Live in Performance

Previous events

Greatest Hits Vol. 1

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The Rex Hotel, 194 Queen Street West, Toronto

After a fantastic return to The Rex Hotel in November, we're excited to get back on The Rex stage next Saturday, February 24, for what we are calling Greatest Hits Vol. 1.

From 2:00-4:30 pm, we'll perform some of our favourite repertoire - from the Duke Ellington Orchestra to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra to more contemporary sounds from Darcy James Argue, Christine Jensen and Phil Nimmons...and maybe even some Radiohead. Plus we'll get to feature some of the outstanding soloists in the band.

The TJO - Greatest Hits Vol. 1
Saturday February 24, 2:00-4:30 pm
The Rex Hotel
194 Queen Street West
$10-15 Admission

The TJO Returns to The Rex

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The Rex Hotel, 194 Queen Street West, Toronto

The Toronto Jazz Orchestra last performed at The Rex Hotel on Monday, March 9, 2020. Finally - after three very long years, we're excited to return to that stage on Saturday November 25 in their new afternoon matinee slot: 2:00-4:30 pm.

We'll perform two sets of music including originals and arrangements by a variety of Canadian writers, as well as tunes from the Count Basie, Vanguard and Oliver Nelson Jazz Orchestras (among others). And - we had such a good time at our Kensington Market Jazz Festival show that we've invited vocalists extraordinaire Jennarie (Jenna Marie Pinard) and Justin Bacchus to once again join the party!

The TJO returns to The Rex
With guest vocalists Jennarie and Justin Bacchus
Saturday November 25, 2:00-4:30 pm
194 Queen Street West
$10-15 Admission

The TJO at the Kensington Market Jazz Festival

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El Gordo's Backyard, 214 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

We're excited to join the party at this year's Kensington Market Jazz Festival on the Slaight Music Big Band Stage - and we'll have two special guests joining us on stage! Vocalists Jenna Marie Pinard and Justin Bacchus will perform a mix of classic and contemporary tunes arranged for big band...and we'll pull out a couple of our greatest hits.

$25 admission at the door.

The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is a CASH ONLY event, with all proceeds going directly to the artists.

Feb16

The Radiohead Jazz Project

3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas Street West, Toronto

We're excited to bring back our Radiohead Jazz Project for this special Hugh's Room Live presentation!

The Radiohead Jazz Project was started by the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin, when they commissioned 12 big band arrangements of Radiohead songs. Starting with some of those initial arrangements in 2011, we've put our own spin on the Radiohead Jazz Project, expanding the repertoire to include contributions from a variety of local arrangers including Chris Hunt, Tara Davidson, Mike Downes, Chelsea McBride, Christian Overton and TJO Artistic Director Josh Grossman, among others. Fronted by outstanding vocalist Alex Samaras, whose unique interpretations shine a new light on this music. From Kid A to OK Computer and beyond, this is Radiohead as you’ve never heard it.

Presented by Hugh's Room Live. Doors open at 6 pm; reservations recommended.

$25 + taxes and fees

We're excited to play at the 2022 TD Markham Jazz Festival, which this year is celebrating is 25th anniversary. The Toronto Jazz Orchestra won the Jazz Stars of the Future competition at the 2000 Markham Jazz Festival, so it feels extra special to return as part of their Silver Anniversary! We'll be playing a selection of originals and arrangements spanning several decades of big band music. One 90-minute set. Free admission.

We're honoured to be joined by acclaimed Swedish composer Mats Holmquist for an open rehearsal. Mats will lead us through some of his outstanding music, chat about his approach to writing for big band, and share stories from his impressive career. All welcome; PWYC. For more information on Mats visit https://www.matsholmquist.com/.

We're grateful to Long & McQuade for their support of Mats' visit.

Socalled and Toronto Jazz Orchestra @ Bela Farm

Bela Farm, Hillsburg

As part of the Ashkenaz Foundation's "Nu? Normal! The Barn Sessions", we were honoured to perform the North American premiere of an amazing new program of Yiddish big band arrangements, created by Roman Britschgi and Andreas Pranzl for the one and only Josh “Socalled” Dolgin. Recorded for online broadcast in July, 2021 in front of a small live audience in the beautiful barn at Bela Farm in Hillsburgh, ON, the performance was premiered on October 17, 2021. Such a blast to perform with Socalled! Watch the full performance, free of charge, at https://youtu.be/tH3DB5WV8cw.

By Local

The Rex Hotel, 194 Queen Street West, Toronto

For this special Monday night performance we turn our focus to some of the fantastic music that has been written right here in Toronto. We'll play originals and arrangements by people like Phil Nimmons, Rob McConnell, Andrew Jones, Jason Logue, Christian Overton, Josh Grossman and more. Toronto is a hot spot for jazz composition and we're excited to bring some of it to the Rex Hotel stage.

Two sets; cover charge at the door.