CURRENT SEASON

May 2025

Dear friends in jazz…

When jazz aficionado Israel Asper dreamed up the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances just over 25 years ago, he wanted Winnipeggers to experience the best and brightest jazz artists right here in Winnipeg. His vision continues to be our guide as we scout for exciting artists to share their talent and their joy on our stage each season.

We’re excited to tell you about the fabulous artists we have lined up for our 26th season!

Oct 4/5, 2025 – BENNY BENACK III is taking the jazz world by storm. Named Rising Star Male Vocalist in the 2025 DownBeat Readers Poll, and #8 in the Rising Star Trumpeter category in that same poll, he’s a dual threat. Whether he’s delivering fiery post-bop licks à la Freddie Hubbard or channeling Sinatra’s charm, Benny is animated by joy. This band will definitely lift your spirits—the perfect kick-off to a new season!

Nov 29/30, 2025 – Saxophone and flute sensation T.K. BLUE is deeply connected to the African roots of jazz. After working for many years with legendary pianist Randy Weston, TK has now assembled original members of Weston’s band into the irrepressible African Rhythms Alumni Ensemble. Expect an infectious mix of blues, jazz, West Indian and Latin rhythms, and Gnawa music from Morocco all folded together as “one nation of groove” (Eugene Holley Jr.).

Mar 21/22, 2026 – Grammy-nominated vocalist CYRILLE AIMÉE brings fearless curiosity and a tender heart to a broad spectrum of music. From the Roma music of her childhood to fresh takes on jazz standards, from original approaches to Sondheim songs (he himself cried as he watched her sing) to sweet-natured compositions of her own, Cyrille is a musical adventurer. Her music is expressive, intimate, compelling—not to be missed!

As always, we welcome walk-up audiences at all of our concerts, but we invite you now to subscribe to the whole season. A subscription offers you the best value, and it also allows you to reserve your favorite seats for all concerts. Or consider supporting this boutique series as a benefactor or patron—we’ll happily provide a charitable tax receipt and an extra helping of gratitude. Find ticketing information and links on our website, IzzyAsperJazz.com, or call Tomer at 204-477-7534.

(We’ll be joining forces with Jazz Winnipeg again this season for an evening show at the Fort Garry Hotel. More news on that this fall.)

Thanks for helping us keep the spirit of jazz alive!

Charlene Diehl, Producer
Izzy Asper Jazz Performances