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2004

September 2004

• Wednesday, September 8, 2004, 10:00pm
  Live Jazz
  Crescent Street Pub
  1221 Crescent St
  Free
  --

  Previously this night has featured singer Victoria Jazz but while she is out of town the house band will continue to perform as an instrumental jazz ensemble. The repertoire will feature material from the standard jazz repertoire with an emphasis on 60s hardbop as well as funky and groove-based tunes. The emphasis is on fun, accessibility, and the pub features the cheapest drinks on Crescent street.

  The house band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Jim Brebner (keyboards)
  • Mark Rief (bass)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)
• Wednesday, September 15, 2004, 9:00pm
  Les Frères Cheminaud
  Le Kitchose Band
  Café Campus
  57 Prince-Arthur Est
  $8.50 (tax included)
  --

  This is a double-bill at the Café Campus that I'm playing at as part of the francopop band Le Kichose Band. The other half of the double bill is Nosfell.

• Wednesday, September 22, 2004, 10:00pm
  Josh Goldman Ensemble
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Free
  --

  Live jazz in the Concordia University watering hole. We'll be featuring some bebop standards by Monk, Coltrane, and Dexter Gordon, among others.

• Saturday, September 25, 2004, 10pm
  Amandine Paccioni Trio
  Metronome Bistro Urbain
  359 President-Kennedy
  Free
  --

  Pianist and singer Amandine Paccioni will be performing a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. I'll be performing with the band on a few pieces. There will be other bands performing starting at 9pm, as well as poets performing their works.

• Sunday, September 26, 2004, 9pm
  Amandine Paccioni Trio
  Café L'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Pianist and singer Amandine Paccioni will be performing a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. I'll be performing with the band on a few pieces.

• Wednesday, September 29, 2004, 10:00pm
  Josh Goldman Ensemble
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Free
  --

  Live jazz in the Concordia University watering hole. We'll be featuring some bebop standards by Monk, Coltrane, and Bud Powell, among others.

October 2004

• Friday, October 1, 2004, 7pm
  Kitchose Band
  Complexe Desjardins
  150 St-Catherine W
  Free
  --

  Le Kitchose Band will be performing their brand of Francopop at the Complexe Desjardins- I'll be joining them as part of their two-man horn section.

• Sunday, October 3, 2004, 9pm

  Stephen-Ong/Eliosoff Quartet

  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

  1254 MacKay (Métro Guy-Concordia)

  $5

  --

  This will be the debut performance of the Stephen-Ong/Eliosoff Quartet, a great band with a distinct sound. The repertoire will be composed entirely of original compositions and arrangements written by myself and co-leader Tom Eliosoff (guitar).

  The band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Tom Eliosoff (guitar)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass)
  • Mark "Bucky" Wheaton (drums)

  [ band | poster | mp3s ]

• Thursday, October 7, 2004, 7:00PM
  Chapelle Historique du Bon Pasteur
  100 Sherbrooke E
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing in the opening act with a group of students who participated in an improvisation workshop given by Tim Brady and Lori Freedman. The music will consist of free improvisation within certain structures or "games".

• Sunday, October 17, 2004, 9pm
  Amandine Paccioni Trio (with guests)
  Café L'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Pianist and singer Amandine Paccioni will be performing a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. I'll be performing with the band on a few pieces including an original of mine.

• Tuesday, October 19, 2004, 10:00PM
  Jazz Jam Session with Alex Bellegarde
  Nyk's
  1250 Bleury (on Bleury just below St-Catherine)
  Free
  --

  I'm the featured guest in this installment of Alex Bellegarde's weekly jam sessions at the Nyk's Pub & Grill. The first set will feature some original compositions and seldom-played standards, after which musicians will be invited to join the jam.

