Jens Lindemann is the first classical brass player to ever receive the order of Canada and the foremost trumpet soloist in his country’s history. Celebrated for his beauty of tone and virtuosity, Jens Lindemann’s career has ranged from being a multiple Juno and Grammy nominee in numerous musical styles to being a viral video sensation as the “snowstorm trumpeter”. Equally, at home playing Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden or the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, Jens has a unique connection to audiences in all venues and places. The recipient of major awards from Prague and Munich and three honorary degrees, Jens is also the only trumpeter to win the “Grand Prize” in the 60-year history of the Canadian Music Competition.

Matt Catingub wears many hats: saxophonist, woodwind artist, conductor, pianist, vocalist, performer, composer, and arranger. Matt is the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Macon Pops in Macon, Georgia, and recently the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Glendale Pops In Los Angeles, the Hawaii Pops in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as the Festival Pops Conductor of the New Hampshire Music Festival. He has also held the Principal Pops Conductor positions of the Honolulu Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony, and the New Mexico Symphony.

Catingub has guest conducted for some of the most significant Symphony Orchestras in the country, including the Nashville Symphony, the Saint Louis Symphony, the Florida Orchestra, the Pacific Symphony, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Symphonies of Columbus, Hartford, Omaha and throughout Canada and Japan. Catingub has conducted for artists such as Diana Krall, Yes, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, and numerous others. And significantly Matt has arranged the music in the orchestra libraries for diverse artists such as Kenny Loggins, James Ingram, Boz Scaggs, the Righteous Brothers, Rosemary Clooney, Vertical Horizon, Natalie Cole, Toni Tennille, Michael McDonald, Dave Koz, Toto, Pat Benatar, and many many others.

The son of the great jazz vocalist and “Polynesia’s First Lady of Song,” Mavis Rivers, Catingub regularly performed with his mom. In 2007 Matt, a proud Pacific islander, was handed the Samoan Chief’s title of La`auli by King Malietoa Tanumafili II, the final title issued before his death. As a young man, he played a variety of instruments, conducted his first orchestra at age 15, focused on Alto sax at 16, and at age 17 played his sax at the Monterey Jazz Festival, and from there toured Japan playing with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, and Ruth Brown. From there Catingub joined the Louie Bellson Big Band and a couple of years later joined the Toshiko Akiyoshi / Lew Tabackin Big Band as lead alto saxophonist. In 1983, Catingub formed the Matt Catingub Big Band, with Rivers as vocalist, and recorded several critically acclaimed jazz albums with his mom.
Matt had made his solo singing debut at the Frank Sinatra Celebration at New York City's legendary Carnegie Hall and as a result of his performance there, the Concord Jazz CD Gershwin 100 was conceived. Catingub also wrote and performed the music for the George Clooney film, “Goodnight and Good Luck,” made an onscreen appearance as the leader of the band, created all of the arrangements and played tenor sax in the movie and on the CD. The Soundtrack for “Goodnight and Good Luck”, featuring Matt and vocalist Diane Reeves won a Grammy.

Catingub has also enjoyed success as the leader of his Big Band, Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack touring the world with Rosemary Clooney, and backing notable artists such as Michael Feinstein, Linda Eder, Lionel Hampton, and many others. Today Matt is considered to be at the forefront of a new and innovative movement to reinvent Pops into a more fun and accessible format, encouraging dancing (when the venue allows) and loose fun, within a more informal and contemporary setting.

Mike Downes is a multiple JUNO award winner and has been a major force in Canada's music scene since the early 80s. He has had the opportunity to work with a long list of international artists including Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, John Abercrombie, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman and Donny McCaslin, along with many of Canada's top musicians including Don Thompson, Terry Clarke, Pat LaBarbera, Robi Botos and Molly Johnson. 

He has performed throughout Europe, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Iceland, the United States and Canada. His extensive discography as a bassist, composer, arranger and producer includes his own Ripple Effect (2014 JUNO winner for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year) and Root Structure (2018 JUNO winner for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo). 

