Wild Blue Herons are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of BC Entertainment Hall of Famer, Bill Sample, and Darlene Cooper.  Adding horns to their line up, namely Tom Keenlyside on tenor sax and Jim Hopson on trombone, they will be playing groove-oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (Jazz Crusaders, Dr Music) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz, in particular Nancy Wilson.  Rounding out the band will be Miles Foxx Hill on bass and Randall Stoll on drums.  Collectively, this team of musicians has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Celine Dion.

“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

“the interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” – Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic

The overall level of the duo’s performances is simply top-notch, resulting in a terrific vocal jazz recording. – Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report Jan/Feb 2022

“Cooper and Sample have produced a winner with You & I” – Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz

Wild Blue Herons bring their jazz/gospel groove of select standards and original tunes to the Golden Ears United Church Jazz Vespers on Sunday February 25th at 4 pm. This is one hour of jazz music, readings, and spoken prayer to lift your spirits. 

Hosted by Leenane Shiels.

by donation

Wild Blue Herons are getting a bit funky and adding horns in the style of the Crusaders (Jazz Crusaders). We are excited to premiere a few new songs as well as new versions of older tunes with Bill’s horn arrangements.

Tom Keenlyside (tenor sax) and Jim Hopson (trombone) will be joining the band:

Bill Sample (keys/vocals); Miles Foxx Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums) and Darlene Cooper (lead vocals)

Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz. Formed in 2017, Wild Blue Herons perform as a duo or as a full band complete with horns at times and have played in numerous festivals (the Filberg Festival, Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival) as well as various Jazz Clubs (Frankies Jazz Club – Vancouver; Hermann’s Jazz Club – Victoria, Jazz Bistro – Toronto, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few).

The group has been featured with such artists as Eric Bibb, Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Chorale, Shari Ulrich, Jane Mortifee and debuted their show, “The Great Ladies of Jazz”, at the historic Columbia Theatre in New Westminster, BC, in 2019.   Facilitating live music to their area is important to them as “it brings joy and vibrancy to the soul of the community. Music brings us together and helps us to focus on what unites us a humans … we need more of this in these times of division throughout the world.”

Piva Presents Jazz at the Anvil

Marcus Mosely and the Wild Blue Herons will be bringing their Gospel and Jazz sounds to Jazz Vespers in the City! This trio directed the Marcus Mosely Chorale for 11 years and they have been leading Gospel/Soul Vocal workshops for the past 8 years as well as performing together. Their music is soul stirring and heart moving.

The one hour Jazz Vespers will be led by Dr. Ross Johnson who will give thoughtful ponderings between the musical offerings.

By donation

C'mon out to our Christmas(ish) house concert on Dec 10th!

Starring: 

Darlene Cooper - vocals

Bill Sample - piano

Tracy Moar - vocals

Guest starring: Darcy White - bass

Admission by donation (suggested $25)

trace will be performing the songs that she recorded with Bill for an upcoming album, many of which she wrote. trace and Darlene will be performing some songs together and Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) will perform a few of their tunes. The themes will be Christmas inspired!

Bring your own beverage - amuse-bouche by chef Carole Moar

Space is limited so you MUST RSVP to 

tracymaye18@gmail.com 

to reserve your spot and collect the address!!

Come Feel the Joy on December 8! Tickets are on sale now!

Join Marcus Mosely, along with the Ensemble, for a festive evening which will include some holiday favourites, some songs in the good old Gospel tradition filled with soulful gospel tunes, that Marcus does so well! All brought to life by the incredible talents of Bill Sample (piano), Randall Stoll (drums), Norm Fisher (bass) and Darlene Cooper (vocal conductor)

Date: December 8, 2023

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Highlands United

255 Edgemont Blvd, N. Vancouver

Tickets $35 and are available at www.marcusmoselymusic.com/events

Don't let this festive celebration pass you by. It's the perfect way to ignite your Holiday spirit. Share the joy with your loved ones - we can't wait to see you there!

Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Ensemble (MME) will be performing a special Christmas Show in Gibsons BC, at High Beam Dreams venue.

