Featured Events in Rex in December, 2024 (April Updated)

Named “Vocal Group of the Year” by the Jazz Report, Jazz Acappella Vocal Ensemble Hampton Avenue was established in 1995 under the leadership of Debbie Fleming. They began as a 9 voice group of professional singers who loved singing arrangements of songs by The Hi Los, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6. They recorded a Christmas CD, released in 1996, entitled “All I Want For Christmas” featuring original Christmas songs, and a few well known carols, arranged with tight jazzy harmonies, and upbeat rhythms. Nearly 30 years later, Hampton Avenue remains active as a quartet, consisting of all original members: Debbie Fleming, Suba Sankaran, Dylan Bell and Tom Lillington. Debbie Fleming – vocals and arrangements Suba Sankaran – vocals Dylan Bell – vocals Tom Lillington - vocals VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite

Guitarist Michael Occhipinti and Yvette Tollar are multiple JUNO Award nominees, celebrated for their ability to blend jazz, soul, and popular music in highly personal and imaginative ways. Yvette Tollar’s expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances. Michael Occhipinti is a versatile, sound-sculpting guitarist and composer/arranger, who has spent decades freely moving between jazz, chamber music, world music, r&b/funk, and anything involving modern guitar sounds. Yvette Tollar – vocals Michael Occhipinti - guitar VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite

Janet Whiteway cites a pretty eclectic list of artists as her inspirational sources. Amy Winehouse, Rufus Wainwright, Freddie Mercury, Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello and Stevie Wonder feature in her influences. And just like them, people are amazed at how much power, sound and talent can be contained in such a small package. Her embrace of her eclectic side has allowed her to explore a truly wide range of styles and genres, which becomes obvious when you hear her work. You’ll hear blues, gospel, rock, opera, soul, funk, classical – it’s a few hundred years of musical theory coming to town when Janet Whiteway plays. Janet Whiteway – vocals and piano with surprise special guests! VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite

Blue Standard was formed in 2018 around the release of their debut record “A Good Thing” featuring classic songs originally interpreted by the likes of Nat King Cole, Joe Williams, Ray Charles, Chet Baker, Jimmy Scott and more. Made up of two members of the Maple Blues Award winning outfit Raoul and The Big Time, Blue Standard features acclaimed singer/actor Raoul Bhaneja on vocals and harmonica and the youngest member of the first family of Canadian roots music, Jesse Whiteley on piano and vocals. VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite

Sherie Marshall has performed professionally in various nightclubs across Toronto for over 30 years. She founded her own group fusing funk, soul, pop, reggae, and Soca producing the single “Steppin’ Out,” establishing herself as a mainstay in the Toronto music scene. In addition to opening for Harry Belafonte, The Smothers Brothers, and Rich Little, Sherie has sung background for George Oliver, Jack DeKeyser, reggae artist Mojah, and Jacksoul at the Canadian Urban Music Awards. Sherie Marshall is currently a faculty member at York University where she teaches jazz vocals and inspires many young music students. Her dynamic stage presence, coupled with her infectious smile, is reflected in all her performances. Sherie Marshall – vocals Mike Cado - guitar VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite

The Jay Blues Trio are a 3-piece Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto, Canada. The band formed in 2023 from a collection of Blues, R&B, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking in the streets of Toronto and performing within the local Blues scene. Inspired by the likes of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, James Brown, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago blues, Funk, and whirling solos with Slow Sultry Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to dance, cry and groove. Jwoel “Jay Blues” Benn – guitar & vocals Kyle Colesanti – bass Ben Graham - drums VIP TICKETS on Eventbrite only include prime seating and VIP Meet-and-Greet. General Tickets ($10-$15) are walk-in, first come first serve. For more info visit www.therex.ca Information Source: JazzInToronto | eventbrite