Performances!
Experience some of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists as they share a story of community, heritage and resilience through music. Africville Stories, featuring acclaimed Canadian pianist and composer Joe Sealy with Jackie Richardson on vocals backed by a spectacular band, brings to life the spirit, resilience and rich cultural legacy of Africville, the historic Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
A musical celebration of one of the most influential composers in jazz and American popular music: George Gershwin. Pianist and composer Anthony D’Alessandro brings his signature swing, scintillating technique and irresistible showmanship to a celebration of one of the most influential composers in jazz and American popular music: George Gershwin.
Featuring beloved selections from Gershwin’s vast catalogue — spanning jazz standards, musicals, and concert works — this performance honours a monumental figure whose music continues to define the Great American Songbook. Joining D’Alessandro are trumpet virtuoso Kevin Turcotte, bassist Paul Novotny, and drummer Daniel Barnes in a truly star‑studded ensemble.
Christopher Plock’s Sinatra tribute brings audiences face to face with the sound and style of Frank Sinatra at his electric peak. Centred on the classic late‑1950s and 1960s era and beyond, the show focuses on Sinatra’s most iconic swinging and romantic material, while also featuring all‑time favourites such as “My Way,” “New York, New York,” “Chicago,” and other enduring hits from those legendary years.
With a rich, commanding vocal presence and an instinctive feel for swing, Christopher doesn’t imitate so much as inhabit the phrasing, charm, and emotional depth that made Sinatra an icon. Every performance is a journey through swaggering up‑tempo numbers, aching ballads, and effortlessly cool mid‑tempo grooves that helped define the Great American Songbook.
At the heart of the experience is a hard‑hitting 10‑piece jazz orchestra under the direction of Ross Wooldridge. Together, they recreate the punchy brass, silky reeds, and driving rhythm section that powered Sinatra’s most celebrated recordings and live performances.
From intimate theatres to grand stages, Christopher Plock and Ross Wooldridge’s orchestra deliver a night of music that feels like stepping into a Vegas showroom in its golden age—a polished, swinging, and heartfelt tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Curated by Daniel and Columbus Centre this five part live jazz music series includes; "Jazz's Greatest Hits" - April 30th (International Jazz Day) “Napoli in Jazz” – May 28th, “An Evening of Bossa Nova” – September 11th, “Tribute to George Gershwin” – October 29th and "A Very Jazz Christmas" - December 3rd 2026. Get tickets for the entire series here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jazz-at-the-columbus-centre-series-package-tickets-1982990964355