Toronto's iconic Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Club is set to host an eclectic mix of performances this February, offering a rich tapestry of jazz and blues, featuring renowned artists and emerging talents. From the genre-bending creativity of The Worst Pop Band Ever to the soulful tunes of Paul Reddick, and the experimental brilliance of the Steve Lehman Quartet, the lineup promises to enthrall music lovers. Join us as we explore the vibrant sounds and unique contributions of each artist, celebrating the diverse musical landscape that awaits.

Jazz and Blues Euphoria at The Rex: A Melodic Journey Through Diverse Sounds and Talent

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Club is set to become the epicenter of jazz in Toronto, featuring some of Canada's most dynamic musical talents. Throughout February and September 2025, the iconic venue will host performances from two renowned quartets, the Jake Koffman Quartet and the Duncan Hopkins Quartet, and a special appearance by Brooklyn's Ethan Iverson Trio. This series of performances promises an unforgettable journey through jazz, with contributions from world-class musicians that illustrate the depth and diversity of the genre.

A Jazz Odyssey at The Rex: Celebrating Canada's Finest Jazz Virtuosos

Brooklyn's Ethan Iverson Trio

The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has been working at the highest levels of jazz for almost thirty years. In that time he has worked with such luminaries as Norma Winstone, Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Mark Murphy, Bobo Stenson, Dianna Krall, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Watson, Sam Rivers, Harry Allen and Edward Simon to name but a few. Duncan was  a member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass and the highly distinguished Canadian Jazz Quartet for ten years before moving to Europe.

Duncan Hopkins Quartet

The life and career of John MacLeod is intricately bound to the history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. A native of this city, he took a very early interest in jazz and by the time he began studying the trumpet at age 12 was already an aficionado of New Orleans, Chicago and swing styles of the music. His earliest local hero was trumpeter "Trump" Davidson and by his early teens he was attending t.v. recording sessions where he would be amazed by studio greats such as Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Teddy Roderman. A decade later, John would be playing with many of these early heros. In fact he would have professional involvement with every name listed in this release from Benny Louis to Ron Collier to Guido Basso. He even took his boyhood hero "Trump" Davidson's place in Trump's band. Few other musicians of his generation can claim as much direct connection to the entire history of jazz and big band music in Toronto. His long association with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass would also have a profound effect on his approach to arranging and composing. While his writing may be uniquely his own, the sound of his band is unmistakably "Toronto"

John Macleod's Rex Hotel Orchestra

Join celebrated artist Quisha Wint for an intimate afternoon of jazz and R&B soul at The Rex Toronto. Known for her powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence, Quisha effortlessly blends the smooth elegance of jazz with the soulful grooves of R&B. With years of experience captivating audiences across Canada and beyond, she has shared stages with music legends and earned acclaim for her dynamic performances.

Quisha Wint

Ted has a solid reputation as a musical, versatile drummer. He is an active member of Canada’s jazz scene and has been recognized with Jazz Report’s Drummer of the Year award. He teaches at Humber and Mohawk College in their Jazz Studies programs and is a well-regarded clinician and adjudicator. Ted fronts his own quartet, Ted’s Warren Commission, which has just released their debut CD, First Time Caller. He is a member of the Mike Murley, Mike Downes, Kieran Overs, and Ted Quinlan groups. He was the drummer for the Boss Brass and can be heard on six of their recent CDs, including Velvet and Brass (with Mel Torme), From Lush to Lively (with Oliver Jones), Even Canadians get the Blues, and The Boss Brass Plays the Jazz Classics.

Ted Warren's 60th Birthday Celebration

Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, Dennis Kwok, exists at the intersection of bebop, contemporary classical, free improvisation, and pop music. Originally from Calgary, his interest in jazz and improvised music led him to pursue studies at Humber College, where he completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone. Since then, he has been featured as part of the 2020 TD Toronto Jazz Festival Discovery Series, selected as a musician-in-residence at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in 2021, and backed JUNO-award winning artists, such as The Tenors, Jackie Richardson, and Pat LaBarbera. As a versatile woodwind doubler, Dennis has appeared as the oboe soloist for Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #1 and #2 with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, and has also been active in musical theatre orchestras, including productions of Follies (Royal Conservatory of Music),  Escape to Margaritaville (Theatre Calgary), Chicago (Stratford Festival), 1922 (Shaw Festival), and Mean Girls (Mirvish).

Dennis Kwok Jazz Orchestra

JUNO Award winner Ernesto Cervini is a sought-after drummer, composer and bandleader and an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co- led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, electric bassist Rich Brown and alto saxophonist Luis Deniz.

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop with New York's Joel Frahm

Mike McLelland's "Bobby Fenton Tribute"

Micaela Rae is a Toronto-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Growing up with a fascination for writing and storytelling, she took to playing guitar at the age of ten and began transitioning her stories into songs. She attended Humber College’s jazz performance program as a voice major, where she fell in love with the genre, and began to take stylistic inspiration from great vocalists such as Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Micaela has performed around the city on stages like the Rex, and the Jazz Bistro, and has taken part in the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, and the Beaches Jazz Festival. Her compositions are intricate, and call on the inspiration of voices like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Feist. Presently, Micaela is gearing up for the release of her debut EP, Saccharine, which is set for release in the spring of 2025.

Micaela Rae Trio

Blunt Object is a Toronto-based 11-piece jazz ensemble performing energetic, creative music; balancing unique improvisors with quirky and compelling arrangements. Featuring the music of Carla Bley, the ensemble presents engaging music with a refreshing sense of humour.

Robin Jessome & Blunt Objects

Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked

Mark Eisenman & Mike Murley Quartet

Sam Newsome stands as a multifaceted figure in the world of jazz—a saxophonist, music professor, and accomplished writer. In 2023, his artistic endeavors manifested in two duo recordings: Soprano-Logues, a collaborative effort with saxophonist Dave Liebman, and Cosmic Unconsciousness Unplugged, where he joined forces with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. These releases showcased Newsome's ability to engage in sonically-rich musical dialogues across different instrumental landscapes. His contributions to the music world have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Newsome received the prestigious Bronx BRIO Award for Instrumental Music and secured the title of Soprano Saxophonist of the Year in the 14th Annual International Critics Polls. His accolades extend to the 2020 Instant Award in Improvised Music, the 2018 Alpert/Ragdale Prize in Music Composition, the 2016 NYFA Fellowship for Music Composition, and he's been a consistent nominee for Soprano Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association over the past five years. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Newsome is a prolific author, having penned two books of personal essays: "Be Inspired, Stay Focused" (2022) and "Life Lessons from the Horn" (2015). In 2023, his piece, “From NoHa to SoBro” was featured in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology, VII. Newsome's avant-garde approach, particularly in the realm of prepared saxophone, has positioned him as a sought-after player in New York's improvised music scene. His innovative voice has resonated in collaborations with notable artists such as Elliot Sharpe, William Parker, Fay Victor, Daniel Carter, Joe Morris, and Dave Liebman. Through his diverse talents and contributions, Sam Newsome continues to shape and enrich the landscape of contemporary jazz.

Jonathan Kay's Subspace Interception Featuring New York's Sam Newsome

Whitney Ross-Barris and Sam Broverman have been singing together for almost fifteen years, appearing in venues across Toronto, including The Jazz Bistro, The Old Mill, The Rex and Lula Lounge, as well as being featured at the Kensington Market Jazz Festival on multiple occasions. The repertoire they draw from is wide-ranging – from Irving Berlin, Jules Styne and Johnny Mercer to Tom Lehrer, Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell. This year marks the 13 th year of Sam’s popular Jewish Boy’s Christmas cabaret show, in which Whitney is a yearly guest. They continue to delight audiences with their warm, friendly onstage rapport and great comedic timing.

Sam Broverman & Whitney Ross-Barris

Angela Pincente is a trombone player, composer, and arranger based in the Greater Toronto Area. She is in her final year of her Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College and is set to release a debut EP next year. She has studied under many well-renowned musicians in Toronto such as Kelsley Grant, Joselyn Gould, Mike Downes, Alastair Kay, and Vanessa Fralick. Pincente is diversified in many genres including jazz, classical, and pop, playing in bands such as the Toronto All-Star Big Band, Hannaford Youth Band, and Trash Panda Brass Band. Pincente is currently leading two projects, the Angela Pincente Quintet and the Carandang Pincente Jazz Orchestra, which she co-leads with fellow musician Dain Carandang. This group has been featured at The Rex, as well as the Humber Music 50th anniversary concert. Pincente writes within the jazz idiom with a focus on large ensemble music and vocal jazz. You can find her performing at many venues across the city, and on Instagram and Facebook @angelapincente.

Angela Pincente Jazz Orchestra

Jake Koffman, a saxophone player from Canada, plays virtually any reed instrument from clarinet to baritone sax. Jake was born in a famous musical family in Toronto. One of his grandfathers, Moe Koffman, was one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to start playing bebop, while his other grandfather, Victor Feldbrill, was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, Jake released a debut album, The Jake Koffman Quartet, and since then has been the jazz hope of Canada. Jake can often be seen in the band of the famous Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky.

Jake Koffman Quartet

Tim Posgate is a veteran multi-instrumentalist who is best known as a banjoist and guitarist. He has written and recorded hundreds of original compositions that combine his eclectic influences of jazz, bluegrass, folk, rock and world music. Currently he is a member of the world music group So Long Seven (nominated as best instrumental group at the Canadian Folk Music Awards) and has been touring in Europe with them as well as with Ronley Teper and the Lipliners. He is also a member of Cluttertones, Collette Savard and the Savants and performs banjo and bass music with Andrew Downing. When he is not performing, teaching, composing or recording he is probably wishing he were watching or playing ice hockey.