• Friday, October 22, 2004, 9pm
  Ernie Nelson Quintet
  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
  1254 MacKay (Métro Guy-Concordia)
  $15
  --

  Ernie Nelson, who performs regularly on Thursday nights at Upstairs, will be presenting a larger ensemble on the weekend of October 22 and 23. He will be featuring a mix of standards and original material. I'll be performing as part of this group on saxophone.

  The band features:

  • Ernie Nelson (piano, voice, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Dave Watts (bass)
  • Lazaro René (percussion)
  • Roberto Martell (drums)

• Saturday, October 23, 2004, 9pm
  Ernie Nelson Quintet
  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
  1254 MacKay (Métro Guy-Concordia)
  $15
  --

  Ernie Nelson, who performs regularly on Thursday nights at Upstairs, will be presenting a larger ensemble on the weekend of October 22 and 23. He will be featuring a mix of standards and original material. I'll be performing as part of this group on saxophone.

  The band features:

  • Ernie Nelson (piano, voice, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Dave Watts (bass)
  • Lazaro René (percussion)
  • Roberto Martell (drums)

November 2004

• Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 9pm
  Orchestauro
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by guitarist François Girouard. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

• Friday, November 12, 2004, 6PM
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  No cover, but tips gracious accepted
  --

  Subbing for Jeff Louch in solo piano with a mix of jazz standards, "classical" music, and originals.

• Saturday, November 13, 2004, 6PM
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  No cover, but tips gracious accepted
  --

  Subbing for Jeff Louch in solo piano with a mix of jazz standards, "classical" music, and originals.

December 2004

• Wednesday, December 1, 2004, 9pm
  Orchestauro
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by guitarist François Girouard. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

• Saturday, December 4, 2004, 9pm
  Le Kitchose Band
  Place Émilie-Gamelin
  Square Berri/Métro Berri-UQAM
  No cover
  --

  I'll be joining Le Kitchose Band for their benefit show for the État d'Urgence as part of their two-man horn section.

• Wednesday, December 16, 2004, 7pm
  Alan Biller trio
  Chez Léo
  4415 St-Laurent
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Guitarist Alan Biller has a regular duo gig at Chez Léo and this week myself and bassist Clinton Ryder will be joining him for a special trio performance of mostly original music.

  The featured musicians are:

  • Alan Biller (guitar, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Clinton Ryder (bass)

• Wednesday, December 22, 2004, 9pm
  Stephen-Ong/Bamford/Ruddick
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  In trio with Ivan Bamford on drums and Anna Ruddick on bass performing original compositions and arrangements with a decidedly "avant-garde" slant. This particular concert will feature a lot of new material including original compositions by Anna Ruddick and several Andrew Cyrille tunes transcribed by Ivan Bamford.

  As the name implies, the featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ivan Bamford (drums, compositions)
  • Anna Ruddick (bass, compositions)

  [ band | poster | mp3s ]

2005

January 2005

• Wednesday, December 1, 2005, 9pm
  Orchestauro
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by guitarist François Girouard. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

• Wednesday, January 12, 9pm

  Stephen-Ong/Shragge Quartet

  Café l'Utopik

  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)

  Montréal, Québec, Canada

  No cover, but donations graciously accepted

  --

  It's always a pleasure to play with Aaron Shragge, a friend of mine who is currently studying with Kenny Werner at the New School in Manhattan, but who will be in town for a few days in January. Joined by Sage Reynolds and John Fraboni (replacing Chris McCann), we'll be performing a mix of originals, standards, and free jazz. In particular, we will be featuring some new arrangements of my material written specifically for this group and instrumentation.

  The featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Aaron Shragge (trumpet)
  • Sage Reynolds (bass)
  • John Fraboni (drums) (replacing Chris McCann)

  [ poster ]

February 2005

• Wednesday, February 2, 2005, 9:30pm
  House Band
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by bassist Ariel Harrod. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

• Sunday, February 13, 2005, 9pm
  Abracadajazz
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Led by Jérôme Petitgirard, Abracadajazz will be performing a mix of standards, originals, and on-the-spot compositions inspired by audience input. Also, note that Sundays at l'Utopik are acoustic/non-electric nights so we'll be performing with all-acoustic instruments, lit by candlelight.

