Cellar Live 25th Anniversary

Cory Weeds Little Big Band ft. Jerry Weldon

Take it from Downbeat Magazine: “renaissance man Cory Weeds has the Midas Touch!” An indefatigable force on the Vancouver scene, the tenor saxophonist and impresario keeps the flame of classic straight-ahead jazz burning bright. Inspired by tenor heroes Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Gene Ammons, Weeds calls on an all-star cast of Vancouver musicians to join him alongside special guest tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon. A renowned player on the New York City scene for more than 35 years, the veteran sax man’s résumé reads like a virtual "Who's Who of Jazz." To mark the 25th anniversary of Weed’s fantastic Cellar Live record label, the band will play music from Weeds and Weldon’s albums Explosion and Home Cookin', as well as new material!

With Steve Kaldestad alto saxophone, James Danderfer tenor saxophone, Dave Say baritone saxophone, Jim Hopson and Brian Harding trombones, Brad Turner and Julian Borkowski trumpets, Chris Gestrin piano, John Lee bass, Graham Villette drums, and Jill Townsend conductor/musical director.

Noah Franche-Nolan Trio

Noah Franche-Nolan is a JUNO-nominated, Vancouver-based pianist, improviser, composer, and producer. Known for blending emotional sincerity with technical intricacy, he leads the Noah Franche-Nolan Trio, whose acclaimed releases on Cellar Live Music include Within the Stream (2023) and 2025’s Rose-Anna, an “elegant, intelligent, sometimes energetically wilful opus” wherein Franche-Nolan “paints a rich, idea-filled portrait of a personal universe that mixes propulsive contemporary jazz, cultural references to Acadia, and a beautiful exploration of belonging, spirituality and attachment” (PANM360).

Noah co-leads Raagaverse and is a sought-after, stylistically wide-ranging sideman who performs regularly with Francois Houle’s Quartet, Russell Wallace’s Saltchuck City Orchestra, John Korsrud’s Absolute Unit, and the Hard Rubber Orchestra. His Trio features James Meger bass and Nicholas Bracewell drums.

This is an accessible venue. If assistance is required please contact: boxoffice@coastaljazz.ca

Please Note: Seating is limited with a mix of seating and standing room. Arrive early for seating. Box Office & Lobby open at 6:30 PM; House opens at 7:00 PM; the show starts at 7:30 PM