Hot Air's picks for 2018 Vancouver Jazz Fest
From clubs to concert halls to city parks, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival features over 300 concerts at 35 venues.
Hot Air host Margaret Gallagher shines a spotlight on some of the hot tickets at the 10-day festival.
GoGo Penguin, June 22, 8 p.m., Performance Works
The Manchester-based piano trio draws from jazz, rock, video games and electronica to create a dreamy sound that promoted to New York Times to name them one of the best bands at SXSW 2017.
Kamasi Washington, June 24, 8 p.m, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
LA-based sax giant has been called "the jazz voice of Black Lives Matter" and has taken his genre-defying sound from jazz clubs to Coachella. His hotly anticipated new album Heaven and Earth was just released this week.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra w/Rumba Calzada, 8 p.m., June 25, Vogue Theatre
This double bill is a dancer's delight, as organizers clear the front row of the theatre to make room for fans of the New York salsa band, led by acclaimed pianist Oscar Hernandez. Vancouver's own Rumba Calzada is also a crowd favourite.
Peggy Lee's Echo Painting, June 25, 9:30 p.m., The Ironworks
Vancouver-based cellist Peggy Lee is "an absolute treasure," says John Orysik of Coastal Jazz, thanks to her ability to compose and play everything from "the fiercest improvisations to the most exquisite melodies." She's also a great talent scout, which is why Coastal Jazz commissioned her "Echo Painting" project, which brings together some of Vancouver's most interesting improvisors.
Russell Malone Quartet, June 26, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Pyatt Hall
One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Russell Malone has worked with Sonny Rollins, Harry Connick Jr, Dianne Reeves and Diana Krall. He brings his quartet and his newest album Time for the Dancers to the festival.
PJ Perry Quintet, June 27, 8 p.m. Frankie's Jazz Club
This Canadian jazz legend has been on the scene since 1958 and continues to make great new music. His lyrical playing has earned him seven National Jazz Awards for Saxophonist of the Year and he's joined by a topnotch band for this outing.
Macy Gray, June 28, 8 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Multi-platinum Grammy Award Winner Macy Gray is known for her raspy, soulful voice, which draws inspiration from Billie Holiday. She's expected to preview some material from her upcoming new album, Ruby.
Hard Rubber Orchestra feat. Sal Ferrares, June 30, 8 p.m., Performance Works
John Korsrud's adventurous 18-piece orchestra teams up with master percussionist Sal Ferrares for the world premiere of a new concerto for piano and jazz orchestra Montreal pianist Marianne Trudel.