  The featured musicians are:

  • Jérôme Petitgirard (tenor & soprano saxophones, flute, trumpet)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (piano)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass)
• Wednesday, February 16, 2005, 9:30pm
  Evergreen Saxophone Quartet
  The Rex Hotel & Jazz and Blues Bar
  194 Queen St. W
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  --

  This debut performance of Peter Turner's Evergreen Saxophone Quartet will feature all original compositions. The music has a decidedly avant-garde free-jazz slant derived from the World Saxophone Quartet. I will be performing with the band on alto saxophone.

  The band features:

  • Peter Turner (tenor saxophone, flute, piccolo, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (alto saxophone)
  • Eric Fulwiler (soprano and tenor saxophones, flute)
  • Gordon Hyland (tenor and baritone saxophones)

  [ band ]

• Tuesday, February 22, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quintet
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard at Concordia's weekly jam session while Jeff Louch is away. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

March 2005

• Tuesday, March 1, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quintet
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard at Concordia's weekly jam session while Jeff Louch is away. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Wednesday, March 2, 2005, 9:30pm
  House Band
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by bassist Ariel Harrod. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

• Tuesday, March 22, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quintet
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard at Concordia's weekly jam session while Jeff Louch is away. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Tuesday, March 29, 2005, 9:00pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quintet
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard at Concordia's weekly jam session while Jeff Louch is away. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

  This Tuesday we'll be playing one set, then the Concordia big band will perform at two sets. After their performance, we'll be opening things up for the jam.

April 2005

• Tuesday, April 5th, 2005, "5 à 7" & show at 8pm
  Le Kitchose Band
  Lion d'Or
  1676, rue Ontario est
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  --

  Album launch for Le Kitchose Band's newest self-titled album. I'll be performing with this francopop band as part of its two-man horn section. We'll be performing once during a "5 à 7" for a short 20-minute set (the actual music won't start before 6pm) and a second time for a full-length show starting at 8pm.

  

  [ band | flyer p1 | flyer p2 | flyer p3 ]

• Wednesday, April 6th, 2005, 9:30pm
  Orchestauro
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  An open jazz jam session hosted by a mixed bag of musicians lead by guitarist François Girouard. Returns the first Wednesday of every month.

  This month the house band will feature:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Jim Brebner (keyboard)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Sunday, April 10th, 2-5pm
  Martin Petersen Quartet
  Bistro Plein Air de Val-David Inc
  2510, rue de l'Église RR 4
  Val-David, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing some soulful and bluesy jazz in Martin Petersen's organ quartet. We'll be featuring music from the 50s and 60s in the great organ jazz traditions of Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff as well a few originals. In the words of drummer Thierry Arsenault, "this music just plays itself".

  The band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Joshua Walker (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Sunday, April 10th, 2005, 9pm

  Martin Petersen Quartet

  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

  1254 MacKay (Métro Guy-Concordia)

  Montréal, Québec, Canada

  --

  

  I'll be playing some soulful and bluesy jazz in Martin Petersen's organ quartet. We'll be featuring music from the 50s and 60s in the great organ jazz traditions of Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff as well a few originals. In the words of drummer Thierry Arsenault, "this music just plays itself".

  The band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Joshua Walker (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band | poster ]

• Tuesday, April 26, 2005, 9:00pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quintet
  Bonkif (formerly "Reggie's", inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building)
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing saxophone Concordia's weekly jam session while Phillippe is away. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

May 2005

• Wednesday, May 25, 2005, 9pm
  Ultra Soft Quartet
  Mile End Bar
  5322 St-Laurent
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted (suggested $5)
  --

  Elie Flynn's quartet performs a mix of originals and seldom-played standards, featuring compositions from guitarist and leader Elie Flynn, bassist Ariel Harrod, and saxophonist Vincent Stephen-Ong. Thierry Arsenault rounds out the group on drums.

