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Thursday, July 23, 2026
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
South Coast Jazz Festival Returns for 13th Year Aug 14-16 Gene DiNovi Tribute Album Premiere and Canadian All-Star Lineup #jazz #music
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August 14, 2026, Jazzin’ Juniors. Youth Showcase, Brantford , ON (Sold Out)
August 15, 2026, Main Event, Port Dover Community Centre, Port Dover, ON, 5 PM
August 16, 2026, Glenhyrst Gardens, Brantford, ON, 1 PM
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South Coast Jazz Festival is marking thirteen years of bringing world class music to rural Ontario with a 2026 edition that stands as one of its most ambitious yet, anchored by the world premiere of previously unreleased music by legendary Canadian jazz pianist Gene DiNovi and a full weekend of performances spanning jazz, blues, folk, Indigenous music, and French and English programming. Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the world's notable travel worthy festivals, South Coast Jazz has grown from a single community event into a cornerstone of Ontario's cultural calendar, generating more than one million dollars in tourism spending and partnering with hundreds of annual community organizations over its history.
"After thirteen years, South Coast Jazz has become so much more than a music festival," said founder, executive and artistic director Juliann Kuchocki. "It's a celebration of community, culture, collaboration and Canadian excellence. This year's festival is particularly meaningful because we're bringing together legendary artists, emerging talent, Indigenous programming, youth workshops, internationally acclaimed musicians in one weekend that truly reflects who we are as Canadians."
At the heart of this year's festival is a landmark tribute to Gene DiNovi, one of Canada's most respected jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers, whose career included performing and recording alongside Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, and Lena Horne, and who was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie and joined his band in New York City at just sixteen years old.
Produced by Kuchocki and marking her first full set performance at the festival in thirteen years, the tribute coincides with the release of her new album 'Kuchocki Sings DiNovi, But Only For You,' which features contributions from Canadian musicians with Grammy and JUNO credentials. The centrepiece of the evening is the world premiere of a previously unreleased Gene DiNovi composition written with Peggy Lee, giving audiences the rare opportunity to hear a piece of jazz history performed publicly for the first time.
Sharing the spotlight is Red Hot Ramble, one of Canada's most exciting traditional jazz ensembles, bringing New Orleans influenced swing and blues to the festival with an approach built for dancing. "Port Dover peeps love to dance," said Kuchocki, describing the group's connection with festival audiences. Rounding out the evening's programming are Indigenous performances from Jai King Green, the Carla Muller Band, and a hands-on Cuban music and dance lesson, reflecting Kuchocki's vision for a lineup that mirrors a full breadth of Canada's musical culture.
"Canada's story is one of many cultures, traditions and musical voices," Kuchocki said. "Jazz has always embraced collaboration and diversity, so it felt natural to bring together Indigenous artists, French and English performances, folk traditions, blues, Latin influences and contemporary jazz into one festival. When audiences experience different cultures together, barriers disappear and communities grow stronger."
The festival unfolds across three days, opening August 14 with the Jazzin’Juniors Youth workshops, already sold out and a reflection of the growing demand for the festival's educational programming. The main event takes place August 15 at the Port Dover Community Centre beginning at 5 PM, followed by an afternoon of programming August 16 at Glenhyrst Gardens in Brantford starting at 1 PM, featuring Le Trio Parisien with acclaimed vocalist Juliet Dunn alongside special guest opening act Thom Atkins.
Throughout the weekend, South Coast Jazz continues its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with fully accessible venues, ASL interpretation on television editions, and a complimentary designated driver shuttle service (by email request.)
Downloading advance tickets are strongly recommended, with Free GA and VIP seating limited and the first 100 VIP ticket holders receiving reserved table seating. Tickets and the complete festival schedule are available at SouthCoastJazz.com and Eventbrite.
Festival Dates
August 14, 2026, Jazzin’ Juniors. Youth Showcase, Brantford , ON (Sold Out)
August 15, 2026, Main Event, Port Dover Community Centre, Port Dover, ON, 5 PM
August 16, 2026, Glenhyrst Gardens, Brantford, ON, 1 PM
R&B-Pop Hitmakers Calloway Make a Bold Return to Their Jazz Beginnings With New Single “BWAO,” Out Now #jazz #music
Four decades after reshaping R&B, funk, and electronic pop, hitmakers Calloway are stepping into a new chapter — one that traces their musical DNA back to the jazz greats who first lit the fuse. Their new single “BWAO” is out now via Spiral Galaxy Entertainment, marking the brothers’ first jazz release in 34 years and a surprising pivot from the architects of “Freak-A-Zoid” and “I Wanna Be Rich.”