Musical Director and pianist, Bill Sample, will be accompanying them and Darlene Cooper will be conducting.

Join us for the this concert!

The Rogue Folk Club is hosting this concert:

Join us for the official CD launch of Jane Mortifee's new album 'Just Here Just Now Just Enough' produced by Bill Sample, mixed and mastered by Miles Foxx Hill.

She will be joined by the talented musicians who were the music makers on this project:

Bill Sample on keyboards and piano and background vocals, Miles Foxx Hill on bass, Tim Porter on guitar, Randall Stoll on drums, Tom Keenlyside on sax and Darlene Cooper on background vocals. Jane did the official launch for her last CD on the St James Hall stage 14 years ago. She’s happy to be back!

Jane Mortifee is returning to Cornerstone Bistro along with musical director and pianist, Bill Sample. Darlene Cooper will be joining them on background vocals. Jane will be singing songs from her new CD “Just Here Just Now Just Enough” in addition to many audience favourites. Be ready to laugh, cry and have your soul warmed.

Enjoy dinner as you listen to Jane in this intimate space.

Reservations are required: call 604-990-3602

Wild Blue Herons are excited to return once again to Frankie’s Jazz club - this time with a quintet! They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.

The band will be:

Bill Sample (piano and vocals) Darlene Cooper (lead vocals) Miles Foxx Hill (bass) Randall Stoll (drums) Tim Porter (guitar).

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and great music!

Make your reservations early.

Jane Mortifee will be singing songs from her brand new album (produced by Bill Sample) in an intimate setting of a house concert in Vancouver. She will be accompanied by Bill on (piano, BG vocals) and Darlene Cooper (BG vocals).

Cost is $35. Send an e-Transfer to: info@janemortifee.com (be sure to put name in memo)

Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. See poster below for more details.

Jane has been active in theatre, film, television and the studios doing voice-overs, jingles, and animated series for over thirty years. She has been nominated for an Actra Award and three Jessie Awards for her work in ‘John Gray’s Rock and Roll’ and ‘Don Messer’s Jubilee’ and Ann Mortifee’s ‘Reflections on Crooked Walking’. She was also a member of the cast of many theatrical productions and made many appearances on television in ‘Neon Rider’, ’21 Jump Street’, ‘Danger Bay’, ‘Airwolf’, as well as mini-series and feature films including the acclaimed ‘My American Cousin’. In addition, this 'Renaissance' woman is also an author - having published her first novel, "Out of the Fire", and currently finishing her 2nd book.

Jane's first love, however, is singing and she has performed as a guest soloist on numerous television and live musical specials such as the Canada Day Special, The David Foster Special, and as an opening act for Bob Newhart at Expo ’86. She was a regular background singer on the Tom Jones, Paul Anka, and Rolf Harris TV series. She has also performed many solo concerts, as well as in various club bands over the years. A career highlight for Jane was singing background vocals for Ray Charles.

Wild Blue Herons are looking forward to returning to North Vancouver’s St Andrew’s United Church for their Sunday Jazz Vespers service! Joining Bill and Darlene will be Rene Worst (bass) and Buff Allen (drums).

This is a one hour journey of music and thoughtful ponderings hosted by Rev. Judith Hardcastle.

By donation

Concert with Marcus Mosely and MME

Marcus Mosely and the Ensemble will be performing a ticketed concert as part of the Juneteenth event at Bez Arts Hub. Bill Sample will be on piano and Darlene Cooper will be conducting the group. Check out the full afternoon of festivities below!

Celebrate Juneteenth/Father’s Day with Marcus Mosely

It’s Father’s Day and this is definitely a “bring the whole gang event”! There’ll be food and music for the best parking lot party!

And Juneteenth? Here in Canada we’re generally not familiar the tradition but Marcus is full of stories about growing up in the southern United States where celebrating this freedom gathers people to sing and dance and eat!

What a great tradition to add to Father’s Day here in Langley!

Parking Lot Party

Outdoor party ticket prices start at $15 which includes a chicken dinner.

