We here at Jazz Winnipeg are deeply saddened by the death of Ed Thigpen last Wednesday.

We will always remember his kindness and warm heart. He left an indelible impression on us when he performed at our festival in 2005. He was a pleasure to work with, and a joy to watch perform.

Read more on this extremely talented artist and wonderful man.

dig! magazine, Winnipeg's source for all things jazz, is holding it's first annual Rent Party!

In the tradition of the fabled Harlem loft and apartment parties of the 1920s, dig! magazing is "rollin' up the rug" and holding a party to pay the landlord!

Toronto electronic duo Madrid has been pegged as the opening act for Champion and his G-Strings for their upcoming western Canadian tour, including their Winnipeg stop on November 14 at the Pyramid Cabaret!

"Toronto psych-tronic duo Madrid don't so much produce music as let it percolate-- the sounds drip and ripple until the cumulative effect is ocean-sized. Their heady electro-pop is indicative of a band that's got one foot on the dancefloor and the other in the chill-out room" - Pitchfork

Vieux Farka Touré, son of legendary Malian blues legend Ali Farka Touré, is making a name for himself.

His new album, Fondo, released on Six Degrees Records on May 26th, is a stirring combination of traditional instruments and modern production. "Black African rock" is how Touré describes the koroboro sound that he and his band turn out in their high energy performances.

He will perform at the Pyramid Cabaret on Friday, June 26 as part of the Club Series with Nafro Band opening up the evening. Check out the video for a taste of Vieux Farka Touré's unique sound.

For more on Vieux Farka Touré click here.

Branford Marsalis performed in the 2nd Jazz Winnipeg Festival back in 1991. That night, Branford and an all-star band that included Eddie Henderson, Gary Bartz and the late Kenny Kirkland on piano, burned up the stage at the Centennial Concert Hall in a tribute to Art Blakey.

On June 26th, Branford returns to the festival with his quartet.

With long-time drummer Jeff 'Tain' Watts pursuing solo projects, the band has been playing with a rising star in the form of 18-year-old Justin Faulkner. The high school senior from Philadelphia has been playing with the band for less than three months and he's making big waves as this recent New York Times article shows. Rounding out the band are pianist Joey Calderazzo and bassist Eric Revis.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet performs on Friday, June 26th at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. This show will undoubtedly be a highlight of Jazz Winnipeg Festival's 20-year celebration. Until then check out this video of the saxophone giant in action.

For more on Branford Marsalis, click here.