Born in Norman Oklahoma in 1985, Champian is recognized as the “most gifted pure Jazz singer of her generation” (Mark Stryker, the Detroit Free Press).

A Jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, she has released 19 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV.

She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.

Youtube video: “I was looking for you”

Remember the name Camille Thurman. As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, she is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form.

Her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire, which highlights her craft as a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist, is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation. She makes a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes through her music.

Musicians:
Camille Thurman: sax & vocals
Darrell Green: drums
Greg Glassman: trumpet
Aaron Spencer: guitar
Paul Beaudry: bass
Yago Vazquez: piano

Youtube video: Nerftiti”

During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century as a professional jazz musician, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions.

Never supported by a major label, Evans has ascended to top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument, as affirmed by his #1 ranking as “Rising Star Pianist” in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll. Three Grammy nominations for his raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band stamp his bona fides as a bandleader and composer.

In addition, Evans’ multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; Evans’ working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; and Tarbaby (a collective trio with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits). Evans is also a dedicated educator and sits on the boards of several jazz and education focused festivals and non-profit organizations.

Musicians:
Orrin Evans – Piano
Matthew Parrish – Acoustic Bass
Byron Landham – Drums

Youtube video: “Autumn Leaves”

The Ostara Project, led by award-winning bassist Jodi Proznick, showcases the strength and creativity of Canadian women in jazz. Ostara artists are top-tier musicians, composers and bandleaders who reflect the geographical, cultural and creative diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. Guest vocalists are invited to join the instrumental group on a per-project basis. The Ostara Project’s self-titled debut album was nominated for a JUNO award in 2023.

For the past two years, the group has been working on The Ancestors’ Project, a two-album project that includes the instrumental album, Roots (Rhea Records, April 2025), the upcoming vocal album, Wings (Rhea Records, spring 2026), along with two performance videos and a mini-documentary. The group has toured extensively across Canada, including a cross-country festival circuit in 2023, and is planning a European tour for 2027.

Musicians:
Rachel Therrien – trumpet/flugelhorn
Claire Devlin – tenor/soprano saxophones
Amanda Tosoff – piano
Jodi Proznick – bass
Valérie Lacombe – drums
Special guest – Kim Zombik – vocals

Youtube video: “Dreams and Olive Trees”