  This particular performance marks the debut performance of the group and premiere of several original tunes.

• Friday, May 27, 2005, 6pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Subbing for Jeff Louch in solo piano with a mix of jazz standards, "classical" music, and originals.

• Saturday, May 28, 2005, 8pm
  Erez Michael and friends
  Thé-au-Logie
  1175a Crescent
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

June 2005

• Saturday, June 4th, 2005, 1pm-4pm
  Jeff Louch Duo
  Cobalt
  312 St-Paul West
  Free
  --

• Thursday, June 23rd, 2005, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Martel/Bamford Trio
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Bassist Pierre-Yves Martel joins Ivan Bamford on drums and myself on saxophone for a show that will feature compositions from all group members as well as a few select standards.

• Monday, June 27th, 2005, 12:00pm
  Vincent Stephen-Ong Quartet
  Jewish General Hospital
  3755 Côte Ste. Catherine Road
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

  The quartet will be performing our original material as part of the Jewish General Jazz Festival. The band features Tom Eliosoff on guitar, Miles Perkin on bass, Mark "Bucky" Wheaton on drums, and myself on saxophone. Festival organizer Bryan Highbloom will also be invited to sit in with the band on a few tunes.

• Wednesday, June 29, 2005, 9pm
  Ultra Soft Quartet
  Mile End Bar
  5322 St-Laurent
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  --

  Elie Flynn's quartet performs a mix of originals and seldom-played standards, featuring compositions from guitarist and leader Elie Flynn, bassist Ariel Harrod, and saxophonist Vincent Stephen-Ong. Thierry Arsenault rounds out the group on drums.

July 2005

• Friday, July 1th, 2005, 11:00pm
  Organ Jazz Jam with Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Delifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W (corner Bleury/Parc)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

• Tuesday, July 5th, 2005, 11:00pm
  Organ Jazz Jam with Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Delifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W (corner Bleury/Parc)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

• Wednesday, July 6th, 2005, 8:00pm
  A Love Supreme
  Pavilion H of the Montreal Jewish General Hospital
  3755 Côte Ste. Catherine Road
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

  A multi-band recreation/reinterpretation of John Coltrane's celebrated "A Love Supreme" suite, performed as part of the JGHJazz Festival, and conducted by festival organizer Bryan Highbloom.

• Thursday, July 7th, 2005, 9:30pm
  Double Bill with St. Dirt Elementary School
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  I'll be opening for Toronto-based St. Dirt Elementary School with the help of Aaron Shragge on trumpet, several of his peers who are studying at the New School, as well as members of the St. Dirt band. It should be a great evening, musically featuring a mix of very old sounds with very new ones.

August 2005

• Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005, 9:30pm
  Frootfly
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  This special Frootfly show will feature a 4-piece horn section, of which I will be a member.

• Thursday, August 11th, 2005, 9:30pm
  Second Paycheque Band
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Lead by guitarist Alan Biller, this concept band features each member on their secondary instruments. The musicians are Alan on bass, Erik Hove on flute, Tom Eliosoff on drums, and myself on piano.

September 2005

• Tuesday, September 13, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Tuesday, September 20, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Tuesday, September 27, 2005, 9pm
  Ultra Soft Quartet
  Mile End Bar
  5322 St-Laurent
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  --

  Elie Flynn's quartet performs a mix of originals and seldom-played standards, featuring compositions from guitarist and leader Elie Flynn, bassist Ariel Harrod, and saxophonist Vincent Stephen-Ong. Thierry Arsenault rounds out the group on drums.

October 2005

• Tuesday, October 4, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:00pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 10:00pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

• Monday, October 24, 2005, 9:30pm
  Jam Session with Alex Formosa Quartet
  Reggie's, inside Concordia's Henry F. Hall Building
  1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing keyboard and saxophone at Concordia's weekly jam session. The first set will feature original compositions and arrangements and after that the jam opens up.

