Open Jam For Youth
2025-09-06 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-10-11 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-08 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-12-13 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-01-10 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-02-07 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-03-07 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-04-04 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) and 1 more date | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada

HMC Presents: Harold Danko Trio
2025-10-02 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Harold Danko Trio
Thursday October 2, 2025
Ticket Link
Harold Danko – Piano
Terry Clarke – Drums
Pat Collins – Bass

Series Tickets on sale Friday August 22 2025 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Friday September 5 2025 9:00am

Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the fall series here.

Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).

About Harold Danko
A 30-album discography and long-term associations with legendary jazz artists not to mention countless recording sessions and worldwide tours, describe only a fraction of what pianist Harold Danko brings to the table. In a career spanning more than a half century Harold has established himself internationally as a distinguished pianist, composer, and band leader fortified by a most impressive resume.
Danko holds Professor Emeritus status at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he chaired the jazz studies program for eleven years but is probably best known for his long-term associations with jazz luminaries including Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Lee Konitz, and Woody Herman. During that time his reputation as a jazz educator grew as he served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, New School/Mannes, and Hartt College before accepting the Eastman appointment in 1998.
Beginning piano studies at the age of five, Harold became serious about pursuing a career in jazz at fifteen when he commenced studies with Gene Rush in Youngstown, Ohio. After graduation from Youngstown State University and a stint in the Army band, Harold landed the piano chair in Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, which launched his career as a much sought after jazz musician. He has performed at major jazz venues throughout the world as well as on recordings, television, and video. As a band leader he has been featured in Lincoln Center’s “Meet the Artist” series, Washington (DC) Performing Arts Society series at J.F.K. Center, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, and numerous jazz festivals both in the USA and abroad. In 1995 he was awarded an NEA Fellowship to perform his own works in a series of concerts in New York City. Throughout the 90s Harold performed with and composed for his own quartet with Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Scott Colley (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) and more recently a trio with Hirshfield and Michael Formanek or Jay Anderson (bass) with whom he recorded a series of highly acclaimed CDs on the SteepleChase label. Since 1980 he has earned ASCAP awards yearly for “the unique prestige value of [his] catalogue of original compositions.”
At the Eastman School of Music he developed the Jazz Performance Workshop curriculum and chaired the Jazz and Contemporary Media department, taught jazz piano, theory, and history, and led the Eastman Jazz Trio and Quartet. Harold’s featured column “Solo Piano” appeared in Keyboard Magazine for more than five years, and his keyboard improvisation method “The Illustrated Keyboard Series” is a widely regarded reference, in addition to his educational video “Jazz Keyboard Techniques”, available in Brazil.
His latest CDs, released over the last three years on the SteepleChase label, “Spring Garden”, “Rite Notes”, and “Trillium” are all inspired by Igor Stravinsky.
“These recordings document important steps in my continuing exploration of Stravinsky’s music for purposes of composition and improvisation – a harvest growing directly from the Rite of Spring and other related works. In live performances the eighteen pieces developed from my studies serve as springboards for further investigation and improvisation. My post-production work on the recordings sparked greater interest in finding even more content to draw on from Stravinsky’s scores, and the pieces have evolved into a kind of suite for solo piano incorporating details that had to be left out of the recordings. I premiered an abbreviated version in 2020 at my Leap Year concert on February 29 in East Rochester and longer versions later at the Bop Shop and Rochester International Jazz Festival.”
https://youtu.be/youe-L3Ze8w?si=dE0crQV9yY-PnB1Q
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our fall jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

HMC Presents: Avataar ft. Sundar Viswanathan
2025-10-23 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Avataar featuring Sundar Viswanathan
Thursday October 23, 2025
TICKET LINK
Sundar – Saxes/Flutes
Michael Occhipinti – Guitar
Laura Swankey – Vocals
Julian Anderson-Bowes – Bass
Ravi Naimpally – Tablas/Percussion
Max Senitt -Drums

Series Tickets on sale Friday August 22 2025 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Friday September 5 2025 9:00am

Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the fall series here.

Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).

About Avataar
Avataar is an award-winning Brampton-based world-jazz group featuring some of Canada’s finest jazz, world, funk, and pop musicians. Petal, (2016) received critical acclaim from publications including DOWNBEAT, JAZZIZ, allaboutjazz and worldmusiccentral.com. Worldview was released in Oct 2021 and won the 2022 JUNO award for Best Jazz Album of the Year (Group)

Avataar’s music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh, emotive sonic experience. Band members share an eclectic range of musical expertise -hardbop, pop, rock, electronica, free improvisation, world and R&B/Soul filter into the interpretations of the tunes.

