AFTER DARK: JEN HODGE ALL STARS

Jen Hodge is a bass player, vocalist, bandleader, tuba player, and arranger. She originally hails from the Comox Valley, spent 17 years living and gigging in Vancouver, and relocated to New York City in the Fall of 2019. Jen’s playing is characterized by hard swinging grooves, an expressive and energetic playing style, and an evident, infectious love for making music. Her steadfast bass playing and consummate professionalism have taken her to stages all over Canada, the USA, China, Spain, France, the UK, Sweden, and the Caribbean. Before her move to NYC, Jen played a significant role in cultivating a traditional jazz and swing community in Vancouver, leading a popular weekly gig at Guilt & Co for 9 years where seasoned musicians jammed, young musicians learned the ropes, and dancers tore up the floor. She has released 3 full-length albums with her Jen Hodge All Stars project, the latest 2 of which – The Girl in the Groove (2020) and All’s Fair in Love and Jazz (2018) – received radio airplay, enjoyed press, and appeared on top ten jazz album charts throughout North America.

Since she last appeared in Vancouver, Jen has performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, Birdland, Austin City Limits, and Levon Helm Studios; participated in a culturally immersive trip to Louisiana Cajun country; shared a bass with Ron Carter for a day at the Northampton Jazz Festival; and recorded a television segment for PBS Kids with Grammy-winning children’s artist Lucy Kalantari. She can’t wait to bring the inspiration from all these experiences back to Vancouver to share with the hometown crowd!