Concert for Carolyn: Celebrating the Life of Carolyn Basha

Join us for a musical celebration of life in honour of Carolyn Basha on October 24th at the Desautels Concert Hall. This memorial concert will feature performances and original compositions from her husband, Gilles Fournier, and her son, Sam Fournier, accompanied by renowned musicians from across Canada.

Carolyn dedicated her career to her life's passion: music. One of her last professional accomplishments was raising the funds that took the Desautels Concert Hall from concept to reality. Her work funnelled billions of dollars into the arts in Manitoba, playing a key role in making the Prairie music scene thrive. To recognize these invaluable contributions, the University of Manitoba established the Carolyn Basha Memorial Bursary in Music. Ticket revenue from this concert will go directly towards this bursary*.

Beyond her impressive professional life, Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, auntie, and friend who loved fiercely and deeply. She was an accomplished pianist, a lover of the arts and an impeccable chef. She was also brilliant, kind, and funny.

Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Carolyn can attest that she put her whole heart into everything she did. If you've listened to Carolyn play a challenging piano piece with ease, indulged in her signature chocolate cake, been warmly hosted at her home, danced at a music festival with her, been demolished by her at a card game, or shared a gin and tonic with her, you've felt Carolyn's love.

Let's remember her, grieve her, and celebrate her together.

*If you would like to further contribute to the Carolyn Basha Memorial Bursary in Music, follow these steps:
1. Go to https://give.umanitoba.ca/
2. Enter the desired donation amount
3. Under "Designation", select "Enter a fund name"
4. Under "Enter a fund name", enter "The Carolyn Basha Memorial Bursary in Music"
5. Complete the rest of the form
6. Click on “DONATE NOW” 

This concert is pay-what-you-can.  We are offering tickets in $15, $30, $50 and $100 denominations. 

Apply to perform at the
2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

Applications to perform at the 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, tentatively scheduled for June 16-21, 2026, are now OPEN.

Programming emphasis is placed on jazz music, but other adjacent genres are also welcome to apply. Internal programming considerations include musical excellence, appeal to our existing or new audiences, performer/project's potential draw, and competing or adjacent programming. We particularly welcome one-off or special projects (such as new releases or collaborations) that would appeal to our festival audience.

The application deadline to be considered for festival programming is December 31, 2025. Thank you for your interest in the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival!

Jazz Winnipeg is excited to return to the elegant Club Room at the Fort Garry Hotel this fall 2025! Our Sunday night shows start September 14. Shows at 7pm (doors 6:30pm).
Presented with support from the Fort Garry Hotel and Long + McQuade.