2026 Festival Lineup
Three days. One historic neighbourhood. A lineup that swings, grooves, and surprises.
Join us for the 2026 Townsite Jazz Festival, featuring:
- the soulful Sunshine Coast trio, Salt & Keys
- Sophia Sanford & Jermaine Pugeda with A Bossa Nova Dream
- blues legend Jim Byrnes and His Band
- clarinet virtuoso James Danderfer and a quintet of Vancouver’s best
- Company B Jazz Band and an Andrews Sisters–inspired setlist perfect for dancing
- the 17-piece Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band
- the return of 2018 festival favourite Black Gardenia featuring Daphne Roubini
- Vancouver vocal powerhouse Dawn Pemberton with her B3-backed quartet
- a gala dance featuring The Dextones playing everyone’s funky favourites
- and musical tribute to the late Anthony Mulder, featuring his teachers and friends
Tickets are available online and at the Peak. Check out the full schedule and artist information below.
Salt & Keys
with Brooks Vocal Jazz
An intimate, vocal-driven jazz trio weaving harmony, groove, and storytelling through jazz, soul, gospel, and contemporary songcraft.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
12:00 PM
Shinglemill Pub & Bistro
$30 (All Ages)
Kiki Connelly – Vocals
Anna Lumiere – Piano
Aristazabal Hawkes – Upright Bass
This compelling jazz trio unites three seasoned musicians whose individual careers span performance, composition, collaboration, and deep musical community roots.
Vocalist Kiki Connelly brings a soulful, emotionally resonant voice shaped by years of live performance across jazz, soul, gospel, and contemporary songcraft. Her singing is marked by warmth, lyrical sensitivity, and an ability to connect deeply with audiences through storytelling and harmony.
Double bassist Aristazabal Hawkes is an internationally experienced musician best known as the bassist for the British band Guillemots. Trained in piano and jazz performance, including studies at the New School in New York City, she brings melodic depth, rhythmic imagination, and a broad stylistic palette to the trio.
Pianist and vocalist Anna Lumiere is a respected composer, performer, and bandleader who has played a significant role in Canada’s jazz and creative music scenes for decades. A co-founder and leader of the ensemble Mimosa, her work blends jazz with global influences, refined harmonic language, and a strong sense of space and dynamics.
Together, the trio creates a warm, intimate sound defined by rich vocal harmonies, thoughtful improvisation, and deep listening. Their performances honour jazz tradition while speaking in a modern, personal voice.
Sophia Sanford & Jermaine Pugeda: A Bossa Nova Dream
with Brooks Jazz Combo
A duo shaped by summers strumming near the water, where the rhythm moves as easily as the tide. Relaxed, melodic music that feels warm, familiar, and just a little nostalgic.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
5:00 PM
Shinglemill Pub & Bistro
$30 (All Ages)
Sophia Sanford – Vocals
Jermaine Pugeda – Vocals/Guitar
Jim Byrnes & His Band
with Brooks Jazz Band
With a voice shaped by lived experience, the legendary Jim Byrnes delivers blues and roots songs with deep groove, dry wit, and stories that will draw you in and stay with you.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
7:30 PM
Max Cameron Theatre
$30 (Adult)
$15 (Student)
FREE (0-5 Years)
Jim Byrnes – Vocals/Guitar
Simon Kendall – Keys/Accordion
Eric Reed – Guitars/Mandolin
Rob Becker – Bass
Geoff Hicks – Drums
“Jim is one of Canada’s best-loved musical icons. He has the ability to charm audiences beyond their wildest dreams.” – Rogue Folk Club
Jim Byrnes lives and breathes music. For nearly fifty years he’s crooned, drawled, belted, hollered and sweet talked more songs into a microphone than most people ever get to hear in a single lifetime. His evocative, smoky vocals are found in a truth that doesn’t come overnight. The sheer joy you can hear in the music he creates is a reason to celebrate Jim Byrnes as a living musical treasure. Jim was recently awarded the Order of Canada, acknowledging the impact he has had on the Canadian arts scene as well as for his philanthropic work.
By age thirteen, Jim was singing and playing blues guitar. His first professional gig was in 1964. Over the years, he has had the great good fortune to appear with a virtual who’s who of the blues. From Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to Taj Mahal and Robert Cray, Jim has been on the blues highway his whole career.
