VanJazz'26 starts in less than three weeks, and Infidels Jazz is excited to be presenting many shows that push the boundaries of what jazz is and can be! 

Some of Vancouver’s finest improvising musicians will pay tribute to the joyful tornado of sound that was Paul Plimley. Featured artists and NOW colleagues on the bill include Nikita Carter, Clyde Reed, Lisa Cay Miller, plus other special guests. Like Paul, this concert will unpredictable, indescribable, energetic, and full of playful virtuosity.

Saxophonist Bruce Freedman has been at the forefront of the Canadian avant-garde for over 40 years, performing with legends like Paul Plimley, Barry Guy, and George Lewis. Freedman’s COLLAGE disassembles and reassembles musical elements in ways that can surprise the musicians as much as the audience.

François Houle reeds, Gordon Grdina guitar/oud, and Kenton Loewen percussion, are three of Vancouver's most exciting musicians, having played together in various ensembles together for 20 years, plus as a trio for over 15 years. Their VanJazz concert is their first Vancouver appearance together in four years, performing the music of South African Free Jazz composers such as Louis Maholo-Maholo, Jonny Dyanni, and Chris McGregor who emerged in the early 1960s as a vibrant, defiant fusion of avant-garde improvisation, American hard bop, and indigenous African roots.

Darius Jones is one of the most critically acclaimed alto saxophonists and composers currently working in Jazz, avant-garde & Black music. He'll be joined in Vancouver by Chris Lightcap (known for his work with Nels Cline, Regina Carter & Anthony Braxton) on bass and Tim Angulo (known for his work with Kamasi Washington, Jeff Parker & Reggie Workman) on drums.

Vancouver-based guitarist Madeleine Elkins writes intricate compositions at the crossroads of jazz, folk, and rock. Named by The Vancouver Sun as one of “10 Vancouver music acts to watch in 2026,” she has been described as “one of the freshest and most varied” players in the city.

Adam O'Farrill just won Downbeat's Rising Star Awards for Jazz Musician, Trumpeter, and Arranger, and this will be his first Vancouver performance as a band leader. 

Reedist Vinny Golia is a legend in the world of creative music, having performed/recorded with Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Horace Tapscott, Wadada Leo Smith, and dozens of other legendary luminaries.  He'll be making a rare Vancouver appearance, performing with regular Vancouver colleagues Jared Burrows on guitar and Clyde Reed on bass, and incendiary Seattle-based drummer Greg Campbell.

Saxophonist Ken Vandermark has been a cornerstone of the American avant-garde for over 30 years, and is known for his collaborations with Joe McPhee, Barry Guy, Peter Brötzmann, Misha Mengelberg and more. For this rare visit to Vancouver, he performs with Kenton Loewen on drums and James Meger on bass, two of Canada's premier improvisers and creative instigators.

Guitarist Jared Burrows, reedist François Houle and drummer Joe Sorbara are three of Canada's most renowned and respected improvisers. For this intimate concert, they will be collaborating with multi-instrumentalist and Jazz legend Vinny Golia, known for his work with Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Horace Tapscott, and many more.

Splash is an adventurous new trio led by visionary pianist/composer Myra Melford, featuring bassist Michael Formanek and drummer/vibraphonist Ches Smith. This visit marks Melford’s first Vancouver appearance in seven years, and the local debut of this intriguing new trio.

UPCOMING INFIDELS JAZZ HIGHLIGHTS: