazzYYC Youth Lab Band One

Stephen Avenue Festival FREE Preview Concerts

Noon-1:00 p.m.

Stephen Avenue Calgary Downtown Stage, 118 8th Ave. S.E.

June 5 - Luis Tovar Quartet

June 12 - Alex Gonzalez Quartet

June 19 - Allistair Elliott Quartet

Passes:

Jazz Sampler Pass (2025): $125

JazzYYC Summer Festival Pass (2025): $249

JazzYYC VIP Festival Pass (2025): $399

Get ready for the JazzYYC Summer Festival, kicking off June 23 with seven jam-packed days of world-class live jazz! This year’s festival showcases international stars, celebrated Canadian artists, and Calgary’s finest musicians — spanning the full spectrum of jazz.

JazzYYC presents five unique concert series, the ever-popular Saturday Jam, and the brand-new Youth Jazz Showcase, all set in some of Calgary’s most iconic venues — from Bella Concert Hall and Studio Bell to the King Eddy, Festival Hall, Ironwood Stage & Grill, and Cornerstone Music Café. Each location offers a distinct setting for unforgettable performances.

Join in celebrating Calgary’s vibrant jazz scene with a week of exceptional music.