A look ahead to ticketed shows in 2025
Things that might sell out + personal favourites that I have a moment to walk you through before the holidays
Today, let's reach across the winter break and look beyond what the gig list currently has in December; we'll look at 3 shows in January that'll sell out sooner than later and why you might consider going to them.
I also have a personal favourite coming up in each of January, February and March – they won't sell out anytime soon, but let's highlight them here too.
In addition to these shows, there's also Jazz at the Bolt, which I'm actively working on marketing and coordination for.
Okay, let's go!
Shows that'll sell out soon
Nick Hempton / Cory Weeds Organ Quartet w/ Nick Peck & Jesse Cahill album release: Horns Locked. It was recorded live at Frankie's, and you're into this sort of thing, take note that it'll probably sell out before it gets on the January 2025 public gig list. This album is still to be released, so for now here's a video that Hempton shared – with just him on saxophone in this particular clip – from the club.
Jan. 10 & Jan. 11 - Frankie's
Heavy Hitters: Mike LeDonne, Julian Borkowski, Steve Kaldestad, John Lee, & Jesse Cahill. The all-star group came to record live at Frankie's in 2023; the album is now out. The entire weekend at Frankie's in mid-January is Eric Alexander's and Mike LeDonne's to run (with the John Lee / Jesse Cahill rhythm section!) but for avid watchers of our local players, the Friday is the most special. It's the capstone on young trumpeter Julian Borkowski's emergence as one of our first calls, having moved back here from school stateside. Julian will also play with other people at Frankie's, at Infidels shows, and with more of his friends; however, hearing him on the front line with our own Steve Kaldestad, in front of LeDonne, will be the moment of his undisputed arrival.
Jan. 17 - Frankie's
[WC: I ended up writing about this one:]
Will Chernoff
Arooj Aftab. I missed her Love in Exile headlining set with Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily at the 2023 jazzfest but then took in all things Shahzad at this year's jazzfest, so I'm not missing this one. Her new album is both haunting and sweet.
Jan. 20 - Hollywood Theatre
[WC: I ended up writing about this one too, in the same piece as above!]
Actually, here's a fourth one for you, beyond January: Tigran Hamasyan. The Armenian pianist influenced by his country's folk music is touring an epic new album, out on Nonesuch Records. It comes with 57 pages of poetry on his website, how many 'jazz' artists can say that?! Some of the most affordable tickets are still available.
Mar. 15 - Chan Centre
Some upcoming personal favourites
Sean Fyfe Trio w/ Jodi Proznick & John Lee. I learned a lot about Sean when I interviewed him recently as part of my work at Cellar. He's coming over from the UK to play this show again now that his album Stepping Stones has been out.
Jan. 23 - Frankie's
Yoro Noukoussi & The African Masters. I first heard Yoro at the Max Roach show, and since then he has played for Infidels Jazz a couple more times, leading a Frankie's After Dark in August and appearing again at the VIFF Centre for poet Brandon Wint's night on December 1st. He headlines Infidels' most-successful monthly series in February – to make my way down there, I'll keep brewing the coffee strong after Jazz at the Bolt wraps up.
Feb. 20 - Hero's Welcome
Christine Jensen w/ Capilano University Ensembles. The three-time Juno winner's latest album is a large-ensemble one, Harbour; this CapU show combines 'visiting star artist' with 'one of our own'.
Feb. 28 - BlueShore at CapU