Mike is the Bass Department Head/Program Coordinator at Humber College in Toronto and author of The Jazz Bass Line Book and co-author of Jazz and Contemporary Music Theory
 

Robi Botos has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, to the swing of Oscar Peterson and the heartfelt melodic expression of Mulgrew Miller and Cedar Walton, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. While Robi is known for being a strong player in the traditional jazz and funk fields, he always incorporates an element of the music he grew up listening to into his playing. Says organist, trumpeter and pianist Joey Defrancesco: “Robi is one of the most swingin’, soulful, funky, world class players I’ve ever heard, and he has a technique like you can’t believe. Definitely one of my very favorite players!!!” Born of Romani descent in Hungary, Robi taught himself first to play drums as a young child, and got his first taste of being a professional musician working throughout Budapest. When he turned 20, Robi decided to move his wife and children to Canada to further pursue the career he was born for. Now 20 years later, Robi has solidified himself as one of the most sought-after pianists in the country, and holds 2 JUNO Awards, as well as countless global prizes including the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Award, and 2 nominations in the Canadian Screen Awards. In 2018, Robi released a brand-new record that pays homage to his Hungarian upbringing, the early days of his career, and the music that he has dedicated his life to. “OLD SOUL” sees Robi not only venturing into a number of different genres (jazz, funk, soul, gospel and more!), but he also plays on a number of different instruments including the Harpejji. Robi is joined by some familiar faces such as longtime collaborators Mike Downeson bass and Larnell Lewison drums, as well as Seamus Blake on saxophone. Also joining them for the first time is Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy), Ingrid Jensen, and Lionel Loueke). Robi’s ability as a composer is (once again) highlighted on this record with a majority of the tracks being his original material. “Old Soul” pays tribute to his homeland as he takes you down memory lane with visions of his childhood neighbourhood and through some of his favourite spots in his hometown. This record makes you feel like you have a personal connection with one of the most diverse and eclectic artists of our time. Robi is the 2019 JUNO Award-winner for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo for OLD SOUL.

Drummer/percussionist/producer Steve Moretti is a two time Grammy® Award nominee and winner of two Telly Awards. His performances have been described as “powerful” (World-Herald) and “full of subtle nuance and excitement” (Cleveland Classic). Steve has had an extensive recording career playing on over 30 nationally released recordings and made his movie debut playing live in the 2014 Clint Eastwood film, “Jersey Boys.” Frequently engaged for symphonic drum set performances, Steve’s recent and upcoming appearances include concerts with the symphony orchestras of Florida, Edmonton, Long Beach, Macon, Omaha and appearances at Banff, Rome (Italy), Seattle and Samoana (Samoa) Music Festivals. Steve is co-founder, President & CEO for Macon Pops, an innovative pops orchestra he created in his hometown of Macon, GA with his long-time collaborator, conductor/performer/arranger Matt Catingub. Another facet of Steve’s career is his production company, Morettiman Music. His widerange of projects include producing the music for the nationally televised PBS special “A Grand Mercer Christmas” and for the recordings of pop singers Bailey Coates, Joshua Neal, Hip-Hop artist Floco Torres, soprano Leah Partridge, violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, and two CityMusic Cleveland recordings, one with cellist Matt Haimovitz, Daniel Rachev conducting, and the second, an all-Mozart live concert, Joel Smirnoff conducting. Steve served three terms as a Board of Governors for the Atlanta Chapter of the (Grammy®) Recording Academy. He is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads, Audix Microphones, Future Sonics Ear Monitors and Vic Firth Sticks. He resides in Macon, GA with his wife and two young sons. An avid soccer fan, Steve enjoys coaching for Macon Soccer Club, where his two boys play. For more information, visit www.maconpops.com & www.stevemoretti.com

People aspire to be master of many skills and Al Muirhead is one who has accomplished this dream and has no plans of slowing down. Whether it is playing a sweet and melodic trumpet solo, composing and arranging for a big band, small ensemble or orchestra, performing one take sessions on recordings or mentoring young musicians, Al is an inspiration in the Canadian music scene and is known as the "Elder statesman of Jazz Trumpet in Alberta".

Al has recorded as a sideman on 26 albums and recently released his first solo album featuring himself and old friend Tommy Banks called 'It's About Time'. The critically acclaimed album received a JUNO nomination in 2016. Al and Tommy began their friendship when they were 15 and have remained friends and colleagues to this day. As a special guest, Al features Juno winning saxophonist and Order of Canada recipient PJ Perry. All three musicians are featured on Al's sophmore album 'Oop!' released in early 2016.

The lists of musicians with whom Al has performed with speak highly of his skill. Dizzy Gillespie, Guido Basso, Tommy Banks, Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Mills & P.J. Perry top the lists. In 2008 Al had the honour of recording "All the Stars aren't in the Sky" with the all-star ensemble; Ted Godwin, Tommy Banks, Ryga Campbell, George Koller and Blaine Wikjord. This limited release is just a sign of things to come for Al.

