Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop/ES:MO

Turboprop’s sound is reminiscent of the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although they tackle a wide range of music from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals from all the band members. They have toured across Canada to rave reviews and won the 2020 JUNO Award for Jazz Group Album of the Year for their album Abundance.

After years of touring together, decorated Canadian artists Elizabeth Shepherd and MichaelOcchipinti have teamed up to create ES:MO, a musical duo focused on genre neutral creativityand exploration. Their album The Weight of Hope was nominated for a JUNO Award for VocalJazz Album of The Year! It is a collection of re-imagined musical works and atmospheric,compelling original music. With extensive musical backgrounds, international acclaim, and alengthy list of prestigious awards and nominations including a combined 15 JUNO nominations,both artists have had successful, independent careers before embarking on this venture.

Rich Brown & The New Abeng Quartet

The music of The New Abeng Quartet utilizes progressive concepts in rhythm, harmony and melody while keeping the listener and the musicians connected and engaged. Drawing upon jazz-funk and jazz-rock influences, the music is also directly inspired by New York-based artists with whom one of the world’s foremost bassists, Rich Brown, has worked over the years. It is complex music that remains dedicated to the groove and in doing so maintains a level ofaccessibility that any listener can appreciate without feeling disconnected.