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May 26, 2024
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Presented by the Edmonton Jazz Society, the Littlebirds Junior and Senior Big Bands represent the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and musical exploration. Led by Joel Gray and Curtis Farley, these ensembles serve as incubators for young talent, providing aspiring musicians with a platform to hone their skills, develop their musicality, and share their love for jazz with audiences far and wide.
The afternoon kicks off with the Littlebirds Junior Big Band, a vibrant ensemble comprising rising stars from Edmonton’s youth jazz community. From toe-tapping swing to soulful ballads, these young musicians deliver a spirited performance that belies their age, captivating audiences with their enthusiasm and musical prowess.
Following the Junior Big Band’s electrifying set, the stage lights up once again as the Littlebirds Senior Big Band takes center stage. Comprising seasoned young musicians who have honed their craft through years of dedication and practice, the Senior Big Band offers a dynamic and polished performance that showcases the depth of talent within Edmonton’s jazz scene. They will be joined by special guest, Juno-nominated saxophonist Kent Sangster.
Venue Phone: (780) 432-0428
Venue Website: https://yardbirdsuite.com
Band members
Junior Big Band:- Curtis Farley, director junior big band
- Evelyn Dawe, alto sax
- Frances Mikus, alto sax
- Danna Montiel, alto sax
- Lauryn Ireland, tenor sax / vocal
- Calais Macdonald, tenor sax
- Benjamin Mau, tenor sax
- Kylie Flanders, bari sax
- Sonia Skakun, trumpet
- Annie Charpko, trumpet
- Jenny Xu, trumpet
- Vienna Lam, trumpet
- Gwen Jin, trumpet
- Adam French, trombone
- Floyd Carroll, trombone
- Adam French, trombone
- Jonah Collins, trombone
- Tori Greenan, trombone
- Natalie Fong, piano
- Makena Flanders, bass
- Nahshon Sajai, drums
Senior Big Band:
- Joel Gray, senior big band and jazz combo director
- Ijaz Janmohamed, alto sax
- Kaylei Penner, alto sax
- Shaan Graham, tenor sax
- Neva Kaul, tenor sax
- William Hidalgo, bari sax
- Samuel Heintzman, trumpet
- Anna Heintzman, trumpet
- Zayne Ruchkall, trumpet
- James Dust, trumpet
- Jonah Collins, trombone
- Iona McNish, trombone
- Justin Kaminsky, trombone
- Thomas Benjamin Natividad, trombone
- Tori Greenan, bass trombone
- Finn Siegers, guitar
- Kurt Villarey, piano
- Lucas Bissonnette, bass
- Jack Warry, drums
- Krista Lefebvre, vocals
Special Guest:
- Kent Sangster, tenor saxophone
Tickets will also be available at the door if not previously sold out online.
Doors open at 1:30 pm.
Member and volunteer tickets are not available for this event.