JAZZ WINNIPEG ANNOUNCES 2026 TD WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE UP
Prepare for sunny days and sultry nights as the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival invites audiences to ‘Groove Together’ with a program of unique musical experiences to discover
(April 1, 2026 - Winnipeg, MB) April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and to kick it off Jazz Winnipeg is proud to announce its full festival line-up for the 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, happening June 16-21, 2026 at venues throughout Winnipeg.
Featuring 50 artists from 8 countries, Jazz Winnipeg’s 35th festival remains a place to discover and celebrate a rich, diverse tapestry of music. From fiery Latin rhythms to swinging standards and sophisticated sounds, this year’s festival shines a spotlight on the myriad styles and histories that shape jazz as a unique art form.
Key highlights include two additional marquee shows Molly Johnson and Soul Supreme Live in Concert: A D’Angelo Tribute joining previously announced headlining artists Miles Electric Band and Jason Marsalis, while an international roster of talent takes the stage at Fort Garry Hotel. A special collaboration with Winnipeg Folk Festival launches a new project from an audience favourite and Old Market Square will be in full swing for a full six days with a lineup that is sure to get folks grooving.
“For our 35th festival, we’re going to ‘groove together’ in downtown Winnipeg with artists that represent the depth and breadth of what’s exciting in the contemporary jazz world,” said Jazz Winnipeg’s executive director Angela Heck. “For me, the festival has always been a place to discover exciting sounds that ignite new sensations, inspiration, and collective experiences. There’s an increased emphasis on international artists, informed in part by our engagement with the European jazz scene in these past few years. Zachary Rushing and our programming advisory team have curated a sensational roster of artists that bring new artists and exciting experiences to the 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival stage.”
”Most of these are special one-night-only performances, and every act has been curated to offer something truly unique,” says Zachary Rushing, artistic director. “There’s everything from high-level, straight-ahead jazz played by living legends, to performances at the cutting edge of musical innovation by boundary breaking up and comers. There are new projects created specifically for the festival on every stage, there’s phenomenal dance and groove music on the Old Market Square lineup, and there are acts coming from around the globe to share their talents. Whatever your particular flavor of jazz is - you’ll find it here. This program is a knockout - you don’t have to ask, which show is good…every one is fantastic. Come and discover something unforgettable!”
ON THE MARQUEE
On Wednesday, June 17, Winnipeg’s premier R&B music collective - Soul Supreme - bring their signature purple lights to the Burton Cummings Theatre for Soul Supreme Live in Concert: A D’Angelo Tribute, celebrating one of R&B and soul’s most influential artists. Curated by Keisha Booker, the night includes a stacked lineup of performers, a twelve-piece live band, and an immersive sonic journey through the grooves and melodies that defined an era.
That same evening, Molly Johnson, one of Canada’s greatest voices, will grace the stage at Desautels Concert Hall with her long standing trio of Robi Botos, Mike Downes, and Davide Di Renzo to feature new music from an upcoming spring release on Universal Records. This performance is presented with the support of The Asper Foundation.
On Friday, June 19, the youngest son of the first family of jazz - vibraphonist and drummer Jason Marsalis - brings his quartet to the Desautels Concert Hall for an evening of joyful New Orleans style swing. The evening begins with an opening set from jazz manouche devotees Swing de mes rêves. This performance is presented with the generous support of Michael Nesbitt.
Celebrate our closing night - and Father’s Day - on Sunday, June 21 at the Burton Cummings Theatre with Miles Electric Band: Celebrating 100 Years of Miles Davis. Endorsed by the Miles Davis Estate, and led by his nephew, Vincent Wilburn Jr., this is far from a tribute show: this all star ensemble is a continuation and expansion of the legacy of Miles Davis’s electric era. Featuring a cast of Miles Davis band alumni joined by Keyon Harrold and DJ Logic, this explosive show is not to be missed. French duo NoSax NoClar opens the evening with a unique set of woodwind duets.
JAZZ AT THE FORT GARRY - Club Series is Classic and New
Starting June 16, two special series bring music - both classic and new - to The Club Room at Fort Garry Hotel.
For two nights, Jazz Winnipeg revives one of our most requested series with the Spirit of ‘76. Featuring live performances of celebrated albums from 50 years ago, Erin Propp and Larry Roy play Joni Mitchell’s Hejira on Tuesday, June 16 and Sir Luc and The Dukes play Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life on Wednesday, June 17.
From June 18-21, audiences at The Club Room can take a tour through musical styles and countries with the International Jazz Showcase featuring artists from Canada, USA, France, Denmark, Iceland, and Spain.
