Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel
presented by Jazz Winnipeg
With support from
Upcoming shows
Kelly Bado
Sunday, January 12 at 7pm
Inspired by her African heritage, La chanson française (French ballad), and American gospel, Kelly Bado creates music transcending cultural barriers, bringing audiences together in joy and hope.
Fluent in French, Kelly’s striking vocals, uplifting melodies, and commitment to advocacy have earned her significant recognition, including Francophone Artist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year at the 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards and the Art and Culture Award at the 2024 Black and Proud Gala.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Kelly’s songwriting captures the beauty of the languages and rhythms she has encountered on her journey from Abidjan to Winnipeg. Collaborating with Grammy and Juno award-winning producers Brian West and Chin Injeti, her latest music blends traditional sounds with modern influences, creating a unique alchemy that sparks curiosity and a desire to explore traditional languages.
Kelly’s dedication to her francophone and African heritage is evident in her work, as she strives to keep these cultures and languages vibrant for future generations. Her talent has led her to perform alongside artists such as Alessia Cara, Serena Ryder, and Walk Off the Earth, and to open for five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo.
Kelly Bado released three new singles as a teaser to her upcoming French-language album which will be released in Spring 2025. An English-speaking album will launch in late 2025.
Juvel
Sunday, January 19 at 7pm
Juvel is the musical project of four dynamic musicians who strive to keep your toes tapping with the energetic sound of Romani jazz and early swing. Heavily inspired by musicians like Django Reinhardt and the Andrews Sisters, Juvel combines the dark, chromatic flavor of Romani music with cheeky, lush four-part harmonies and the carefree liveliness of swing.
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra Connections: East Meets West album release
Sunday, January 26 at 7pm
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s eighth album - Connections: East Meets West - showcases new works by acclaimed Canadian composers Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier. A key goal of the WJO is fostering connections between jazz performers and composers across Canada.
Several years ago, the WJO approached Montreal-based Trottier to propose a collaborative commission. Without hesitation, he suggested Fred Stride, whom he had met in 2011 when Stride was presenting masterclasses at the University of Montreal. The collaboration resulted in the stunning nine-movement suite featured on this album.
Both Stride and Trottier are prolific jazz composers, and the WJO is thrilled to spotlight their work in this project. Unfortunately, neither composer will be present at the album release concert.
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The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO) is Canada’s first community-based, non-profit professional jazz orchestra. Founded in 1997 (registered charity in 2000), the WJO has matured to become an important part of Winnipeg’s cultural landscape, reflected in the ongoing support the organization receives from the Manitoba Arts Council, the Winnipeg Arts Council, the Winnipeg Foundation, and other sponsors.
The mandate of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is to be an instrumental force in the promotion and development of big band jazz in Manitoba and beyond, through performance, composition, recording and education.
Faux Pas Funk
Sunday, February 2 at 7pm
Helmed by veteran Winnipeg saxophonist Niall Cade, Faux Pas Funk is one of Winnipeg’s premier jazz-fusion outfits. Drawing inspiration from classics such as the Headhunters, the Yellowjackets, Return to Forever, the Brecker Brothers, as well as more modern outings such as Chris Potter’s Underground, Faux Pas Funk then sprinkles in some classic funk, contemporary neo-soul, and a drop of prog-rock to serve up a delectable melange of infectious grooves, intricate forms, and melodic pyrotechnics.
Featuring all-original and purely instrumental compositions, Faux Pas Funk has brought its signature recipe to a wide range of performances across the province, headlining breakdancing competitions, underground showcases, and nouveau hippie festivals. Comprised of some of the most talented musicians Manitoba has to offer, Faux Pas Funk’s unique mind-melting concoctions are sure to take any audience by storm!
Jovelle Balani
Sunday, February 16 at 7pm
Jovelle Balani (she/her) is a Filipino-Canadian artist noted for her sultry, contralto voice. Her music incorporates influences from pop and old jazz to soul—a sound that is uniquely hers. She draws inspiration from the styles of Norah Jones, Nat King Cole, Amy Winehouse, Postmodern Jukebox, and the timeless classics of the Great American Songbook. Jovelle has captivated audiences by representing Canada at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. She has also shared the stage with award-winning Filipino artists at renowned venues such as the Canada Life Centre and Burton Cummings Theatre.
Jovelle recently participated in Creative Manitoba's Professional Mentorship Program and the St. Norbert Arts Centre’s Rise Up Mentorship Program. Through these experiences, she explored jazz and the music business, gaining valuable insights from a variety of inspiring mentors across Winnipeg.
Check her out on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms!
Artist photo by Jan Tugado Images (@jantugadoimages)
Jasmine Henry Sings Julie London
Sunday, February 23 at 7pm
Jasmine Henry is an emerging jazz vocalist and musician whose evocative sound and sophisticated interpretations have quickly established her as a prominent member of the contemporary jazz scene. Hailing from Arnes, Manitoba, Jasmine has captivated audiences with her sultry voice and deep emotional connection to the music, drawing inspiration from classic jazz legends, particularly the iconic Julie London.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba's esteemed Jazz Studies program, Jasmine has honed her craft through various performance opportunities that have showcased her talent at prestigious venues and festivals, such as the TD International Winnipeg Jazz Festival, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Festival du Voyageur, and venues such as Winnipeg’s historic Manitoba Club, winning over audiences with her enchanting performances that blend classic jazz standards with a modern flair.
Jasmine's current project, "Jasmine Henry sings Julie London," pays homage to her musical influence, celebrating the timeless elegance of London’s repertoire while infusing her own unique style. This project reflects Jasmine's dedication to preserving the legacy of jazz music while simultaneously carving out her own distinct identity within the genre.