Bios:
JUNO-winning saxophonist/flutist/vocalist and composer Sundar Viswanathan has shared the world stage with national/international artists alike. He has performed extensively in Europe (including stints with the Grammy-nominated Charles Tolliver Big Band at several Jazz Festivals),Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and the USA.Musical associations from Jazz and World music arenas include Wynton Marsalis, Vijay Iyer, Kenny Wheeler, Jaffa Road, Lee Konitz, Dave Holland, Kiran Ahluwalia, Rez Abbasi, John Abercrombie, Suba Sankaran, Terry Clarke, Joe Lovano, John Hicks, Cecil McBee, Billy Hart, Jim McNeeley, Hip Hop artist GURU, and Dave Douglas. He has been commissioned to compose/perform with several Dance companies in Canada/USA. Sundar has been reviewed/profiled in Downbeat, JAZZIZ, the New York Times, Worldmusiccentral.org, Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, EYE magazine and several other Canadian and international publications. Sundar’s music has been featured on CBC radio, JAZZ FM, WBAI, Radio Bombay and college radio nationally and internationally.
JUNO-nominated Canadian vocalist, improviser and electronic sound artist, Laura Swankey is dedicated to exploring the full capacity of her voice, both in solo settings and in collaboration with others. Her solo work for voice and electronics sets simple, earnest melodies and stories over top of lush soundscapes and bizarrely textured grooves.Laura creates and presents with Noam Lemish’s 2024 Juno-nominated Twelvetet, Plastic Babies, Parade, The Afton Project, Elisa Thorn’s HUE, Mike McCormick’s Proxemics, and Jazz Bras Dot Com. She is thrilled to be joining Sundar Viswanathan’s 2022 Juno award-winning ensemble, Avataar. In 2024, Laura will be releasing a duo album of improvised music with long-time collaborator and friend, guitarist Patrick O’Reilly (W/DRWNRecords), as well as albums with Parade, The Afton Project and Plastic Babies.
An eight-time JUNO Award nominee, guitarist/composer Michael Occhipinti‘s inventive approach to creative music of all kinds has earned him a broad array of listeners and the respect of criticsandmusiciansalike.Crossinggenresthatincludejazz,chambermusic,funk,worldmusic,and anything involving modern guitar sounds, Michael is both a versatile musician and an imaginative bandleader.HisSicilian JazzProject hasbeen called “a masterpiece of cross-cultural fusion” and has thrilled audiences in Canada, the U.S., Italy, and Mexico -the project earned Michael a JUNO nomination, and a Chalmers Award that allowed him to live in Sicily from March -June 2010.
Bassist Tyler Emond is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music producer, who has worked with a broad array of musical acts found in Canada and around the globe. As a bassist/guitarist he has performed and recorded with Alessia Cara,TylerShaw, Matt Dusk, Amalia, Mark Kelso’s Jazz Exiles, Avataar, Marito Marques, Ahmed Moneka, Fethi Nadjem, The Canadian Arabic Orchestra, Naseer Shamma, Mr. Something Something, Tamar Ilana & Ventanas, Netsanet Melesse, Dead Prez & Randy Brecker. As an audio engineer andmusical directorEmondhas produced recordings for Hush, Kune, Ahmed Moneka,TylerShaw, Tamar Ilana & Ventanas, Tennis Partner, Tara Moneka, Fethi Nadjem, Melissa Lauren, Duane Forrest, Janelle Monique, Melanie Brulee, Kristin Fung, and Natureboy
Ravi Naimpally studied the art of tabla playing in India. Having completed extensive training with his uncle Nikhil Ghosh and also Anindo Chatterjee, Ravi has been an active member of the Toronto world music scene for nearly 20 years. As a vital part of Toronto’s large South Asian community, Ravi continues to perform traditional music from India. Ravi has had several Juno nominations and is featured on Kiran Alhuwalia’s Juno winning CD Beyond Boundaries. For the last 11 years Ravi has led his own Indo-jazz ensemble Tasa, which was awarded an Urban Music Award for Best World Music album.
Juno winning drummer/percussionist Max Senitt is a highly regarded and in-demand freelance musician on the Toronto and international scene. He brings a wealth of experience and versatility gained from performing across Canada, USA, theCaribbean, SouthAmerica, and Europe with such Grammy and Juno award winning artists as: Alex Cuba, Hilario Duran, Odessa/Havana, Josh Groban, Odessa Havan, the Flying Bulgars, and Carol Welsman. Presently a member of Tzadik Recording artists “Zebrina” and Uruguayan singer Valeria Matzner’s bands,he also leads his own Trio.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our fall jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