Tim Posgate Quartet

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene and his trio features Anthony Michelli and Clark Johnston. The groups seem list features critically acclaimed original tunes by Brown along with tasty standards and not so standard tunes by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the Beatles. James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. 

James Brown Trio

Taylor Maslin Group

Described as “one of the transforming figures of early 21st century jazz,” by The Guardian and as a “state-of-the-art musical thinker” by The New York Times, Steve Lehman is a composer, performer, educator, and scholar who works across a broad spectrum of experimental musical idioms. Lehman’s pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the American Composers Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, So Percussion, JACK Quartet, and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. His recent recording, The People I Love, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums” of 2019 by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. His previous recordings include, Sélébéyone (2016), Mise en Abîme (NPR #1 Jazz Album of 2014), and Travail, Transformation & Flow (NY Times #1 Jazz Album of 2009).

Steve Lehman Quartet Feat. Mark Turner

Jam with us! Enjoy our house band (a collection of beloved all-stars) spontaneously creating musical goodness just for you!

CLASSIC REX JAZZ JAM hosted by CHRIS Banks

Enjoy the sounds of the talented student jazz ensembles from the University of Toronto & Humber College! 

University of Toronto STUDENT JAZZ ENSEMBLES

Singer, songwriter and harmonica player Paul Reddick has been performing his critically acclaimed original songs on stages across Canada, the USA and Europe for over 30 years.

He has recorded and written with Colin Linden, Tom Wilson (Lee Harvey Osmond) and MonkeyJunk among others, and recorded 10 albums of his own. His most recent recording, Ride the One (on Stony Plain Records), received the 2016 Juno Award for Best Blues Album.

PAUL REDDICK Blues

With a classical and jazz background, guitarist Samuel Bonnet's music is at the crossroads of several musical universes, somewhere between the natural resonance of classical guitar nylon strings and jazz improvisation. Through his music, Samuel Bonnet tells us his intimate and personal story in continuous dialogue with his plural roots.

Samuel Bonnet Trio Hybride

Alana Bridgewater (born Newmarket, Ontario) was raised in Scarborough, Ontario and discovered her love for performing at an early age. She was a member of The Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir and founding member of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale. She attended The University of Windsor, studying with Steven Henrickson and Richard Householder. Alana was the voice of the 2008 Olympic Bid. In 2007 she was nominated for a Gemini Award for her contribution to The Gospel Christmas Project (CBC).

Alana Bridgewater

Bringing entrancing instrumental fusion music featuring the pedal steel.

The Neon Eagle

Over the past 20 years, Doctor Nick and the Rollercoasters have performed countless gigs at the venerable Rex Hotel and elsewhere. Their Blues is rooted in the early electric post-war period of Chicago's south side of the 1950's, where Blues luminaries such as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter and others honed their craft to produce a sound which is at the root of most of the contemporary music that we hear today.

Dr. Nick & The Rollercoasters

With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Deerhoof to J Dilla, The Worst Pop Band Ever is a Toronto based group that tries to combine a love of improvisational jazz and indie pop. Individually, the members of the WPBE have worked with a who's who of Canadian and international musicians, from Feist to the Shuffle Demons, but together, whether it be blending acoustic bass with turntables or analog synths with the saxophone, the WPBE sets out to twist and bend both originals and covers, straddling genres and butting heads with expectation. Often compared to Medeski Martin Wood or the Bad Plus, the boys like to think of themselves as the ugly love child of Radiohead and Miles Davis.

Worst Pop Band Ever

Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad.  The musical connection was electric, and all three musicians immediately recognized that they had stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts.  They have since worked their way up through the national club circuit, recently headlining at major jazz festivals throughout Ontario and Québec including Toronto's International Jazz Festival in 2018. In the short time since the release of their 2019 album, "Going to Market", JV's Boogaloo Squad has reached #6 on US Campus Jazz Radio charts as well as number #29 on JazzWeek's chart for US commercial Radio. Brad Barker of Jazz FM 91 has even named this project one of three "new jazz albums from 2019 that you need to hear".  This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia.  With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more. 

Jv’s Boogaloo Squad

International performer, drummer, composer, record producer, educator and multi-award winning Barry Elmes is a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene. His work has been documented on over 90 jazz CDs and he has performed and/or recorded with many renowned jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Charlie Haden, Hank Crawford, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, John Abercrombie, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, Phil Nimmons, Ray Bryant, and many others. In 1991 he formed the Barry Elmes Quintet, featuring a "who’s who" of the best in Canadian jazz. A success from the beginning, this group has toured internationally and released six acclaimed recordings.Barry’s quintet returns to the Rex for four nights to perform music from their new CD "Night Flight" plus selections from all their recordings.

Barry Elmes Quintet

JabFung, a project helmed by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and Richmond Hill-born, LA-based drummer Anthony Fung, has emerged in recent years as one of Toronto’s leading presenters of collaborative jazz residencies. Anchored by the core rhythm section of Anderson-Bowes and Fung, the group’s past performances have featured excellent local and international guest musicians, including saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, pianist James Hill, guitarist Andrew Marzotto, French vibraphonist Simon Mouiller, and, for two nights at The Rex this past July, the eminent American saxophonist George Garzone.

