Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St.
Admission: by donation ($20 suggested donation, but all are welcome)
Experience a very special concert and masterclass featuring one of the most renowned jazz guitarists of his generation, performing with an all-star band that includes special guest saxophonist Cory Weeds and pianist John Lee, led by powerhouse drummer Graham Villette and bassist Kosma Busheikin.
Bernstein is steeped in the tradition of jazz, having worked with some of the biggest names past and present, including Diana Krall, Lou Donaldson, Christian McBride, Larry Goldings, and more.
Also featured in the band is Vancouver saxophonist, Cellar Live Recording Label owner, and music presenter Cory Weeds.
Rounding out the rhythm section are Busheikin on upright bass, Villette on drums, and Victoria’s own multi-instrumentalist John Lee on piano.
Band Lineup:
Peter Bernstein – Guitar
Cory Weeds – Tenor Saxophone
John Lee – Piano
Kosma Busheikin – Upright Bass
Graham Villette – Drums
This concert is a very special co-presentation. A huge thank-you to our supporting sponsors:
UJAM Society, James Bay United Church, and Long & McQuade Music.
More information on the masterclass before the show:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ak7KYkLtL/
Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been performing and recording since 1990, when he first appeared on albums with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart—a group still touring and recording today. That same year, Peter was featured in Jim Hall’s JVC Jazz Festival concert at Town Hall.
Peter played in Lou Donaldson’s group for 10 years and performed and recorded with Joshua Redman’s group from 1995–97. His many collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David “Fathead” Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins.
Peter has performed at festivals, concerts, and clubs worldwide and has appeared on more than 300 recordings, including 14 under his own name. These albums feature many of his own compositions, a trio recording of Thelonious Monk’s music, and a live solo recording of standards and jazz classics. His recordings include work with Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth, among others. His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is Better Angels, featuring Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.
Press Praise:
“Peter’s an extremely elegant musician with a gorgeous tone that seems to relax you when you hear it.” — The Jazz Bakery, Los Angeles
“One of the most sought-after guitarists in New York… a feather-light touch, encyclopedic knowledge of chords, and the ability to play standards like he’s inventing them on the spot.” — Los Angeles Daily News
“A fluid improviser in the post-bop tradition, with control over harmony and a beautiful sound.” — The New York Times
“He produces a warm, ringing, muscular tone echoing giants like Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Kenny Burrell.” — Jazziz
Busheikin/Villette presents a masterclass with the great Peter Bernstein at James Bay United Church!
5:30–6:30 pm
Suggested donation: $10–$20 at the door
No reservations required
A huge thank-you to our sponsors:
UJAM Society, James Bay United Church, Long & McQuade Music
Following the masterclass, Peter will be performing with the Busheikin/Villette Quintet along with Cory Weeds and John Lee. More info:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQHVCgPjE/
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Mark Your Calendar for December!
Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church has festive concert coming your way.
December 23 at 7 pm — The Night Before the Night Before offers songs of expectation, hope, and renewal with the Great American Songbook Trio.
Beautiful evening of seasonal music — be sure to save the date!
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Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church admission by donation (suggested $20)
relax in the cosy and acoustically excellent sanctuary
of James Bay United Church for some very special presentationsTuesday Night Jazz at the Church is part of the Arts Ministry of James Bay United Church in partnership with the Victoria Jazz Community
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