Inlet Music Series is thrilled to host Marcus Mosely and Dawn Pemberton in “A Soulful Christmas” concert. Mosely, with his infectious gospel sound, joins forces with Pemberton, often called “Canada’s queen of soul”, for a holiday performance of soulful Christmas classics and inspiring seasonal tunes. Known for their dynamic stage presence, the pair promises a show that will move both your body and soul.

Bill Sample, a member of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, will lead the All-Star band. He has extensive experience as a musician, composer, arranger and musical director.

The band will be:

Bill Sample (keys/BGs); Miles Hill (bass); Randall Stoll (drums); Steve Hilliam (sax); Tim Porter (guitar); Darlene Cooper (BGs)

Ticket Link: A Soulful Christmas Tickets

Dawn Pemberton is a vibrant, soulful Canadian vocalist and multiple Juno Award nominee whose powerful voice moves effortlessly from gospel and soul to jazz, funk, and world music.

A staple of the Vancouver music scene, she has toured extensively across Canada and Europe, sharing stages with legends like Bettye LaVette and Kurt Elling, and opening for Maceo Parker and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Dawn’s acclaimed debut album, Say Somethin’, earned her the title of “the new queen of Canadian soul.”

She is also the founder of the Roots ‘N’ Wings Women’s Choir, a sought-after educator, and host of Get on The Good Foot on CKUA Radio. With adventure, groove, and heart, Dawn brings music to life, hitting audiences where it counts and leaving them wanting more.

Marcus Mosely has sung throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific and Australia.  From Ralls, Texas, Marcus made Vancouver his home in 1985.  Since then he has starred in the stage productions Ain’t Misbehavin’, Black and Gold Revue (Arts Club), and Show Boat. He also created and directed It’s Time to Sing (Arts Club). In the studio, he has worked with Jim Byrnes, Colin James and appeared in the movie Twist of Faith and in  Holiday Heart as the voice of Ving Rhames. His was the singing voice of Fluttershy in an episode of the series My Little Pony. He is also a member of the award winning Sojourners (2014 Spiritual Album of the Year) who opened for Bobby McFerrin at the 2014 Vancouver Jazz Festival.  In 2011 he founded the Marcus Mosely Chorale (which performed regularly at the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Yule Duel, Festival of Trees in W. Vancouver, Vancouver Art Galley “Out for Lunch” series). In 2016, Marcus was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and in 2017 his CD “Labour of Love” was released.  

During the pandemic year (2020), Marcus did voice over work for Big Bad Boo Studios in which he starred as “Kenny” in their production “ABC’s with Kenny G”. This production won a Leo Award for the musical score and Marcus was nominated for a Leo for best vocal performance in an animated series.

It was also in 2020 that Marcus received the 2020 Legacy Award for outstanding achievement in Music from the National Congress of Black Women Foundation.

In May 2024, Marcus was awarded the BC Achievement Foundation’s Community Award and the Mitchell Award of Distinction, which recognizes those who have demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to elevating people around them” via work or volunteer activities.

Bill Sample is a composer, producer, arranger and pianist.

Bill’s career has spanned four decades and his reputation is unsurpassed. Bill is a ‘first call’ musician,  composer and musical director in Vancouver. As a jazz pianist, Bill opened for Oscar Peterson and Monty Alexander. He performed with Ray Charles, Mel Torme, Robben Ford, Art Pepper, Dee Daniels and Fraser MacPherson. As musical director for David Foster for 9 years, he performed with Celine Dion, Brian Adams, Peter Cetera, and Kenny Loggins, to name a few. He was music director for the Variety Club telethon from 1985 to 1995.

In 2003, Bill was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. In 2008, he played on the Grammy winning soundtrack Ratatouille. In 2010, he received both a Lifetime Achievement Award and Most Influential Jazz Musician from the Royal Canadian Music Project, and his band Sample Stearns Band (from the 70’s) received the Most Influential Group Award. In 2013, Bill was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2014, he was awarded (along with Bob Sarti) an Ovation Award for The Raymur Mothers, a musical.

Bill started the Marcus Mosely Chorale with Marcus in 2011 and served as the musical director until 2022 when the chorale was retired.  He wrote songs and created arrangements for the chorale along with Darlene Cooper.

A Jazzy Christmas Evening with Bill Sample, Darlene Cooper & Friends

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable night of music, stories, and festive cheer! Join us for A Jazzy Christmas Evening, featuring the incomparable Bill Sample—one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists, composers, and recording artists. Bill’s music captures the timeless charm of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, with that cozy, soulful sound that instantly brings the holidays to life. Sharing the stage is the wonderful Darlene Cooper, whose smooth, expressive voice blends perfectly with Bill’s piano magic to create an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

The evening will also feature Russ and Sandy Rosen, bringing heart and humour through seasonal songs and stories that celebrate the meaning and magic of Christmas. Between sets, enjoy delicious Christmas treats and join in singing your favourite carols—because no holiday gathering is complete without a little community harmony!

Whether you’re a jazz lover, a carol singer, or simply looking to recapture the wonder of the season, this concert promises to be a highlight of your Christmas celebrations. Come share the music, laughter, and spirit of the holidays with us!