Acclaimed Canadian vocalist Dawn Pemberton celebrates the women who helped shape the jazz vocal tradition in Portraits of the First Ladies of Jazz. From Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to Sarah Vaughan and more, this special performance honours some of jazz’s most celebrated voices and the music they made famous.
A vibrant and soulful Canadian vocalist and multiple Juno Award nominee, Pemberton is a master of a wide range of vocal styles and genres. Her 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 Bettye LaVette and Kurt Elling, and opening for Maceo Parker and St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
For this special JazzYYC Canadian Festival performance at Studio Bell, Pemberton is joined by an outstanding Canadian ensemble:
Dawn Pemberton – vocals
André Lachance – bass
Jon Bentley – saxophone
Jon Day – piano
Tyler Hornby – drums
ABOUT DAWN PEMBERTON
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.