Events at this location

Big Hank’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas Big Hank has been touring his Blues Christmas Show for 12 years now and this unique, program of blues-basted Yuletide
tunes is one that has left audiences drenched in the Christmas spirit and coming back for more when the next holiday season rolls around.

Touring from Vancouver Island to the prairies this Christmas show has consistently tied together a variety of classic blues styles, some r&b and a touch of soul. Tunes from the books of Big Joe Turner, Charles Brown, Etta James and Louis Jordan also find their way into the festive mix that has received rave reviews.

The Smokin Hot Toasters are Big Hank Lionhart – vocals, Steve Cross – guitar, Mick
Woodhouse – bass, Matt Pease – drums, Steve Ranta – keys, Paul Wainwright – sax, Jerry Cook – sax

The Heavy Hitters descend on Vancouver for what promises to be an unforgettable four-night run!  Co-leaders Mike LeDonne – piano and Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone have put together an all star band featuring alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on the front line aided by backline support from Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums.

Using bebop as but a base, they lunge through atmospheric flights of tight ensemble playing and fluid soloing they created one of the year’s best jazz albums, The Heavy Hitters on Cellar Music.

This four night run is not only a celebration of that release but the band will debut a series of new compositions that will be recorded live at the club for its second releases in mid 2024.

The sextet project began with the express intention of emulating some of their jazz heroes, with a modern-day twist. “It’s not to look back, but to say ‘this is still relevant because this is happening right now. It’s pretty much what we’ve been doing our whole lives,” the group says about their philosophical approach to tradition. There are various nods to that history, from track titles referencing various jazz titans, to the album art, which evokes Reid Miles’ classic Blue Note graphics. “And of course, we got to record it at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio,” they add. “It’s a place we’re so lucky to still have up and running, and that is putting out the same great sound we’ve loved all these years. To us it’s a true ‘jazz’ sound.”

Don’t miss out on what will be THE jazz event in Vancouver in 2023!

Mike LeDonne – piano, Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone, Vincent Herring – alto saxophone, Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums

The Heavy Hitters descend on Vancouver for what promises to be an unforgettable four-night run!  Co-leaders Mike LeDonne – piano and Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone have put together an all star band featuring alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on the front line aided by backline support from Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums.

Using bebop as but a base, they lunge through atmospheric flights of tight ensemble playing and fluid soloing they created one of the year’s best jazz albums, The Heavy Hitters on Cellar Music.

This four night run is not only a celebration of that release but the band will debut a series of new compositions that will be recorded live at the club for its second releases in mid 2024.

The sextet project began with the express intention of emulating some of their jazz heroes, with a modern-day twist. “It’s not to look back, but to say ‘this is still relevant because this is happening right now. It’s pretty much what we’ve been doing our whole lives,” the group says about their philosophical approach to tradition. There are various nods to that history, from track titles referencing various jazz titans, to the album art, which evokes Reid Miles’ classic Blue Note graphics. “And of course, we got to record it at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio,” they add. “It’s a place we’re so lucky to still have up and running, and that is putting out the same great sound we’ve loved all these years. To us it’s a true ‘jazz’ sound.”

Don’t miss out on what will be THE jazz event in Vancouver in 2023!

Mike LeDonne – piano, Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone, Vincent Herring – alto saxophone, Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums

The Heavy Hitters descend on Vancouver for what promises to be an unforgettable four-night run!  Co-leaders Mike LeDonne – piano and Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone have put together an all star band featuring alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on the front line aided by backline support from Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums.

Using bebop as but a base, they lunge through atmospheric flights of tight ensemble playing and fluid soloing they created one of the year’s best jazz albums, The Heavy Hitters on Cellar Music.

This four night run is not only a celebration of that release but the band will debut a series of new compositions that will be recorded live at the club for its second releases in mid 2024.

The sextet project began with the express intention of emulating some of their jazz heroes, with a modern-day twist. “It’s not to look back, but to say ‘this is still relevant because this is happening right now. It’s pretty much what we’ve been doing our whole lives,” the group says about their philosophical approach to tradition. There are various nods to that history, from track titles referencing various jazz titans, to the album art, which evokes Reid Miles’ classic Blue Note graphics. “And of course, we got to record it at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio,” they add. “It’s a place we’re so lucky to still have up and running, and that is putting out the same great sound we’ve loved all these years. To us it’s a true ‘jazz’ sound.”

Don’t miss out on what will be THE jazz event in Vancouver in 2023!

Mike LeDonne – piano, Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone, Vincent Herring – alto saxophone, Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums

*please note this evening will be 1 – 90 minute set starting at 6:30

The Heavy Hitters descend on Vancouver for what promises to be an unforgettable four-night run!  Co-leaders Mike LeDonne – piano and Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone have put together an all star band featuring alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on the front line aided by backline support from Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums.

