Part of JBUC Open House Week 2026
Featuring guitarist and musette-style accordionist Aaron Watson, virtuoso gypsy jazz guitarist Chris Sartisohn, and special guest bassist Joey Smith, this group is a powerhouse of Django Reinhardt-inspired jazz and traditional swing!
Aaron Watson leads the incredibly popular Monday night guitar choir at James Bay United Church and has lived his life as a Renaissance man in music, studying and performing across a multitude of musical cultures. His boundless passion for music is matched by his love of teaching and sharing.
We are thrilled to have him bring his long-standing trio to the Sunday Jazz Matinee!
1:30 pm — Swing dance lesson: everyone welcome!
2:00 pm — Show
The Cold Cut Combo is a Victoria-based gypsy jazz duo that has been enchanting audiences for over two decades with virtuosic jazz Manouche guitars, soulful accordion, and sweet vocals. Formed in 2001, the duo consists of Christopher Sartisohn on lead guitar and Aaron Watson on rhythm guitar, accordion, and vocals.
With a repertoire featuring jazz standards from some of the greatest composers of the 20th century, including Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Antônio Carlos Jobim, George and Ira Gershwin, Django Reinhardt, and Stéphane Grappelli, the Cold Cut Combo has become a go-to band for community festivals, citywide events, celebrations, and fundraisers in Victoria and the South Island. They have provided music for Jazz Vespers, weddings, galas, and fundraising events at some of the region’s most prestigious clubs and venues, and have made regular appearances at the Victoria Jazz Society’s JazzFest, Victoria’s Francophone Festival, the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, Centennial Square, and Market Square.
The duo’s improvisational approach ensures that each performance is a unique experience, bringing their own expressive je ne sais quoi to every show. Their talent and distinctive sound have earned them accolades including the Victoria Times Colonist’s “Best of the City” award for Best Jazz Band and a runner-up finish for Monday Magazine’s “M” award for Best Jazz/Blues Act.
Performance highlights include opening for Madeleine Peyroux to a sold-out crowd at the Royal Theatre and serving as the house and host band at Vista 18 for more than a decade. Whether playing in small venues or large theatres, the Cold Cut Combo continues to captivate audiences with their original sound, humour, and charm. Book them for your event or catch their next performance and discover the magic of the Cold Cut Combo.
Admission by donation ($20 suggested). ALL are welcome, regardless of ability to donate!