1:00 - 4:00 Outdoor bar is open for beverage purchase and fried chicken dinners are served

1:30 - 4:00 Music with Sister J’s Soul Summit and Bez Gospel Choir on the outdoor stage

4:15 - A ticketed Indoor Concert with Marcus Mosely Ensemble

Wild Blue Herons will be performing at Jazz AWE (Alternative Worship Experience) in Fort Langley at St Andrew’s Chapel. This service will explore the need for and strength of community and will be hosted by Janice McTaggart.

Bill and Darlene, along with Miles Foxx-Hill (bass), will be playing their groove-oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist. This concert is co-sponsored by the Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival.

Wild Blue Herons are making their debut performance at The Jazz Room in Waterloo, Ontario with stellar Toronto musicians: Ted Quinlan (guitar), Mike Downes (bass), and Mark Kelso (drums). This is a dynamite band!

Come and enjoy an evening of groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.   They will be playing their arrangements of select standards as well as originals.

Bill’s emotional, playful and meticulous accompaniment added to Darlene’s “rich stunning vocals, where every note is delivered flawlessly” (Tom Haugen, Take Effect ) create a warm and mesmerizing synergy.   

Sharing a particular passion for song stylist, Nancy Wilson, they tug on your heart strings through their beautiful spin and storytelling.  

 “Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

The Jazz Room is a welcoming music venue dedicated to the best in jazz music presentations. Home to the Grand River Jazz Society (GRJS), the club has a dual mandate—to support exceptional musicians from our own community and to invite talent from elsewhere for local audiences to hear. The Jazz Room is a family friendly venue.

Located at the Huether Hotel in Uptown Waterloo, the Jazz Room presents live music on Friday and Saturday nights on a continuous rotation of professional musicians, from September to the end of June.

Wild Blue Herons are returning to Toronto Jazz Bistro on Thursday May 11th. They will once again be joined by stellar Toronto musicians: Ted Quinlan (guitar), Mike Downes (bass), and Mark Kelso (drums). This is a dynamite band!

Toronto area friends! Come and enjoy an evening of groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.   They will be playing their arrangements of select standards as well as originals.

Bill’s emotional, playful and meticulous accompaniment added to Darlene’s “rich stunning vocals, where every note is delivered flawlessly” (Tom Haugen, Take Effect ) create a warm and mesmerizing synergy.   

Sharing a particular passion for song stylist, Nancy Wilson, they tug on your heart strings through their beautiful spin and storytelling.  

 “Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

Bill and Darlene will be joining Marcus Mosely for an Evensong service at St Alban’s Anglican Church in Richmond.

Bill and Darlene invite you to enjoy an intimate concert in their home - The Heron's Nest. Their music, a combination of jazz, funk, soul, blues with ‘smoky’ ballads, blends groove with complex chords, rhythms, and soulful melodies. They will be performing songs they have written and will be sharing the stories behind the songs.

Bill and Darlene will be joined by Randall Stoll (drums) and Miles Foxx-Hill (Bass).

Please bring your own beverage (BYOB) to enjoy during the evening (glasses will be supplied). We will provide a snack as well.

Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $30

Seating is very limited so reserve your tickets early!

*Note: there are a number of stairs to navigate with no wheelchair access.

To contact: www.wildblueherons@gmail.com

Darlene is singing Background vocals with Jane Mortifee for this concert which is also a fund raiser for Education Without Borders

Jane Mortifee is a well known, and exceptional Vancouver singer, actor and author who has been performing on stage, film, and television, as well as singing in clubs and musical venues for the past 40 years. She was nominated for an Actra Award, three Jessie Awards and is an inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. She has recorded three CD’s, and her first book "Out of the Fire" is available on Amazon, with two more in progress.

Joining Jane will be Bill Sample, her long time musical director, pianist and fellow inductee into the BC Entrainment Hall of Fame. Bill’s career ranges from composing original scores for award winning films and tv shows, to being musical director for David Foster and countless other musicians. Providing back up vocals will be singer Darlene Cooper, a vocal/music teacher and choral director for Marcus Mosely Chorale.