HMC Presents: Adrean Farrugia Trio ft. Jessica Lalonde
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Adrean Farrugia Trio feat. Jessica Lalonde
Thursday November 6, 2025
TICKET LINK
Adrean Farrugia – Piano
Jessica Lalonde – Vocals
(Band TBD)

Series Tickets on sale Friday August 22 2025 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Friday September 5 2025 9:00am

Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the fall series here.

Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).

Toronto vocalist Jessica Lalonde partners with Juno award winning pianist Adrean Farrugia and his trio. Together they bring an eclectic blend of music and song, taking the listener on a journey through early jazz, of the Broadway and Ellingtonian variety, to popular songs of the modern era, with nods to Lalonde’s training in Opera and Chanson Francaise, and Farrugia’s roots in Bach, Beethoven, and Bebop.
Recently listed by Jazz FM91 as one of “Eight Canadian Women in Jazz You Need to Know”, Jessica Lalonde has made a name for herself as a compelling, passionate, and eclectic Canadian artist. Her unique and powerful vocal sound blends a wide range of musical influences, transcending genres. Since her early days as a young singer, she has enjoyed lending her voice to a diverse array of projects ranging from Operatic roles in Vancouver and Italy, to Indie-Rock backing vocals, to New Music, to every major Jazz festival in Canada.
Multiple award-winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia has garnered national, and even international recognition for his highly creative and individual approach to the piano– highly lyrical, rhythmic and playful, always pulling emotion from the listener. He’s performed on stages worldwide from Paris to Tokyo, New York City to Tel-Aviv, bringing his unique piano approach to more than 50 recordings to date, garnering 9 Juno award nominations, 2 Juno Awards, and a 2020 award for Artist of the Year at the Production Music of America’s Mark Awards. Together, this duo mesmerizes audiences with music that hits the heart and fascinates the mind. This is music that has something for everyone.
About Adrean Farrugia:
An award-winning artist and Juno nominee, Adrean Farrugia has performed with legends such as Ernie Watts, Randy Brecker, Molly Johnson, Sheila Jordan, Jane Bunnett, and Kenny Wheeler, and has appeared on more than 60 recordings. He has been recognized with two Juno Awards, eight nominations, and numerous accolades including a Mark Award for ‘Best Production Music Artist’ from the Production Music Association of America.
Adrean leads multiple creative projects including the trio Eurostar, with a new album set for release in 2025, and the Toronto-Montreal quartet Tangent. He is endorsed by Shigeru Kawai Pianos.
He holds degrees from Mohawk College, the University of Toronto, and York University, and has taught at Humber College, Mohawk College, U of T, and York. Most recently, he served as Assistant Professor at Saint Francis Xavier University.
About Jessica Lalonde:
Jessica Lalonde has spent her life exploring music in all its shades and facets. Raised on Country and Rock & Roll, she fell for jazz during her formative years. Lalonde began singing around her hometown of Midland in small jazz duos and trios, and for her local Big Band. Eventually the clarity and strength of her voice led her into serious vocal study and she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University. She excelled in her studies, winning a performance scholarship, several prestigious concerto competitions, and holding the title roles in the University’s opera productions.
After graduating she recorded a solo album of jazz and big band hits produced by jazz veteran Bill King. The album Spinning Daydreams, features some of Canada’s finest and most sought after musicians including Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).
Following the production and touring of this project, Lalonde continued to explore and hone her instrument by delving into Bel canto singing under the guidance of Metropolitan soprano Aprile Millo, and in 2015 she had the privilege of performing in Italy alongside Ms. Millo for a series of concerts benefitting the Museo and Comittato Renata Tebaldi, the Amici delle case di Puccini, and Villa Verdi. While there, she was also honoured to work with legendary Conductor Maestro Richard Bonynge.
Jessica enjoys a diverse array of performing opportunities including recent collaborations with Juno award winner Chris Gestrin for a headlining performance of “From Heaven to The Centre of The Earth,” a multimedia performance art piece at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s FUSE Festival. She has also performed backing vocals on three Born Ruffians albums, and is featured on Will Currie and the Country French’s album, They Killed Us, Jaymze Bee’s soon to be released collaborative project, Muse and jazz giant, John MacMurchy’s latest Art of Breath recording project. Looking to expand into new markets Jessica signed with Folkstar Productions and re-released her Christmas single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to overwhelming support. With these appreciations she is now headed back into the recording studio with the talented John MacMurchy to record her second album. Look for her new album to drop late 2018.
Ultimately the connecting thread between these various musical genres and adventures has been an ability to express the core emotion of whatever composition she is singing, whether by Puccini, Gershwin or a local folk rock band. This expression is filtered through an open heart and depth of understanding; channelled through a voice that feels as though it may unleash at any moment, but chooses rather to remain grounded; an unaffected purity of tone conveying shadow and light.
“Such a distinct voice, genuine natural talent and undeniable beauty.” – Awesome Music
“Jessica Lalonde is one of the top Canadian women in jazz you need to know!” – Jazz.FM91

