Are you ready for another season of transcendent Jazz?
“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” Ornette Coleman
When accomplished jazz musicians perform, the audience is invited into a conversation between rhythm, melody, and harmony, tied together by the artistic soul. It’s what makes fans of jazz so passionate about not just their favourite ensembles, but individual performances on specific nights, at specific venues. Because the only thing that stays the same about jazz is that it is always changing.
Israel Asper (1932 - 2003) was a passionate jazz afficionado. He had a vision of creating a jazz series in Winnipeg modeled after the one at the New York’s famous 92nd Street Y. In 1999, he approached the Rady JCC with the idea of partnering to bring jazz greats to Winnipeg to perform.
And from there, the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances was born.
Today, over 25 years later, and the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances have now showcased over 400 internationally renowned jazz greats entertaining over 80,000 people right here in Winnipeg.
Through this incredible performance series,
Mr. Asper’s love for both jazz and Winnipeg lives on,
being felt and cherished by so many every year.
This Fall, a brand new season of Jazz performances await.
The 2026-2027 performances are booked, and Winnipeg will once again play host to the very best voices and artists in Jazz today. Check out the sneak preview below to see who’s coming.
Subscriptions and ticket sales open soon - watch this space.
New York Voices
October 31, 8 p.m.
November 1, 2 p.m.
Berney Theatre | Rady JCC
This Hallowe’en, we’re giving you a treat for your ears.
We kick off the season with NEW YORK VOICES, one of the world’s premier jazz vocal ensembles, renowned for their sophisticated arrangements, daring swing, and remarkable vocal precision. Winnipeg will be one of the last stops on their triumphant Grand Finale Tour, so don’t miss your chance to experience their infectious energy, brilliant musicianship and genuine joy in sharing music they love!
Jane Monheit - One Night Only
November 28, 8:00 p.m.
Desautels Concert Hall | University of Manitoba
You won’t want to miss our biggest jazz concert in years.
Acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit, known for her silky voice and her capacity to release the emotional core of every lyric, brings her new show, I Am in Love! Monheit Sings Porter to the stage for one night at the Desautels Concert Hall. Given her lifelong passion for the Great American Songbook, we can expect song after song to be “devastatingly ravishing, in all the best ways” (Broadway Review)
Peter Bernstein
March 13, 2027, 8:00 p.m.
March 14, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
Berney Theatre | Rady JCC
Ring in the Spring to the sounds of virtuoso Jazz Guitar by one of the best.
Master guitarist Peter Bernstein has forged an enviable career path over the past thirty years as a first-call player with a who’s-who of jazz luminaries, and as a member of the powerhouse organ trio with Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. Winnipeg audiences will hear his “feather-light touch, encyclopedic knowledge of chords and ability to play standards like he’s inventing them on the spot” (LA Daily News) as his quartet closes out another remarkable season.
Consider Subscribing for a Full Season of Jazz Bliss
As a Full Season Subscriber to the Izzy Asper Jazz Performances, you are guaranteed a reserved seat or seats of your choice at each of the three performances, depending on your selected subscription level.
Please note that subscriptions levels vary in pricing because each subscription type includes a donation portion.
By purchasing a full season subscription, you’ll be directly helping us bring the world’s best jazz artists to Winnipeg. You will also receive a tax receipt for your donation portion.
