Over the last few years, ALEX BIRD has become one of the most exciting names on the Canadian Jazz scene, with 2 JUNO Nominations for ‘Best Vocal Jazz’ (2022 & 2024) and with praise from around the globe. Bird has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern audience with his 4 original albums.

Musicians:
Alex Bird – Vocals
Carter Brodkorb – Piano
Julian Anderson-Bowes – Bass
Norbert Botos – Drums

Video: “The way she moves”

Combining the talents of singer/actor Raoul Bhaneja and pianist/arranger Jesse Whiteley, Blue Standard return after two sold out shows in July 2025! Since their founding in 2018 they have built a following and solid reputation in the Toronto area since the release of their debut recording “A Good Thing”.

Inspired by some of the great male vocalists of jazz like Nat King Cole, Joe Williams, Jimmy Scott, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and more, Blue Standard performs a selection of some familiar and many not so familiar classics digging into the core materials of top notch presentation… true melody, deep interpretation and most importantly, a real good time.

Bhaneja is known to audiences across Canada for this work on stage and screen and for his three decades of fronting Maple Blues Award winners Raoul and The Big Time. Whiteley who also performs in The Big Time is from the first family of Canadian roots music, is a pianist, arranger, songwriter and singer in his own right, who works night after night in Toronto both on his own projects and as an in demand side man spanning blues, jazz, swing and even country music.

For this performance Blue Standard is thrilled to be joined by special guest Jeremy Sandfelder on tenor sax, one of the rising stars of the Montreal jazz scene influenced by two of Blue Standard’s faves, Stan Getz and Lester Young!

Youtube video: “A Good Thing”

Kayla Summer brings a fresh perspective to jazz, with a voice that is young, vibrant, and deeply connected to the present moment. Hailing from Québec, she represents a new generation of artists breathing new life into the classics while paving their own musical path.

From an early age, she was drawn to the great voices of jazz—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone—but it’s with her own unique sensitivity that she embraces this rich repertoire, blending in modern influences and a deeply personal touch full of emotion and authenticity.

On stage, Kayla captivates with her luminous presence and a voice that is both gentle and powerful, transporting audiences into a warm, intimate world. Her repertoire flows seamlessly between timeless standards, original compositions, and bold reinterpretations of contemporary songs, always infused with the soulful warmth of jazz that defines her style.

Today, Kayla Summer is an artist to watch—a rising voice in the Québec jazz scene, known for her vocal talent and the sincerity of her performances. Whether in an intimate setting or on a grand stage, she delivers a musical experience that is elegant, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Musicians:
Kayla Summer: vocals
Zach Frampton: Piano
Chris Ross: Bass
Aaron Dolman: drums

Video: “All of Me”

Saxophonist and composer Leo Codiga presents his original music with an all-star quartet of some of Montreal’s finest young musicians. The group will also interpret the music of some of Codiga’s biggest influences, including the legendary player/composers Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter.

Musicians:
Leo Codiga – tenor sax
August McKinney – piano
Devon Gillingham – bass
Julian Ferrer – drums

Video: Leo Codiga and the southwest corridor

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”