“People know us for the dance floor,” said GRAMMY®‑nominated Reggie Calloway. “But before the hits, our father was playing Miles Davis and Charlie Parker in the basement. Our first group, Sun Child, put out a jazz album in 1974. As Calloway, we recorded the jazz track ‘Sound of One Hand Clapping’ for our Let’s Get Smooth album in 1992. ‘BWAO’ is us returning to the feeling that started it all.”
Written, produced, and performed by Reggie and Vincent Calloway, “BWAO” blends a slow, sensual jazz groove with a dreamy falsetto chorus. In addition to vocals, Vincent becomes a one‑man horn section — layering trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, mellophone, and soprano saxophone — while Reggie adds flute and vocals over a drum track programmed by six‑time GRAMMY® winner Rob Chiarelli (Kirk Franklin, Tori Kelly, Erica Campbell). Keyboardist Wes Boatman, bassist C.C. Thomas Jr., and background vocalists Marla, Tammy, Salina, and Henry Benefield round out the lush arrangement.
“Opening for bebop saxophonist Sonny Stitt when we were teenagers getting started taught us that jazz isn’t just about the notes; it’s about the feeling you create,” Reggie added. “We’ve waited a long time to show people this side of Calloway.”
Vincent describes “BWAO” as a greeting, a parting, and a philosophy. “Everyone asks what it means,” he said with a sly smile. “It’s a celebration of family, friendship, coworkers — a reminder to live a full and fruitful life. The ambiance of the music puts you in a reflective place, especially if you’re apart from the people you love.”
“BWAO” begins collecting radio playlist adds on July 27, expanding a prolific run of releases from the Los Angeles‑based duo. Over the last 18 months, Calloway have delivered the romantic ballad “Til Valentines,” the EDM‑driven “Freak-A-Fied,” the wellness‑focused anthem “6 Pack,” and new versions of their classic hits “Freak-A-Zoid” and “I Wanna Be Rich.”
Reggie and Vincent Calloway architected groundbreaking hits as members of Midnight Star in the ’80s, in their own group Calloway, and for legends Teddy Pendergrass, Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole. They also crafted iconic hits for Levert, Klymaxx, and The Deele.
For more information, visit https://callowayofficial.com.
Purchase or stream “BWAO” at https://calloway.ffm.to/bwao.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Bassist Tony Grey and legendary keyboardist Bob James release "Nostalgia" #jazz #music
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New Album Release from Allison Russell 'In the Hour of Chaos' on Concord Records / Concord #jazz #music
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NEW ALBUM OUT NOW VIA CONCORD RECORDS Featuring Norah Jones, Brittney Spencer, Devon Gilfillian, Sara Watkins, Joy Oladokun, Kara Jackson, Kashus Culpepper, Denitia, Julie Williams, Ruby Amanfu, Kyshona, Ahya Simone, Chibueze Ihuoma, and more |
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Today, Grammy-winning musician, poet and actor Allison Russell releases her third studio album In The Hour of Chaos via Concord Records. Produced by Russell and Dim Star, the album is a fervent plea for connection in this time of alienation, isolation and dread. It’s an album that is meant to make you feel GOOD and, in these times, feeling good is a radical act. She also shares the Athena Kulb-directed video for the album’s focus track, “Searchlight” featuring Kashus Culpepper, who adds grit and swagger to the track.
Watch the video for “Searchlight (ft. Kashus Culpepper)” HERE
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“Allison Russell leans into the healing power of music on ‘Cold April’...With voices lifted together, Russell channels resilience, community, and the strength to keep moving forward.”
"Cold April" featured in KEXP's Watching The Watch Runcast
“a duet of comfort, affirmation, praise and solace...The song recognizes opposition and the need to stay defensive, but it’s determinedly optimistic.”
"On her new album, Allison Russell remains perfectly poignant but a bit more playful."
"Allison Russell is one of those performers who smile as they hypnotize. She lulls you into a delighted state and then all of a sudden, you realize her talent has wrapped itself around you, and there is no escape" - American Songwriter
“In the Hour of Chaos testifies to the power of resilience and unity in the face of the political, social, economic, and personal chaos we face daily in these times...Russell creates an ebullient community of song." - No Depression
"Listen to In The Hour Of Chaos: Allison Russell convenes a pantheon of notable women in music -- Kara Jackson, Norah Jones, Brittney Spencer, Joy Oladokun, and many more -- on a quest for solace and structure on her third studio album." - New York Magazine
"arriving directly from the magical musical cosmos is a new track from the ethereal Allison Russell… a song about extending grace, comfort, and care – and the importance of community to lift each other up" - The Bluegrass Situation on “Black Lavender”
“the gorgeous ballad “No Springtime,” a defiant resolution not to wallow in or to return to the resignation of past actions” - No Depression on “No Springtime” |
Elsewhere, Devon Gilfillian brings effortless warmth to “Love is a Golden Lion,” Chibueze Ihuoma adds an otherworldly tenderness to “Two Stars,” and Ahya Simone’s incomparable harp closes the circle with the haunting “Good Omens.” Across these songs, Russell holds the center effortlessly, while illuminating the voices of her chosen family. She turns these throughlines into golden thread, strengthening as she weaves, the only protection she knows against the chaos of this hour.
