2025 TD WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL UNVEILS LINEUP AT THE FORT GARRY HOTEL
Jazz Winnipeg announces the Centennial Series, Euro Night, and the Canadian Jazz Showcase, taking place June 17-22, 2025 at the Fort Garry Hotel.
(April 17, 2025 - Winnipeg, MB) Jazz Winnipeg is proud to announce an exciting lineup of world-class talent set to perform at the historic Fort Garry Hotel during the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. The programming will spotlight three distinct themed series: the Centennial Series, Euro Night, and the Canadian Jazz Showcase.
Celebrating a century of jazz history, the Centennial Series plays tribute to three legendary artists, reimagined through the artistry of top Canadian jazz musicians. Starting off the week is 2022 JUNO Award winner Will Bonness presenting a heartfelt homage to legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson on Tuesday, June 17. Then on Wednesday, June 18, Canadian blues and guitar legend Brent Parkin takes the stage in tribute to the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King. Concluding the Centennial Series on Thursday, June 19, is jazz singer-songwriter Zachary Rushing capturing the charm and elegance of Mel Tormé, affectionately known as “The Velvet Fog.”
Euro Night takes over on Friday, June 20, with back-to-back performances from acclaimed European artists. At 7 PM, Sweden’s celebrated trio MUSICMUSICMUSIC (MMM) kicks off the evening. Formed in 2003, the group comprised of pianist Fabian Kallerdahl, drummer Michael Edlund, and bassist Josef Kallerdahl, has become a fixture in Swedish jazz. Known for their dynamic performances and fearless innovation, MMM has been described as “one of the most vitalizing music experiences to hit the jazz scene in years.”
Ending off Euro Night at 9:30 PM on Friday, June 20 is Dutch jazz vocalist and songwriter Henk Kraaijeveld. Coming from the Netherlands, Kraaijeveld occupies a unique place somewhere between the known and the unknown. He is one of the rare male vocalists that seek musical adventure, bringing together compelling music with poetic lyrics and surprising improvisations. The award-winning singer disarms his audience with his warm voice and natural playfulness on stage.
Closing out the week is the Canadian Jazz Showcase, a celebration of homegrown talent that highlights some of the country’s most exciting jazz voices. On Saturday, June 21, the Anthony D’Alessandro Quartet takes the stage, joined by acclaimed New York City trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III for a high-energy performance that blends modern flair with timeless swing. Then, on Sunday, June 22, the Lorraine Desmarais Trio presents a special Tribute to Bill Evans, honoring one of jazz piano’s most influential figures.
“Jazz at the Fort Garry is becoming synonymous with the best that jazz has to offer in Winnipeg, and this year’s festival lineup takes that to a new level,” said Jazz Winnipeg’s programming director Zachary Rushing. “From local artists stretching out to walk in the footsteps of giants, to premier Canadian and international acts demonstrating why this is such an exciting and varied music, this lineup has something for everyone.”
“Highlights are sure to include Brent Parkin regaling the audience with personal stories from his days of touring and sharing a bus with B.B. King as the legend’s opening act, a rare and intimate evening spent with Member of the Order of Canada recipient - and one of Canada’s most legendary women in jazz - Lorraine Desmarais, and the thrill of experiencing the progressive sounds of Euro jazz from the comfort of the basement at Fort Garry Hotel” says Rushing.
Known as the unofficial kick off to the summer festival season, the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival continues to be a celebration of musical diversity and unity, bringing together artists from across the globe and offering festival-goers an unforgettable experience. This year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with performances from these world-class artists who are sure to deliver unforgettable performances, each bringing their own unique sound and style to the stage.
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival tickets for Will Bonness, Brent Parkin, Zachary Rushing, MUSICMUSICMUSIC, Henk Kraaijeveld, the Anthony D’Alessandro Quartet feat. Benny Banack III, and the Lorraine Desmarais Trio are on sale now as of Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM on Showpass. Ticket prices are $32.70 (plus service fees).
Other announced headliners include Madeleine Peyroux, Jimmie Herrod and George Colligan, Richard Bona, and the new all-star trio consisting of Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez.
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About Jazz Winnipeg
Jazz Winnipeg is a charitable, non-profit organization promoting the art of jazz through concert presentations and community engagement including the annual Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Donations are tax deductible and gratefully accepted through our website at Jazz Winnipeg or at CanadaHelps.
