Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel
presented by Jazz Winnipeg
Upcoming shows
Please note that for this season of Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel, online advance tickets are $20 + Showpass fees (total $22.14) or $25 at the door, if available.
Jazz at the Fort Garry HOTEL is located in The Club Room on the lower level of The Fort Garry Hotel. The venue is wheelchair accessible with assistance.
please inform the hotel's front desk staff if you'd like to use the elevator to access the lower level.
Joe Curtis Band
Sunday, November 9 at 7 pm
A longtime fixture of the Winnipeg music scene, Joe Curtis Band’s music is a compelling blend of roots, rock, folk, pop and blues. Joe creates a space filled with musical moments that borrow from the past, but live in the present. Songs carried by powerful melodies and his soulful voice. Joe Curtis' shows take listeners from reflective moments to soulful snd searing blues and R&B, all delivered with the passion to raise people out of their seats.
East Side Jazz Band
Sunday, November 23 at 7 pm
The East Side Jazz Band has become a fixture in the Winnipeg band scene since its inception in 2007. The band loves to read and takes inspiration from a wide range of composers, including classics like Basie, Thad Jones and Duke Ellington, right up to modern composers like Darcy James Argue and Maria Schneider. Canadian composers like Christine Jensen, Terry Promane, Christian Overton and Mike Malone have made up large parts of their programs over the past few years, as well as compositions by members of the band and other Manitobans.
Founded and directed by Dan Steinhilber, East Side offers a playing venue for musicians who want to be challenged but may not have the time to pursue music professionally on a full-time basis. The band is currently comprised of many top-notch music educators and local musicians. Many current and former members of the band continue to be regular players in the Winnipeg Jazz scene.
Saxophone Nouveau
Sunday, November 30 at 7 pm
Tightly arranged yet fiercely improvised, Saxophone Nouveau presents music by Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and others arranged for the saxophone family. Voiced for five saxophones and accompanied by piano, bass and drums this is SuperSax meets Supernova!
Saxophonist Neil Watson has been an active performer on the Winnipeg music scene for more than two decades. He is the associate director of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and the director of the Bridge: Music for Life Program. In addition to his busy performing schedule, Neil has taught Jazz Theory, Jazz Pedagogy and directed student and community jazz ensembles at the University of Manitoba. Over the past 14 years, Neil has developed The Bridge: Music for Life, a rhythm-first approach to music that offers instruction in a classroom setting to inner city children and newly-arrived Canadians.
Anna Blackmore is a Polish-Canadian musician and writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Jazz Studies in saxophone performance from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts in English Literature from UBC. Her musicianship is influenced by jazz greats Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan and Charles Mingus as well as the west coast cool jazz era and the bebop era.
Paul Balcain has amassed an impressive resume over the past 25 years. With multiple recording credits under his belt, including Moses Mayes, Lucas Sader (featuring Derrick Gardner), Scott Nolan, JUNO nominated The Wyrd Sisters, Mark Reeves, one-hit wonder pop band LEN, and the WJO, his genre palate is broad.
Tristan Martinuson is a California-based saxophonist, composer, and educator originally from Winnipeg, known for his bold, traditional saxophone sound influenced by jazz legends like Paul Gonsalves and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. A graduate of the University of Manitoba's jazz program, his career highlights include winning the Stingray Rising Star award and recording on Juno-nominated albums by Jon Gordon and Derrick Gardner.
Ben Kensock is a saxophonist, composer, and music educator from Fargo, ND. He attended Brandon University and is currently teaching in the River East Transcona School Division.
Jennifer Hanson
Sunday, December 7 at 7 pm
Jennifer Hanson is a Canadian musician with a repertoire as broad as the Canadian Shield. Whether she’s singing national anthems at NHL and CFL Games, or dancing on stage with Fred Penner, her witty banter and seductive vocal style leaves audiences wanting more. As the official anthem singer and musical coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Jennifer keeps fans pumped with her fresh take on blues, funk, R&B and rock. Like the Staples Center preparing for the Grammys, Jennifer cleans up well. Whether it’s corporate parties or the need to impress that cousin who keeps talking about how he knows Drake, Jennifer’s performances for noteworthy corporations and celebrities have kept her in high demand.
Winner of the 1999 Prairie Music Award for best jazz recording for her first record, “Something Cool,” Jennifer’s reputation for everything from classic ballads to sultry jazz standards and gritty rock n’ roll have drawn fans of all ages. In addition to her powerful vocals, Jennifer’s stage presence has the intimacy of hanging out with your hilarious best friend.
‘Blue Christmas’ with Blue Noise
Sunday, December 14 at 7 pm
Join us for a special holiday event - 'Blue Christmas' with Blue Noise - featuring bluesy takes on holiday classics and more!
Blue Noise is a powerhouse Winnipeg band blending rock, blues, R&B, and jazz with soul and precision. Fronted by the dynamic Lady Lee (Lee Wenaus), whose rich vocals and commanding stage presence have graced festivals and venues across Canada, the band features an exceptional lineup of musicians: Deano Dean on saxophone, known for his smooth tone and captivating solos; Gregory Polo, whose expressive and technically masterful guitar work drives the band’s sound; Cam Patterson, a versatile and seasoned drummer who anchors every performance with groove and flair; and Todd Cardinal, a funk and blues bassist whose deep pocket and rhythmic energy complete the band’s signature sound. Together, Blue Noise delivers unforgettable performances that celebrate musicianship, heart, and the blues.