Community has deep importance to Allison, as evidenced in her recent conversation with community leader Rep. Justin Jones (TN-52) and moderated by singer-songwriter Ruby Amanfu at The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville where they discussed ways to remain strong and create joy during tumultuous times; in the midst of targeting, how to find strength in ourselves and for our neighbors. See select photos HERE.
Russell also took the stage at the JUNO Awards earlier this year to pay tribute to fellow Canadian, Joni Mitchell with a duet between her and Sarah McLachlan. Russell is currently on tour throughout North America with McLachlan – see a full list of her tour dates below.
Allison Russell just completed her second run on Broadway as Persephone in the 8x Tony Award winning musical Hadestown. She took over the role in November 2024 initially, after spending much of that year opening for Hozier on his Unreal Unearth Tour supporting his arena run on all US dates and throughout Europe. She made her Billboard Hot 100 debut thanks to their duet “Wildflower & Barley.”
The accolades for Russell have been immense. Last year she was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize and named Billboard Women In Music Canada’s “Breakthrough Artist of the Year.” She has had 8 GRAMMY nominations and one win, earned three 2022 Americana Award nominations and a win for Album of the Year with subsequent nominations in 2023 and 2024, two International Folk Music Award wins, a 2022 Juno nomination for ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ and her first-ever Juno Award win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Russell won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, two UK Americana Music Awards, and more. |
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Allison Russell Tour Dates Jul 10 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA* Jul 12 – BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH* Jul 14 – Artpark Mainstage Theater – Lewiston, NY* Jul 15 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill – Sterling Heights, MI* Jul 17 – Acrisure Amphitheater – Grand Rapids, MI* Jul 18 – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL* Jul 19 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN* Jul 21 – PNC Pavilion – Cincinnati, OH* Jul 23 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO* Jul 24 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO* Jul 26 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX* Jul 30 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – West Valley City, UT* Aug 01 – Toyota Pavilion at Concord – Concord, CA* Aug 02 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA* Aug 04 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA* Aug 07 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR* Aug 08 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA* Aug 09 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA*
Allison headlining dates Oct 15 – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC Oct 22 – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON Oct 23 – Theatre Beanfield – Montreal, QC Oct 24 – Imperial Bell – Quebec City, QC Oct 25 – National Arts Centre - Southam Hall – Ottawa, ON Oct 27 – Higher Ground The Ballroom – South Burlington, VT Nov 01 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN Nov 03 – Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB Nov 05 – Winspear Centre – Edmonton, AB Nov 06 – Grey Eagle Resort & Event Centre – Calgary, AB Nov 09 – Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – Vancouver, BC |
More About Allison Russell Montreal-born, Nashville-based Allison Russell is a GRAMMY, Juno, Americana, SOCAN, and Folk Award–winning artist and Polaris Prize–shortlisted singer-songwriter, producer, author, actor, and human rights advocate.
Her acclaimed solo debut Outside Child (2021) was followed by The Returner (2023), released via Concord/Fantasy. Prior to her solo work, she co-founded and toured internationally with Po’Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters, and remains an active collaborator with OND and a member of Joni Mitchell’s Joni Jam.
In 2024, Russell joined Hozier’s Unreal Unearth tour across the U.S. and Europe, with their duet “Wildflower & Barley” earning her first Billboard Hot 100 entry. Her Rainbow Coalition ensemble and All Returners tour continued through 2025 across Australia and North America. She also co-wrote “Human Mind” with Hozier for Mavis Staples.
Russell has received eight Grammy nominations and one win, alongside multiple honors including Americana Award nominations and Album of the Year, a Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, International Folk Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and UK Americana Awards. She was also named Billboard Women in Music Canada’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and shortlisted for the Polaris Prize.
She made her Broadway debut as Persephone in Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown in November 2024 and has since completed a second run in the role. Offstage, Russell is a powerful advocate and organizer, curating the historic Once and Future Sounds set at Newport Folk Festival and co-founding Love Rising, which has raised over $550,000 in support of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Her forthcoming memoir will be published by LittleBrown, and her third album is slated for release in 2026.
ALLISON RUSSELL ONLINE: |
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