MRU Conservatory presents Jazz on Lincoln Park
Friday, May 29th, 2026
Joanna Borromeo Quintet
Joanna Borromeo, Piano/Keys/Vocals
David Lavoie, Trumpet
Nate Waters, Sax/Flute
Jeff Gammon, Bass
Biboye Onanuga, Drums
Joanna Borromeo stands amongst Calgary’s list of distinguished artists and musicians—but you wouldn’t know it if you bumped into her as a stranger, randomly in public. From her unassuming demeanor, you might not guess that she is a force to be reckoned with at the piano or that she is a bona fide Juno-nominated vocalist who, for a year in 2014 at least, was one of Canada’s five top R&B/Soul artists. She is more than meets the eye. She is a caring music educator, an artistically abundant music collaborator capable of transcending genres with
reliable ease, and a wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve singer-songwriter-arranger who has, in a previous lifetime toured nationally and internationally with other artists as their keyboardist. These days, she can be found on stage playing jazz with friends, joyfully and skillfully exploring the compositions of prominent jazz figures as well as Calgary’s local composers. Having fallen in love with the format and freedom that jazz provides, she’s lately felt the urge to write new music, only this time as a jazz pianist. Eager to explore the themes she cares most about—the faces of humanity, stories of survival and overcoming adversity, and contemplating what true peace could look like in our lifetime—Joanna Borromeo is set on reimagining herself again as a fresh voice in Canadian jazz.
Awards & nominations
2014 Juno Award Nomination for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year - Kaleidoscope
2013 Western Canadian Music Award for Urban Recording of the Year -Kaleidoscope
#9 on the National Jazz Charts (Canada; March 2013) - Kaleidoscope
Winning Finalist for R&B Song Category - John Lennon Songwriting Competition (2010) - Through the Dark
Winning Finalist for R&B Song Category - Great American Song Contest (2009) - Through the Dark
http://www.joannaborromeo.ca/
Joanna Borromeo Quintet
Joanna Borromeo, Piano/Keys/Vocals
David Lavoie, Trumpet
Nate Waters, Sax/Flute
Jeff Gammon, Bass
Biboye Onanuga, Drums
Joanna Borromeo stands amongst Calgary’s list of distinguished artists and musicians—but you wouldn’t know it if you bumped into her as a stranger, randomly in public. From her unassuming demeanor, you might not guess that she is a force to be reckoned with at the piano or that she is a bona fide Juno-nominated vocalist who, for a year in 2014 at least, was one of Canada’s five top R&B/Soul artists. She is more than meets the eye. She is a caring music educator, an artistically abundant music collaborator capable of transcending genres with
reliable ease, and a wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve singer-songwriter-arranger who has, in a previous lifetime toured nationally and internationally with other artists as their keyboardist. These days, she can be found on stage playing jazz with friends, joyfully and skillfully exploring the compositions of prominent jazz figures as well as Calgary’s local composers. Having fallen in love with the format and freedom that jazz provides, she’s lately felt the urge to write new music, only this time as a jazz pianist. Eager to explore the themes she cares most about—the faces of humanity, stories of survival and overcoming adversity, and contemplating what true peace could look like in our lifetime—Joanna Borromeo is set on reimagining herself again as a fresh voice in Canadian jazz.
Awards & nominations
2014 Juno Award Nomination for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year - Kaleidoscope
2013 Western Canadian Music Award for Urban Recording of the Year -Kaleidoscope
#9 on the National Jazz Charts (Canada; March 2013) - Kaleidoscope
Winning Finalist for R&B Song Category - John Lennon Songwriting Competition (2010) - Through the Dark
Winning Finalist for R&B Song Category - Great American Song Contest (2009) - Through the Dark
http://www.joannaborromeo.ca/
Friday, June 26th, 2026
Coolhaven
Richard Harding, Sax
Sheldon Zandboer, Piano/Keys (primary leader)
Brendan Rothwell, Bass
Andy Ericson, Drums
Coolhaven is a vibrant gateway to the soul of the Sunset Strip, where the spirit of funk and jazz
comes alive through powerful, unforgettable music. It’s a celebration of the sounds that once
ignited dance floors, with the grooves of Bob James, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, David Sanborn,
Herbie Hancock, and Earth, Wind & Fire reverberating with raw energy and passion. If it’s jazz that makes your heart race or funk that moves your feet, we’re here to keep that pulse
beating—playing the timeless, electrifying music that defines an era and stirs the very core of
your soul.
Andy Ericson: is a veteran drummer, educator, and producer with over 40 years of experience.
He studied with renowned drummers including Tom Brechtlein, Peter Erskine, and Ian Froman,
building a deep foundation in jazz and contemporary styles. Andy has performed and recorded
with acclaimed artists such as PJ Perry, Jens Lindemann, Guido Basso, Chris Jennings, Mike
Murley, and Wycliffe Gordon. His musical versatility makes him a valued presence on stage and
in the studio. Since 1992, he has run a Juno-nominated recording studio, producing and
engineering music for artists, film, theatre, and media. Andy remains an influential figure in
Canadian jazz, known for his artistry, technical skill, and commitment to music education.
Richard Harding: has been passionate about music al long as he can remember! He comes from
a musical family with a diverse and intense love of music from Dixieland (Rich’s Dad), to Opera
(Rich’s Mom). Richard has performed and recorded with many outstanding groups such as the
Jen Lindemann Big Band, Calgary Jazz Orchestra, Prime Time Big Band, Calgary Philharmonic
Orchestra, Lorna Maclachlan Quintet, Calgary Stampede Grandstand Orchestra, Barry Shaw
Orchestra, Soul Providers, Penguins on Broadway, TR3, Tim Tamashiro Orchestra and his own
jazz groups.
Brendan Rothwell: is an accomplished bassist, composer and producer. With extensive global
radio airplay and multi-million streams across the primary digital platforms, his music and brand
captivates his growing audience.
With the increasing prominence of his brand and signature sound, Brendan has been invited to
record on original tracks with well known artists from the contemporary jazz world. These
include guitarist Reza Khan, legendary pianist Bob James, saxophonist Wayne Nutshell, and
most recently Grammy nominated vocalist Sylvia Bennett.
Sheldon Zandboer: is Calgary’s finest jazz pianist, composer, arranger, instructor, and author –
Sheldon Zandboer is one of the most musically diverse and proficient piano/keyboard players in
Western Canada. Specializing in jazz piano and widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier
jazz talents, he has appeared on many recordings, theatre projects, song writing projects, jazz
concerts, and film soundtracks.
Sheldon has performed globally since 1977 which makes him one of the most experienced
keyboard player/pianists in Canada. Any style you desire with a repertoire unmatched in
Western Canada.
Sheldon has performed jazz before Queen Elizabeth, as well as the other members of the British
Royal Family, international dignitaries, Heads of State and publicly on 4 continents.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Coolhaven-61576343373795/
