Parkdale United Church



parkdale performance
what is parkdale performance?
Our mission is to expand the use of our sanctuary for the benefit of the congregation and the wider community.
The goal of Parkdale Performance is to open the doors of our sanctuary for performance through word, song and music -- building a dynamic community one event at a time.
Our re-purposed modern performance space provides a large open stage, seating for up to 300 people, contemporary sound system and lighting, grand piano and Johannes organ. We aim to encourage its use through partnerships with groups and organizations, third party rentals, organized concerts, and as a practice space for musicians, choirs and theatre.
We feature Wednesday Night Jazz Night plus a great line-up of other concerts with well-known musicians -- solo artists, ensembles and groups.
Wednesday night jazz
We are pleased to introduce our Parkdale Performance Wed Night Jazz events.
7:00 to 8:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Open seating.
Free Will Offering, suggested $20 cash per person.
april 23 Esteban Herrera (piano trio) with Jon May on drums
Esteban Herrera is an internationally renowned pianist and composer, originally from Mexico, known for his distinctive style and contributions to contemporary jazz. Based in Calgary, he has led several musical projects, most notably his Trio, his Quintet, his Septet and his Calgary Latin Orchestra to create original contemporary world jazz and music inspired by Afro-Latin-American influences. Read more about Esteban Herrera and check out his website.
Raised in New Hampshire, Jon May grew up an avid music lover whose passion for drums eventually landed him in the great white north. He has played everything from jazz, folk, avant-garde, rock, classical, bee-bop, country, and beyond with groups such as JUNO award-winning Laila Biali, Blake Reid, The Mocking Shadows, John Wort Hannam, The Polyjesters, Terra Hazleton, Ian Thomas, and recently, the Canadian Ska orchestra. Read more about Jon May.
may 7
Two-Horn Quartet, Nate Waters and Andre Wickenheiser
with Jon May on drums
Nate Waters is a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Calgary, and has performed and recorded in a number of disparate musical iterations. He has contributed to the city's musical fringe as half of the freely improvised Friesen/Waters Duo and as a part of the minimalist quartet Nobody Say Anything. He has appeared in more classical and contemporary contexts with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Alberta Winds, Timepoint Ensemble and the Calgary Chinese Orchestra. As a jazz saxophonist, he leads a quartet under his own name, and has shared the stage with such acts as Juno-nominated vocalist Heather Bambrick, local chantuese Ellen Doty, and Ironwood mainstays The Prime Time Big Band. See more about Nate Waters.
André Wickenheiser's sound is all his own. Whether it's the sound of his trumpet, or his compositional style, it is immediately recognizable.
Calgary based trumpeter André Wickenheiser began his musical studies at Mount Royal University where he completed an Artist Diploma in jazz performance. From there, he went on to finish both a Bachelors Degree, and Masters Degree in jazz performance at McGill University in Montreal.
André is enjoying a busy career as a freelance musician, and is quickly making a name for himself as one of the top jazz trumpet players in Calgary and Alberta. He is a composer/arranger, and educator performing with the likes of the Laila Biali, Jens Lindemann, and the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra. André is on the music faculty as a jazz trumpet instructor at the University of Calgary, Ambrose University, and the Mount Royal Conservatory. See André Wickenheiser.
sunday, may 4, 2:30 pm
Calgary Women's Chorus
Artistic Director, Cody Obst. Accompanist, Antonina Cox.
The Calgary Women's Chorus, established in 2011, has over 50 members. In their spring concert, Musical Treasures, they will perform their favourite selections from the past 14 years of making amazing music together! Featuring music by Diane Loomer, John Williams, The Wailin’ Jennys, Ed Henderson, Mozart, Harry Woods, and many more. Advance tickets, $20; Students, $10; Children < 12 yr, free. Tickets at the door, $25. Read more about Musical Treasures. Purchase tickets online.
Read more about Calgary Women's Chorus.
sunday, june 1, 7:00 pm
Séan McCann presents the Great Big Canadian Road Trip
I’m setting out on a journey — not just across CANADA, but into the heart of what it means to be human. When our world feels fractured and uncertain, MUSIC is the friend we can rely on to help us through the hard times. This is not a tour of stadiums or grand stages. It’s a celebration of small towns and real connection, because we all sound better as a choir singing in HARMONY. This is about showing up for each other, one day, and one song at a time. My songs will be a bridge between strangers and a reminder that no matter how hard the road gets, we are never truly walking it alone as long as we have a SONG to sing TOGETHER. Mile by mile and song by song — this is my GREAT BIG CANADIAN ROAD TRIP 🇨🇦! A journey not just of distance, but of BELONGING to a country STRONG and FREE.
Read more about Séan McCann. Purchase tickets online.
thursday, september 25, 7:00 pm
Jacob Rose Autumn Tour
Jacob Rose, an earthy soulful singer-songwriter, blends the rugged spirit of Alberta with the coastal charm of New Brunswick. Brimming with heartfelt hope, melancholy, and grit, his warm demeanor and powerful voice are enticing and welcoming. His music, formed by both rural and urban landscapes, captivates with its unforgettable melodies and raw folk essence. Jacob has shared the stage with Sam Roberts Band, Leeroy Stagger, and more, showcasing his talent and earning his place in the spotlight.
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Jacob is recording his debut album. The first single 'Hold Your Head Up' produced/co-written with Chris Kirby (Matt Andersen, Quote the Raven) releases Spring 2025. Read more about Jacob Rose. Purchase tickets online or at the door.