The Inaugural Fundraising Gala Announced for the Edmonton Jazz Society

Roaring 20s costumes are encouraged at this sparkling evening, featuring outstanding musical performances, live and silent auctions, light fare from popular local eateries and a splash of burlesque. Join some of Edmonton's integral arts ambassadors as the Edmonton Jazz Society celebrates the history of the Yardbird Suite and showcases the fantastic upcoming year of jazz music in Edmonton.

Founded in 1957 by the Edmonton Jazz Society and operated entirely by volunteers the Yardbird Suite is the only facility of its kind in Canada.

Every weekend between the middle of September and the end of June a unique and innovative jazz experience unfolds in the Yardbird's casual and intimate atmosphere. In addition to averaging 75 concerts a season the Yardbird currently hosts weekly Tuesday night jam sessions, sponsors the Littlebirds Big Band, presents Jazz For Kids events, and hosts the Yardbird Festival of Canadian Jazz. All while providing rehearsal space for some of Edmonton's top musicians.

Yardbird Suite programming has enabled local musicians to play with luminaries of the jazz world and be broadcast nationally - in partnership with the CBC and Radio-Canada.

The Yardbird Suite has also been hailed as a Downbeat Magazine "Great Jazz Venue" multiple years running.

Featuring Food and Drink Supplied by Situation Brewing
A bar takeover featuring their Extrovert Red Ale and Page Turner IPA. One of their beer experts will be behind the bar offering information about beer and their craft brewery, a neighbour of the Yardbird Suite.

Culina To Go
Carefully crafted h'ors d'oeuvres inspired by the food of the Roaring Twenties.

Juniper Cafe & Bistro
Scrumptious finger foods prepared with love.

The Woodrack Cafe
Boho chic baked delectables. PERFORMANCES

Cocktail hour featuring solo guitar by Brett Hansen
6:30pm

Brett is an Edmonton based musician who exudes passion in his performance. Brett is an active member in the Edmonton music scene where he teaches and performs regularly with a number of groups, spanning multiple genres of music.

The Littlebirds Combo
7:15 pm

The Littlebirds Big Band started in 1990 as part of an education program run by the Yardbird Suite, the combo was started in 2010 as a separate group. The Littlebirds experience has a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Littlebirds members.

Featuring:
Sara Sierko, Trumpet
Joel Fenske, Trumpet
Jacob Rabuka, Tenor Saxophone
Kaleb Belcourt, Guitar
Simon Williams, Piano
Andrew Noga, Bass
Eamon van den Burg, Drums
Joel Gray, Director

Stephanie Urquhart Quartet
8:15 pm

Stephanie is a freelance pianist and composer with a Bachelors in Music from MacEwan University. She has been recognized for her compositions on an international level by the International Society of Jazz Composers and Arrangers. As a performer, she has toured across Canada performing for a wide range of ensembles and musicians.

Featuring:
Stephanie Urquhart, Piano
Brett Hansen, Guitar
Josh McHan, Bass
Ryan Pliska, Drums

Burlesque Performance by
Violette Coquette
9:50 pm

Violette Coquette is an international burlesque performer based out of Edmonton. "The Untouchable Tease", Violette evokes Golden Age glamour, and is known for her grace, musicality and contagious delight.

Violette is accompanied musically by Stephanie Urquhart and Mallory Chipman. -30- Times and Tickets

Doors 6:00 p.m.
General Admission:
CA$110.00+Fees (with $50 tax receipt)
Purchase a table for 4:
CA$400.00+Fees (with $160 tax receipt) For interviews and photos please contact
Joshua Semchuk Bottom Line Productions
780.975.0864

Sponsorship opportunities are listed here.

The Yardbird Suite is still seeking donations of live and silent auction items.

Purchase Legacy Passes
$1,000 ($700 tax receipt) includes an all-access pass for one season.

Funds go directly towards establishing a Legacy Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation that is specifically focused at building ongoing sustainability. The first 15 passes sold are part of the "First to Ten," an esteemed group of donors whose contributions make up the first $10,000 needed to launch the fund. These individuals will be honoured on a plaque in the Yardbird Suite lobby.

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