UJAM proudly presents the
UJAM Concert Series as part of our
The three evening concerts feature our amazing faculty, playing in a variety of jazz styles.
Shows are from 7:00-9:00 PM, August 13-15.
Tuesday, August 13th
U-JAM Summer Workshop Presents: Jennifer Scott and Emily Braden Double Bill
Buy Tickets:
Children 6 and under are free.
Location: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
MacLaurin Building, B-Wing, at the University of Victoria
Showtime: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Join us for an incredible evening showcasing two powerhouse vocalists featuring a double bill with Vancouver based Jennifer Scott and N.Y based Emily Braden!
Jennifer Scott will perform a set w. bassist Rene Worst to open the evening. They will be showcasing their range of inspirations drawing from everything from jazz to The Beatles and Brazilian music, this musical duo brings together their musical inspirations and experience, resulting in kinetic on-stage chemistry.
Emily Braden, “Winner of New York City's 'Best of the Best' Jazzmobile Vocal Competition," is a Idaho-born, Harlem-based vocalist that keeps her feet planted in the jazz tradition while fearlessly exploring the human voice and honing her skills as a songwriter. Emily has been described as “the sound of the new Harlem.” The signature sound of this magnetic performer is an effortless blend of jazz and soul.
Braden’s sophomore release Cannon & Sparrow is a vibrant collection of powerful originals and reimagined standards emphasising Braden’s vocal freedom and fresh and forward interpretation. Cannon & Sparrow confronts the truth that it is often the heaviest things in life that jolt us alive. Braden’s vocals shine and soar with an uplifting message of love and resilience in dark times.
This show will be followed by the U-JAM Summer Workshop Campers jam session.
Wednesday, August 14th
U-JAM Summer Workshop Presents: John Lee Trio
Ticket Options
Children 6 and under are free.
Location: Hermann's Jazz Club
753 View Street
Showtime: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The sound of the John Lee Trio bridges the gap between the past and the future of modern jazz; A collective true to the "straight ahead" sound with a contemporary improvisational approach on the repertoire of The Great American Songbook or compositions by a Jazz legend from the early 20th century.
Raised in Nanaimo BC, multi-instrumentalist John Lee remains one of the highest acclaimed jazz artists nationwide. Lee's experience as a sideman goes far beyond his years. Raised as a local of Vancouver Island, his early performing experiences were with Canadian artists such as Order of Canada recipient Phil Dwyer and internationally acclaimed Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. At age 19, Lee made his performance debut in the US with pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in New York City. Lee spent much of the early 2010's on the bandstand supporting visiting artists in Victoria BC where he performed with American pianists Larry Fuller, George Colligan and Misha Piatigorsky. Starting an association with internationally recognized Jazz saxophonist and impresario Cory Weeds in recent years, Lee was provided many opportunities to share the stage with the who's who of the Jazz world. Since 2017, Lee has performed with many world-class visiting artists in Vancouver BC, including Terell Stafford, Roy McCurdy, Ralph Moore, Grant Stewart, Jeremy Pelt, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Bernstein, Benny Benack III, Alexander Claffy, Mike LeDonne, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Michael Weiss, Dick Oatts, Jim Rotondi, Nicole Glover and Joe Magnarelli.
With the support of the Cellar Music Group, Lee recorded his first album, “The Artist,” in 2021 under the Cellar Live record label, featuring legendary Jazz drummer Carl Allen. His sophomore recording, “Second Wind,” featuring Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, is just released!
John Lee will perform one long set, and his show will be followed by the U-JAM Summer Workshop Campers jam session.
Watch John Lee Trio: https://www.youtube.com/live/8Fb78yyiBBQ
Thursday, August 15th
U-JAM Summer Workshop Presents: Barrie Sorensen and Dave Flello
Ticket Options
Children 6 and under are free.
Location: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
MacLaurin Building, B-Wing, at the University of Victoria
Showtime: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Miguelito Valdes - Trumpet
Barrie Sorensen - Saxophone
Hans Verhoeven - Drums
Attila Fias - Piano
Louis Rudner - Acoustic Bass
Get ready for an unforgettable night of sizzling Latin jazz fusion in Victoria!
On August 15th, join us for a world-class performance featuring an extraordinary Cuban trumpet maestro, Miguelito Valdes and virtuoso saxophonist, Barrie Sorensen, accompanied by a powerhouse rhythm section. This electrifying ensemble promises a vibrant evening filled with passionate melodies, infectious rhythms, and spellbinding solos. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience top-tier musicianship and the fiery spirit of Cuban jazz in an intimate setting. Grab your tickets and prepare to be swept off your feet!
Miguelito Valdes carries a rich history of performing with many of Cuba's top performers, including the Cabaret Tropicana Orquesta, Pablo Milanes, Isaac Delgado, Chucho Valdes, and has participated in award-winning recordings such as "La Rumba Soy Yo", which won a Latin Grammy in 2001. He has also played with important jazz musicians abroad, including Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Wayne Shorter, and many others. Since making Victoria his home, he has become very involved in the local music scene.”
Barrie Sorensen has recently performed and/or recorded with many artists, including: Sarah McLachlan, Jets Overhead, The Paperboys, Nick La Riviere and the Best Laid Plans, The Bluesland Horn Band, the Vancouver Island Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Damian Graham and the Best Guys in Town, Jens Lindemann, Frazey Ford, Cristian De La Luna, Attila Fias, Matt Stern, Jon Epworth, Maureen Washington, Mary Kastle, Diane Pancel, Edie Daponte, Heather Ferguson, Cities, Anthems, Lelolai Collective, Mostly Motown, Neon Jesus and the Midnights.
Originally from Prince Edward Island on the Canadian East Coast, some of his earlier musical highlights before moving to Victoria included performing as a member of the critically acclaimed Charlottetown Festival Orchestra, and being a two-time East Coast Music Award winner for Jazz Group of the Year with the band the Jive Kings.