Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel
presented by Jazz Winnipeg
Upcoming shows
Please note that for this season of Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel, online advance tickets are $20 + Showpass fees (total $22.14) or $25 at the door, if available.
Jazz at the Fort Garry HOTEL is located in The Club Room on the lower level of The Fort Garry Hotel. The venue is wheelchair accessible with assistance.
please inform the hotel's front desk staff if you'd like to use the elevator to access the lower level.
Saxophone Nouveau
Sunday, November 30 at 7 pm
Tightly arranged yet fiercely improvised, Saxophone Nouveau presents music by Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and others arranged for the saxophone family. Voiced for five saxophones and accompanied by piano, bass and drums this is SuperSax meets Supernova!
Saxophonist Neil Watson has been an active performer on the Winnipeg music scene for more than two decades. He is the associate director of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and the director of the Bridge: Music for Life Program. In addition to his busy performing schedule, Neil has taught Jazz Theory, Jazz Pedagogy and directed student and community jazz ensembles at the University of Manitoba. Over the past 14 years, Neil has developed The Bridge: Music for Life, a rhythm-first approach to music that offers instruction in a classroom setting to inner city children and newly-arrived Canadians.
Anna Blackmore is a Polish-Canadian musician and writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Jazz Studies in saxophone performance from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts in English Literature from UBC. Her musicianship is influenced by jazz greats Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan and Charles Mingus as well as the west coast cool jazz era and the bebop era.
Paul Balcain has amassed an impressive resume over the past 25 years. With multiple recording credits under his belt, including Moses Mayes, Lucas Sader (featuring Derrick Gardner), Scott Nolan, JUNO nominated The Wyrd Sisters, Mark Reeves, one-hit wonder pop band LEN, and the WJO, his genre palate is broad.
Tristan Martinuson is a California-based saxophonist, composer, and educator originally from Winnipeg, known for his bold, traditional saxophone sound influenced by jazz legends like Paul Gonsalves and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. A graduate of the University of Manitoba's jazz program, his career highlights include winning the Stingray Rising Star award and recording on Juno-nominated albums by Jon Gordon and Derrick Gardner.
Ben Kensock is a saxophonist, composer, and music educator from Fargo, ND. He attended Brandon University and is currently teaching in the River East Transcona School Division.
Jennifer Hanson
Sunday, December 7 at 7 pm
Jennifer Hanson is a Canadian musician with a repertoire as broad as the Canadian Shield. Whether she’s singing national anthems at NHL and CFL Games, or dancing on stage with Fred Penner, her witty banter and seductive vocal style leaves audiences wanting more. As the official anthem singer and musical coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Jennifer keeps fans pumped with her fresh take on blues, funk, R&B and rock. Like the Staples Center preparing for the Grammys, Jennifer cleans up well. Whether it’s corporate parties or the need to impress that cousin who keeps talking about how he knows Drake, Jennifer’s performances for noteworthy corporations and celebrities have kept her in high demand.
Winner of the 1999 Prairie Music Award for best jazz recording for her first record, “Something Cool,” Jennifer’s reputation for everything from classic ballads to sultry jazz standards and gritty rock n’ roll have drawn fans of all ages. In addition to her powerful vocals, Jennifer’s stage presence has the intimacy of hanging out with your hilarious best friend.
‘Blue Christmas’ with Blue Noise
Sunday, December 14 at 7 pm
Join us for a special holiday event - 'Blue Christmas' with Blue Noise - featuring bluesy takes on holiday classics and more!
Blue Noise is a powerhouse Winnipeg band blending rock, blues, R&B, and jazz with soul and precision. Fronted by the dynamic Lady Lee (Lee Wenaus), whose rich vocals and commanding stage presence have graced festivals and venues across Canada, the band features an exceptional lineup of musicians: Deano Dean on saxophone, known for his smooth tone and captivating solos; Gregory Polo, whose expressive and technically masterful guitar work drives the band’s sound; Cam Patterson, a versatile and seasoned drummer who anchors every performance with groove and flair; and Todd Cardinal, a funk and blues bassist whose deep pocket and rhythmic energy complete the band’s signature sound. Together, Blue Noise delivers unforgettable performances that celebrate musicianship, heart, and the blues.
