JAZZ WINNIPEG ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINER OF THE 2025 TD WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
The TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival brings new trio from GRAMMY Award-winning banjo virtuoso, Béla Fleck, to the Burton Cummings Theatre on June 17, 2025.
(January 29, 2025 - Winnipeg, MB) Jazz Winnipeg is thrilled to unveil the first headliner for the 2025 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, taking place June 17-22, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Kicking off the festival on Tuesday, June 17 at the Burton Cummings Theatre is an unforgettable evening with the new all-star trio of Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez featuring instrumentation that might safely be called uncommon. Unless, of course, you’re already familiar with 18-time Grammy-winner Fleck — the genre-blurring virtuoso who has done more to expand the possibilities of the banjo than any other player in the instrument’s history. From his bluegrass beginnings through his otherworldly Flecktones, his duo with Chick Corea and his reimagining of Rhapsody in Blue, Fleck’s work never fails to surprise. His new trio includes two of the most gifted musicians of their generation: harpist Edmar Casteñada, and 5-time Grammy-winning drummer Antonio Sánchez.
Playing original repertoire, much of it collaboratively written, this trio embarks nightly on fearless explorations that audiences will find irresistible — rich with strong melodies, gorgeous harmony and grooves that twist and turn while feeling fantastic.
“Béla Fleck is one of the most exciting musicians working today. His ability to transcend musical barriers of genre, period, or geographic origin to create music that speaks directly to the humanity of his audiences makes him one of the truly remarkable artists of our time,’ said Zachary Rushing, director of programming, Jazz Winnipeg. “Fans of the highest calibre music of any kind, be advised - this is a legendary performer making some of the most exciting music of their career, and a once-in-a-lifetime show that is not to be missed!”
"Jazz festivals are more than music—they're moments that unite us as a community. We're thrilled to announce the first headliner for this year's TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival: featuring world-class artists who embody the spirit of innovation and connection that jazz represents,” said Angela Heck, executive producer, Jazz Winnipeg.” Festivals like this are vital to Winnipeg, breathing life into downtown, fostering creativity, and bringing people together through the universal language of music. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!"
Known as the unofficial kick-off to the summer festival season, free programming at The Cube Stage in Old Market Square will continue to be a defining feature of the annual festival, along with top-tier Canadian and international artists at venues throughout the city.
The show takes place at the Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith Street, Winnipeg, Tickets are $61.95 - $77.70 (+fees) and available at Ticketmaster. Tickets go on-sale to the general public on Wednesday, January 29 at 10am.
Jazz Winnipeg gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Canadian Heritage, Manitoba Arts Council, Winnipeg Arts Council, The Winnipeg Foundation, Richardson Foundation, and the commitment of our title sponsor, TD.
###
For media inquiries, please contact:
Meredith Liu, Marketing & Communications Manager
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 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Donations are tax deductible and gratefully accepted through our website at Jazz Winnipeg or at CanadaHelps.
