October 2
Papa Mambo Trio

As soon as you mention Papa Mambo, people react with excitement. Created by Chilean-born classical guitarist Rodrigo Muñoz in 1989, Winnipeg’s Papa Mambo started out as a spirited party band and soon became recognized as one of the most skillful, exciting and important innovators in Canada’s Latin music scene. The group features some of Winnipeg’s most sought-after musicians. This ensemble (with up to 10 members!) has played the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival almost every year in its 31-year existence as well as the Montreal Jazz Fest, the Vancouver Jazz Fest, The Halifax Jazz Fest and The Winnipeg Folk Festival mainstage amongst others, and has three CDs to its credit plus several original singles. Papa Mambo has also embraced Afro Cuban music on a symphonic level, having performed sold-out shows both with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Under the leadership of the charismatic Muñoz, the band delivers the goods each time they play.

October 9
Philippe Meunier

Winnipeg guitarist Philippe Meunier combines Latin music, flamenco and jazz standards with modern instrumentation and fusion elements. His group features singer-songwriter Onna Lou, born in Argentina.

Over the years, Philippe has performed across Canada and traveled to Spain where he took his inspiration. For the past twenty years, he has taken part in many recordings for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and he appears on many compact disc recordings.

Postponed
Helen White

Seasoned jazz singer and pianist Helen White enjoys performing in every location - whether it's a big show in a theatre with an 8-piece band, an intimate cafe setting, or a living room playing solo. She is a regular at all the main jazz venues in Winnipeg and has been a guest artist with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra six times. White has recorded three full-length studio albums (two of original material) and in 2020 will be recording her much-awaited next jazz album. With a Masters in Jazz Performance (Canada) and a BA Hons in Creative Music Sound Technology and Performance (Cambridge, UK), White taught for two decades before changing course and working in the insolvency field. She has performed in many festivals over the years and particularly likes supporting local arts (and raising money for local charities) and playing in fancy hotels while dressed up for 1940s! She runs regular variety nights for her former students and singer friends to perform with a live professional band in different venues around town. She is privileged to have played with many of the very finest local jazz musicians in Winnipeg.

Postponed
Breeze with the Nu-Frequency Band - Stevie Wonder tribute

His Guyanese heritage, early life in London, England, and immigration to Canada as a youth all helped make Breeze the artist he’s become. Although he is the younger brother of singing star Eddy Grant (Electric Avenue, Gimme Hope Johanna), Breeze has been forging his own career independently from the start. He’s a self-taught musician who started by playing in local bands and later toured Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. In the 90s Breeze co-founded production and independent label Steel Hipp Records, which continues to operate in Japan. He has been privileged to share the stage with many industry greats, including opening for James Brown and Motown Records’ The Funk Brothers. Breeze also has several international and local production credits to his name, including a production credit on Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm’s platinum-selling debut album, and has been a touring musician for many recording artists. He operates BatCave Recording Studio in Winnipeg where he continues to produce and create music for artists of all genres.

Postponed
Kelly Bado

With influences from her African heritage, la chanson française, and American gospel, Kelly Bado’s music is an intoxicating blend of soul, world and pop. This World Music Artist of the Year (Western Canadian Music Awards, 2018) crosses cultural barriers to bring people together in joy and hope. Her striking vocals and uplifting melodies make for a performance that stays with the audience long after the show is over.

Whether receiving public accolades from Sir Paul McCartney as a semi-finalist on La voix, or rocking showcases at the International Folk Alliance in New Orleans, Kelly takes nothing for granted. She is a hard-working artist, dedicated to her craft, and committed to bringing a positive message through her music to as large and diverse an audience as possible. Her new album Hey Terre is set for release October 30, 2020 as part of the series Cookin’: Local Music, Local Food with the West End Cultural Centre and Jazz Winnipeg.

Postponed
Dr. Henry Band

Four Winnipeg-based musicians - and friends - are the brains behind the vibrant and energetic Afro fusion jazz band, Dr. Henry Band. With each member bringing years of musical experience, they are able to dabble in various music styles. They’re distinguished by their African heritage and the infusion of Afrobeats into their music. Dr. Henry Band believes in growth and building artists, which is why they use their platform to promote artists from different musical genres. They have played for well known local and international artistes, hosted shows, and have performed on stage at popular events. You can catch them playing at your favourite local restaurants, bars, events, and festivals.