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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our fall jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

Beatles Open Jam at Hamilton Farmer's Market
2025-11-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Hamilton Farmer’s Market, 35 York Blvd, Hamilton
You might have heard the news: Paul McCartney is coming to town! To celebrate the concert, and our neighbours @tdcoliseum’s reopening, we’ve got a Beatles themed evening planned!
The Market is open LATE and we’re hosting a Beatles themed open-mic night with our friends @hammusiccollect and their live backing band. Kicking off the music is the HMC Jambassador students!
Come and sing, come on your way to the show, come and celebrate music in Hamilton!
️ Friday November 21
4:30 – 6:00 PM
All ages, family friendly event (free!)
35 York Blvd. (A block from the concert!)

HMC Presents: Darcy Hepner & Friends
2025-11-27 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Darcy Hepner & Friends
Thursday November 27, 2025
TICKET LINK
Darcy Hepner – Sax
Nancy Walker – Piano
Ted Quinlan – Guitar
Paul Intson – Bass
Joel Haynes – Drums

Series Tickets on sale Friday August 22 2025 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Friday September 5 2025 9:00am

Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the fall series here.

Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).

About Darcy Hepner
Born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, he is the son of professional musicians (conductor Lee Hepner and pianist Patricia Rolston). His professional career began as a cellist at the age of 15 and transitioned to flute, clarinet, and saxophone during his studies at McMaster University (BMus 1978). While pursuing jazz studies at the University of Miami he performed with Henry Mancini, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé and many others (MMUS 1980). Moving to New York City in 1983 he studied composition and saxophone at New York University with Lee Konitz and Bob Mintzer. During his second residency in New York from 1996 to 2005, Hepner toured with Blood, Sweat and Tears, played in Broadway and Off-Broadway shows and in clubs with such artists as Buster Poindexter, Tom Wopat and the Ed Palermo Big Band.
Since 2008 he has recorded and performed with Tom Wilson (musician) and LeE HARVeY OsMOND as both a woodwind player and conductor/arranger for his symphony shows which have included performances with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
In 2015, he collaborated with Canadian musician Ian Thomas as arranger and conductor to develop a concert for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. The music for the concert was used to produce Thomas’s “Life In Song” recording. Since then, he has also arranged and conducted tribute shows to The Beatles and the music of James Bond for the HPO.
Hepner taught at Berklee College of Music (Boston) 1985–89, and was founder and head of the Music Program at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC, 1989–96. From 2005 to 2020, he held the position of professor of music at Mohawk College, Hamilton.
Now retired from teaching, Darcy Hepner is a regularly gigging saxophonist and arranger in Hamilton, Ontario where he lives with his wife Astrid.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our fall jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

