The final two nights of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival delivered a wide-ranging crescendo of jazzy artistry. These evenings featured a rich mix of vocalists, instrumental virtuosos, and genre-melding ensembles across the TD Mainstage at The Cube, Fort Garry Hotel, and other city venues.

Jimmie Herrod and George Colligan’s collaboration at Desautels Concert Hall was a sublime highlight of the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. The evening offered a masterful blend of vocal elegance and instrumental depth, perfectly pitched for a crisp spring night in Winnipeg.

Herrod’s voice, smooth and richly expressive, brought immediate warmth to the room. His delivery – ranging from tender ballads to subtly soul-infused standards – captivated every corner of the hall. Backed by the celebrated pianist George Colligan, Herrod’s storytelling was elevated by Colligan’s nuanced harmonies and improvisational brilliance. Known for his versatility and depth, Colligan provided a musical environment that was at once sensitive and daring.

The energy between the duo was palpable. Herrod’s phrasing floated over Colligan’s elegant chord voicings and rhythmic finesse—an interplay that kept the audience enraptured. Standout moments included heartfelt renditions of classic jazz standards and revitalized gems that allowed both musicians to take thoughtful solos, expressing both restraint and fervor.

Saturday night at The Cube, Old Market Square, during the 2025 Winnipeg Jazz Festival delivered a dynamic celebration of jazz diversity and community energy. The night began with The River City Syncopators, an 11-piece ensemble reviving 1920s hot-jazz with modern enthusiasm. Their exuberant clarinet melodies and tight brass arrangements infused the plaza with toe-tapping swing—a bright, communal welcome.  Next, Saxophone Nouveau took the stage, a powerhouse quartet of saxophones delivering silky harmonies and agile soloing. Their unified reed voices showcased remarkable musicianship, filling the space with layered textures that captivated listeners. Following them, Brass Queens, Brooklyn’s all-women brass powerhouse, brought bold funk-infused grooves and fierce stage presence. Their energetic, punchy charts awakened the crowd and added a contemporary spark to the evening.

Later in the night, the Carl Mayotte Quintet delivered polished jazz-fusion set rooted in funk and Brazilian motifs. Quebec-born bassist Mayotte’s leadership drove the rhythmic sophistication and lyrical solos, marking a high point of musical finesse. Finally, Vox Populi closed around midnight with pockets of 80s-inspired synth-pop-soul. Their accessible melodies and tight grooves mellowed the vibe—ending the evening on a smooth, upbeat note.

On Sunday, the Fort Garry Hotel’s Club Room hosted a memorable performance by the Lorraine Desmarais Trio, paying tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. This intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of sophisticated jazz, showcasing Desmarais’s exceptional talent and deep connection to Evans’s music.

Desmarais, a renowned Canadian jazz pianist and composer, led the trio with grace and precision. Her interpretation of Evans’s compositions was both respectful and innovative, capturing the essence of Evans’s harmonic complexity and lyrical phrasing. The trio’s performance was marked by seamless interplay and a shared understanding of the material, reflecting their collective experience and mutual respect for the jazz tradition.

Closing out the 2025 festival, the Desautels Concert Hall hosted a captivating performance by the renowned Cameroonian bassist and vocalist, Richard Bona. Known for his unique fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, and Latin rhythms, Bona delivered an evening that was both musically rich and deeply engaging.

When Bona and his ensemble took the stage, the hall was filled with an infectious energy. His virtuosity on the bass guitar was evident as he seamlessly navigated complex rhythms and melodies. Bona’s soulful vocals added an emotional depth to the performance, resonating with the audience throughout the evening.

The repertoire included selections from his latest projects, showcasing his versatility and commitment to blending diverse musical influences. The band’s cohesion and Bona’s charismatic presence created an immersive experience that left a lasting impression on all in attendance. This performance was a testament to Richard Bona’s status as a masterful musician and a highlight of the 2025 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.