Throughout the span of Al's career, he has had many milestones and accomplishments that have helped form him to be the musician he is today. Al was a trumpet player in the Regina Symphony, Assistant Conductor with the Regina Police Boy's Band and opened Arcade Music in Calgary in 1966, which is now known as St. John's Music. In the 70's Al was the Music Director for the CBC television show "On Stage" and he toured Japan with the Frank Mills Orchestra. He performed in the 1988 Olympics under Tommy Banks and toured Hungary, Germany and Switzerland with the "New Orleans Connection" Dixieland Band. In the 90's Al had already been the music director for the Calgary Stampede Youth Talent Show for a decade and continues to hold this position today. He mentored many young musicians, one being Johnny Summers who now leads the Calgary Jazz Orchestra that Al performs in and writes arrangements for. Today Al remains active in the music scene as a performer, clinician, adjudicator, arranger and studio recording artist.

Al has lived through many decades of the music scene and has stories you could listen to for hours. You can listen through his words or the supreme level of musicianship that comes through his trumpet playing. Al is a delight, a rare gem and has a story to be heard.
 

Head of Brass Jazz Studies at Humber College in Toronto. I have also known Brian since our undergraduate days at McGill. He is one of the finest trumpet players I have ever heard in my life and he just happens to play jazz. Brian is not only an artist of international calibre, he is also one of the funniest people you will ever meet. I am talking quick wit here which is more a sign of the genius in his playing. Brian has some of the biggest ears on the planet and among other things, has also been a full RCMP officer (...great story there that you must ask him about). When you get to do a legacy project such as this, you surround yourself with as many people as you can that you love and respect on all levels...Brian is that person!

Eric Friedenberg has had a varied musical career as an arranger, composer, musical director and is an accomplished flute, saxophone and clarinet player. Eric holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary, and has previously served both as a board member of the University of Calgary Alumni Association and as a two-term member of the University’s Senate. Eric was previously a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary, and a faculty member at Mount Royal College.

Eric has served as an arranger, conductor  and  musical  director  for  various television shows and special events, including with Frank Mills, and events such as the opening of the Jack Singer Concert Hall with Jann Arden. Eric has also been the composer and arranger for numerous commercials and was part of the writing and music team for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games. Eric was the musical director and conductor for Unforgettable in Vancouver, and has been involved in a wide variety of theatrical productions in Calgary, including Phantom of the Opera. Eric has been the musical contractor for many Calgary and area corporate events, including for UNICEF and for the Banff Centre’s Midsummer Ball.

Eric has had the opportunity to perform with many jazz and music industry greats over the course of his career, including Bob Brookmeyer, Dizzy Gillespsie, Pepper Adams and Doc Severinsen, Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band leader.  He is also a proud father and grandfather.

Since returning to Calgary from New York City in 2011, Gareth Bane has continued to push the boundaries of the Baritone Saxophone. Modern improvisational Jazz concepts and the roots of Blues combine with a “take-no-prisoners” approach to the horn thus creating a unique and powerful voice on that instrument. His influences include Nick Brignola, Gary Smulyan, Ronnie Cuber and Pepper Adams and he holds a Masters in Jazz Performance from Rutgers University.

Gareth’s most influential teachers have been Ralph Bowen, Pat LaBarbera, Gary Smulyan, Conrad Herwig, Jim Brenan, Jeremy Brown and Pat Belliveau. He is currently living in Calgary performing with groups such as Baritone Madness and Steelytown. He is also active with his own projects including the B3-4tet and Low Blow Sextet. 

Hillary Simms is a young, dynamic trombonist from Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. No stranger to the stage, Hillary was named Stratford Symphony’s 2020 Emerging Artist and will appear as their guest soloist in April of 2020 performing Ferdinand David’s Concertino. Prior to this, Hillary was fortunate enough to be named a finalist in the LÄTZSCH Trombone Festival Competition in Germany, was awarded the Sylva Gelber Foundation Performance Grant, and competed in the prestigious Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal Concours Manuvie where Hillary was awarded the 2nd place prize for Brass along with a full scholarship to attend The Aspen Summer Music Festival and The Banff Centre for the Arts. Hillary was also happy to win in previous years the 2017 Division II Tenor Trombone Solo Competition at the American Trombone Workshop, and was a finalist in the 2017 International Trombone Festival Marstellar tenor trombone Solo Competition.