The three of them will create a memorable musical evening of soulful ballads and roof raising rock and roll.

*The evening is limited to the first 50 paid tickets but, depending on demand, a second evening can be arranged.

Education without Borders

Education without Borders (EwB) has provided after-school education and mentorship to youth from disadvantaged communities in South Africa since 2002. EwB enriches education offered at selected under-resourced schools with supplementary mathematics, English, science and leadership programs. These programs expand students' future career and job opportunities, helping strengthen their families and communities and break the cycle of poverty. The outcomes of the program are closely monitored, and there are many anecdotal reports of increased student engagement in the program as well as overall improvements in post school education. To learn more about EwB, visit their website, or check them out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Cost: $35

Reservationsrequired

e-Transfer to: ruthewb@gmail.com

Darlene is singing Background vocals with Jane Mortifee for this concert which is also a fund raiser for Education Without Borders

Jane Mortifee is a well known, and exceptional Vancouver singer, actor and author who has been performing on stage, film, and television, as well as singing in clubs and musical venues for the past 40 years. She was nominated for an Actra Award, three Jessie Awards and is an inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. She has recorded three CD’s, and her first book "Out of the Fire" is available on Amazon, with two more in progress.

Joining Jane will be Bill Sample, her long time musical director, pianist and fellow inductee into the BC Entrainment Hall of Fame. Bill’s career ranges from composing original scores for award winning films and tv shows, to being musical director for David Foster and countless other musicians. Providing back up vocals will be singer Darlene Cooper, a vocal/music teacher and choral director for Marcus Mosely Chorale.

The three of them will create a memorable musical evening of soulful ballads and roof raising rock and roll.

*The evening is limited to the first 50 paid tickets but, depending on demand, a second evening can be arranged.

Education without Borders

Education without Borders (EwB) has provided after-school education and mentorship to youth from disadvantaged communities in South Africa since 2002. EwB enriches education offered at selected under-resourced schools with supplementary mathematics, English, science and leadership programs. These programs expand students' future career and job opportunities, helping strengthen their families and communities and break the cycle of poverty. The outcomes of the program are closely monitored, and there are many anecdotal reports of increased student engagement in the program as well as overall improvements in post school education. To learn more about EwB, visit their website, or check them out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Cost: $35

Reservationsrequired

e-Transfer to: ruthewb@gmail.com

Marcus Mosely Ensemble

Bill and Darlene of Wild Blue Herons are the Musical and Vocal Directors (respectively) of the Marcus Mosely Ensemble. They will be directing this performance along with artistic director and soloist, Marcus Mosely. Bill will be accompanying the Marcus and the Ensemble on piano.

In this uplifting and joyous repertoire, Marcus Mosely and his Ensemble will perform a rousing program of gospel songs celebrating Black History Month.

Marcus, a member of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, is well-known for his big voice and emotion-filled delivery. His nine member Ensemble specializes in full gospel sound and has a repertoire spanning gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, rock, folk, and blues. Musical Director, Bill Sample, is also a member of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and has accompanied the likes of Leon Bibb, Ray Charles and many others. 

Come and enjoy a soulful afternoon of gospel, blues and inspirational music with the legendary Marcus Mosely and his Ensemble.

Arts Whistler members enjoy 15% off the general admission ticket price all season (starting September 30).

Tickets are available online or at the Maury Young Arts Centre.

Bill and Darlene are once again joining Jane Mortifee at the Cornerstone Bistro in North Vancouver. Bill will play key and the two of the will lend their beautiful blend of harmonies and Jane’s powerhouse and heartfelt vocals.

An acclaimed theatre performer, familiar film and television actress, an in demand vocalist and voice-over artist, Jane is like a “Renaissance Woman” of the performing arts. Accompanied once again by the multi award-winning pianist Bill Sample and pitch-perfect vocalist Darlene Cooper, Jane will present her new show created especially for the Corner Stone Bistro audience.

For reservations call: 604-990-3602

Bill and Darlene will be performing with Marcus and the Ensemble - performing a couple of their songs. Darlene conducts the group and Bill is the musical director and accompanist.