Using bebop as but a base, they lunge through atmospheric flights of tight ensemble playing and fluid soloing they created one of the year’s best jazz albums, The Heavy Hitters on Cellar Music.

This four night run is not only a celebration of that release but the band will debut a series of new compositions that will be recorded live at the club for its second releases in mid 2024.

The sextet project began with the express intention of emulating some of their jazz heroes, with a modern-day twist. “It’s not to look back, but to say ‘this is still relevant because this is happening right now. It’s pretty much what we’ve been doing our whole lives,” the group says about their philosophical approach to tradition. There are various nods to that history, from track titles referencing various jazz titans, to the album art, which evokes Reid Miles’ classic Blue Note graphics. “And of course, we got to record it at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio,” they add. “It’s a place we’re so lucky to still have up and running, and that is putting out the same great sound we’ve loved all these years. To us it’s a true ‘jazz’ sound.”

Don’t miss out on what will be THE jazz event in Vancouver in 2023!

Mike LeDonne – piano, Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone, Vincent Herring – alto saxophone, Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Alexander Claffy – bass and Kenny Washington – drums

*please note this evening will be 1 – 90 minute set starting at 6:30

Our sets include unique and exciting interpretations of standards, a dash of uptempo swing, possibly an arrangement of a Radiohead tune and if the atmosphere is right, an entertaining and memorable solo hi-hat performance.

With Reuben Spyker – drums, Stephen Edwards – bass, Winston Matsushita – piano.

Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack had some of the biggest duets & hits of the seventies. Who could forget You’ve Got A Friend & Where Is The Love? Luther Vandross’  hit songs like Never Too Much, Superstar & House Is Not A Home created many romantic nights of baby making magic.

With Anthony Anderson -guitar, Tilden Web – keyboards, Nino Dipasquale – drums, James Huumo – bass, Mike Henry & Tiffany Revera – vocals.

JUNO Award-winning jazz guitarist Oliver Gannon has been plying his tasteful, expressive trade in Vancouver and around the world for over four decades. An admirer of players like Wes Montgomery and Horace Silver, he teams up here with pianist MILES BLACK, bassist JODI PROZNICK and drummer Craig Scott for well-chosen standards and cooking bebop

Tenor saxophonist Mike Allen brings his “stunning, smooth, smokey tone” (Planet Jazz) and “a style that is fresh and vital” (Jazz Journal International) to a weekend of soulful swinging standards and original music. “Mike Allen’s world is well worth a visit” (The Jazz Report).

With Oliver Gannon – guitar, Miles Black – piano, John Lee – bass and Julian MacDonough – drums.

Tenor saxophonist Mike Allen brings his “stunning, smooth, smokey tone” (Planet Jazz) and “a style that is fresh and vital” (Jazz Journal International) to a weekend of soulful swinging standards and original music. “Mike Allen’s world is well worth a visit” (The Jazz Report).

With Oliver Gannon – guitar, Miles Black – piano, John Lee – bass and Julian MacDonough – drums.

Urban Chaos:  Nick Adema leads an Amsterdam group that challenges the notions of our urban cityscape, yearning for a pragmatic future. Original in nature, the compositions offer moments of consistent dissonance, uniform chaos and melodic clarity. The players carry out the vision of this ensemble with clever intent, and meaningful dialogue, featuring: Nick Adema – trombone, Noah Preminger – tenor saxophone, Joy Shechter – piano, Azubike Onuwaka – electric bass. Chen Har Evan – drums.

Individually, the members of Blues Hoodoo have their own sparks of self-expression and creativity; collectively, they are a sizzling, entertaining quintet. Along with tasteful cover tunes from the masters – Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and The Brecker Brothers to name a few – the band features original material that showcases its tightness, musical expressiveness and harmonic adventure. Konrad Breuers (guitars), Ron Wells (drums), Shawn Stewart (bass), Stu Young (keyboards), Ian Putz (saxophone).

A Maple Blues Awards nominee, guitarist, songwriter and singer Arsen Shomakhov is an electric blues performer truly dedicated to the style’s roots yet never hesitating to borrow means of expression from other genres. Arsen will be performing with Jerry Cook (saxophone), Billy Mendoza (bass) and Chip Hart (drums).

The Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra is delighted to return to Frankie’s Jazz Club!

JTJO performs sparkling compositions and delectable arrangements crafted by Jill Townsend and Bill Coon which embrace the unique and dynamic sound of the orchestra. Join us for an enchanting evening of big sounds, original compositions and fresh takes on familiar standards. Check out the superb soloists including Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Cory Weeds, Bill Coon, Dave Robbins, Dennis Esson, Bill Runge, Jon Bentley and many more.

