Line-up:
Joel Gray – Trumpet
Elissa Moores – Trumpet
Mark DeJong – Saxophonist
Dan Davis – Alto and Bari saxophone
Jacob Do – Tenor saxophone
Allen Jacobson – Trombone
Wes Yaciuk – Guitar
Chris Andrew – Piano
Paul Johnston – Bass
Dean Pierno – Drums

Long before the swing era took hold, Bechet’s bold, expressive voice on soprano saxophone cut through ensembles with an intensity and individuality that still feels modern today. His playing was passionate, technically commanding, and unmistakably personal, setting a standard for jazz soloists that continues to resonate across generations.

This special concert features acclaimed saxophonist Mark DeJong, whose depth of experience and stylistic versatility make him the ideal artist to bring Bechet’s music to life. A performer, composer, and educator active across North America, DeJong has appeared with major symphonies including Vancouver, Calgary, and Saskatoon, and has performed at international festivals from Panama to Havana to Shanghai. His collaborations span an extraordinary range of artists, from Ray Charles and Kenny Wheeler to the Shuffle Demons, and his work as a composer has been featured on CBC Radio.

Together, DeJong and the High Society Band will explore the energy, lyricism, and raw emotional power that made Bechet a foundational figure in jazz history. Expect an afternoon that captures both the spirit of New Orleans and the sophistication of early jazz innovation—music that is at once historical and vibrantly alive. This is not just a tribute; it is a celebration of the roots of jazz, delivered with authority, passion, and swing.