The Saturday afternoon jazz jam has grown into one of the most popular events at JazzFest, for players and audience members alike. Nothing more completely embodies the traditional nature of jazz than players getting together and playing just for the fun of it, trying out their chops, and seeing how they make it in a real live setting.

The dance party in the Super T Aviation Hanger 7 at the Medicine Hat Airport is one of the most popular events at JazzFest! And this year we are pleased to present, for the first time at our festival, the Calgary Latin Orchestra.

Baritone Madness was formed by Pat Belliveau, Keith O’Rourke, and Gareth Bane to bring the magic of the baritone saxophone to audiences across North America. 

Always wanted to learn to play drums? Now’s your chance! During this workshop, participants will learn basic skills, how to play hand drums by playing rhythm games as well as practice skills through various fun exercises.

Eliana Cuevas and Jeremy Ledbetter are well-known for composing and performing as bandleaders of their own Latin Jazz projects and as side musicians for some of the best musical acts in Canada. Their music is jazz-infused, acoustic, and showcases original compositions plus some of the most beloved, traditional Venezuelan songs.

Anthony Fung is a Canadian-born drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader currently based in Los Angeles, CA. He has established himself as an accomplished musician, earning multiple degrees and performing at renowned festivals and venues worldwide.

Recognized by Radio Canada’s Ici Musique as one of the top 5 female jazz musicians to watch out for, Toronto based French/American Jazz singer Laura Anglade is making a name for herself in the jazz world. Laura’s singing is reminiscent of many of the great vocal stylists of the 20th century including Anita O’Day, Shirley Horn, and Blossom Dearie, but her voice is uniquely her own.

Classically trained but with a voracious appetite for honing her craft in any genre, Audrey Ochoa has shared stages with the Dave Matthews Band, Hilario Durán, PJ Perry, and Tommy Banks; and with international greats Lew Tabackin, Marcus Miller and Chris Potter. A rising star in her own right and a fixture of the Canadian music scene, she is decidedly captivating and original, and her compositional skill and talent on her instrument are spectacular.

Hailed by guitar legend Pat Metheny as, “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life,” Grasso is catching the attention of the jazz world in an astounding way.

Avataar is a world-jazz group whose music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. Their recording Worldview won the 2022 JUNO for Best Jazz Album.

Since its debut in 2017, the Kjetil Mulelid Trio has distinguished itself as one of Norway’s leading piano trios while playing the world’s nooks and crannies. This piano trio consists of some of Norway’s most exciting young jazz musicians.

André Wickenheiser is back with new material and a new band! André’s sound is all his own. Whether it’s the sound of his trumpet or his compositional style, it is immediately recognizable.

Sabor a Cuba Latin Band was founded in Calgary in 2012. With a repertoire mostly based in Cuban Traditional Music, the band mixes this Cuban flavour with other styles such as Latin Jazz and Latin Folk Music.

Formed in 2006, the Hip Katz is an exciting show band with music that spans over half a century. Their catalogue features top hits from the fifties to the present, with an emphasis on horn-oriented arrangements.

Keyboardist Mary Ancheta is a Canadian/Filipina artist who steps into the spotlight with her genre-bending organic, modern take on jazz and electro-funk

PJ Perry has a long history with the Medicine Hat JazzFest, as does Calgary trumpet legend, Al Muirhead, and it is an honour to have these musicians closing JazzFest for us this year