Marcus Mosely Ensemble is bringing their full gospel sound spanning gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, rock, Christian rock, folk, and blues to the new Inlet United Church at The Springs, 2315 Spring Street, Port Moody. This is part of Inlet Connects, a series of activities bringing people together in the changing community of Moody Centre. 

Tickets are by donation in advance or at the door and can be made online on our Giving page, sent via e-transfer or by cash/cheque at the door. This is a pay what you can performance. Sliding scale, $1-$40. Everyone is welcome! 

To reserve your seats, please email office@inletunited.ca or call 604-939-5513 during office hours Mon-Thurs 9:30am - 2:30pm.

Maximum 6 seats reserved per person - only 75 seats available, so book in advance as we expect to sell out!

Online ticket donation, please visit our Giving Page and select Marcus Mosely concert.

Ticket donations via e-transfer to donations@inletunited.ca noting "Marcus Mosely concert" in your e-transfer.

Cash and cheque will also be accepted at the door.

Marcus Mosely Ensemble

Bill and Darlene of Wild Blue Herons are the Musical and Vocal Directors (respectively) of the Marcus Mosely Ensemble. They will be directing this performance along with artistic director and soloist, Marcus Mosely. Bill will be accompanying the Marcus and the Ensemble on piano.

In this uplifting and joyous repertoire, Marcus Mosely and his Ensemble will perform a rousing program of gospel songs celebrating Black History Month.

Marcus, a member of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, is well-known for his big voice and emotion-filled delivery. His nine member Ensemble specializes in full gospel sound and has a repertoire spanning gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, rock, folk, and blues. Musical Director, Bill Sample, is also a member of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and has accompanied the likes of Leon Bibb, Ray Charles and many others. 

Come and enjoy a soulful afternoon of gospel, blues and inspirational music with the legendary Marcus Mosely and his Ensemble.

Arts Whistler members enjoy 15% off the general admission ticket price all season (starting September 30).

Tickets are available online or at the Maury Young Arts Centre.

The Surrey School District proudly presents the Surrey Schools Jazz Festival, now in its 41st year, as one of Canada's largest and most unique jazz festivals. This year, the event offers two days of jazz performances by secondary school jazz musicians followed by personalized clinics for each of the ensembles.

This year, Darlene will be joining a host of adjudicators who are “professional musicians in their own right …and are committed to providing our young musicians with valuable comments on their musical performances, and offer advice and strategies to help them and their directors strive for even greater musical achievement.”

Inlet Theatre Music Series is excited to host the illustrious Jane Mortifee! She will be accompanied by a full band and BGs - Bill Sample (keys/BGvocals) , Darlene Cooper (BG vocals), Tim Porter (guitar), Miles Foxx-Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums)

Jane Mortifee has been active in theatre, film, television and the studios doing voice-overs, jingles, and animated series for over thirty years. She has been nominated for an Actra Award and three Jessie Awards for her work in ‘John Gray’s Rock and Roll’ and ‘Don Messer’s Jubilee’ and Ann Mortifee’s ‘Reflections on Crooked Walking’. She was also a member of the cast of many theatrical productions and made many appearances on television in ‘Neon Rider’, ’21 Jump Street’, ‘Danger Bay’, ‘Airwolf’, as well as mini-series and feature films including the acclaimed ‘My American Cousin’. In addition, this 'Renaissance' woman is also an author - having published her first novel, "Out of the Fire", and currently finishing her 2nd book.

Jane's first love, however, is singing and she has performed as a guest soloist on numerous television and live musical specials such as the Canada Day Special, The David Foster Special, and as an opening act for Bob Newhart at Expo ’86. She was a regular background singer on the Tom Jones, Paul Anka, and Rolf Harris TV series. She has also performed many solo concerts, as well as in various club bands over the years. A career highlight for Jane was singing background vocals for Ray Charles.

Since this concert is close to St. Valentine's Day - its a great event to celebrate with loved ones. Or as a beloved Valentine's Gift!