TH&B Septet! (Jazz Concert Series)
2026-02-05 20:00 - 22:00 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
TH&B Septet!
Thursday February 5, 2026
Named after the iconic Hamilton railway that connected Toronto and Buffalo, TH&B! is a jazz septet made up of musicians from each of these cities. Playing two swinging and soulful sets of music by Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter, Lou Donaldson, Thad Jones, and Chick Corea among others.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Tim Clarke (trumpet)
Andy Weinzler (sax)
Darcy Hepner (sax)
Rob Somerville (trombone)
Adrean Farrugia (piano)
Pat Collins (bass)
Dan Hull (drums)
Series Tickets on sale Thursday January 8 2026 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Thursday January 15 2026 9:00am
Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the winter series here.
Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).
About Tim Clarke:
A versatile and expressive musician, Buffalo, NY-based trumpet/cornet/flugelhorn player Tim Clarke performs and records with a wide array of creative, jazz-oriented groups throughout Western New York and it’s surrounding areas. A creditable performer of modern styles of improvisational music, Tim is a noted practitioner of “Chicago-style” traditional jazz, having developed a love for this music which goes back to the Chicago recordings of Louis Armstrong in the 1920s. In 2020, Tim was recipient of JazzBuffalo’s “John Hunt Jazz Musician of the Year”. A native of Eugene Oregon, Tim received his BA and MA from the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance in 1993. Tim’s fruitful relationship with the Oregon Festival of American Music goes back 25 years, first as a charter member of the Emerald City Jazz Kings, and later as a featured guest soloist.
About Andy Weinzler:
Andy Weinzler has performed with many world renowned jazz and popular artists, having toured with the big band of trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and performed with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, John LaBarbera, Lionel Hampton with Kevin Mahogany. He has also been invited to tour with Chuck Mangione and the big bands of Woody Herman and Buddy Rich.
In 1990 Andy joined Gap Mangione’s New Big Band as a tenor and soprano saxophone soloist. He has performed on three of Gap’s CDs featuring world-class musicians Steve Gadd, Tony Levin, John Patitucci and fellow saxophonists Pat LaBarbera and Gerry Niewood. Gap’s New Big Band and Quintet have performed regularly at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and in 2015 Gap released the quintet recording ‘Live in Toronto’ featuring Andy and Pat LaBarbera.
Other artists Andy has performed with include Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, Maureen McGovern, Michael Feinstein, Frankie Valli, the Temptations, Spinners and many more. Performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) began when he was just 17 years old and he can be heard on two BPO recordings (Naxos): ‘Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Duke Ellington: Black, Brown & Beige’. Recently he has also been featured as jazz tenor saxophone soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). Andy has performed for many Broadway shows including ‘West Side Story’, ‘Chorus Line’ and ‘42nd Street’ and he was featured in a 2013 Issue of ‘Saxophone Journal’ (Dorn Publications).
Andy received his Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Miami. He was Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, from 1986 to 1989 where he was a member of the faculty jazz sextet, JazFX, which performed at major western-Canada jazz festivals and recorded for the CBC and Mark Records.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our winter jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

Tom Wilson Sings Jazz! (Jazz Concert Series)
2026-02-26 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Tom Wilson Sings Jazz!
Thursday February 26, 2026
TICKET LINK
Influenced by the iconic recording John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, the legendary rocker, bestselling author, painter and member of the Order of Canada, Tom Wilson continues to push his boundaries.
Nancy Walker (piano)
Paul Intson (bass)
Joel Haynes (drums)
Darcy Hepner (saxophone)
Series Tickets on sale Thursday January 8 2026 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Thursday January 15 2026 9:00am
Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the winter series here.
Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).
About Tom Wilson:
Tom Wilson tehohåhake (two roads) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, famed storyteller and visual artist. Wilson’s memoir, Beautiful Scars, published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller.
In his memoir, Wilson reveals the impact of discovering his indigenous heritage. Musically, Wilson is best known for his work with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter receiving a 2020 Juno Award for the album Mohawk.
In 1989, Wilson became the founder of the popular rock band Junkhouse. The band quickly grew in popularity and in 1993 signed a recording contract with Sony Music Canada. Lead by Wilson, Junkhouse skyrocketed in the 90’s, producing three albums, Strays, Birthday Boy and Fuzz, before disbanding. The style and success of Junkhouse has been an inspiration to many young Hamilton artists. Wilson recorded his first solo album Planet Love (2001) for Sony Music.
It was also during this time that Wilson started dedicating more of his time and energy to his second passion, painting.
“I needed an outlet besides writing music and there is a great meditative bond I found between me and the canvas.” – Tom Wilson
His art show “Beautiful Scars: Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs” premiered at the Art Gallery of Burlington and his work “The Mystic Highway” was commissioned by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for a 30’ x 30’ reproduction legacy piece adorning John Street in Hamilton. The painting pays homage to the rich history of Hamilton musicians and performers from the past.
In 1999, as a result of their shared love and admiration for one of Canada’s great musical treasures, the late Willie P. Bennett, Wilson along with Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden formed what would become the acclaimed roots supergroup Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
Tom has written for and recorded songs with Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Jason Isbell, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus, Matt Andersen, Mavis Staples and The Rankin Family to name a few.. His band Junkhouse scored eleven top-ten hits in the 90’s , and his iconic, Americana-fuelled Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has performed on stages from The Grand Ol Opry to Massey Hall and was widely publicized for their presence on George Bush’s iPod.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our winter jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