November 2005

• Saturday, November 19th, 2005, 9:30pm
  Organ Jazz Jam with Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Delifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W (corner Bleury/Parc)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit in on the second set and beyond!

• Tuesday, November 22, 2005, 9:30pm

  Vincent Stephen-Ong Quartet

  Café l'Utopik

  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)

  Montréal, Québec, Canada

  No cover, but donations graciously accepted

  --

December 2005

• Thursday, December 29th, 2005, 6:00-8:00pm
  The Olive Quartet
  Bar L'Intrus
  1351 Rachel Est
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover
  --

2006

January 2006

• Tuesday, January 10th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Vincent Stephen-Ong/Aaron Shragge Ensemble
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Aaron Shragge (currently studying at the New School in New York) is in town for a few days and we're presenting a concert together to feature him. The rhythm section section is composed of the fine Sage Reynolds on bass and Stef Schneider on drums. We'll be featuring a mix of tunes and arrangements written by both myself and Aaron, an indian raga played on shakuhachi (Japanese flute), as well as a few tunes by note-worthy composers like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Jason Moran, Tom Waits, and Bill Frisell. We'll also feature a healthy dose of free improvisation. Definitely a fun show, come check it out!

  The featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, composition)
  • Aaron Shragge (trumpet, shakuhachi)
  • Sage Reynolds (bass)
  • Stef Schneider (drums)

• Wednesday, January 18th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Rosato/Bamford Trio
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  Ivan Bamford and I have played in trio format many times in the past and this time we've brought along young talent Rick Rosato on bass. The performance will feature almost entirely new material with original compositions from Ivan and myself, as well as tunes by Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, Don Byron, Marty Erhlich, Bud Powell, Sonny Rollins, and Dave Holland. An evening of forward-thinking but accessible trio jazz.

  The featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ivan Bamford (drums, compositions)
  • Rick Rosato (bass)

• Friday, January 27th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Organ Jazz Jam with Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Delifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W (corner Bleury/Parc)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  3$
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit in on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

March 2006

• Wednesday, March 14th, 2006, 5:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Eliosoff Quartet
  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
  1254 MacKay
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  We'll be performing as semi-finalists in the Jazz en Rafale competition. It's a short 3-song set featuring original compositions, and we'd appreciate any and all support that we can get.

  The featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Tom Eliosoff (guitar, percussion, compositions)
  • Sage Reynolds (bass, percussion)
  • Mark "Bucky" Wheaton (drums)

• Wednesday, March 26th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Eliosoff Quartet
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E (Métro Berri-UQAM)
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but donations graciously accepted
  --

  The featured musicians are:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Tom Eliosoff (guitar, compositions)
  • Sage Reynolds (bass)
  • Mark "Bucky" Wheaton (drums)

June 2006

• Tuesday, June 27th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Shragge Quartet
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

  NYC trumpeter Aaron Shragge joins us for a concert of originals, standards, and free improvisations.

• Friday, June 30th, 2006, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

July 2006

• Sunday, July 2nd, 2006, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Monday, July 3rd, 2006, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/Rosato/O'Neill
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

• Tuesday, July 4th, 2006, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Thursday, July 6th, 2006, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Friday, July 7, 2006, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Saturday, July 8th, 2006, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Sunday, July 9, 2006, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Wednesday, July 19th, 2006, 10:00pm
  Elie Flynn Quartet
  La Kémia
  4115A rue St-Denis
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

  Guitarist Elie Flynn's group has a decidedly funky approach, with compositions contributed by its band members.

  The musicians include:

  • Elie Flynn (guitar, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Friday, July 22, 2006, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Wednesday, July 26th, 10:00pm
  Elie Flynn Quartet
  La Kémia
  4115A rue St-Denis
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

  Guitarist Elie Flynn's group has a decidedly funky approach, with compositions contributed by its band members.

