MRU Conservatory presents Jazz on Lincoln Park
Friday, April 10th, 2026
Jon May’s Standard Ska Quintet
Jon May, Drums
Brandon Smith, Organ/Keys
Adam Pettigrew, Bass
Barry Mason, Guitar
Shane Statz, Sax
Raised in New Hampshire, USA, Jon May never expected to be a working musician in Canada. Jon grew up an avid music lover whose passion for the drums eventually landed him in the Great White North. Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. He has played everything from Jazz, Folk, Avant-guard, Rock, Classical, Bee-bop, Country and beyond with such groups as Juno award winner Laila Biali, Denzel Sinclare, multiple move award winner Blake Reid, The Mocking Shadows, Juno nominated John Wort Hannam, The Polyjesters, FUBAR 2 star Terra Hazelton, Canadian icon Ian Tomas, Edmonton Trombonist and Juno nominated Audrey Ocha and many, many others. He has toured extensively through the U.S.A., Canada, and Europe. Jon has taught at St. Ambrose Drums intensive with jazz educator John Riley, at the University of New Hampshire’s Summer Youth Music School, The Mt. Royal Jazz Camp as well as the Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York. Jon got his start at a local jam, rapidly working his way through the ranks to become one of Western Canada’s top musicians. As a talented composer, teacher, recording artist and player, Jon brings a thoughtfulness to the Canadian music scene, where he bridges a gap between many genres.
His new project Jon May’s Standard Ska Quintet is a unique way of interpreting improvisatory jazz standards with more of a laid-back island feel. Growing up in the early 90’s Jon was exposed not only to Jazz and Popular music, but was also influenced by many local New England groups influencing his sound. This group is an autobiographical look back on some of the grooves and music that made him the musician he is today.
Jon May’s Standard Ska Quintet
Jon May, Drums
Brandon Smith, Organ/Keys
Adam Pettigrew, Bass
Barry Mason, Guitar
Shane Statz, Sax
Raised in New Hampshire, USA, Jon May never expected to be a working musician in Canada. Jon grew up an avid music lover whose passion for the drums eventually landed him in the Great White North. Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. He has played everything from Jazz, Folk, Avant-guard, Rock, Classical, Bee-bop, Country and beyond with such groups as Juno award winner Laila Biali, Denzel Sinclare, multiple move award winner Blake Reid, The Mocking Shadows, Juno nominated John Wort Hannam, The Polyjesters, FUBAR 2 star Terra Hazelton, Canadian icon Ian Tomas, Edmonton Trombonist and Juno nominated Audrey Ocha and many, many others. He has toured extensively through the U.S.A., Canada, and Europe. Jon has taught at St. Ambrose Drums intensive with jazz educator John Riley, at the University of New Hampshire’s Summer Youth Music School, The Mt. Royal Jazz Camp as well as the Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York. Jon got his start at a local jam, rapidly working his way through the ranks to become one of Western Canada’s top musicians. As a talented composer, teacher, recording artist and player, Jon brings a thoughtfulness to the Canadian music scene, where he bridges a gap between many genres.
His new project Jon May’s Standard Ska Quintet is a unique way of interpreting improvisatory jazz standards with more of a laid-back island feel. Growing up in the early 90’s Jon was exposed not only to Jazz and Popular music, but was also influenced by many local New England groups influencing his sound. This group is an autobiographical look back on some of the grooves and music that made him the musician he is today.
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Jeremy Coates Quintet
Jeremy Coates, High Bass
Stephen Shepard, Bass
Sean Craig, Sax
Jeff Sulima, Drums
Michelle Gregoire, piano
Jeremy will present a distinctive set of jazz standards drawn from the American Songbook, reinterpreted with his own voice and style. The evening will feature two basses; Jeremy on his ‘high five’ bass tuned with a high C-string, and Steve Shepard on acoustic bass. Rounding out the ensemble will be Sean Craig on tenor saxophone and Jeff Sulima on drums.
Bass player Jeremy Coates, a native of Calgary, Alberta, is excited to be performing at MRU’s jazz concert series at the Nickel Theatre. Currently employed in many areas of the music industry, Jeremy is one of Western Canada’s busiest bassists, with more than thirty years of performing and teaching experience. While completing his studies for Doctor of Arts at the University of Northern Colorado, Jeremy was afforded the opportunity to work with artists such as Bob Brookmeyer, Nicholas Payton and Maria Schneider. Since returning to Calgary in 2004, Jeremy has performed with Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, and Canadian artists; Jens Lindemann, Hilario Duran, Guido Basso, Mike Murley, PJ Perry and Tommy Banks. He has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and been a faculty member at The Banff Centre. Jeremy has performed in the United States, China, Russia, South Korea, Israel, England, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica and has performed at the Montreux jazz festival in Switzerland.
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/
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/