March Break Kid's Morning Program
2026-03-16 09:00 - 2026-03-20 12:00 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
This March Break, dive into the world of music with our exciting morning program! Designed for kids ages 8–12, this week-long adventure (9am–12pm) lets students explore the art of songwriting, video, and music creation.
Students will get hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art music tech lab Soundhaus Studio, composing original movie scores on iPads and experimenting with a variety of traditional rock band instruments in a fun, daily jam-session. Working in groups with our experienced instructors in the beats lab and the jam room, students will develop their skills, learn how to create music solo and together, and leave with a song of their own to cherish forever. No prior musical experience is required—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
By the end of the week, your child will have made new friends, learned to express themselves through music, and gained the confidence to jam with others and create new material. It’s a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience that will inspire young musicians of all levels.
Daily Schedule:

9:00 – 9:15am: Drop off
9:15 – 10:15am: Session 1 (Beats Lab / Jam Room)
10:15 – 10:30am: Snack break
10:30 – 11:30am: Session 2 (Jam Room / Beats Lab)
11:30 – 11:45pm: Clean up, Group Activity
11:45 – 12:00pm: Pick up

Cost: $165 for five mornings (March 16 – 20 2026)
Location: The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park Street North, downtown Hamilton)
Dates: Monday March 16 – 20, 2026

Writing Music for Movies & Video Games - Interactive Workshop
2026-03-17 13:00 - 14:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Writing Music for Movies & Video Games
Sasha Szlafarski
Ages 13 – 19
Tuesday, March 17 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Sasha Szlafarski, a local composer for film, television and video games, will break down how he writes cross-genre scores for a variety of media. Then, students will use Ableton Live to begin creating their own virtual ensemble and original music. No experience necessary.

Join us for the third annual March Break Tech Week, offering musical fun for youth of all ages!

In our morning program, kids ages 8-12 will create their own movie scores and pick up a new instrument every day. Work with our skilled music instructors to learn new instruments and explore Garageband on the iPad.

Teens ages 13 – 19 can choose from a variety of 90-minute workshops. Learn how a professional composer writes music for film, experiment with live looping, and get hands on with Ableton Live. Co-write with pro songwriters and producers, and get a taste of the Musical Futures Production Program from HMC.

All programs take place at The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park St N, Hamilton).

https://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/programs/march-break/
About Sasha Szlafarski:
Sasha is a multi-disciplinary musician, producer, audio engineer, and composer based in Hamilton, Ontario. His work is marked by a strong emphasis on both sonic and emotional honesty, with a balanced appreciation for both complexity and understatement in music. Sasha began playing guitar at age 10 and quickly developed an interest in music production, teaching himself recording techniques. By middle school, he was engineering and mixing EPs for his bands. By high school graduation, he had released six EPs and toured internationally as a professional musician. He later pursued Film Scoring studies at the Berklee College of Music. After completing his studies, Sasha built a career as a composer, engineer, and producer for film, television, and commercial music, working with various filmmakers and studying under Toronto composer Donald Quan. His work expanded into sound recording on film sets and post-production mixing. In addition to his commercial projects, Sasha quietly produced music on the side for his close friends and colleagues who shared his passion for emotive music, unconventional orchestration, and layered storytelling. At the same time, Sasha advanced his engineering skills by working as a repair technician, specializing in guitars, amplifiers, recording studio equipment, and pedals, while also building his own gear. In 2021, he would eventually open Everything Hz, a professional recording studio, in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2023, Sasha joined the Hamilton Music Collective, where he designed and outfitted their new recording studio and music tech educational facility, Soundhaus, at the iconic Gasworks building in Hamilton.