Jabfung

The Jay Blues Trio are a 3-piece Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto, Canada. The band formed in 2023 from a collection of Blues, R&B, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking in the streets of Toronto and performing within the local Blues scene. Inspired by the likes of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, James Brown, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago blues, Funk, and whirling solos with Slow Sultry Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to dance, cry and groove.

Jay Blues Trio

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.

Dave Young Quintet

Shannon Butcher is an acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, arranger and record producer. She charms audiences with her joyful wit and warm energy - her performances capturing the unique spirit of each song while also celebrating the playful nature of jazz.

Shannon Butcher Quartet

Closed For The Holidays

Sherie Marshall has performed professionally in various nightclubs across Toronto for over 30 years.  She founded her own group fusing funk, soul, pop, reggae, and Soca producing the single “Steppin’ Out,” establishing herself as a mainstay in the Toronto music scene.  In addition to opening for Harry Belafonte, The Smothers Brothers, and Rich Little, Sherie has sung background for George Oliver, Jack DeKeyser, reggae artist Mojah, and Jacksoul at the Canadian Urban Music Awards. Sherie Marshall is currently a faculty member at York University where she teaches jazz vocals and inspires many young music students.  Her dynamic stage presence, coupled with her infectious smile, is reflected in all her performances.

Sherie Marshall with Mike Cado

Ale Avery Nunez, a 22 year old Canadian vocalist, songwriter and band-leader based in Toronto, has exploded onto the Jazz scene, where you can see her perform in Toronto at Jazz Bistro, Drom Taberna, The Emmet Ray and Manhattans in Guelph to name a few. She most recently performed as part of Ontario Creates Women's in Music series curated by Sammy Jackson at Hugh's Room Live.  Ale loves to share her passion for Jazz and all genres of music in every performance, drawing her audience in, having them hanging on to every note.  Her voice is uniquely her own yet reminiscent of artists such as Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan and Julie London.  When she is not gigging, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Music Degree at Humber College and had the honour of performing at Humber's 50th Anniversary Celebration.  July 2023 she was named "Artist of the Year" by the TU Jazz Festival and placed first in the Doc Awards” as part of the 2022 Etobicoke Jazz Festival.  Ale is excited to be recording original music this year. 


Ale Nunez Quintet

Mark McLean is a very dynamic and versatile studio and touring musician.  If you ask him about his biggest musical influences, the answer is likely to take more time than you have. Even if you ask for just the 'main ones' the list will go on and on.  And it is a diverse list; from Johann Sebastian Bach to James Brown (and those are only the 'B's).  And for that reason he has been the grooving spark behind many jazz, pop and soul legends whose music and influence span multiple generations.  The late legendary producer Phil Ramone, who began hiring him for numerous sessions starting in 2003, called McLean “a tasty, sure handed drummer, a song man’s musician”- but that’s only part of the in-demand musician’s powerful story and evolving artistry.  Whether playing a sensitive ballad with Andrea Bocelli, swinging mightily with Jamie Cullum or laying down a funky backbeat for George Michael, Mark McLean is always in his element.

New York's Mark McLean Quintet

Michael Occhipinti is a versatile, sound-sculpting guitarist and composer/arranger, who has spent decades freely moving between jazz, chamber music, world music, r&b/funk, and anything involving modern guitar sounds. Michael has received 11 JUNO Award nominations (Canada's Grammy) and 2 JUNO Awards including the 2022 JUNO Award for Jazz Group of the Year as a member of Avataar.  2022 also saw his duo with Elizabeth Shepherd (ES:MO) nominated for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year.    In addition to ES:MO, Michael leads or co-leads several acclaimed groups including The Sicilian Jazz Project, IN ORBIT ( with Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) on saxophone, and Felix Pastorius on bass), Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon,  The Triodes,  and the acclaimed 16-piece group NOJO (Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra).

Michael Occhipinti and the Occhtet

Julian Straatsma Trio 

R.J. Lee Group

harley card is a Toronto based guitarist, composer, and educator. In addition to leading his own groups, Harley is a member of  and co-composer for the Canadian bands; Hobson's Choice, Stoptime, God's Gift To Yoda, and Dream Logic.

As a contributor to the creative music scene in Toronto since 2003, Harley has played with many artists including; Richard Underhill, Alex Dean, Alex Samaras, Mike Malone, Kelly Jefferson, William Carn, Alexander Brown, Michael Herring and Harrington, Chris Gale, Ethan Ardelli, Bernie Senensky, Michael Davidson, Don Scott, Matt Newton, Daniel Jamieson, Felicity Williams, Dave Clark, Carlie Howell, Jon Challoner, Sarah Jerrom, RJ Sachnanathan, Rebecca Hennessy, Dan Fortin, Ted Crosby, Dan Gaucher, and Ernesto Cervini, among others.