St. Louis bred, Byrnes moved to Vancouver, BC in the mid-70s after years of drifting, working odd jobs and playing music. He’s been a mainstay on both the music and screen scenes ever since. His fame as an actor equals his legendary music status. From his numerous TV and movie roles, highlights include the Wiseguy and Highlander series, and his national variety show, The Jim Byrnes Show.
With many award-winning albums to his credit (Maple Blues Awards, WCMAs, Junos, Canadian Folk Music Awards), Jim Byrnes is that artist who will light up the stage with songs and stories, tried and true.
James Danderfer Quintet
with Gleneagle Combo
Award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer James Danderfer delivers a warm, lyrical sound driven by melodic writing and expressive improvisation. Engaging, fluid, and deeply musical.
Friday, April 10, 2026
12:00 PM
Shinglemill Pub & Bistro
$30 (All Ages)
James Danderfer – Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Conrad Good – Bass
TBA – Piano
Jack Duncan – Congas & Percussion
Jesse Cahill – Drums
James Danderfer is an award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist and composer who has impressed audiences around the world with his warm sound, melodic compositions and lyrical improvising style. With educational credits including Interlochen World Center For the Arts, Western Michigan University (B.Mus, Jazz Performance), and McGill University (M.Mus, Jazz Composition) James has performed and recorded with some of the finest jazz musicians in North America including Steve Nelson, Quincy Davis, John Stetch, Brad Turner, Joel Ross, Oliver Gannon, and Don Thompson. Besides composing music for his own large and small ensembles, James is also a LEO award-winning composer for film and enjoys the collaborative nature of this medium. Since 2014, James has had the pleasure of working on many great films, primarily as composer but also as producer and story creator.
Beyond these artistic pursuits, James is also an active educator, teaching clarinet, saxophone, and composition at The VSO School of Music, Capilano University and Vancouver Community College.
Company B Jazz Band
with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz
Swing Era jazz with dazzling harmonies, sharp arrangements, and irresistible charm. From toe-tapping swing to pure old-school flair, Company B brings timeless jazz to life – and audiences love every minute.
Friday, April 10, 2026
5:00 PM
Venue TBA
$30 (All Ages)
Shannon Scott – Vocals & Ukulele
Bonnie Northgraves – Vocals & Trumpet
Mackenzie Tran – Vocals & Keyboard
Joseph Lubinsky-Mast – Bass
Josh Roberts – Guitar
Seth Kitamura – Drums
Company B Jazz Band is one of Canada’s foremost vintage jazz ensembles, featuring a harmonizing vocal trio. The band offers a vast repertoire that dates from the 1920s through to current day, all performed in classic Swing Era style, bringing classy flair to any and every variety of event, including festivals, swing dances, weddings and private parties.
Since their inception in 2007, Company B’s reputation for clever arrangements, pitch-perfect musicianship, and an engaging stage dynamic has made its way around the world: over the past decade, the band has toured multiple times through China (2015, ’18), India (2019), and Europe (2018, ’19), performing in international music festivals and historic jazz venues. Further accolades include featured performances at several of BC’s renowned folk music festivals, live broadcast recordings on national radio, as well as 8 studio albums. These recordings include a new Christmas season EP, available November, 2025.
Originally a sextet, Company B now performs in various instrumentations, often paring down to 4 members: the three vocalists doubling on either trumpet, ukulele, or percussion, bolstered by upright bass. They also perform as a 12-piece big band, and on October 6th (2025) they recorded a live album featuring this ensemble at Frankie’s Jazz Club (Vancouver, BC). This album, “Live From The Hive”, is set to be released and toured worldwide in May of 2026.
“Company B is the quintessential cat’s meow.” – Barbara Chirinos, Gala Producer, Vancouver International Film Festival
“The hit of the festival. Total Fun!” – Pender Harbour Music Society, Pender Harbour, BC
“…one of the most delightful bands to emerge on the Vancouver jazz scene in years.” – Ron MacQueen, Festival Director, Vancouver Dixieland Jazz Society
“Harmonies so tight you can’t see light between them.” – Howlin’ Hobbit, Seattle, WA
Black Gardenia
with Gleneagle Jazz Band
A band that channels the romance and elegance of classic jazz with a modern edge. Lush horns, smoky mid-century vibes, and a tender, commanding voice create a timeless, cinematic sound.
