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.
august 13 jazz in the garden
Red Line Trio with Scott Marshall
The Redline Trio brings to life an attitude of a bygone era with a modern perspective. Drummer Jeff Sulima has taken his musicianship across the ocean, holding down residencies in Europe and Asia. A consummate accompanist, Jeff can deftly shape the turn of a phrase with his nuanced percussive palate, and just as easily light the room on fire with his thundering mallets and driving kick drum. Saxophonist Mark DeJong has travelled around the globe and those experiences inform his reverence for tradition while balancing the adventurousness of a trailblazer. His saxophone wails, roars and cajoles listeners to dive deep. For this concert, Daniel Nava will be the bassist. Jazz Guitarist Scott Marshall studied at Mount Royal College in the 90s. After years on the road with a hard rock band, Scott spent time during the pandemic to focus back on playing jazz and continuing to hone the craft.
august 27 jazz in the garden
Gisela Romero Quartet with Jon May
Gisela Romero is a versatile Latin singer and Jazz enthusiast with a strong love for traditional Mexican Music. She was born in Leon, México in 1981, and has lived in Canada since 2008. She was educated in Singing, Harmony, and musical theory at Cultural Center Mexico contemporáneo in Aguascalientes, México, and in Graphic Design at La Salle University in Leon, México. She started singing at the age of 9, but her professional development as a singer began in her teenage years. Gisela is an artist made in Mexico and grown in Canada. Her voice is her experience, her work, her talent. She says, "I am my voice, my roots and my art and I’m enormously proud to be Mexican and Canadian, well ... Mexicanadian!" Read more about Gisela Romero.
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This evening will be a quartet of musicians: Gisela Romero, vocals; Esteban Herrera, piano; Jon May, drums; and a bass player to be announced.
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.
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.