Harley Card Sextet

Blue Standard was formed in 2018 around the release of their debut record “A Good Thing” featuring classic songs originally interpreted by the likes of Nat King Cole, Joe Williams, Ray Charles, Chet Baker, Jimmy Scott and more. Made up of two members of the Maple Blues Award winning outfit Raoul and The Big Time, Blue Standard features acclaimed singer/actor Raoul Bhaneja on vocals and harmonica and the youngest member of the first family of Canadian roots music, Jesse Whiteley on piano and vocals

Raoul Bhaneja & Jesse Whiteley

Canada-born trumpeter/composer/educator Darren Johnston’s interests rotate primarily between performing all styles of jazz, purely improvised music, new music, and various other traditional musics, especially that of the Balkans, Greece, and Macedonia. He is especially drawn to music that tends to defy categorization, and is also generally open to further suggestions.

San Francisco's Darren Johnston Quartet Featuring New York's Jon Iragabon

Angela Pincente jazz orchestra

Norbert Botos quintet

Guitarist Michael Occhipinti and Yvette Tollar are multiple JUNO Award nominees, celebrated for their ability to blend jazz, soul, and popular music in highly personal and imaginative ways.

Yvette Tollar’s expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances.

Yvette Tollar & Michael Occhipinti

the Neon Eagle

“This is the home of Canada’s Premier Big Band - Jim John's Swing Shift Big Band. From the band’s beginning in 1996 it quickly became apparent that this was a band intent on preserving the sounds and quality of the big band era - a band that has since been recognized as one of the top big bands in the country. With 17 talented musicians, male and female vocalists and optional dancers and female vocal trio, this band can entertain audiences of all ages. From dances, corporate galas, and jazz festivals to weddings, theatre shows and everything in-between, Swing Shift has the variety to suit any occasion. We can also provide smaller groups, ranging from solo piano, trio, quartet and right up to our very popular 11 piece group - a versatile band that specializes in music for all ages.  Leader Jim John has twenty years of leadership experience - he knows how to make your event a big success!!”

Swing Shift big band

Acclaimed Toronto composer and pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo is always in key. Deeply rooted

in his upbringing – moving to Canada from Nigeria at age four, commencing his dedication to

Egbo Trio with Thompson Egbo Egbo

Named “Vocal Group of the Year” by the Jazz Report, Jazz Acappella Vocal Ensemble Hampton Avenue was established in 1995 under the leadership of Debbie Fleming.  They began as a 9 voice group of professional singers who loved  singing arrangements of songs by The Hi Los, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6. They recorded a Christmas CD, released in 1996, entitled “All I Want For Christmas” featuring original Christmas songs, and a few well known carols, arranged with tight jazzy harmonies, and upbeat rhythms.  Nearly 30 years later, Hampton Avenue remains active as a quartet, consisting of all original members: Debbie Fleming, Suba Sankaran, Dylan Bell and Tom Lillington.

Hampton Avenue

Brittany Pitt is a Toronto based saxophonist, composer and improvisor. She has studied with some notable musicians including, John Johnson, Tara Davidson, Kelly Jefferson, Andrew Downing, Mike Murley, Bob Shields, Jason Logue, Joel Frahm and Dave Young. 

Brittany Pitt’s reverie

Leah Allyce Canali is an internationally touring, multi genre vocalist and songwriter. She has written and sung for such franchises as: Mirvish, Canada’s Drag Race, The CCMAs, HBO’s We’re Here, Theatre Collingwood, The Marilyn Denis Show, Entertainment Tonight, ET Canada, Massey Hall, Pride Toronto and she even sang for the inauguration of President Barack Obama! For the past two years she has been touring the world with two solo shows: Signature Soul and From Dusty to Dua, both homages to her very favorite voices and musical icons.

Leah Allyce Canali

Oscar Peterson Award winner, Carl Bray, was named one of Canada’s rising star pianists by CBC Radio. He has performed for the Governor General of Canada and was invited to speak and perform at The Walrus Talks - The Future of the Arts alongside Canadian luminaries including Margaret Atwood and Tom Jackson. The trio features bassist Mark Godfrey, who was awarded the Grand Prix de Jazz (Montreal Jazz Festival) and nominated for the Julian Award of Excellence for Emerging Canadian Jazz Artists. As well as Juno-nominated drummer Will Fisher who has performed at the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Birdland Jazz Club (NYC), and released his own album as leader which received an ECMA nomination for Jazz Recording of the Year. 

Carl Bray Quintet

Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact.  

Chicago's Joe Policastro Trio

Celebrating its 45th year, this 16-piece jazz big band makes its next appearance at The Rex under the leadership and musical direction of trumpeter, pianist, arranger, composer and early band member, Brigham Phillips. 