Friday, April 10, 2026
7:30 PM
Max Cameron Theatre
$30 (Adult)
$15 (Student)
FREE (0-5 Years)
Daphne Roubini – Vocals/Bandleader
Brad Turner – Trumpet
Dave Say – Saxophone
Joseph Lubinsky-Mast – Bass
Stephen Nikleva – Guitar
Daphne Roubini’s sound is the essence of Black Gardenia—a voice rooted in the phrasing of classic jazz yet touched by her own distinctive style. Her delivery is tender and powerful in equal measure. A Vancouver International Jazz Festival Spotlight Artist, she has performed at the festival many times and has appeared at the storied Winnipeg Folk Festival and Vancouver Folk Festival, including on the main stage. Featured in The Georgia Straight, The Province, The Globe and Mail, CBC, CTV, and other local press, Roubini is both a recognized voice in Vancouver’s jazz and folk scenes and an artist in motion.
Their forthcoming 2026 release, Whisky Scented Kisses (Cellar Live), marks Black Gardenia’s finest work yet. Here, Roubini embraces a more expansive palette: lush horn arrangements crafted by Paul Pigat, six original songs co-written with band members, a never-before-published gem, and two standards paying tribute to Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson. Inspired by the classic jazz recordings of the 1940s and 1950s, Black Gardenia creates music that feels timeless—vintage in spirit and alive with modern nuance.
Dawn Pemberton B3 Quartet
with Brooks Vocal Jazz
A powerhouse vocalist with deep soul and serious groove, Dawn Pemberton moves effortlessly between gospel, soul, jazz, and funk. Bold, joyful, and electrifying.
Friday, April 10, 2026
9:30 PM
The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement)
$30 (All Ages)
Dawn Pemberton – Vocals & Percussion
Chris Gestrin – B3 Organ
André Lachance – Bass
Mike Ardagh – Drums
Vibrant, genuine, and soulful, Dawn Pemberton channels deep musical roots into a powerful voice that moves effortlessly from gospel and soul to jazz, funk, and world music. She holds a B.Mus in Jazz Studies from Capilano University and is a certified teacher in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method.
A staple of the Vancouver music scene, Dawn is known for tearin’ it up as a vocalist, pianist, teacher, adjudicator, choir director, and the “go-to” for live shows and studio sessions. She serves on the Musical Theatre faculty at Capilano University and hosts Get on The Good Foot, her funk, soul, and R&B show on CKUA Radio.
Dawn has toured extensively across Canada and Europe, sharing her original music and performing with groups including Moira Smiley + VOCO, Vox.Infold, The Bluesberries, and The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. Her powerful presence has led her to share stages with legends like Bettye LaVette, Kenny Werner, Kurt Elling, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Randy Bachman, Ruthie Foster, and The Hamiltones, and to open for heavyweights such as Maceo Parker, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Philosopher Kings, and Lee Fields.
She is the founder and Artistic Director of the Roots ‘N’ Wings Women’s Choir and is in demand across North America for her masterclasses and workshops. Her recent theatre credits include Da Kink in My Hair (Nia), Kinky Boots (Vocal Coach), Beneath Springhill (Vocal Coach), Beautiful: The Carole King Story (Shirelle/Ensemble), Choir Boy (Music Director), and Parade (Vocal Coach).
Dawn’s debut solo album, Say Somethin’, released on DoRight! Music, won Best Urban Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards and received international acclaim, heralding her as “the new queen of Canadian soul.” A multiple Juno Award nominee, Dawn continues to earn recognition for her artistry and contribution to Canada’s music scene.
A passionate educator and performer, Dawn approaches music with adventure, quirk, and serious groove, shaping it into her own dynamic package. Tight, expressive, and bold, she will hit you where it counts, funk you up, and make you say, “Go ‘head!”
Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band
with Gleneagle Jazz Band
A cornerstone of Nanaimo’s jazz legacy, the Nanaimo Musicians Association Big Band has been keeping big band swing alive since 1967. Powerful charts, standout soloists, and deep roots.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
12:30 PM
The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement)
$30 (All Ages)
Tash Adams – Vocals
Mike Irving, David Bamford, Aedan Geiger, Luke Sales – Trumpet
Andrew Clayden, Sean Stovell, Darren Nilsson, Martin Pakosz – Trombone
Cayleigh Boorsboom, Bridget Deighton, Graham Shonwise, Brianne Devertuil, Tom Delamere – Saxophone
Ian Hunter – Piano
Murray Visscher – Guitar
Brian McMahon – Bass
Adam Robertson – Drums
Bryan Stovell – Director
Nanaimo’s jazz legacy lives on! From its roots in the legendary Pygmy Ballroom — where icons like Louis Armstrong and Harry James once played — the Nanaimo Musicians Association (NMA) Band has been keeping the spirit of big band jazz alive since 1967.
