Richard Cortez

Co-Presented by Evolution Wonder Lounge

  •  October 10, 2025
     8:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Multi-million stream NYC-based recording artist and interpreter of The Great American Songbook Richard Cortez makes his Yardbird Suite (and Canada) debut.

Cortez, known for his velvety baritone voice, performs timeless standards with a personal flare all the while honoring the material with a historians sensibility. In a swinging show comprised of well known songs performed by Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, and Tony Bennett as well as rare gems unearthed by Richard’s vast knowledge of this cherished repertoire – this is an appearance not to be missed!

Richard just wrapped a national tour promoting Mood Swings that included venues like Cafe Vivace, The Black Cat and Catalina Club where he headlined his own show as well as opened for 96 year old jazz legend Marilyn Maye. Recent performances in distinguished productions such as Live at Emmet’s Place with the Emmet Cohen Trio, or Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz at Pride with Tony/Grammy Award winner Bryan Carter, have marked the vocalist’s career for success.

Richard Cortez’s personalized renderings of timeless treasures by Cole Porter, The Gershwin Brothers, Jerome Kern, and so many others deliver sweetness, self-assuredness and disarming vulnerability with a well-timed wit. Richard breathes exciting new life into this beloved material, forever reminding us that as we progress as a society, so do our stories told within these sacred songs.

“We love supporting queer artists and talent whenever we can, and love partnering with ally venues, so what better fit is there than us and the Yardbird Suite? Your e-ticket gets you in with no cover for a Friday night on the dance floor” -Team EVO

Evolution Wonder Lounge 10220 103 St — Edmonton’s gay bar and entertainment lounge, proudly serving the community since 2013 and excited to keep doing so in our brand new location – so be here October 10 to check out the original space while it’s still around!

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Venue Phone: (780) 432-0428

Venue Website:

Address:
11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 2M2

Band members

Richard Cortez, vocals
Paul Johnston, acoustic bass
Dave Laing, drums
TBC, piano

The City of Edmonton has taken away the Yardbird Suite's parking discount code; they will not install a kiosk, so scan the QR code in the parking & pay online lot to ensure you will not be ticketed. You can also use the new HotSpot application available for all smart phones. The parking rate will now be $6 maximum from 5 pm to 2 am (or $2.50 per hour).

Tickets will also be available at the door if not previously sold out online. Doors open at 7pm. Music starts at 8pm.

Anyone with mobility concerns wanting to reserve an accessible table please email ed@yardbirdsuitejazz.com

Yardbird Suite has cabaret seating: seats are available first-come, first-served. Please be aware that a couple seated at a table for four may be sharing the table with new friends if the performance is busy.

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Virtual show upcoming – Ticket info

If you would like to watch, and you are a virtual, silver, gold or legacy member — . If not, you may purchase a $10 day pass ($8 for basic, student or senior memberships) or become a yearly virtual member at the link below.

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Archived live stream

If you would like to watch this arviced live stream, and you are a member — . If not, you may purchase a day pass or become a yearly virtual member at the link below.

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Choose the membership best for you. All are designed to offer value, & the opportunity to support your Yardbird Suite & the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973). Each member has a vote at the EJS AGM, will receive E-Newsletters, incentives to attend performances, & our gratitude for being part of one of North America’s longest running live music venues.

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Donations are always welcome!

All donations go towards supporting EJS programming & Yardbird Suite operations.

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Looking to be more involved?

The Yardbird Suite is powered by volunteers. EJS is currently recruiting committee members, building maintenance, & show hosting crew (bar, front of house, & kitchen).

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