Montreal musicians Adrian Vedady (double bass) and Kate Wyatt (piano) have been performing and recording together for the last 2 decades. This past summer they toured the Canadian jazzfest circuit playing 12 concerts with stops across the country including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. They have performed and recorded with recognized artists like Marc Copland, Ravi Coltrane, Sheila Jordan, Peter Bernstein, Jay Clayton, Dave Liebman and Ingrid Jensen. Joining them at Frankie’s will be Steve Kaldestad – tenor saxophone) and Jesse Cahill – drums. On the program: music by Monk, Strayhorn, Shorter and the American Popular songbook.

Our music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930’s Paris France, but beyond that it’s all pure blue-skying; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity, featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mash-ups wearing their eclectic influences in full regalia. Since the group’s formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in

With Cameron Wilson – violin, Budge Schachte – guitar, Finn Manniche – cello and Brent Gubbels – bass

Max Huberdeau is a Vancouver-based jazz pianist, drummer and composer. He has performed extensively around western Canada with a variety of artists, including many of Vancouver’s finest jazz musicians. His playing and writing takes particular inspiration from soulful and lyrical pianists such as Keith Jarrett and Aaron Parks. He is excited to bring to Frankie’s a program of intriguing original compositions (some of which can be heard on an upcoming trio record) and canny arrangements of classic jazz repertoire. He is honored to be joined by a crack squadron of local talents: Joe Poole on drums, Andrew Skepasts on guitar, and Dan Howard on bass.

One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today makes his first LEADER apperance in Vancouver.  No stranger to Vancouver Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing.  Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

Joining Farnsworth will be rising star, alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. Recently named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s 30 under 30 Youngbloods. The series features “five up-and-coming jazz geniuses who are revolutionizing their genre” – all of whom are under the age of 30. arah is a graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music where she received her Bachelors degree in 2019, as well as The Juilliard School where she received her Masters degree in 2022. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the greats of our time including Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary.

With Tilden Webb – piano and John Lee – bass

One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today makes his first LEADER apperance in Vancouver.  No stranger to Vancouver Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing.  Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

Joining Farnsworth will be rising star, alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. Recently named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s 30 under 30 Youngbloods. The series features “five up-and-coming jazz geniuses who are revolutionizing their genre” – all of whom are under the age of 30. arah is a graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music where she received her Bachelors degree in 2019, as well as The Juilliard School where she received her Masters degree in 2022. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the greats of our time including Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary.

With Tilden Webb – piano and John Lee – bass

Zappostrophe’ is a Vancouver-based 8-piece band, playing favourites and lesser-known works from Frank Zappa’s eclectic recordings. We are excited to return to Frankie’s Jazz Club. Our shows include a variety of Zappa’s music – from favourites like Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow and Montana to Doo-wop from the ‘Ruben and the Jets’ album, with some high energy instrumentals to keep things interesting.

Sean Fyfe is a Canadian jazz pianist who has lived and performed professionally in New
York and London. He has appeared on recordings with Sam Kirmayer (In This Moment, 2022, Opening Statement, 2017) and Al McLean (Conduit, featuring Azar Lawrence, 2014) as well as releases as a leader (Late Night, 2022) and (Stepping Stones, 2024). He has toured across Canada, and has performed at notable London venues, including Piano Bar Soho and
Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as notable North American venues including New York’s Smalls,
Mezzrow, Fat Cat, and Canada’s Yardbird Suite, Upstairs Jazz Club, Dièse Onze, Frankie’s,
Hermann’s Jazz Club and the TD Victoria Jazz Fest.
Sean holds a graduate degree from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied
privately under pianists Jeremy Manasia and Garry Dial. He also holds an undergraduate
degree from McGill University, where he studied privately under pianists Andre White and
Joshua Rager. Sean is active on the music scenes in New York, London and Montreal, and has worked with a number of American musicians including Evan Sherman, Alex Claffy and Joe Farnsworth, some of Canada’s top musicians such as Andre White, Dave Laing, Adrian Vedady and Sam Kirmayer, as well as UK based musicians Dave O’Higgins, Matt Fishwick, Jeremy Brown and Alex Garnett. Sean’s playing draws heavily on the music of Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly and Cedar Walton.

With Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone, John Lee – bass and Jesse Cahill – drums

Sam Ellington has been singing, acting, tap dancing and drumming since he was eleven years old, and has performed at various venues around the world, from his hometown of Vancouver Canada, to as far away as Zermatt Switzerland.  Sam is an energetic and soulful performer, well versed in classic pop repertoire as well as R&B and jazz standards.

He’s joined tonight by the Benjamin Millman Quartet, featuring Benjamin Millman – keys, Alvin Brendan on guitar, Wynston Minckler on bass and Karl Dejong on Drums.