Formed in 1979 as a repertory band specialising in the music of the great bands of the swing era, Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band has over 400 arrangements, perhaps the most extensive repertoire of any big band in the country.  The music of Duke Ellington has always been an integral part of the band's library, with examples of his work ranging from his early compositions in the late 20's to his sacred music in the 70's, but tributes to the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Jay McShann, Buddy Rich and Artie Shaw are also in the library.

JIM GALLOWAY’S WEE BIG BAND led Brigham Phillips

Jordan Pelunsky Quartet

Free Spirits features some of Canada’s top young musicians who celebrate the music of Geri Allen (1957-2017) and Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981). Pianist Teri Parker assembled the group in 2019 for a residency at Toronto’s Rex Jazz & Blues Bar. While the group pays tribute to Allen and Williams, two pianists whose intertwined musical legacies deserve greater appreciation and attention, it also looks ahead by honouring the tradition of daring innovation that Allen and Williams exemplify. With brand-new arrangements by Parker, Free Spirits plays with intensity and ingenuity, breathing new life into decades-old music and showcasing their own considerable improvisatory gifts.

Teri Parker's "Free Spirits" CD Release Event

Brenda Earle Stokes is a rare jazz artist with a true command of both the voice and the piano. Hailed as “a breezy delight” by Time Out New York, Brenda’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition with influences ranging from Brazilian music to rock radio. As a bandleader she has toured clubs and festivals across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and has released 6 albums own her own label. As a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2014 studio album Right About Now, Stokes sought to challenge herself to dig deep and share the full scope of her talents in the most intimate setting possible. Brenda Earle Stokes has performed as a side person with John Riley, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Roxy Coss, Wycliffe Gordon, Maurice Hines and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. She has held residences at the Kennedy Center and Banff Center for Fine Arts, was a finalist of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition and was a winner of the IAJE Sister’s in Jazz competition, identifying her as one of the top emerging jazz artists of her generation.

New York's Brenda Earle Trio

Gavin Hope is a three-time Juno Award Nominee, both as a solo headlining vocalist and also as the longest running Baritone member of the iconic Canadian A Cappella group, The Nylons. In addition to touring globally, he has recorded 6 studio albums with the Nylons, as well as two more successful recordings - solo pop album “Anything Like Mine” which nationally charted on radio top 100 and top 40, and most recently the beautifully minimalist Jazz album “For All We Know” featuring Bill King, which received rave reviews on Jazz charts and considered one of the top Canadian Jazz albums of the year by the Toronto Star. Gavin has performed in festivals around the world, including the Borneo Jazz Festival twice, as well as being a featured artist locally in the Toronto and Kensington Jazz Festivals. 

"JazzinToronto Songbird" Matinees: Gavin Hope Trio

Mattaus Gretzinger is a saxophonist, composer and teacher based in the dynamic city of Toronto.  Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, he discovered his love for the saxophone in 7th grade, finding any opportunity he could to learn more about the instrument. He has poured his heart and soul into mastering the saxophone, and constantly pushes boundaries to create a unique and captivating musical voice. Mattaus Gretzinger can be found playing around Toronto at venues such as The Rex, Jazz Bistro and Drom Taberna as well as theatre shows and corporate events. Mattaus has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Terri Lynne Carrington, Rich Brown, Ethan Ardelli, Jon Maharaj, Lorne Lofsky, Andrew Marzatto, Jacob Chung and more. In addition to his skills as an alto saxophonist, he is also an avid composer. Mattaus find immense joy in crafting original compositions that leave a lasting impression on the audience. Mattaus challenges conventions, tells stories, and evokes deep emotions through his compositions. Mattaus can't wait to share his passion and creativity with you through his performances and compositions. Stay tuned for what's to come—he's just getting started!

Mattaus Gretzinger Quartet

DON SCOTT is a Toronto-based guitarist and composer, and a well known force in Canada’s creative music scene.  Don brings an unshakable energy and originality to his own music, and is sought after by many musicians as the “x-factor” in other projects.  His melodic inventiveness, rhythmic fluidity, and passion for delving into sound and texture are essential to the many projects he leads or co-leads, including Peripheral Vision, God’s Gift To Yoda, Don Scott Trio, Run Stop Run, The Offbeat, and Idioteque, which showcases Don’s vocal skills, performing the music of Radiohead. In demand as a versatile sideman, Don has performed with international jazz legends, David Binney, Chris Potter, Jim Black, Dave Douglas, and Ernest Ranglin, and a “who’s who” of Canadian jazz players. In 2008-2009, Don split his time between New York and Toronto, and while there, studied with Adam Rogers, Ben Monder, and Donny McCaslin. In 2013, Don spent several months living in Berlin, studying with renowned composer, John Hollenbeck. Don’s piece, “Backbone” won the Galaxie Rising Star Award for best composition presented at the 2012 Montreal Jazz Festival.

