November 21st: Van Django
music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930’s Paris France. Since the
group’s formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in Canada as
well as international forays to the US, Europe and China.
The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest
(DFNW) in 2008-2016 sharing the stage with gypsy jazz luminaries such
as the John Jorgenson Quintet, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist
Romane and many others.
The group have released 4 CD’s: “Tiptoe Trip”, “Waltz in the Shape of a
Tree”, “Hotel Europe” and a Christmas CD with special guests titled,
“Cool Yule”. They have been well received and played on many radio
stations including; CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in
Ireland CD.
December 5th: Crimson & Blue
Paul Fabb and Susan Lepin make up the duo, ‘Crimson & Blue’. With Paul’s captivating guitar and vocals, complemented by Susan’s soulful vocals, the duo delivers a mesmerizing blend of jazz, blues, and contemporary music. Paul, originally from Brazil, is not only a skilled guitarist, but also a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, and songwriter. Susan has decades of experience, including leading a blues band in San Francisco and performing as a soloist with the Marcus Mosely Chorale. Together, they create magical harmonies that leave a lasting impression.
December 12th: The Lesley Branton Trio
The Lesley Branton Trio brings fresh interpretations of jazz standards within an acoustic framework. Based in Vancouver, this trio features Lesley Branton (vocals), David Sikula (guitar) and Bonnie Northgraves (trumpet). David Sikula is a guitarist, audio engineer/producer, and music presenter from Vancouver, British Columbia. Since completing his undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto in 2002, David has continued to develop as a musician and has since worked regularly as a top call jazz guitarist in the Vancouver area playing with artists such as Cory Weeds, Brian Charette, George Fludas, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and many more. Simultaneously, he has also built a career in audio production and has since become an in-demand producer and engineer for many artists including the twice Juno-nominated Jodi Proznick, Cory Weeds, Miles Black, Peter Bernstein, and many others. Since early 2019, David has been curating a Sunday music series at the Water St. Café and is continually looking to find innovative ways to create more opportunities for Vancouver’s rich community of talented musicians to present their craft. Bonnie is a trumpeter, vocalist, pianist, and composer based in Vancouver, CA. Her singing is smokey and rich, and her trumpet playing a call to the early jazz styles of New Orleans. A powerful combination that delights audiences at home and abroad. The Lesley Branton Trio plays a variety of jazz standards and Bossa Novas which are as diverse as their audiences.
December 19th: ‘Groove X3’
Join Jim Hopson, Jason Decouto and Arvind Ramdas in Groove X3
Known for his baby-faced charm and old-world charisma, Jim’s velvety-smooth trombone & vocal stylings run the gamut from heart-rending to show-stopping! Jim is a prolific composer/arranger, JUNO Award nominated session player, and one of BC’s most in-demand working musicians.
Jason de Couto is a Vancouver based musician focused primarily on piano and keyboards. He works with a variety of musicians, ensembles, and multi-disciplinary artists in an array of styles and genres. He holds degrees from UBC, SFU and Capilano University, and is currently also a music teacher working in the Richmond and Vancouver School Districts.
Arvind Ramdas is one of Vancouver’s hottest young drummers. With a deep background in both Indian Carnatic Music and Jazz, Arvind is an energetic force to be reckoned with!
December 26th: ‘Groove X2’
Join Jim Hopson, Georges Couling in Groove X2
Known for his baby-faced charm and old-world charisma, Jim’s velvety-smooth trombone & vocal stylings run the gamut from heart-rending to show-stopping! Jim is a prolific composer/arranger, JUNO Award nominated session player, and one of BC’s most in-demand working musicians.
