WinterTide

Juno and Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, arranger, and musical director of remarkable virtuosity, Hilario Durán, is well recognized for his piano playing and composing skills. The Cuban-born musician grew up in Havana in a musical family, surrounded by various musical influences. Classically trained, Duran’s art form describes all musical elements, and the originality and quality of his music have been influenced by the Cuban pianists, composers, and directors of the golden age of Cuban music.
His first work as a professional musician was in Cuba’s Los Papa Cun-Cun Ensemble. Later, in the 1970s, he was Chucho Valdés’s chosen successor in Cuba’s most modern big band, Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna.

Since arriving in Canada, Hilario has been recognized with multiple awards and nominations. He is the proud recipient of the 2007 Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award from Latin Jazz U.S.A. for his outstanding contributions to Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin jazz. He was named one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2009. He has also been recognized as the winner of the Latin Jazz category of the Latin Awards Canada 2020, finalist of the 2023 Toronto Arts Foundation Award, 2021 Canadian Screen Awards nominee for original song in the film The Cuban, winner of the Louis Applebaum Composers Award, and he received special recognition for achievements in music from the City Council of Cleveland, Ohio. Most recently, he won the 2024 Latin Grammy Award for Best Arrangement for “Night in Tunisia.”
Durán has contributed tremendously to Canada’s musical landscape – representing an essential aspect of contemporary Cuban music history.

TJ & The Crew is a Toronto-based, 10-piece funk band here to emulate and evolve the sounds of Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire and more. Playing original compositions written by their band leader TJ Campbell, the band tends to focus on 50% instrumental music and 50% vocal music branching from covers and arrangements of your favourite R&B, Funk, Soul classics and original compositions. The band members are TJ Campbell (Alto Sax), Devon Goping (Vocals), Andrew Svendson (Trumpet), Dain Carandang (Tenor Sax), Riley Maguire (Bari Sax), Celine Tchang (Trombone), Jay Yoo (Guitar), Peter Holbrook (Keys), Max Wilson (Bass) and Zach Lewinson (Drums).

An obvious uniqueness that identifies and sets apart Blackburn Brothers is that they are a band of brothers. Led by Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals, writing), and Cory (drums, harmony vocals). Oldest brother Robert (guitar, vocal harmonies, writing) and cousin Nathan (bass guitar) can be heard on recent studio recordings. Longtime horn section bandmates include Neil Brathwaite on tenor saxophone and Ted Peters on trombone. Touring bass guitarist is Andrew Stewart. The brothers musical lineage traces back to R&B legend Bobby Dean Blackburn, whose legacy in the Toronto music scene spans over six decades.

Beyond the music, other history runs deep. The Blackburn Brothers are 4th-generation Canadians, descended of freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad and settling in Southern Ontario. The Blues that the Blackburn Brothers create is part of their inheritance, and always about a message of history, freedom, legacy, family, Black unity, and love.

The SoulFunkn’Blues album is a tribute to all the trailblazers, all of the ancestors and forgotten tribes who taught the Blackburn Brothers the importance of history, blues, soul, groove, rhythm and life. It is a tribute to 230 years of Canadian Roots and Blues.

Noah Abrahamse is an accomplished Alto Saxophonist, band leader and composer/arranger based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Noah received his Bachelor of Music Performance from Humber College where he was a two-time award winner of the Kenny McLean Memorial Scholarship. Noah specializes in Latin and Jazz music and has been hailed by titans such as Hilario Duran, Laura Fernandez and Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo. Noah released his debut studio Latin Jazz album “Dias Latinos” with his band, the Mumbo Jumbo Combo, in July 2024. The album swiftly made its way through the airwaves around the world, where it is being played on multiple jazz radio stations. Raul Da Gama (Latin Jazz Net) described Abrahamse as “…a prodigiously gifted musician of whom much will be surely expected in the near and far future.” DJ El Chino (International journal, Solar Latin Club) describes the album as “a worthy and epic debut, one of the best productions of the year.” Abrahamse’s music is indicative of the influence of his mentors, coupled with a unique and vibrant style of his own. He merges the rhythms of Cuba and Latin America with the melodies of Jazz tradition to create music that is complex, yet relatable.

• Noah Abrahamse- Sax/Bongos
• Laura Fernandez- Vocals
• Bill McBernie – Flute
• Jorge Betancourt – Piano
• Gustavo Repique Rosa – Congas
• Yoser Rodriguez – Bass
• Daniel Villarraga – Drums

Wanderer is a jazz/R&B band that blends elements of live improvisation and jazz with modern songwriting and some familiar songs, to create a memorable musical experience sure to stay with you beyond the night!
Formed in 2021, Wanderer has performed at many local venues in Toronto such as Drom Taberna, The Emmet Ray, and Tapestry. After releasing their FACTOR-funded debut album in 2023, they started reaching out to festivals and had the pleasure of performing at the TUJF at Mel Lastman Square, Winter Tide in Hamilton, and World of Jazz in Brampton! Going into 2025 they are excited to release newly recorded music and continue to perform The performing band lineup consists of the following:

• Zachary Lewinson on Drums
• Becky Leigh on Vocals
• TJ Campbell on Alto Sax
• Nick Tateishi on Guitar
• Max Wilson on Electric Bass
• Peter Henry Holbrook on Keys

The Funk10tet is a diverse modern jazz ensemble contributing original compositions and arrangements to the numerous popular music traditions of swing, R&B, and other contemporary pop music. In addition, the ensemble is heavily influenced by the rich Canadian traditional jazz ensemble works and wishes to honour the “Toronto sound” in a stunning and united way.

