A look ahead to ticketed shows in 2026
A couple favourites that I have a moment to share with you before the holidays
Let's peek at my gig list drafts for upcoming months and talk about shows already announced in 2026. We'll keep it to January, February, and March for now, though there's of course at least one or two high-profile Infidels shows already announced for April too.
We did this last year, and as with then, I'll disclose that I work with the Cellar Music Group on the Jazz at the Bolt festival slated for Feb. 13-15, 2026. I hope to see you there, of course! Other than that, here are some shows in the new year to watch for.
Beatty Street shindigs
Primary Influences: David Hazeltine, Steve Davis, Steve Nelson, Cory Weeds, Ken Lister, & Jesse Cahill. Any veteran of the Cellar-verse will have heard lots of Hazeltine and/or Davis presentations over the years, including the band One For All. They now link up with three of our fine locals to play originals with the vibraphonist Nelson, who is known for working with the likes of Dave Holland, Kenny Barron, David "Fathead" Newman, and Mulgrew Miller.
Jan. 2, 3, & 4 - Frankie's Jazz Club
Neil Swainson Quintet w/ Brad Turner, Mike Allen, Chris Gestrin, & Joe Poole. We heard Swainson live here in 2024 with a sextet: Turner, Kelly Jefferson, the aforementioned Steve Davis, Renee Rosnes, and Quincy Davis. When I interviewed him (for Cellar) back then, he wasn't shy about naming his album Here for a While in reference to his age. "I hope this is the beginning of a long evolution," he said regarding the album release. He comes back to BC this time fully surrounded by Vancouverites.
Jan. 16 & 17 - Frankie's Jazz Club
Will Chernoff
Infidels fare
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble w/ Corey Wilkes & Alex Harding. Since his set with David Murray at Pyatt Hall jumpstarted the energy of 2024's jazzfest season, the Chicago percussionist El'Zabar has kept coming back to play Infidels Jazz shows by popuar demand. He also brought his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble to the Chan Centre earlier that year, and now he brings it as part of his annual Black History Month performances to our newest year-round little soft-seater: the Revue Stage.
Feb. 6 - Revue Stage
Will Chernoff
Africa! ft. Yoro Noukoussi & The African Masters + Kidannes Ethio-Jazz Ensemble. Going down the next night is one of the most intriguing themed Infidels presentations I've yet seen. The percussionist Noukoussi, from Benin, has lived here for decades after coming from Switzerland. His groups often include his son, Yato, who plays drums; they've previously hit for Infidels at Frankie's After Dark and Hero's Welcome. The group named as a portmanteau of Feven Kidane and Nebyu Yohannes, however, is a brand-new one.
Feb. 7 - Fox Cabaret
Tortoise. On the day we formed the Madeleine Elkins Trio, Kevin Romain encouraged me to check out this band, whom I hadn't listened to yet. I'm young and naive enough to have become a fan of guitarist Jeff Parker entirely post-Tortoise, so the discovery was quite exciting. They'll be touring a new album, Touch, just released on International Anthem. I hope all the kids in the same boat as me come along.
Mar. 6 - The Pearl
More big tickets
Sister Jazz Orchestra ft. feat. Jennifer Scott plays Joni Mitchell. They may not have all the same members anymore as their longtime publicity photo, but the SJO has a special place in my heart for being a subject a few times at early Rhythm Changes. This annual show usually sells out, and the arrangements of Joni songs should be nice. It's a good example of original Kay Meek programming, not just more expensive and couched versions of stuff that happened elsewhere earlier.
Mar. 7 - Kay Meek Theatre
Will Chernoff
Tord Gustavsen Trio w/ Steiner Raknes & Jarle Vespestad. The Norwegian pianist's long-running trio project is as ECM as ECM gets. They're touring their Christian-themed album Seeing, released in 2024. The album has hymns, Bach, and delicate modern jazz compositions by the leader. Though this show is part of the CapU jazz series, it'll happen at Christ Church Cathedral downtown, which promises to be an exceptional acoustic space for the group.
Mar. 17 - Christ Church Cathedral
