had all these women played in a big band with all other women.  Used to being one of the two or so females in a professional jazz band, the first rehearsal in January 2023 was a life changing moment.   They were invited by Kathie Van Lare who, with a friend and colleague, Sarah Drew, was putting together an all female big band for their new Girls in Jazz project in Calgary in January 2023.  With the help of generous friends, they were able to invite headliners, Christine and Ingrid Jensen to come for the weekend of performances and concerts,  which included guest appearances with this newly formed ensemble.    The gala concert at Calgary's National Music Center set the city on fire, and a group that was put together just for a weekend event, was launched into a life of its own.          

Since then, they presented a concert as part of JazzYYC's Canadian Music Festival, performed several times at Calgary's Ironwood Jazz Venue and once again the group has been involved with 2nd annual Girls in Jazz weekend with featured guests bassist Jodi Proznick and trombonist Audrey Ochoa, and just recently the 3rd annual event with Tara Davidson, saxophones, and trumpeter Rachel Therrien.   

The musicians are teachers, freelancers and community musicians from the Calgary area and look forward to what comes next.  

Please contact us if you would like to know more or have the CWJO perform.