Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Composer D.D. Jackson and poet/librettist George Elliott Clarke will preset their Canadian jazz opera, Québécité, at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre on Oct. 17 and 18.
According to the artists, the story chronicles the downs and then ups of two interracial couples living in Quebec City, whose “developing romances expose the inherent minefield of establishing relationships that cross racial and cultural backgrounds.” The story borrows from the real-life story of Jackson’s African-Canadian father and Asian mother.
Presented by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, the production will feature Jackson on piano, Peggy Lee on cello, Brad Turner on trumpet, Jean Martin on drums, Mark Dresser on bass and vocalists Haydain Neale (African-Canadian), Kiran Ahluwalia (Indian-Canadian), Dean Bowman (African-American) and Yoon Choi (Korean-Canadian).
As the plot throws cultures together, so does the musical map Jackson created using influences from the different backgrounds of the couples.
“It has always been my mission to transcend rigid boundaries of categorization,” he said. “In this light, Québécité represents the most exciting challenge of my career, as the musicians with whom I am working with are the most conceptually varied I have ever encountered.”
Clarke has a slightly more abstract view. “Québécité is an Absinthe-Champagne-Chartreuse-Chicoutai-Grappa-PalmWine-Pastis-Rum-Saki-Sangri-Scotch-Tequila-Vodka opera,” he said, “one colored intensely with notes of ebony, dark-cherry, India indigo pink, and bronze-beige, the shade of papyrus.”
A free public panel with Jackson, Clarke and select cast members about the issues of cultural and musical diversity that are central to the opera will take place Oct. 16 at the Vancouver Public Library’s Alice McKay Theatre.
For more information, go to www.coastaljazz.ca
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
