Jazz Originals: Celebrating The Blues

Join us in our art deco jewel for an evening of jazz music from Canada’s best jazz musicians!

Join host Karen Thornton for a mesmerizing night of Jazz-Infused Blues, where classic blues tradition meets sophisticated jazz artistry. Featuring talented local performers Michael Dunston, Carlos Del Junco, and Jesse O’Brien , delivering inspired interpretations of legendary artists Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Robert Cray, Big Mama Thornton, and Ray Charles.

Experience the perfect fusion of smoky blues soul and improvised jazz brilliance—where every note tells a story and every performance captures the raw emotion and refined musicianship that defines this timeless genre.

MICHAEL DUNSTON brings a rare depth of emotion to his music, channeling the rich history of male R&B vocals. With a honeyed voice and boundless energy, he’s a standout performer, having recorded for Atlantic Records and portrayed Bo Diddley in Mr. Rock n’ Roll: The Allan Freed Story . His latest EP, My Love , features tracks like “Soul Revolution,” a funky anthem for a soul revival, and the smooth ballads “Turn the Lights Down Low” and “My Love.”

CARLOS DEL JUNCO has toured many parts of the globe and is considered one the world’s top diatonic harmonica players. He’s released 7 solo (band) CDs and 3 duo collaborative CDs. A dynamic live performer, he’s played virtually every major blues, folk and jazz festival in Canada. In addition to two JUNO nominations, del Junco won two gold medals for both blues and jazz categories at the Hohner World Harmonica Championships in 1993 in Germany. Playing a ten hole diatonic harmonica, Carlos has developed the unique ability to play chromatically by using an “overblow” technique. He’s is one of the few pioneers of this overblow method, bringing musical credibility to what has still been considered by many in the music industry – a fringe folk instrument.

JESSE O’BRIEN was introduced to music by his father Michael (OB) and by the age of 16 was playing with artists like King Biscuit Boy, Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm. In the last 2 years Jesse has performed with Colin James, Tom Wilson, Sass Jordan, Buddy Guy and The “Nashville” TV show Reunion Tour along with Colin Linden and his band. He has been Maple Blues Awards Keyboard player of the year 3 out of the last 4 years and played keyboards on many Juno winning albums including “ This Is From Here” by Harrison Kennedy which Jesse also produced.

Sponsored by Marie Phillips, BA (Hons) RRC, PFP, FCSI, MFA-P, CEA Insurance & Investment Advisor Nextstepsplanninginc.ca

Tickets: $44.75, Members $39.75