How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs - Interactive Workshop
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs
Melissa Dutch
Ages 13 – 19
Wednesday, March 18 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Join songwriter Melissa Dutch in this hands on collaboration, where students will write and record an original song (topline) over a track! Experience the process and write lyrics and melodies together. Back by popular demand. No experience necessary.

Join us for the third annual March Break Tech Week, offering musical fun for youth of all ages!

In our morning program, kids ages 8-12 will create their own movie scores and pick up a new instrument every day. Work with our skilled music instructors to learn new instruments and explore Garageband on the iPad.

Teens ages 13 – 19 can choose from a variety of 90-minute workshops. Learn how a professional composer writes music for film, experiment with live looping, and get hands on with Ableton Live. Co-write with pro songwriters and producers, and get a taste of the Musical Futures Production Program from HMC.

All programs take place at The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park St N, Hamilton).

https://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/programs/march-break/
About Melissa Dutch:
MELISSA DUTCH is an ARTIST/PERFORMER/WRITER, and VOCAL COACH, specializing in contemporary pop, rock, soul, and indie genres, with a technical background in jazz, classical voice, musical theatre, and opera. She offers students a diverse and all-encompassing music education, or a specific focus on almost any genre. She has been running her registered private studio, MELISSA DUTCH MUSIC STUDIO, from 2016 to today, with a community of dedicated voices. Melissa has an active career as a solo gigging, writing and recording artist in Hamilton and the GTA. Melissa has been recording and releasing original music as a powerful vocalist and an honest poet & lyricist since 2020. Melissa’s dedication to holistic artistic growth has made her a passionate coach who believes in caring for the whole artist. She approaches instruction with a spirit of healing, acceptance, growth, and inclusivity (particularly for those who are neurodivergent and/or those on a mental/spiritual health journey with their art). The voice is our instrument, an extension of our natural body, the language of our heart, and an expression of our soul.

Live Looping with Ableton - Interactive Workshop
2026-03-18 15:00 - 16:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Live Looping with Ableton
Adrian Duzyer aka DJ Ade
Ages 13 – 19
Wednesday, March 18 – 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Creating music alone is already fun, but imagine how much fun it would be to become the whole band? Live looping makes it possible! Layer your voice, instrument or grooves, and build a track quickly using this engaging live and studio-friendly tool. DJ Ade will demonstrate his original looping app which makes jamming solo more fun and flexible than ever. For all instrumentalists and vocalists, at any experience level.

Join us for the third annual March Break Tech Week, offering musical fun for youth of all ages!

In our morning program, kids ages 8-12 will create their own movie scores and pick up a new instrument every day. Work with our skilled music instructors to learn new instruments and explore Garageband on the iPad.

Teens ages 13 – 19 can choose from a variety of 90-minute workshops. Learn how a professional composer writes music for film, experiment with live looping, and get hands on with Ableton Live. Co-write with pro songwriters and producers, and get a taste of the Musical Futures Production Program from HMC.

All programs take place at The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park St N, Hamilton).

https://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/programs/march-break/
About DJ Ade:
Adrian Duyzer (DJ Ade) has been making beats since he fell in love with techno in the 90s. He’s produced dozens of tracks but, sadly, he’s still not famous. Over the past few years he’s been focused on producing deep dubstep and hip-hop, as well as performing live at underground parties that tend to get a little out of hand.

Adam Kolker & Gary Versace Quartet (Jazz Concert Series)
2026-04-09 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
Adam Kolker & Gary Versace Quartet
Thursday April 9, 2026
TICKET LINK
Following standout performances in 2024 and 2025, we welcome back Grammy-nominated NYC players Adam Kolker on sax/bass clarinet (Village Vanguard Orchestra, NYC) and Gary Versace on piano. Joined by Neil Swainson on upright bass and Terry Clarke on drums.