  The musicians include:

  • Elie Flynn (guitar, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

October 2006

• Tuesday, September 19, 2006, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Saturday, September 23, 2006, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Tuesday, October 17th, 2006, 9:30pm
  Elie Flynn Quartet
  La Kémia
  4115A rue St-Denis
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

  Guitarist Elie Flynn's group has a decidedly funky approach, with compositions contributed by its band members.

  The musicians include:

  • Elie Flynn (guitar, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Sunday, October 29th, 2006, 2-5pm
  Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Bistro Plein Air de Val-David Inc
  2510, rue de l'Église
  Val-David, Québec, Canada
  $5
  --

  I'll be playing some soulful and bluesy jazz in Martin Petersen's organ quartet. We'll be featuring music from the 50s and 60s in the great organ jazz traditions of Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff as well a few originals. In the words of drummer Thierry Arsenault, "this music just plays itself".

  The band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

2007

January 2007

• Sunday, January 28th, 2007, 2-5pm
  Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Bistro Plein Air de Val-David Inc
  2510, rue de l'Église
  Val-David, Québec, Canada
  $5
  --

  I'll be playing some soulful and bluesy jazz in Martin Petersen's organ quartet. We'll be featuring music from the 50s and 60s in the great organ jazz traditions of Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff as well a few originals. In the words of drummer Thierry Arsenault, "this music just plays itself".

  The band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band | poster ]

• Monday, February 26th, 2007, 4:30-4:45pm
  Elie Flynn Quartet
  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
  1254 MacKay
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  free
  --

  Semi-finals of the Jazz en Rafale 2007 contest.

  [ band | mp3s ]

• Tuesday, February 27th, 2007, 9:30pm
  Stephen-Ong/LeBlanc/Beland
  Café l'Utopik
  552 Ste. Catherine E.
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  Free donation
  --

  Replacing the injured Rick Rosato in a pair of impromptu trio sets with myself on saxophone, Remi-Jean LeBlanc on bass, and Marc Beland on drums.

• Thursday, March 8th, 2007, 9:30pm
  Elie Flynn Quartet
  Le Spectateur
  54 St-Jacques
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  free donation
  --

  Hosting a jam session at Le Spectateur with the house band of:

  • Elie Flynn (guitar, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Ariel Harrod (bass, compositions)
  • Louis-Etienne Drouin (drums)

  [ band | mp3s ]

• Saturday, April 14th, 2007, 10:00pm
  Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet Porktastic
  POP! Wine Bar
  250, avenue des Pins Est
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $5
  --

  Unfortunately due to scheduling conflict, Martin Petersen's organ quartet will not be performing as originally stated. We have drafted the illustrious Sage Reynolds to hold court in his stead.

  The band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar)
  • Sage Reynolds (bass)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

• Thursday, May 17th, 2007, 10:00pm
  Vincent Stephen-Ong Group with special guest Chris Budhan
  POP! Wine Bar
  250, avenue des Pins Est
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  free donation
  --

  The promo blurb goes as follows:

  "Saxophonist Vincent Stephen-Ong invites special guest bassist and festival producer Chris Budhan from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for an evening of music. Budhan is an alumnus of McGill and NYU, and a doctoral student in jazz performance at the University of Texas at Austin. He has performed extensively with Pat LaBarbera and Alex Dean, and continues to perform regularly with David Restivo."

  This gig is a bit of a reunion for the old house band at the Ambrosia jam session that I used to frequent.

