The Jazz at the Griff series, presented by Trail & District Arts Council, brings you JUNO Award Winners Blue Moon Marquee on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 pm. Enjoy the jazz club vibe of The Griff as you savour a glass of wine in a setting that is up close and personal with this trio.
Blue Moon Marquee writes and performs original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves.
Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) not only commands the upright bass but also brings the rhythm with her feet on a custom foot drum kit, all while singing in her signature honey-dipped tone. A.W. Cardinal’s (vocals/guitar) distinctive and soulful vocals barrel out like a raging bull, while his guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz-tinged blues.
The result of 9 years of rigorous touring, crisscrossing Europe and North America, is a distinct energy and style from this acclaimed duo. Carving a path through blues, jazz, jump jive, folk, country, swing, and Indigenous soul with an authentic spirit, their sound does not fit one category. It stomps and struts through the wilds, conjuring a blend where Howlin’ Wolf tangos with Django, Earnest Tubb shoots firecrackers with Cab Calloway, and Memphis Minnie throws dice with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
They braid their music with lyrics that often touch on the underbelly of society, woven with elements of Indigenous storytelling and poetic cadence. And, with their JUNO Award-winning 5th album (Blues Album of the Year), “Scream, Holler & Howl”, Blue Moon Marquee has captured their most sophisticated collection of songs yet.
The album was honoured with the Blues Foundation’s Award for Emerging Artist of the Year (2023) and swept the 2023 Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s highest honour in Blues) with four wins including, Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Acoustic Act of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. More recently they were honoured at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards with Live Musical Performance of the Year and Roots Album of the Year.
Born in the wild rose country of Alberta, both Cardinal and Colette played in punk, metal and rock and roll bands. The vast repertoire of this band is a reflection of bounteous years on the road, experiencing life through a wide diversity of lenses. The result is their trademark blend that pulls the different parts of their musical worlds together, taking the tones of early blues, the expressions of jazz, the heart of country, the spirit of folk, the swagger of soul and the rhythm of roll. The way Colette's velvet tones lift Cardinal's mystique is something that enthralls audiences from backroom bars to festival stages.
Unbound by genre or era, Blue Moon Marquee has an edge that demands you take notice. With an authentic mixture of tempo, melody and imagery, they are timeless artists perfect for this time.
"Blue Moon Marquee has its own completely original style. Modern Blues doesn't really get any better than this. This is a tremendous sound by a hugely talented duo.” - American Roots UK.
“They embrace the retro vein celebrated for decades between ragtime blues, shady mambo and vintage swing. With a smoldering live performance and outrageous vocals…welcome to the baroque cabaret, where the Charleston disjoins itself!” - Paris Blues Magazine, France
“They are poised for worldwide recognition in a brilliant and unique genre-bending ride through American blues and folk, Gypsy jazz, Native American themes, jump blues, swing and more.” - Duke Robillard (Roomful of Blues, Fabulous Thunderbirds), Award-winning guitar player and producer
“... It's a joy to hear and to see their on-stage chemistry and natural showmanship.” - Holger Petersen, Founder of Stony Plain Records and longtime radio Broadcaster
Listen to their music
2 x 45 minute sets plus intermission.
Single tickets are $25. Individual Ticket Under 30 years old (with ID): $12.
Or buy a 6-show series pass for Jazz at the Griff for only $120. Limited availability. Get your pass now!
Patron Members get a 20% discount on full price tickets.
Individual tickets at tickets.trail-arts.com, by phone at 250-368-9669, and in person at the Bailey Box Office at 1501 Cedar Ave., Trail. Series passes available only by calling or in person at the Box Office.
The Jazz at the Griff series is made possible thanks to funding from McEwan Law, BC Arts Council, BC Touring Council, the Government of Canada, and Tourism South Kootenay. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.