Parkdale United Church
parkdale performance
what is parkdale performance?
Our mission is to expand the use of our sanctuary for the benefit of the congregation and the wider community.
The goal of Parkdale Performance is to open the doors of our sanctuary for performance through word, song and music -- building a dynamic community one event at a time.
Our re-purposed modern performance space provides a large open stage, seating for up to 300 people, contemporary sound system and lighting, grand piano and Johannes organ. We aim to encourage its use through partnerships with groups and organizations, third party rentals, organized concerts, and as a practice space for musicians, choirs and theatre.
We feature Wednesday Night Jazz Night plus a great line-up of other concerts with well-known musicians -- solo artists, ensembles and groups.
Wednesday night jazz concerts
We are pleased to introduce our Parkdale Performance Wed Night Jazz events.
7:00 to 8:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Open seating.
Free Will Offering, suggested $20 cash per person.
june 25
Joanna Borromeo with Jon May on drums
Joanna Borromeo is a treasure of Calgary's soul/jazz and R&B music scene, a vocalist, pianist, and Juno-nominated recording artist influenced by some of the deepest, most beautiful musicians in history. Dynamic, heart-felt and undeniably groovy - not to mention, a natural entertainer - Joanna Borromeo delivers a captivating performance wherever she goes. A musician with outstanding versatility, colleagues in the community know and appreciate her for her unique improvisational style, her musical spirit, and candor. Her unwittingly “Libran” approach to making music is one that strikes a compelling balance between musical eloquence and raw, emotional expression. At the piano, she carves out a unique, polished style that takes on a life of its own; her mastery of the instrument produces a dynamic and multi-layered sound that plays with time and space in wholly satisfying ways. Adding to her depth as a musician, Joanna’s warm, dynamic singing style comes with a kind of honed precision that doesn’t strive to be perfect, but to be ‘all soul’. Read more about Joanna Borromeo.
Raised in New Hampshire, Jon May grew up an avid music lover whose passion for drums eventually landed him in the great white north. He has played everything from jazz, folk, avant-garde, rock, classical, bee-bop, country, and beyond with groups such as JUNO award-winning Laila Biali, Blake Reid, The Mocking Shadows, John Wort Hannam, The Polyjesters, Terra Hazleton, Ian Thomas, and recently, the Canadian Ska orchestra. Read more about Jon May.
july 16 jazz in the garden
Kim Szabo Trio with Jon May on drums
Kim is a seasoned performer with a performance and recording resume that spans the globe. Born and raised in Canada, she has become an accomplished pianist and vocalist by honing her skills through initial classical training, followed by extensive jazz studies in Edmonton, Alberta. Her international career has spanned the globe, from Japan to Switzerland to Germany, as well as across Canada. Since returning to Canada, she has reintroduced herself to Jazz audiences through the Calgary music scene in a variety of positions. Kim also offers piano and vocals instruction both privately and at Music & Play in West Calgary.
july 30 jazz in the garden
Le Hot Club Des Millionaires led by Jeremy Gignoux
Jeremy Gignoux is a prolific violinist and composer based in Mohkinstsis, Treaty 7 otherwise known as Calgary, Alberta. While classically trained in France, he has spent his career in Canada getting involved in many other styles from country fiddle to jazz and exploratory music. His artistic purpose lies in balancing his admiration for traditional music and his longing for weird sounds, his regard for the composition form and tendency toward improvisation. Read more about Jeremy Gignoux.
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Le Hot Club des Millionaires is a collective of musicians united by their love of swing music. They draw inspiration from anything that swings, with a particular focus on the music of the Quintette du Hot Club de France (Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli).
featured events
thursday, september 25, 7:00 pm
Jacob Rose Autumn Tour
Jacob Rose, an earthy soulful singer-songwriter, blends the rugged spirit of Alberta with the coastal charm of New Brunswick. Brimming with heartfelt hope, melancholy, and grit, his warm demeanor and powerful voice are enticing and welcoming. His music, formed by both rural and urban landscapes, captivates with its unforgettable melodies and raw folk essence. Jacob has shared the stage with Sam Roberts Band, Leeroy Stagger, and more, showcasing his talent and earning his place in the spotlight.
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Jacob is recording his debut album. The first single 'Hold Your Head Up' produced/co-written with Chris Kirby (Matt Andersen, Quote the Raven) releases Spring 2025. Read more about Jacob Rose. Purchase tickets online or at the door.