  The band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Chris Budhan (bass)
  • Marie-Fatima Rudolf (piano)
  • Daniel Gelinas (drums)

• Friday, June 29th, 2007, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $3
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band ]

• Sunday, July 1st, 2007, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $3
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Jim Bland (guitar)
  • Daniel Gelinas (drums)

  [ band ]

• Monday, July 2nd, 2007, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $3
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band ]

• Wednesday, July 4th, 2007, 11:00pm

  Vincent Stephen-Ong's Multigen

  POP! Bar à Vin

  250, avenue des Pins Est

  Montréal, Québec, Canada

  $10

  --

  The promo blurb goes as follows:

  "Saxophonist and pianist Vincent Stephen-Ong assembles a very special group for this appearance. Featuring Kenny Bibace on guitar (Dave Turner's Earth Tones, Joel Miller's Mandala, Sage Reynolds Group), Alex Mallett on bass (Anna Webber No Phone, Riot Box), Stef Schneider (Bell Orchestre, Amon Tobin Foley Room). The repertoire will run the spectrum of musical influences, from the avant-garde to bebop to the Romantic period of classical music to hip-hop- all within a jazz context."

  This show will feature a varied selection of pieces chosen specifically for this group, including compositions by Geri Allen, Lucky Thompson, Larry Goldings, Joni Mitchell, Bud Powell, and Frederick Chopin.

  The band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone)
  • Kenny Bibace (guitar)
  • Alex Mallett (bass)
  • Stef Schneider (drums)

• Thursday, July 5th, 2007, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $3
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band ]

• Friday, July 6th, 2007, 10:30pm
  Jazz Organ Jam with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  Café Délifrance
  350 Sherbrooke W
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  $3
  --

  I'll be playing with Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet as the house band of the yearly Organ Jazz Jam. First set will consist of a mix of originals and standard repertoire from the organ jazz tradition. Come by and bring your instruments to sit it on the second set and beyond!

  The house band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band ]

• Wednesday, July 25th, 2007, 6-10pm
  Solo piano
  Stash Café
  200 St. Paul West
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  No cover, but tips graciously accepted
  --

  Solo piano standards, originals, and free improvisation.

• Friday, July 27th, 2007, 10:00pm
  Martin Petersen's Certified Organic Jazz Quartet
  POP! Bar à Vin
  250, avenue des Pins Est
  Montréal, Québec, Canada
  free donation
  --

  I'll be playing some soulful and bluesy jazz in Martin Petersen's organ quartet. We'll be featuring music from the 50s and 60s in the great organ jazz traditions of Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff as well a few originals. In the words of drummer Thierry Arsenault, "this music just plays itself".

  The band features:

  • Martin K. Petersen (Hammond organ, compositions)
  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Cordell Henebury (guitar, compositions)
  • Thierry Arsenault (drums)

  [ band ]

• Tuesday, July 31st, 2007, 10:00PM
  Jam Sessions with Alex Bellegarde
  Nyk's
  1250 Bleury (on Bleury just below St-Catherine)
  Free
  --

  I'm the featured guest in this installment of Alex Bellegarde's weekly jam sessions at the Nyk's Pub & Grill. The first set will feature some original compositions and seldom-played standards, after which musicians will be invited to join the jam.

• Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007, 10:30PM
  Grumpy's Jazz Jam
  Grumpy's
  1242 rue Bishop
  Free
  --

  I'm the featured guest at this week's installment of the Grumpy's jazz jam. First set at 10:30 features some original compositions and seldom-played standards, after which musicians will be invited to join the jam. $4 pints!

  The house band features:

  • Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, compositions)
  • Tom Eliosoff (guitar, compositions)
  • Anna Ruddick (bass)
  • Eric Thibodeau (drums)
• Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 10:30PM
  Grumpy's Jazz Jam
  Grumpy's
  1242 rue Bishop
  Free
  --

  I'm the featured guest at this week's installment of the Grumpy's jazz jam. First set at 10:30 features some original compositions and seldom-played standards, after which musicians will be invited to join the jam. Grumpy's now has a piano, too! $4 pints!

  The house band features:

  • Tom Eliosoff (guitar)
  • Anna Ruddick (bass)
  • Eric Thibodeau (drums)
  • Guest of the week: Vincent Stephen-Ong (saxophone, piano)