In 1990 Bill’s first quintet, “The Creatures of Habit” won the Grand Prix at the CBC-Alcan Jazz Competition in Montreal. Recordings with Jerry Granelli, Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra, Jim Byrnes, K-os, Long John Baldry, Tower Of Power Horns, VEJI, Powder Blues, & Hard Rubber Orchestra. Live shows with The Funk Bros., Frank Sinatra Jr., Michael Feinstein, the VSO, Colin James, Arturo Sandoval, Natalie Cole, & Heart. Bill’s last CD; “A Tribute to the South American Masters” was released in 2006.

With: Jon Bentley – tenor saxophone, Chris Gestrin – organ, Joe Poole – drums, Tristan Paxton, guitar

Jalen Baker is a strong, authentic voice in jazz vibraphone, building on the legacies of Stefon Harris, Steve Nelson and Joe Locke, while twisting the instrument’s idiosyncrasies to fit with his burgeoning musical personality. His debut album, ‘This Is Me, This Is Us’ (produced by mentor Ulysses Owens Jr., and praised for the “faultless execution” by Jazz Journal) dropped in September 2021, and wove themes of spirituality, trauma and political action into a cohesive, tightly-wrapped whole. But the period following his debut release was far from cohesive for Baker. He had coincidentally moved back to Houston a few months prior to the Covid outbreak, and the pandemic elongated his stay. After returning for the first time in seven years, he found a sense of grounding and purpose in his hometown — something he attributes to being surrounded by family. All this change would shift his mindset on how to balance his life and career.

His latest effort ‘Be Still’ on Cellar Music was released in July, 2023 as part of Cellar Music’s series of recordings highlighting Black artists.  The album is about reflection and new beginnings.  In Baker’s words “So many things in my life have changed over the last few years and I wanted this album to feature music that represented my growth as a human as well as some songs that inspired me at the beginning of my musical journey.”

Baker tours the world as a member of trumpeter and producer of ‘Be Still’, Jeremy Pelt’s band all while starting to secure work for his own band.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the finest young talents in jazz.

With Samuel Reid – piano, Gabe Godoy – bass, and Gavin Moolchan- drums

Vanisha Gould came to New York in 2015 from Simi Valley, California. Inspired by artists like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Joni Mitchell, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald, she has successfully curated her own sound as a composer and band leader. Performing originals and music from the Great American Songbook on several groundbreaking stages both in New York and overseas, she aspires to continue sharing her voice with audiences in New York and beyond.

Gould is excited to bring her band to Vancouver where she will perform original music that will appear on her first solo album titled ‘She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth’. The album will be recorded in Vancouver after this performance. The music you will hear is new and recently conceived “Demure” is a song she wrote for her inner child. The child that shrinks to make sure those in her surroundings are comfortable, making sure her light does not over power those around her. As an adult her mindset has shifted drastically. Gould’s goal is no longer to serve the feelings of others but to serve “this music that I love”. This upcoming album is an ode to the acceptance of her flaws, and the pain that comes with growing into one’s self.

As heavy as it all may seem, Vanisha truly believes we’ll all have fun. With world class musicians, we know we will!

with Chris McCarthy – piano, John Sims – bass

Steve Kozak has built a reputation as one of Canada’s premier Blues artists. This Maple Blues Award winning Blues-man has spent decades absorbing and applying the styles and chops of the masters from Memphis to Texas and New Orleans to Chicago. Twice nominated for a WCMA as Blues Artist of The Year the Steve Kozak Band features Steve Kozak, guitar and vocals, Peter Van Deursen, piano and organ, Trevor Newman, bass and Darrell Mayes on drums.

Saul Berson is a native of Vancouver whose burnished tone has made him one Vancouver’s most sought-after alto saxophone players. He has performed throughout Canada, Europe, the Mid-east and South Africa releasing 5 CD’s in the process, two of which have been nominated for Canadian Music awards. Saul’s bright playful sound in the bebop styles of Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley coupled with this hard grooving rhythm section, make for a great evening of music!

With Winston Matsushita – piano, Conrad Good – bass and Buff Allen – drums

Born in Oklahoma, Champian is considered one of the most gifted pure Jazz musicians of her generation. She grew up with music in the home; her mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized her fascination with music at an early age. The presence of her father’s musician friends, including Clark Terry and Major Holley, inspired her focus on Jazz. A mainstay on the vibrant New York Jazz scene, she has performed with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Scott Hamilton, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Champian’s swinging style and charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of Jazz. Champian’s heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

With Cory Weeds – saxophone, Russ Botten – bass and Joe Poole – drums

Born in Oklahoma, Champian is considered one of the most gifted pure Jazz musicians of her generation. She grew up with music in the home; her mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized her fascination with music at an early age. The presence of her father’s musician friends, including Clark Terry and Major Holley, inspired her focus on Jazz. A mainstay on the vibrant New York Jazz scene, she has performed with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Scott Hamilton, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Champian’s swinging style and charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of Jazz. Champian’s heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

With Cory Weeds – saxophone, Russ Botten – bass and Joe Poole – drums