Don Scott Trio

The Rex's Annual Birthday Tribute to John Coltrane: Pat LaBarbera Quintet

William Carn Trombonist, Composer, Teacher Juno-winning artist William Carn has emerged as one of Canada’s leading contemporary jazz trombonists and composers. He has performed internationally throughout Europe and Asia as well as throughout Canada. He recently won the 2020 Juno award for Best Jazz Group for his work in the ensemble Turboprop.

William Carn's Choices Ensemble

A restless innovator known for viscerally exciting sets. Join Argentinian pianist and composer Gabriel Palatchi for an eclectic music journey with his original blend of genres such as latin jazz, tango, funk, middle eastern and more! 


Argentina's Gabriel Palatchi Trio

University of Toronto & humber college STUDENT JAZZ ENSEMBLES

A restless innovator known for viscerally exciting sets. Join Argentinian pianist and composer Gabriel Palatchi for an eclectic music journey with his original blend of genres such as latin jazz, tango, funk, middle eastern and more! 

Donovan Locke is a jazz vocalist and entertainer who is passionate about performing and inspiring others by ensuring honest and fun performances. Donovan believes that an audience will always respond to an honest performance. 

JazzInToronto's Songbird Series Donovan Locke Quartet

Michael Occhipinti is a versatile, sound-sculpting guitarist and composer/arranger, who has spent decades freely moving between jazz, chamber music, world music, r&b/funk, and anything involving modern guitar sounds. Michael has received 11 JUNO Award nominations (Canada's Grammy) and 2 JUNO Awards including the 2022 JUNO Award for Jazz Group of the Year as a member of Avataar.  2022 also saw his duo with Elizabeth Shepherd (ES:MO) nominated for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year.    In addition to ES:MO, Michael leads or co-leads several acclaimed groups including The Sicilian Jazz Project, IN ORBIT ( with Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) on saxophone, and Felix Pastorius on bass), Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon,  The Triodes,  and the acclaimed 16-piece group NOJO (Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra).


N.O.J.O - nEUFELD OCCHIPINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA

NYC-based pianist, Henry Hey, returns to The Rex. Regular patrons of the club will recognize Henry from his many past performances. He has appeared multiple times as part of Juno Award-winner Chris Tarry’s band, as well as with his groove-based instrumental quartet, Forq. Perhaps most famously, Henry performed on many occasions with his celebrated group, Rudder, featuring saxophonist Chris Cheek, bassist Tim Lefebvre, and drummer Keith Carlock.

New York’s Henry Hey Trio

Ted Warrens Camera Pigeons

An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists.  He has played on fourteen Juno Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman.  His most recent Junos include The North (2018), Metalwood’s Twenty (2017) and his trio’s Test of Time (2013).

Mike Murley Quartet

"Experiencing the music of Kevin Barrett and Julie Michels live in concert is something you won't forget. They might look like a duo but their music fills the room and commands attention." - Jaymz Bee, Jazz.FM91

JazzInToronto's Songbird Series: Julie Michels & Kevin Barrett

Selena Savage 10Tet

RAOUL AND THE BIG TIME was formed in July 1998 by Ottawa raised actor/musician Raoul Bhaneja.

THE BIG TIME features Darren Gallen on guitar, Terry Wilkins on upright bass and Tom Bona on drums.

Raoul & the Big Time

the Big Time

John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive

renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages

JazzInToronto’s Songbird Series John Alcorn Trio

Colin Story is a musician and writer located in Toronto, with a diverse range of experiences as a performer, composer, and teacher. He has played at major venues across Canada as a bandleader and as a sideperson, including jazz festivals in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. He performs regularly with many different groups, including the award-winning Tara Kannangara Group, whose debut album Some Version Of The Truth was nominated for a Juno in 2016. 

Colin Story Group

Nick Scott is an experienced musician, composer, and teacher. His musical roots were planted in rural  Ontario where he studied at the Modern Conservatory of Music. Nick went on to become an instructor at this school before he moved to Toronto to study jazz guitar at Humber College.

Nick Scott Trio

A drummer, composer and arranger, Joe Bowden spent his formative years in the projects of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Toronto in the 80’s to pursue his music career. He toured with Salome Bey from ’84-’88, which included a performance at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. He also performed at the ’99 Barbados Jazz Festival, which featured Wynton and Brandford Marsalis, Regina Belle and Luther Vandross.

joe Bowden quartet

Duncan Wilson is a Toronto-based pianist rooted in the bebop tradition. Born and raised in Orillia, Ontario, Duncan currently studies jazz performance at the University of Toronto, where his teachers have included Chris Donnelly, Hannah Barstow, Mike Murley, and Kelly Jefferson. In addition to a solo piano residency at the Jazz Bistro, Duncan has performed at many renowned venues across Toronto and Ontario, including The Rex, The Emmet Ray, The Jazz Room (Waterloo), the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, The TD Niagara Jazz Festival, and The River Run Centre (Guelph). His rapidly accelerating career has led him to share the bandstand with notable Canadian jazz artists such as Luis Deniz, Geneviève Marantette, Ted Warren, and Juliet Dunn. Duncan’s artistic influences include Kenny Barron, Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Hank Jones.