Hillary has performed all over the world, notably Russia, Australia, Germany, the U.S. and Canada, performing as a soloist, chamber artist and orchestral musician. One of Hillary’s favourite appearances to date was as a featured guest artist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Trombone weekend “Paddiversary Extravaganza,” teaching and work shopping with young trombonists in her home province, giving her the opportunity to give back to the community who started her musical journey. 

Hillary holds a Bachelors in Music Performance from McGill University, where she studied with James Box, principal trombone of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and a Masters in Music Performance from Yale University, where she studied with Scott Hartman, trombonist of the Empire Brass Quintet. She is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Glenn Gould School, studying with Gordon Wolfe, the principal trombonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Isabelle Lavoie is an active bass trombonist and educator based in Toronto. She has performed with many Canadian orchestras, including the Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and Hamilton Philharmonic. Isabelle has also played with the Macao Orchestra in Asia on several occasions.

Ms. Lavoie was appointed Principal Bass Trombone with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for 2018-2019, and previously held the positions of Principal Trombone with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Trombone Instructor at Lakehead University for 2016-2017.

Isabelle was a featured artist and clinician at the 2017 International Trombone Festival, and also performed on a recital of music by women composers at the 2018 festival. As a member of Monarch Brass, she has performed at every International Women’s Brass Conference since 2012, the 2015 International Trumpet Guild Conference, the 2016 International Trombone Festival, and the 2016 Midwest Clinic.

In 2018, Ms. Lavoie graduated from The Global Leaders Program, a professional development course for musicians, which granted her a certificate in Civic Leadership, Teaching Artistry, Cultural Agency, and Social Entrepreneurship. Through the program, she participated in two residencies, teaching the low brass students at the Campamento Musical Marqués de Mancera in Chile, and the Conservatorio Plurinacional de Música in La Paz, Bolivia.

Ms. Lavoie has attended the Tanglewood Music Center as a guest artist and the Aldeburgh Festival in England as a member of the Britten-Pears Orchestra. She also participated in several Canadian summer orchestral programs such as the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Banff Festival Orchestra.

After completing a Bachelor of Music from the University of Montreal, where she studied with Albert Devito, Isabelle completed an Artist Diploma at The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, under the tutelage of Jeffrey Hall and Gordon Wolfe.

Edmonton-based freelance trumpeter and music educator with 25-years of experience, Joel Gray has shared the stage with some of the world's finest artists, including Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Slide Hampton, Diana Krall, Nikki Yanovsky, Allen Vizzutti, Gino Vannelli, Kent Sangster, Hugh Fraser, Jens Lindemann, and commercial talents Frank Sinatra Jr., the Temptations, Gino Vannelli, and Wayne Newton, to name a few.

Known for his versatility, Joel is in high demand in both jazz and classical genres. He is a regular performer with many local artists and diverse musical ensembles, including the Tommy Banks Big Band, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, The Edmonton Jazz Orchestra, The Edmonton Jazz Collective, the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree Orchestra, Crescendo Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, Pro Coro Canada, the Don Berner Big Band, the Prime Time Big Band, the Retrofitz, and the Polyjesters, to name only a few. He also leads his own brass quintet, the BOK Brass and jazz group - Spanky and the Music Makers. 
 
Joel is also a veteran in the orchestra pit, having performed many professional musical theatre productions, including the National Broadway Tours of Book of Mormon, Wicked, Marry Poppins, A Chorus Line, Billy Elliot, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, as well as many local professional productions presented at the Citadel Theatre. He has recorded on over 30 CDs and performed numerous times for CBC radio, and played assistant principal trumpet with the ESO in Carnegie Hall in May of 2012, and was a featured soloist with the ESO in January of 2018 doing a "Tribute to Louis Armstrong."

As a music educator, Joel has been teaching since 1995, and teaches trumpet at MacEwan University, and has taught at Augustana University and Keyano College. He is an instructor at MusiCamp Alberta and has adjudicated for the Cantando Music Festival, the Rocky Mountain Music Festival, the Foothills Jazz Festival, and the Kiwanis Music Festival. Since 2004, he has been the director of the award-winning Littlebirds big band.