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra - New Songs for a New Year
Sunday, January 11 at 7 pm
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s first presentation of 2026 will showcase creations by WJO writers Neil Watson, Monica Jones, Greg Crowe, Brady Gill and others.
Since 2018 the WJO has received five Western Canadian Music Award Nominations and one Jazz Artist of the Year Award (2025), and virtually all the music recorded was commissioned by or written for the WJO. It’s time to explore our new projects in the new year - guaranteed there will be swing involved!
About WJO
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO) is Canada’s first community-based, non-profit professional jazz orchestra. Founded in 1997 (registered charity in 2000), the WJO has matured to become an important part of Winnipeg’s cultural landscape, reflected in the ongoing support the organization receives from the Manitoba Arts Council, the Winnipeg Arts Council, the Winnipeg Foundation, and other sponsors. The mandate of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is to be an instrumental force in the promotion and development of big band jazz in Manitoba and beyond, through performance, composition, recording and education.
Fiddles Galore
Sunday, January 18 at 7 pm
Join us for a for a night of fiddle music, laughter, and entertainment! J.J. Guy (inductee in the North American Fiddler's Hall of Fame) and Gordon Stobbe (inductee in the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame, and member of the Order Of Canada) come together for an intimate concert of banter, fiddle music, and fun!
They will be joined by two time Canadian Grandmaster fiddle player Daniel Gervais and three time Canadian Grandmaster, Winnipeg's own Patti Kosturuk. Accompanied by a stellar band including The King of Cape Breton piano and fiddle, Troy MacGillavray, and the intrepid Daniel Koulack on bass and banjo, this is a special one-time performance you will not want to miss!
Storyteller's Collective
Sunday, January 25 at 7 pm
As co-leaders of the Storyteller's Collective, composers Monica Jones and Sean Irvine bring distinct yet complementary voices to the stage.
Jones is known for her dynamic compositions and arrangements for ensembles ranging from jazz duos to concert bands, with recent works performed by leading groups such as the Winnipeg and Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestras. Her writing explores intricate textures and strong narrative arcs, often shaped by community and place.
Irvine’s compositional voice draws from jazz, folk, classical, and global traditions, weaving them into contemporary frameworks. His projects, including the Sean Irvine 5tet and Kind Neighbours, showcase his versatility and commitment to lyrical storytelling.
Together, Jones and Irvine craft music that is both deeply personal and widely resonant, offering fresh perspectives on modern jazz through original works created specifically for this collaboration.
About Monica Jones
Métis musician, composer, artist and music educator Monica Jones has always had a passion for music. Beginning her musical journey in childhood, she eventually gravitated towards the saxophone and graduated from Brandon University’s jazz program.
As a saxophonist and vocalist, her rich tone, melodic sense and soulful vocals have earned her opportunities to perform with many high caliber bands including the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The Ron Paley Big Band, The Dirty Catfish Brass Band, The Winnipeg Jazz Collective and Same Old Shtick. A composer as well, Monica is currently working on a commission for jazz orchestra to be premiered on March 8th with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
About Sean Irvine
Best known for their work across the woodwind family, Sean Irvine’s meditative approach to tone colour and musical language has led to performances alongside renowned acts such as the Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Don Amero, Ron Paley Big Band, Papa Mambo, Kiko Freitas, Jon Gordon, Jimmy Greene, and Scotty Barnhart. In addition to a wide range of session work, Irvine plays a central role in projects like Still Crazy: A Paul Simon Tribute, Big City All Star Band, Men in Cheap Suits, Flatland Soul Famous, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
Irvine is currently preparing for the release of their second album as co-leader, Sean Irvine and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra: The Forgotten Stories Suite—set for release in February 2026. Featuring all original compositions, the project reflects on the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their journeys toward acceptance and identity.