Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel
presented by Jazz Winnipeg
With support from
Upcoming shows
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!
February 9 - No Show
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.
New Orleans, Manitoba: A Mardi Gras Party
Sunday, March 2 at 7 pm
Get ready to groove together as Jazz Winnipeg and Izzy Asper Jazz Performances join forces to bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to the historic Fort Garry Hotel! Join us on Sunday, March 2, for New Orleans, Manitoba: A Mardi Gras Party, featuring the electrifying talents of Jonathan Challoner and Jon Gordon.
Immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms and joyous melodies of New Orleans-style jazz as these world-class musicians transport you straight to the French Quarter. From Dixieland classics to soulful brass-inspired tunes, this Mardi Gras celebration promises to be a night filled with music, energy, and celebration.
Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just looking for a lively way to enjoy your Sunday evening, this event is not to be missed. Dress in your Mardi Gras best, grab a mask or some beads, and join us for a night of music and revelry.
About the performers
A highly accomplished jazz trumpeter, Jonathan Challoner has earned a reputation for his fiery technique and exceptional versatility. Trained at McGill University and Berklee College of Music, he has performed internationally and collaborated with some of the top names in jazz. With a deep love for New Orleans-inspired sounds, Challoner brings a unique energy to every performance.
A saxophonist of rare depth and creativity, Jon Gordon is a Juno Award-winning artist with a career spanning decades. Recognized for his innovative compositions and virtuosic playing, Gordon has worked alongside legends like Phil Woods and Maria Schneider. His mastery of New Orleans jazz traditions and modern sensibilities makes him a standout performer in any setting.
Kyle Cobb
Sunday, March 9 at 7 pm
Rooted in Winnipeg’s vibrant music scene, Kyle Cobb is gifted with a captivating melodic sensibility as both a guitarist and vocalist. Kyle is deeply engaged with creative music as both a craft and an artform and has been privileged to contribute to the work of esteemed artists Tetyana Haraschuk, Niall Cade, Zachary Rushing, and Ilya Osachuk. The Kyle Cobb Quartet is dedicated to interpreting both new and old standards as well as some of Kyle’s original compositions.
Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet
Sunday, March 16 at 7 pm
From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Pacific Prairie Jazz Quintet's co-leader saxophonists - Anna Blackmore and Tristan Martinuson - are alumni of the University of Manitoba Jazz Studies program, where they studied under acclaimed New York saxophonist, 1996 Thelonious Monk Competition winner, and Phil Woods protégé Jon Gordon. Under Gordon’s mentorship, they developed a deep appreciation for the jazz tradition, which continues to shape their playing styles and compositions.
Having grown together as musicians on the bandstand, they have performed with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, the TD Ottawa Jazz Fest Youth Ensemble, Derrick Gardner’s Big Dig! Band, and on Gordon’s 2021 Juno-nominated album Stranger Than Fiction. Over the past three years, they have established themselves in Vancouver’s jazz scene, collaborating with Canadian jazz luminaries such as Jodi Proznick, Bill Coon, Fred Stride, Shirantha Beddage, and James Danderfer. Their original compositions, inspired by their time in the stunning Pacific Northwest, reflect their journey and evolving artistry.
Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn and Joe Henderson
Sunday, March 23 at 7 pm
Pianist Carter Graham presents Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn and Joe Henderson - an exploration of two jazz giants that highlights their profound contributions to the genre. This performance delves into the artistry of Billy Strayhorn—known for shaping Duke Ellington’s iconic sound with his sophisticated compositions and deeply personal lyrics—and Joe Henderson, an acclaimed composer and saxophonist renowned for his intricate harmonies and emotional depth.
Graham connects these two legends through Henderson’s 1992 album, Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn, and celebrates their shared ability to craft music filled with complexity, beauty, and emotional resonance. Alongside performances of Strayhorn’s masterpieces like Lush Life and A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing, the program examines his groundbreaking compositional techniques and the impact of his identity on his career. It also highlights Henderson’s innovative style, influenced by both his formal training and deep immersion in jazz tradition.
Featuring an exceptional ensemble, this performance promises to be an unforgettable journey through the music of two of jazz’s most evocative and timeless composers.
Tetyana Haraschuk
Sunday, March 30 at 7 pm
Composer and drummer Tetyana Haraschuk is a singular talent. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, to Ukrainian and Cuban parents and now based in Winnipeg, Tetyana was raised with strong values of hard work, kindness, frugality, and simplicity. These principles, combined with her natural sensitivity and storytelling gift, shine through in her music, which is intricately textured, rhythmically detailed, and emotionally rich—ranging from delicate to aggressive and always deeply felt.
Tetyana immigrated to Canada with her family at age eight, which allowed her to explore her inquisitive nature and begin her musical journey, starting with piano lessons and later drums. She discovered jazz in high school, and after meeting drummer Quincy Davis at a jazz camp, she was inspired to pursue music further. Mentored by Davis and saxophonist Jon Gordon at the University of Manitoba, she earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance before completing a master’s degree in contemporary performance and production from Berklee College of Music.
In 2021, Tetyana independently released her debut album, The Intentions of Honesty, Kindness, and Perseverance, a chamber jazz suite of original compositions. Her 2023 EP, Someone You’ve Never Been, further showcased her artistry. She has released two singles, performed internationally with her trio in Spain and Brazil, written commissioned works for the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, and served as a sessional instructor of jazz drum set at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Music.
Her most recent project, Until The Sun Comes, is a deeply personal work as both artistic director and composer. Inspired by interviews with Ukrainian war survivors, it serves as a musical documentation of their stories, created in collaboration with Winnipeg-based Ice River Films and their documentary Voices of Freedom. The film, which chronicles Tetyana’s creative process, is available to stream on CBC Gem, while the album Until The Sun Comes is streaming on all music platforms.