On Thursday, June 18, discover groundbreaking pop-jazz with USA’s breakthrough sensation Elysia Biro and jam out to progressive jazz rock with Iceland’s long standing ensemble, ADHD. On Friday, June 19 the leading voices of Canadian women in jazz share their stories through The Ostara Project, and Spanish/Canadian duo Albert Marquès & Rachel Therrien perform works from their two new records, Dialogues Vol. 1 & Vol. 2.
On Saturday, June 20, Denmark’s vocalist/upright-bassist extraordinaire Kristin Korb presents a jazz program celebrating the music of Eurythmics, and Jean Michel Pilc Trio demonstrates why they are one of Canada’s most unique and inventive small groups. The series wraps up Sunday, June 21 exploring the nostalgic sounds of USA-based, Winnipeg-born Curtis Nowosad’s Noisy World, followed by the explosive trombone and electro-acoustic whirlwind of French prodigy Robinson Khoury - MŸA.
SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS
A special co-presentation with the Winnipeg Folk Festival occurs Thursday, June 18 at the West End Cultural Centre. A special trio show from The Cat Empire: "Riebl Tedesco McGill”, is a new collaborative project bringing together three of Australia’s most accomplished and genre-defying musicians for a special show of original works and arrangements including moments from The Cat Empire’s rich catalogue.
The Highschool Honour Band program returns June 15 at the Desautels Concert Hall. A collaboration between the Juno-award winning Jazz Winnipeg Orchestra and Jazz Winnipeg, this program provides an opportunity for high school students to learn from visiting artists and perform in connection with the annual jazz festival.
On Saturday, June 20, Jazz Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Art Gallery will host a free afternoon event, “In Her Element: A Conversation with Women in Music”. This far-ranging discussion is an opportunity to hear directly from some of the amazing talent at the festival. Gain insight into the music and careers of The Ostara Project, Salin, and Kristin Korb with host, Angela Heck, Executive Director, Jazz Winnipeg.
FREE STAGE AT OLD MARKET SQUARE - GROOVIN’ TOGETHER
We’re thrilled to be back at Old Market Square in downtown Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District for six days of free outdoor programming delivering the best of local, national, and international talent. Food and beverage vendors and a local Maker’s Market round out an experience suitable for all ages. Last year’s attendance topped 27,000 with five days of programming.
Old Market Square opening hours:
Tuesday, June 16 4:30 - midnight
Wednesday, June 17 4:30 - midnight
Thursday, June 18 4:30 - midnight
Friday, June 19 4:00 - 1:00 AM
Saturday, June 20 4:00 - 1:00 AM
Sunday, June 21 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, June 16 is a night for lovers of swing featuring Danny Carroll Trio, The Winnipeg Swing Project, Stephane Wrembel, Cool Jazz Returns, and the University of Manitoba Jazz Orchestra.
On Wednesday, June 17 the groove gets deep with The Sun Runner, NYOH, Vox Populi, Bluebloods x CJ the Grey, and SHEBAD.
Things take a global turn on Thursday, June 18 with Fractures, Charley Rose Trio, DJABE, Dr Henry Band, and Casimiro Nhussi and the NAfro Band.
Our annual Latin night happens Friday, June 19 with Diogo Peixoto Group, Trio Los Laureles, Brazilian Beats, Papa Mambo, Son D’Arranke, and Curubandé.
Women in jazz are featured on Saturday, June 20 with Jovelle, Karly Epp + Karl Kohut, MA:Q, GeminiCrab, Salin, and Kelly Bado.
Got the Sunday blues? Us too, with an all blues lineup on Sunday, June 21 featuring Tracy K & Jamie Steinhoff, D.B. & The Deadbeats, Blue Noise and Irvin Miller.
TICKETS - TICKETS ON SALE AT 12 NOON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Tickets for Miles Electric Band and Soul Supreme at the Burton Cummings Theatre are available on Ticketmaster.ca.
Tickets for Molly Johnson, and Jason Marsalis, at the Desautels Concert Hall, and Fort Garry Hotel shows are available on Showpass.
WHERE TO LISTEN: Hear the 2026 festival artist playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S LOOK
This year we asked the incredible team at @tetrodesign to capture the spirit of the festival in two parts - one that speaks to sunny days in Old Market Square, and one that captures sultry nights out at a show - and they knocked it out of the park!
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.
Jazz Winnipeg gratefully acknowledges the support of Canadian Heritage, Manitoba Arts Council, Winnipeg Arts Council, The Asper Foundation, presenting patron Michael Nesbitt, Richardson Foundation and festival sponsors Tetro Design, Winnipeg Free Press, BellMedia, UMFM, Manitoba Film and Music, Exchange District Biz, Manitoba Music, St. John’s Music and the commitment of our title sponsor, TD.
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PHOTOS AVAILABLE here.
For more information, contact:
Angela Heck
Executive Director
angela@jazzwinnipeg.com
204.960.4325
Zachary Rushing
zachary@jazzwinnipeg.com
204.557.6937