Duncan Wilson Trio

Writing songs on heart strings, Edmonton-born singer-songwriter Emily Schultz will wrap you up and gently take you down the road of self-reflection, hope and all the beautiful complexities of the human experience. Combining the intimacy of her storytelling and the powerful dynamics in her performance, her sound is deeply influenced by alternative soul, pop and folk, like Eva Cassidy meets Dodie meets JP Saxe. She has co-headlined several sold out shows here in Toronto, including the Great Hall, Burdock Music Hall and Rivoli, and is a seasoned festival performer at such Canadian festivals as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and the Blue Skies Festival. Since moving to Toronto, Emily has been featured on eTalk, Breakfast TV Toronto and Much Music, the latter of which she worked side-by-side to produce an original song with recording artist, Allie-X. She also lent her talents to the renowned Soulpepper Theatre Company in their recent remount of ‘Riverboat Coffee House: The Yorkville Scene’ as a featured performer. Emily is currently finishing up her debut independent EP entitled ‘Family Name,’ which is set to be released this year.

Emily Schultz

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.  Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists.  His most recent recording, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons.  He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group.  The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square.  Oliver is featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.  The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Vancouver's Ryan Oliver Quartet

Through music, saxophonist, composer, and educator David Hodgson explores compassion and poetic spontaneity. Since graduating the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance Program in 2021, David continues to establish himself as an ambitious and lyrical artist in Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Music has been an important part of David's life from age 5, and participation in the 2017 National Youth Jazz Combo, the 2016 Berklee Jazz Workshop, and the 2015 and 2016 Conn-Selmer Centre-Stage Jazz Band inspired deep appreciation of Black American Musical traditions and passion for sonic expression.

David Hodgson Group

As a contributor to the creative music scene in Toronto since 2003, Harley has played with many artists including; Richard Underhill, Alex Dean, Alex Samaras, Mike Malone, Kelly Jefferson, William Carn, Alexander Brown, Michael Herring and Harrington, Chris Gale, Ethan Ardelli, Bernie Senensky, Michael Davidson, Don Scott, Matt Newton, Daniel Jamieson, Felicity Williams, Dave Clark, Carlie Howell, Jon Challoner, Sarah Jerrom, RJ Sachnanathan, Rebecca Hennessy, Dan Fortin, Ted Crosby, Dan Gaucher, and Ernesto Cervini, among others.

Harley Card Quintet & Special Guest Alex Samaras

Nick Scott is an experienced musician, composer, and teacher. His musical roots were planted in rural  Ontario where he studied at the Modern Conservatory of Music. Nick went on to become an instructor at this school before he moved to Toronto to study jazz guitar at Humber College. 

One of the Toronto jazz scene’s most exciting trumpet players, Brian O’Kane has been a regular member of the stellar Rob McConnell Tentet, Hilario Duran’s Latin Jazz Big Band (2007 Juno Award winner), the Bernie Senensky Quintet and Septet, Bruce Cassidy’s HotfootOrchestra, the Paul Read Orchestra (PRO), Barry Romberg’s Random Access Large Ensemble (RALE) and John MacLeod’s Rex Hotel Jazz Orchestra (2011 Juno Award winner).

Brian O'Kane Quintet

Born and raised in the state of Iowa, Dick Oatts was brought up in a musical family. He was introduced to the saxophone by his father Jack Oatts, a respected jazz educator and saxophonist. After high school, Dick attended Drake University and in 1972 he began his professional career in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

New York's Dick Oatts Quartet

Mattaus Gretzinger

Jacek “Jack” arrived in Canada from Poland in 1986 and wasted no time establishing himself in the Toronto traditional jazz scene. As a young man, Jack travelled all throughout Europe playing “Dixieland” music gaining valuable experience that has served him well in the Toronto music scene, throughout North America, and Japan. Toronto has long had a vibrant traditional jazz scene and Jack has played bass with just about every band since ’86! In addition to traditional jazz, Jack has also established himself as a versatile bassist leading his own “piano trio” releasing his CD entitled ‘First Train’ in 2006, and working with legendary and versatile performers such as pianist extraordinaire, Bernie Senensky, the great Peter Appleyard, fellow countryman, the legendary composer, violinist, saxophonist and lyricon player Michael Urbaniak, and many years with jump/jive/blues singer/songwriter Big Rude Jake.

Jack Zorawski Quartet

Born in 1948 in Toronto, at 14 Bob was handed a baritone saxophone, his first musical instrument, in high school. Within days, his artistic vision was born 


Bob Brough Quartet

Born in 1948 in Toronto, at 14 Bob was handed a baritone saxophone, his first musical instrument, in high school. Within days, his artistic vision was born 

Born and raised in Montreal, St-Laurent studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes.

Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada.

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Club

Sep 27, 2025

Brooklyn's Ethan Iverson Trio

Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2025

Duncan Hopkins Quartet

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The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Club