Jazz Sudbury festival 2025 ‘brings something for every listener’
Jazz Sudbury Festival turns downtown Sudbury into a vibrant celebration of culture and community Sept. 11-13.
With a rich mix of free and ticketed programming, this year’s festival brings something for every listener, whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or exploring new musical genres.
The festival begins on the main stage at Place des Arts on Thursday, Sept. 11. The winner of the 2025 Jazz Sudbury Emerging Artist Showcase, Josh Warren, will open the show at 7 p.m., followed by headliners the Anthony D’Alessandro Quartet and Eliana Cuevas with Jeremy Ledbetter.
Warren is a Victoria-born bassist, composer and arranger currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in music at Humber College in Toronto. Lauded for his versatility, Warren performs in a variety of styles. While rooted in the jazz tradition,
Warren’s influences span a diverse range of genres heavily reflected in his original music. He is accompanied by his ensemble.
The Emerging Artist program highlights the next generation of Canadian jazz talent. Each of three finalists received a $500 prize. As the winner, Warren also earned the Ziggy Born $1,000 award, one-on-one mentorship courtesy of Canada’s Music Incubator and the prestige of opening the Jazz Sudbury Festival.
Former Emerging Artist winner, Toronto pianist Anthony D’Alessandro is celebrated for his lively and skillful jazz playing.
His 2024 album Searchin’ has received rave reviews. He has performed at top venues including Birdland in New York, Koerner Hall in Toronto and the Montreal Jazz Festival. His quartet delivers modern jazz that is both energetic and deeply musical.
Joining D’Alessandro are Jacob Chung on tenor saxophone, Ernesto Cervini on drums and Jonathan Meyer on bass, all accomplished artists in their own right.
Eliana Cuevas and Jeremy Ledbetter are longtime collaborators known for their soulful and jazz-influenced approach to Venezuelan folk music. Their duo performances combine original songs with beloved traditional pieces, featuring expressive piano and beautiful vocals. Their warm stage presence creates a heartfelt and memorable experience.
Together, these talented artists offer an engaging and unforgettable program of jazz and world music.
Tickets for the Sept. 11 mainstage event are now available for $60, online or in person at Place des Arts. Seating is limited to festival style. Alternatively, for in-person hard copy ticket purchases, visit either A&J Home Hardware on Bouchard Street in the south end or Jett Landry Music on Lasalle Boulevard in New Sudbury (cash only).
Friday, Sept. 12 is Club Crawl night. Free to attend, three of the city’s favourite downtown haunts will each host a live performance, timed so audiences can enjoy all of the acts.
- 5 p.m. Tony Simpkin Trio at Little Montréal
- 7.15 p.m. Sarah Craig Trio at La Fromagerie
- 9.30 p.m. Tommy Fyfe and the Whisky River Blues Band at 84 Station
On Saturday, Sept. 13, Larch Street transforms into a lively pedestrian zone for the festival’s free outdoor Family Day.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy live jazz by the Nickel City Stompers, explore a vibrant street market and bring the kids for a day of organized activities.