• Tpt: Joseph Funk, Sarah McIntyre
• Tbn: Luke Nickel, Isaac Kashino
• Sax: Ali Rashid, Hanson Goldwin
• Piano: Matthew O’Halloran
• Bass: Carlo Santo Domingo, Drums: Mark Gerlai

Juno Award-winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style embody jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. Since winning 2nd place in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in 2004, the singer-songwriter has been nominated for a number of awards including numerous Juno nominations. She has toured extensively, captivating audiences throughout the world and opened for artists like John Legend, Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson, and Erykah Badu. She has been signed to Universal Music and Publishing, Motema Music, and French label Plus Loin, and today releases music on her own label, Enliven Media.

Her new EP, Show Love, offers a fresh and innovative approach that establishes new sonic terrain built on the foundation of familiar sounds and styles from her six previous studio projects.

From the satisfyingly phat, arpeggiated synthesizer introduction on “Friends” to the polyrhythmic trip-hop accompaniment of “Higher,” — courtesy of producer and arranger Michael Shand, who played every instrument on Show Love — Evans achieves a more futuristic soul concoction that blends elements of R&B, funk, and —yes — a hint of jazz into earworm ecstasy.

Whether it’s romance, parenthood, or self-healing, Kellylee Evans offers food for thought on the six songs that comprise Show Love. Her impeccable and versatile voice meticulously delivers the emotional wallop of each song with picture-perfect phrasing.

Anise Russow is a 19-year-old vocalist from Victoria, BC who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at Humber College. Her confidence shines through in her stage presence, vocal delivery, and soulful tone while maintaining an intimate performance atmosphere. She has been performing consistently for over 5 years, at events such as fundraisers, weddings, corporate parties, and community festivals, including the TD Victoria International Jazzfest. Through being deeply influenced by Jazz, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues, Anise works to build a bridge between the genres to create a collaborative and expressive experience between herself, her bandmates, and the audience. For this event, she will be joined by Joel Bracken on saxophone, Emmett Hodgins on keys, Christopher Parnis on bass, and Aaron Blewett on drums.

The Angela Pincente Octet is a jazz ensemble featuring the compositions and arrangements of Angela Pincente. Her approach to large ensemble arranging highlights the trombone as a featured soloist, as well as features each member of the ensemble in new and unique ways. This ensemble includes Toronto’s most notable young musicians and gives a platform for them to showcase their artistry. The Angela Pincente Octet was created to further the lineage of the large ensemble music scene in Toront,o and to spotlight young musicians within the undergraduate category.

Band Members:

• Angela Pincente – Trombone
• Julian Straatsma – Piano
• Hiro Tanaka – Upright Bass
• Jackson Haynes – Drums
• Julia D’Ascanio – Vocals

Over the past 25 years, Brazilian jazz singer Fernanda Cunha has produced, recorded, and released ten albums and performed at prestigious jazz festivals around the world such as Wien Jazz in Austria, Aarhus Jazz Fest in Denmark, Jazz a Juan in France, and Borneo Jazz in Malaysia.

After performing across Canada annually since 2005, including performances at the International Vancouver Jazz Festival, Edmonton, Calgary, and even stops in the Yukon and Nunavut, Brazilian jazz singer Fernanda Cunha made her home in Canada.
In Canada she explores all possibilities whether performing concerts, performing masterclasses in universities such as Carleton University in Ottawa, teaching singing classes online, or writing songs.

Her recent album “Late Night” was recorded and released in 2021 with Toronto guitarist Reg Schwager, featuring original songs written by them. The album features musicians including Tom Szczesniak on piano and accordion, Pat Collins on bass, Michael Lambert on drums, Masashi Usui on saxophone, and Allison Au on alto saxophone. The album received great reviews in specialized jazz media such as “The Whole Note”, and “All About Jazz”. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and all digital stores.
Fernanda is a Latin Grammy Award member since 2007.

Welcome to the magical world of sounds and passion, crafted by the talented musicians of our band, proudly named Groovy Turtles. In its grandeur and freedom, our collective aspires to convey emotions through music. Music, a beautiful gift, is something we are eager to share with everyone without exception. Bringing joy and love through music is the most exquisite expression in the world. Nothing caresses our hearts like the weightless sounds of the beautiful and the unfathomable.

Our band explores the realms of jazz, fusion, soul, and funk. We genuinely revel in the fusion of captivating jazz harmonies and the freedom of improvisation. Through the remarkable possibilities these styles offer, we endeavour to express our profound love for the world and, as a gesture of gratitude, present the magnificent and boundless art of music.

Diane Roblin’s dynamic career has earned her a place among Canada’s most respected women in jazz. Known for her powerful compositions and expressive keyboard style, Diane’s performances blend technical agility with a deep commitment to the connective power of music. As a composer, pianist, electric keyboardist, improviser, and bandleader, Diane’s spirited, genre-crossing work has led to collaborations with artists ranging from avant-garde improviser Charles Gayle to the iconic rock band Rough Trade.

Her new album, Breath of Fresh Air, released on Zsan Records in late 2024, continues this legacy. It showcases Roblin’s expansive musical voice, weaving jazz, funk, and impressionist harmony into compositions that are both adventurous and deeply moving.

Leading her six-piece ensemble, Life Force, Diane explores high-energy soundscapes punctuated by intricate, emotionally resonant improvisations. Critics have praised her work: JAZZFM91 calls her compositions “fascinating,” while WholeNote writes, “Roblin reminds us of her skill, not only as a pianist but as a new music composer.”