Where does jazz live in Calgary? Many places. It’s spread across the city — in concert halls, bars, cafés, and even churches. The local infrastructure is surprisingly connected, though: big organizations like JazzYYC bring in artists and link them with local venues, while smaller spaces keep the music intimate and alive.
“When we talk about jazz infrastructure in Calgary, we’re really discussing the ecosystem of venues, promoters, musicians, audiences, media, and institutional support that enables regular live jazz to thrive — and it’s currently quite healthy,” said JazzYYC Artistic Director Kodi Hutchinson. “JazzYYC plays a coordinating, connective, and promotional role — acting as a hub or collaborative for jazz in Calgary.”
Collaboration works not only across venues but across bands. The same musicians may be part of different bands. “Unlike rock or pop bands, jazz groups are more organic,” said Mark Alexander, drummer and co-leader of two groups, Trio Motion and the Broadview Trio. That last band can often be seen at Bettylous. He describes Calgary’s jazz culture as strong and growing, highlighting support for younger players and the network of venues that host regular jams around town.
JazzYYC fills the calendar for different events both in and outside the festival, helping audiences discover live jazz every week. “Our community calendar supports all venues, promoters, and artists in the city, allowing anyone to post their shows there,” added Hutchinson. In fact, the scene is more vibrant than it might appear — and easier to find than you’d think.
JAZZYYC FESTIVAL
The biggest jazz event this month happens from November 4 to 9, spanning multiple venues across Calgary. JazzYYC organizes a week packed with performances featuring top Canadian musicians, both local and national.
“For November, our goal was to bring the best of Calgary and the best in the country together and to create multiple price points, including free shows to help Calgarians discover and enjoy jazz,” said Hutchinson.
One of the show’s highlights is Double Bill, which brings together two-time JUNO Award–winning pianist Andy Milne with Calgary’s poet laureate, Wakefield Brewster, and his jazz project PoëThree, a dynamic blend of spoken word and world-class jazz.
“Many people are surprised to learn that jazz isn’t just one kind of music. It’s a genre that embraces a huge range of styles and influences,” said Hutchinson. “It’s not limited to swing, bebop, or avant-garde; in fact, jazz draws from almost every musical tradition you can imagine.”
The upcoming festival beautifully reflects that diversity. Audiences will hear tango and South American rhythms from Payadora, Cuban influences from Alex Cuba, folk-inspired jazz from Carsten Rubeling & Lorna MacLachlan, jazz-funk grooves from Timothonius, contemporary explorations from Kate Wyatt and André Wickenheiser, pop-infused jazz from Worst Pop Band Ever, and even electronic elements from David Lavoie and Colin Adhikary.
For the program and tickets, visit jazzyyc.com.
And if you are a newcomer to jazz, check out the JazzWalk — a series of free performances along the Music Mile. It’s a fun, relaxed way to explore jazz and discover what resonates with you.
TAWAZÛN – JAZZ CONCERT
For those seeking a more intimate, cultural experience, the Alliance Française presents the Illyes Ferfera Quartet on November 15 at La Cité des Rocheuses. Saxophonist Illyes Ferfera, Franco-Algerian, draws on North African influences like Algerian Diwane and Moroccan Gnawa, blending them with American jazz improvisation, Latin grooves, and French musical nuance. All of this creates a remarkable chemistry that feels like a musical dialogue between cultures.
The band will perform original songs from their new album Tawazûn (“balance” in Arabic), which reflects the ensemble’s pursuit of harmony between tradition and innovation.
Find tickets at afcalgary.ca.
JAZZ NEBULA – THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Jazz Nebula, part of the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners, offers a different take on live jazz: educational, rotating, and intimate. On November 22, the group’s quartet — featuring Kim Szabo (piano and vocals) and John Reid (saxophone, flute, and clarinet) — performs hits from Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Gershwin, and other great American composers.
This concert is the first of six for Jazz Nebula’s 2025–26 season at Scarboro United Church, blending live performance with context and discussion to make jazz approachable.
More info at calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Let’s Jam: Even More Spots to Catch Jazz in Cowtown
Calgary’s cafés, bars, and community spaces keep jazz accessible. With most shows free or only an affordable cover, you don’t need much more than curiosity to join in.
“The exciting part is that jazz is largely improvised, so every time you play, something new happens,” said Alexander. “Calgary has places where we can do that.”
In some venues, anyone can step up, improvise, and become part of the music. For musicians, it’s a chance to practice and grow; for venues, it brings energy and community into their spaces. For audiences, it’s an ever-changing show. And for all, it’s a shared moment of creativity and joy.
“Jazz artists naturally bring their own backgrounds, cultures, and musical influences into their work, just like any other musician. That openness and diversity are what make jazz so relatable,” said Hutchinson.
“And the experience of live jazz — its spontaneity, interaction, and emotional energy — is something truly special.”
Jazz is fluid: it slips easily into different spaces, adding depth and character wherever it lands. So grab a drink, find a seat, or jump in. Let’s jam!
Kawa Espresso Bar
101 – 1333 8 St. S.W.
@kawaespressobar
Every Saturday, Kawa hosts a lively Jazz Jam that welcomes all ages and experience levels. From 3 to 6 p.m., the café buzzes with conversation. The space is cozy yet vibrant, surrounded by Polish posters, warm lighting, soups, and pastries.
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A band performance opens the session, then volunteers take turns joining in, creating something fleeting and magical: building music in real time.
Gravity Café
909 10 St. S.E.
@gravitycalgary | gravitycalgary.com
Wine, pastries, and a carefully curated aesthetic make this café one of Calgary’s coziest music spots. There’s always something playing at Gravity: a Sunday jam at 2 p.m. and occasional weekday shows around 6:30 to 7 p.m.
“Great coffee deserves great music,” they say on the website. Having hosted more than 3,000 live performances, Gravity has even collected them into a Spotify playlist, Gravity Vibes, extending the experience beyond its Inglewood space. Nestled next to the Esker Gallery and surrounded by local restaurants, it’s perfect for an afternoon date or a slow weekend wander.
Alvin’s Jazz Club
176 Mahogany Centre S.E.
@alvinsjazzclub | alvinsjazzclub.com
A vibrant tribute to New York City’s classic jazz era with warm ambient lighting, a glowing dance floor, and a wide selection of food and cocktails. Alvin’s hosts live jazz almost every night (Tuesday to Sunday), with a cover charge of $5-$10.
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Dedicated to supporting local talent, the club regularly invites independent musicians to give them a platform to perform.
Congress Coffee
#1A – 215 36 Ave. N.E.
@congresscoffeeyyc | congresscoffeeshop.com
Hidden in an industrial area, Congress Coffee surprises with its warmth. Inside, it’s a cozy, community-driven space that hosts free open mics and jam sessions every Wednesday, alongside drag shows, rock concerts, and themed nights. Its quirky posters and underground feel give it the charm of a beloved neighbourhood hangout. Alongside the music, there’s a wide coffee menu, seasonal drinks, and simple comfort food like sandwiches, soups, and pastries.
Heliopolis Social Café
817 1 St. S.W.
@heliopolissocialcafe | heliopolissocialcafe.ca
True to its name, Heliopolis brings people together through art, books, and music. With its soft lighting, candles, and stone accents, it feels both elegant and intimate. Their Friday jazz nights at 8 p.m. are a highlight, but the lineup often expands, and DJs, country acts, and social events fill out the calendar. The menu is just as varied as the program: coffee, tea, signature cocktails, and playful fusion dishes.
