The Pilot Jazz Jam: Presented by The Pilot, in association with the Toronto Jazz Festival
The Pilot Jazz Jam
Presented by The Pilot, in association with the Toronto Jazz Festival
The Stealth Lounge at The Pilot
22 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON
Doors 10 PM | 10:30 PM start | General Admission: $10 + tax & fees
No Refunds
Join us for a week of unforgettable late-night jams at The Pilot! Taking place during the Toronto Jazz Festival, each night features a different host - some of the best jazz artists in the city - leading a live jam.
* If your interested in joining the jam b ring your instrument! House drum kit, keyboard, bass amp and guitar amp provided. *
Lineup & Hosts
Friday, June 20 – Allison Au & Band
Allison Au (pronounced “ow”) is a JUNO award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Toronto. She has released four albums: “The Sky Was Pale Blue, then Grey” (2013), “Forest Grove” (2016), “Wander Wonder” (2019) and most recently, “Migrations” (2023).
Allison has toured extensively in Canada and the US. Winner of the 2017 Montreal Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix de Jazz, the 2017 Halifax Jazz Festival Sting Ray Rising Star Award, and a 2017 Finalist for Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award, Allison was also featured in SFJAZZ’s 2018 list of "10 Rising Instrumentalists You Should Know.”
Saturday, June 21 – Andrew McAnsh & Band
Award-winning trumpeter and recent graduate of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Andrew McAnsh is an active force in the contemporary jazz scene, contributing to a range of forward-thinking ensembles and creative initiatives. He has performed alongside a distinguished roster of artists, including Esperanza Spalding, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Bill Dobbins, Joy Lapps, Larnell Lewis, Terri Lyne Carrington, George Garzone, Pat LaBarbera, Hilario Duran, and Bobby Shew. His appearances at renowned international festivals such as the Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, Kobe Jazz Walk, Toronto Jazz Festival, and Montreal Jazz Festival have solidified his reputation as a dynamic and versatile performer. During his time at Humber College, McAnsh also had the opportunity to collaborate with jazz luminaries such as Jack DeJohnette, Chris Potter, Joe Lovano, Dave Holland, Terence Blanchard, and the New York Voices.
Thursday, June 26 – Nancy Walker & Band
Nancy Walker is an award-winning pianist and composer, honoured with the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, a JUNO nomination, and induction into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame. Known for her dynamic improvisation and thoughtful compositions, she’s performed with artists like Kirk MacDonald, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Raffi. Recent credits include pianist and co-producer on Here’s To Life by John Neudorf and Magpie by Sarah Jerrom (2025 JUNO-nominated). This fall, she releases Deeper Down, her latest album as leader. Nancy has taught at Humber and York and holds a Master’s in Music Composition.
Friday, June 27 – Chris Gale & Band
Chris Gale is a Toronto-based saxophonist,composer and educator whose driving style and rich tone can be heard on hundreds of recordings. Chris has performed with Colin James, Blue Rodeo, Matt Dusk, Michael Kaeshammer, Ron Sexsmith, Barry Elmes, Kevin Bright, Arkells and The Shuffle Demons. Gale’s quartet features Matt Newton (piano), Chris Banks (bass) and Morgan Childs (drums).
Saturday, June 28 – Ernesto Cervini & Band
JUNO Award winner Ernesto Eervini is a sought-after drummer, composer, bandleader and influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond. He has documented his vision with the Ernesto Cervini Quartet (featuring Joel Frahm), the innovative sextet Turboprop, numerous co-led trio projects including MEM3, Myriad3 and TuneTown, and also the quartet Tetrahedron, featuring acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder. Cervini’s album Abundace won the 2020 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Group. In addition to his performing career, he founded Orange Grove Publicity in 2014 and has quickly become one of the most sought-after jazz publicists in Canada. He is also co-founder of TPR Records. Cervini is on the faculty of University of Toronto.
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