For 57 years, the NMA has thrilled audiences with dynamic performances, showcased top Island soloists, and nurtured rising stars like Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and the Jensen sisters. The band has also awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, helping young musicians take their first steps into the professional jazz world.
A Tribute to Anthony Mulder featuring Bill Coon & Trio 101
with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz
A heartfelt musical tribute honouring the life and legacy of Anthony Mulder, a beloved Brooks Secondary and Capilano University student. Through music and shared remembrance, this concert celebrates a young musician whose spirit and impact continue to resonate.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
3:30 PM
Max Cameron Theatre
$30 (Adult)
$15 (Student)
FREE (0-5 Years)
Bill Coon (Solo)
Bill Coon – Guitar
Juno nominated artist Bill Coon won the 2009 National Jazz Award, ‘Guitarist of the Year’, and has performed with many significant artists including Jimmy Heath, Peter Bernstein, Dr. Lonnie Smith, PJ Perry, Denzal Sinclaire, Sheila Jordan, Carol Welsman, Chris Hazelton, Dee Daniels, Rebecca Kilgore, Phil Dwyer, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash.
The Western Canadian Jazz awards nominated Coon’s Departure BC Double Quartet for Jazz Artist of 2018. Featured on this recording are two heroes of the Canadian music scene, trumpeter Brad Turner and violinist Cameron Wilson.
Coon is an experienced and well-known teacher, having taught extensively at music festivals and jazz camps throughout BC, including the VSO Summer Jazz Workshop. As well as being a proud member of the VSO School of Music teaching staff, he is a member of the Jazz Studies Faculty at Capilano University in North Vancouver, teaching arranging, composition, ensembles, and private jazz guitar.
Among his many critically acclaimed recordings is Triology’s Stairway to the Stars, a collaboration with award-winning artists Jodi Proznick and Miles Black. Coon is featured on trumpeter Kevin Elaschuk’s recent recording Stories Interweaved, Threads Bared by, as well as altoist Roy Styffe’s Stories Within Stories. Other recordings include Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra’s Legacy, The Music of Ross Taggart, Arrival with Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst, Canadian Sunset with Rebecca Kilgore and Tom Wakeling, and Two Much More! with Oliver Gannon, acclaimed as one of the top ten Canadian jazz recordings of 2015 by the CBC. His latest release is a solo album, Standard Elegance, on the Cellar Music label.
Coon is well-known for his large ensemble arranging/composing, recently featured on Explosion with Cory Weeds, Joe Magnerelli, and Steve Davis. His orchestral arrangements have been commissioned by trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
He is busy touring, recording and performing with many significant jazz artists such as, Lorne Lofsky, Mike Allen, Sienna Dahlen, Tom Keenlyside, Laura Crema, Andre Lachance, Campbell Ryga, Buff Allen, Dave Robbins, Steve Maddock, Monique Nordine and many more.
Trio 101: A Part of Anthony Mulder’s Legacy
Micah Mah – Saxophone
Noah Falkenham – Upright Bass
Eric Manuel – Drums
Bio coming soon.
Gala Dance featuring The Dextones
with Gleneagle Combo, Brooks Jazz Band & Trio 101
A Nanaimo-based party band built for movement, The Dextones blend familiar hits with groove-heavy flair. Expect tight playing, big energy, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
7:30 PM
Dwight Hall
$30 (Adult)
$15 (Student)
FREE (0-5 Years)
Sold in individual seats and as tables of 8
Pierre Komen – Bass/Vocals
Dexter Komen – Guitar/Vocals
James Darling – Piano
Nathan McKay – Keys
Adam Robertson – Drums
Formed in Nanaimo, BC in 2023, The Dextones deliver a genre-hopping, dance-floor-driven mix of pop, funk, reggae, blues, and classic rock. With members from Johnny Inappropriate and Wunderbread, this seasoned crew combines top-tier musicianship with killer crowd sense – guaranteed to keep the room buzzing from first note to last call.