FEATURING: Shari Ulrich, Wild Blue Herons, Colin Sankey, Bez Community Stage Artists & a house band (with the legendary Bill Sample, Miles Hill, Randall Stoll and Brian Nicholl)!

6pm BBQ 7pm Concert

Bez Arts Hub launches it’s first Pop-Up Fundraiser Concert in support of the many important and inspiring events and arts activities that take place in this notable local performance space! Bez has become an indispensable venue for all things arts-focussed in this region, featuring a steady stream of award-winning musicians, arts training and theatre performances that keep the lifeblood of this region pumping. This is our chance to support the life and health of our local arts scene!

This one-of-a-kind fundraiser will not only feature Juno award veteran, Shari Ulrich and jazz spectacle The Wild Blue Herons, but also the mind-blowing bass stylings of social media phenom Colin Sankey! The house band will feature some of the most noteworthy musicians of this area: Bill Sample (keys), Miles Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (Drums), Brian Nicholl (pedal steel), Darlene Cooper (vocals) and Alana Zerbe (vocals). Filling out the sets will be local emerging artists from our very own Bez Community stage (Cocolarosa, Aaron James, Andrew Gordon, Laura Doyle, Matt Pierrot, Matt Kennedy, Megan Gadd, Dave Forster, Wayne Joyce & Russ Rosen)! It’ll be an exceptional evening of splendid sonics!

Thursday, February 20, 2025

• 6:30 PM 8:30 PM

• Corner Stone Bistro (map)

• Google Calendar ICS

The Renaissance woman, Jane Mortifee is returning once again to Cornerstone Bistro. Her powerhouse and emotional vocals will move you deeply. Jane’s long time musical director, Bill Sample, will be playing keys and singing BGs. Darlene Cooper will also be singing BGs (background vocals).

Jane has not just one but two CDs which were released in 2024. She will be singing selections from these as well as songs from her other CDs.

Be sure to reserve early as this event sells out very quickly.

For reservations: https://www.cornerstone-bistro.com/livemusic

Wild Blue Herons With Horns are returning to Frankie’s Jazz Club, Vancouver’s premiere jazz club … always a great vibe, great food and great live music! They will be performing their groove oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and the Crusaders). WBH will be sharing some of the music they are recording this Fall. The band is: Bill Sample (piano), Darlene Cooper (lead vocals), Miles Foxx Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums), Tom Keenlyside (saxes and flute) and subbing for Jim Hopson is Dennis Essen on trombone

Be sure to reserve early as they fill up quickly!

The fabulous and powerful singer, Jane Mortifee, will be returning to the cozy Cornerstone Bistro in North Vancouver accompanied by Bill Sample (piano and background vocals) and Darlene Cooper (background vocals).

This concert is always a sell out so reserve early!

Dinner and live music!

Reservations required: CALL 604-990-3602

Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) and Jane Mortifee will each be performing a set in this lovely garden setting at the home of Don and Roxie Giles. These outdoor concerts have become favourite summer time events as patrons enjoy reserved seating, food, beverages, the beauty of the garden and, of course, great music.

You bring your own appetizers and beverage of choice and they supply the chairs and glasses.

Tickets and info: roxiemusic2017@gmail.com

Be sure to book early as these concerts are limited seating and usually sell out.

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

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.

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 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

Wild Blue Herons (Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper) will be performing songs from their latest album, “You & I” as well as original tunes with stellar Toronto musicians - Ted Quinlan (guitar), Mike Downes (bass); Mark Kelso (drums).

“Pure emotion throughout, they bring all the tools they need to give you 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 Journalist and Music Critic.

Wild Blue Herons - Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper - are returning to Frankie’s with their limited edition vinyl of You & I in hand! They will be joined by Miles Foxx-Hill (bass) and Buff Allen (drums) playing select standards with their own twist as well as some originals … perhaps something hot off the ‘manuscript’ as they will be returning from a Winter writing retreat! The music is great, the food is great, the vibe is great! Come enjoy a fabulous evening out!

“Superb…this record is a gem” - Citizen Jazz

“The interplay is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful, and intimate” - Ivan Rod (DK)

Wild Blue Herons are returning to Jazz @ the Pat on Saturday March 5th with Buff Allen (drums) and Rene Worst (bass). They will be playing tunes from their latest release, “You & I”, and will have the Limited Edition Vinyl for sale! In addition, they will be playing some groove oriented tunes … select standards and originals. Admission by donation. This takes place at Hastings Mill Brewing Co in the historic Patricia Hotel. Parking on site.

“Cooper and Sample have produced a winner with You & I” - New Jersey Jazz Society

“Superb…this record is a gem” - Citizen Jazz (FR)

Wild Blue Herons return to Frankies to celebrate the release of You & I - an intimate jazz standards album recorded by Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper during Covid lockdowns. The album features the artwork of Joe Average and will be available in both CD and digital form … vinyl coming in 2022! Joining Bill and Darlene will be Miles Hill (bass) and Buff Allen (drums).

Darlene will be singing background vocals for Jane Mortifee with Bill Sample (piano/vocals) at the “Welcome Back” Music Series at the Cornerstone Bistro. Jane is like “the Renaissance Woman” of the performing arts. She does it all! Jane is an acclaimed theatre performer and a familiar film and television actress. She has always been a ‘first call’ studio singer and voice over artist. Her live performances, as you will hear, are memorable events. Plus Jane has recently published her first novel and is well into writing a second book.

Doors at 6 pm and concert at 6:30pm. Reservations needed as shows sell out quickly.

For reservations call: 604-990-3602

Wild Blue Herons are returning to Frankies Jazz Club with Miles Foxx-Hill on bass and Buff Allen on drums. They will be performing jazz standards from their new album, “You & I”, as well as their groove oriented originals.

Come enjoy delicious Italian cuisine while listening to the sweet sounds of WBH - a perfect way to end the weekend. Get your tickets early as seating is limited!

Wild Blue Herons (Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper) and Marcus Mosely will be performing separately and together along with Miles Foxx-Hill (bass) and Tom Keenlyside (flute/sax). The concert will be held in a beautiful outdoor garden at the home of Don and Roxie Giles. Bring your own beverages and appetizers. Chairs and glassware provided. Tickets are $30. Limited number.