Pat Belliveau has an extensive performing background which has involved numerous performances at international jazz festivals and venues in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Montreux, Switzerland, and Boquete, and Panama City, Panama. In addition, he has toured throughout North America, Europe, and Japan, with numerous groups, including, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Vic Damone/Diahann Carroll, the Mills Brothers, "Jazz Vibraphonist" Terry Gibbs, Maureen McGovern, and Mel Torme.

As well, Pat has done numerous concert performances with many artists and groups including; Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick Jr., Bobby Shew, Clark Terry, Pat LaBarbera, Rob McConnell, Phil Woods, Bill Watrous, Mike Tomaro, Jeff Jarvis, Kenny Wheeler, Doc Severinsen, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Joan Rivers, David Foster, Colin James, The University of Calgary Jazz Ensemble, The University of Lethbridge Jazz Ensemble, The Brandon University Jazz Ensemble, The Abilene Christian University Jazz Ensemble (Abilene, Texas), The Canadian "rock group" Lighthouse, The Canadian Tenors (Now “The Tenors”), The New York casts of A West Side Story and A Chorus Line, The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra among others.

In addition, he is presently on faculty (teaching saxophone, improvisation, and jazz ensemble director) at Ambrose University in Calgary, is a former faculty member of the University of Calgary Music Department (1995-2008), teaching jazz saxophone, jazz harmony, and jazz improvisation.  As well, Pat has been a private saxophone instructor since 1986, has several private students, and is active as a clinician/adjudicator for festivals, schools, and various adult groups throughout Canada.  He can be heard on over 55 recordings as a sideman and leader, and has been heard on numerous television and radio jingles.

Pat is an Artist/Clinician for "Yamaha Canada Music Ltd." endorsing the Yamaha “82Z Custom Mark II” design professional tenor saxophone and the “875EX Custom” design alto saxophone, for “BG Woodwind Music Products” (France), for “Theo Wanne Saxophone Mouthpieces”, and for “Marca Saxophone Reeds” (France).

Richard has performed with many outstanding groups such as the Calgary Jazz Orchestra (CJO), Prime Time Big Band, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), Lorna MacLachlan Quintet, Soul Providers, Penguins on Broadway, TR3, Tim Tamashiro Orchestra and his own jazz quartet. His most recent show experience includes Billie Elliot at Theatre Calgary, The Roy Orbison Hologram Tour, La La Land, Rhapsody In Blue, An American In Paris, Let’s Dance and Sinatra and Beyond with the CPO and Dancers In Love with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. Richard’s soulful playing can be found on the CD’s of the CJO, Prime Time Big Band, Lorna MacLachlan Quintet, CPO, The Henry Cowell Wind Band, Tim Tamashiro, Terrain, Bluesland and Camie Leard.

Born and raised in Israel, Lilac started playing the trombone at the early age of 8, fell in love with it and never looked back. After graduating from the Kiryat-Ono Music Conservatory, she accepted a teaching position there, as well as teaching privately. Lilac played the trombone for two years in the Israeli Defence Force band, playing lead trombone and soloist. She played in numerous ensembles including freelancing with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jerusalem Symphonic Orchestra. Her passion for music led her to play as the lead trombone and soloist in France, England, Scotland, Germany, The Netherlands and the USA. Lilac enjoys sharing her love for music with the community. During her years in Israel, Lilac volunteered as a musical therapist with Alin Beit Noam, a community centre that puts an emphasis on improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. More recently in Calgary, Lilac had a similar role as a musical therapist with Renfrew Educational Services, an elementary school that follows similar goals. In 2008, Lilac moved with her family to Calgary and joined the Calgary Wind Symphony, where she leads the trombone section and performs as a soloist. When she is not playing the trombone, you can find her kayaking on the Bow River or in one of Alberta’s beautiful lakes, and hiking in the Rockies.

It’s smart, it’s soulful, it’s jazz meets groove. For every style of music that Johanna Sillanpaa explores there’s a vibrant colour in her voice to match and she has played everywhere from the intimate jazz joints of Calgary to the Montreal Jazz Festival’s 60,000-plus crowds. Originally from Sweden, Johanna moved to Canada in her late teens and has since made Canada her home and music her life. Beyond filling venues in here and abroad, her sound has drawn its fair share of accolades and award nominations, including a Western Canadian Music Award & The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Her latest recording “From This Side” reached #1 on the National Jazz Chart as well as on Itunes and has continued to ride the airwaves in Canada and the US since its release and she continues to make her mark on the international music scene.