Adam Kolker (saxophone/bass clarinet)
Gary Versace (piano)
Neil Swainson (bass)
Terry Clarke (drums)
Series Tickets on sale Thursday January 8 2026 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Thursday January 15 2026 9:00am
Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the winter series here.
Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).
About Adam Kolker:
Adam Kolker is a multi-talented performer, composer and arranger. He performed and recorded with latin-jazz artist Ray Barretto from 1994 through 2002 (with whom he received two GRAMMY nominations). He also appears in New York City with groups including the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Fred Hersch’s “My Coma Dreams,” the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Bruce Barth, Judi Silvano, Lucia Pulido, and his own groups with John Abercombie and Billy Hart. He has recorded with Bruce Barth, John Hébert, Marty Ehrlich, The Story, Bobby Previte, Gunther Schuller, Bruce Saunders, Frank Carlberg, among others.
About Gary Versace:
Based in NYC, originally hailing from Cos Cob, CT., jazz pianist, organist and accordionist Gary Versace is one of the busiest and most versatile musicians on the international jazz scene, working with musicians such as John Scofield, John Abercrombie, Maria Schneider, Kurt Elling, Rudy Royston, Rich Perry, Mike Rodriguez, Regina Carter, Ellery Eskelin and Ray Anderson. Versace, along with bandmates vocalist Kate McGarry and guitarist Keith Ganz, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019 for his work on ‘The Subject Tonight is Love,’ the band’s latest trio recording, and has performed on several other Grammy-winning and nominated recordings by composers John Hollenbeck and Maria Schneider. Currently Versace is the pianist in Schneider’s orchestra, and has appeared on dozens of recordings as a sideman on various labels over the years with nationally and internationally known jazz artists. Versace won the Jazz Journalists’ Association’s “Best Instrumentalist – Instruments Rare In Jazz (accordion)” award in 2018, the “Organist of the Year’ award in 2012, and is mentioned yearly in both the readers and critics polls in Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines. Before embarking on his performing career, Versace spent eight years as a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, and currently teaches in the jazz studies department at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our winter jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/

Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (Jazz Concert Series)
2026-04-23 20:00 - 22:30 | 141 Park Street North, 141 Park Street N, Hamilton, ON, L8R 2N4, Canada
Hamilton Music Collective Presents:
ES:MO (Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipiniti) Album Release Celebration
Thursday April 23, 2026
TICKET LINK
ES:MO (Elizabeth Shepherd, vocals, and Michael Occhipinti, electric guitar) returns with their genre-bending folk, R&B, and jazz sound, celebrating the new album Sunshine In My Bones.
Series Tickets on sale Thursday January 8 2026 9:00am
Individual Tickets on sale Thursday January 15 2026 9:00am
Tickets: $45 / $25 (student)
Purchase a Series Ticket and save 15% on each show here.
Check out the rest of the winter series here.
Please choose your seats at check out!
Doors at 7:00PM, show at 8:00PM (two sets).
About ES:MO:
ES:MO is Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti, two imaginative musicians who blend genres to create music that is uniquely their own. ES:MO fuses a love of songwriting with the inventive musicianship they’re known for as perennial Juno Award nominees and veterans of Canada’s music scene.
Michael Occhipinti’s huge palette of sounds and skill has made him one of Canada’s most respected guitarists, and pairing his talents with Elizabeth Shepherd’s soulful and ethereal voice and keyboard work stunned listeners on their debut, The Weight of Hope, which received a 2022 JUNO Award nomination (individually, Michael and Elizabeth have a combined 19 JUNO nominations). The album was built around the duo’s unique interpretations of songs by Stevie Wonder, Bruce Cockburn, Jackie Shane, Nick Drake, and others.
ES:MO is now finishing its second album, SUNSHINE IN MY BONES, a celebration of the duo’s own compositions built on hours of jam sessions, found sounds such as washing machines, improvised voice and guitar loops, and the magical connection Elizabeth and Michael share when they create music together. The lyrics explore everything from war crimes to cruise ship class warfare, love among tulips, and the need for human connection. Guest drummers Larnell Lewis, Jinu Isac, Tony Ferraro, and Marito Marques join Elizabeth and Michael, who play everything else. Look for it in March 2026.
In the meantime, their single If We Were Vampires, a stunning cover of Jason Isbell’s dramatic love song, has just been released on all streaming platforms.
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Join Hamilton Music Collective for our winter jazz concert series, showcasing top Canadian and international musicians in jazz, blues, and improvised music since 2014. Step into our cozy jazz lounge at 141 Park Street, featuring a top notch sound system (brand new in 2020), wine selections, and an attentive audience. It all comes together in the perfect venue to hear world-class jazz in downtown Hamilton!
All proceeds from ticket sales support the An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) program.
For more information about the Hamilton Music Collective and An Instrument For Every Child visit: hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
Parking is available in the parking lots. Read more here: https://www.thegasworks.ca/parking/
