Jazz music and jazz music education thrives in Nanaimo because of our strong community of supporters like you, and we’re pleased to continue that tradition with the return of Terell Stafford with John Lee, Nick Peck, and Jesse Cahill at Jazz Affair 2025 on May 10 at the Bowen Park Complex Auditorium.Jazz Affair is our signature annual fundraising event – don’t miss out on an evening of amazing entertainment in support of jazz music education in Nanaimo.Terell Stafford, acclaimed trumpet player based in New York, has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player, he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Stafford’s exceptionally expressive and well defined musical talent allows him to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads. Since the mid-1990’s, Stafford has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, Kenny Barron Quintet, Frank Wess Quintet, Jimmy Heath Quintet and Big Band, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band. been a feature member of many Grammy Award nominated jazz ensembles and albums, including the Grammy-Award winning, Bobby Watson’s Tailor Made Big Band.Playing with Mr. Stafford is a who’s who of BC contemporary jazz musicians – John Lee (bass), Nick Peck (piano), and Jesse Cahill (drums). Pre-show performances will feature the Wellington Jazz Academy under the direction of Carmella Luvisotto.This is an exclusive, small venue benefit event, and tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $85, which includes the musical performances, complimentary beverage, raffle ticket, and personal charcuterie plate. Reserve a table for four or eight and save! Raffle prizes from local businesses and services will also be drawn throughout the evening, and guests can play “Musical Notes” for more prizes.Doors at 6:30Wellington Jazz Academy 7:00Terell Stafford 8:00
