Award-winning Gentiane MG Trio’s music reflects MG’s background as a jazz pianist as well as her early training in Conservatory as a classical pianist, incorporating the aesthetics of impressionism with the improvisational approach and rhythmic sensibility of contemporary jazz. Winners of the 2020 OPUS Award for Discovery of the Year, CBC/Radio-Canada Jazz Award in 2018, and the François-Marcaurelle de la GMMQ Award in 2017.

“Gentiane’s music is mysteriously intriguing, with the enchanting deep influences of the great impressionistic French composers like Ravel and Debussy from cultural roots lying deep within her sublime approach.”
Kerilie McDowall, Rythm’n’ing Radio

JUNO-nominated Aline Homzy presents Aline’s étoile magique; born when she recognized the stark and low presence of women in the improvised music scene. It is at once jazz, chamber, and more- a combination of musical universes. The music can be mysterious, sometimes dark, but above all familiar and nostalgic.

“Formed with thoughts of compassion and musicianship, Aline’s etoile magique is at heart all about the improvisation.”

Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised Recording Artist, Bassist, and Composer. A member of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s house band, she has been mentored by Jazz Icons the likes of Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and Ron Carter. She has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Steve Turre to name a few. Appearing on Jon Batiste’s Grammy Award-winning We Are, Endea has won an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Peabody.

“…a young bassist on the rise.”
NY Times

Winner of the 2022 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year (solo), and Jazz Artist of the Year at the 2022 Western Canada Music Awards, piano player Will Bonness is “one of finest jazz pianist of his generation” by Monk Competition winner Jon Gordon. With 2021 JUNO winner Jocelyn Gould in the band, this show is among the “don’t-miss experiences” of the Festival.

“A bad ass jazz piano man that plays like he knows more notes than you do.”
Chris Spector, The Midwest Record

Efajemue is a Los Angeles-based drummer, producer, and educator who’s recent solo recording projects include the 2022 JUNO-nominated album, Aesthetics. He draws from his deep connection with jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music and uses these influences to create music telling stories of solitude, fear, joy, and peace.

“As a player, Efajemue is assured… he’s not afraid to step up and dig in.”
Peter Hum, The Ottawa Citizen

VOLK features some of Calgary’s most exciting creative musicians, built around the group’s shared influences in jazz, soul, and hip-hop. The original compositions are harmonically nuanced, groove driven explorations sure to excite the listener.

LowDown Brass Band is a uniquely strong representation of Chicago Music culture. This talented all horn band leans heavily on dancehall and street beat rhythm, with the energy of conscious hip hop, jazz, reggae, and soul.

“With a blistering array of horns, funktacious drums, and a powerful sousaphone, the Chicago-based brass set has also perfected a gritty and dynamic sound through the genres of hip-hop, soul, ska and rock.”
The Fox and King