
The Leading Ladies Little Big Band is an all-female, 10-piece jazz band based out of Vancouver, BC and directed by Casey Thomas-Burns. Founded in 2019, this dynamic group of young women met while studying music at university. After performing their first show together as a part of a school concert series, 'The Ladies' have stuck together ever since.
This band mixes the beloved classics of the big band era with modern-day compositions and focuses on featuring original music and arrangements by local and emerging composers.
The band has most recently performed at the West Coast Big Band Festival and the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival and regularly performs at swing dances, vespers, and other events throughout the Lower Mainland.
In addition to being a performing ensemble, The Leading Ladies recently launched their community outreach program "LADIES' NIGHT: Jazz Jams for Women" in the Spring of 2022. Femme-identifying and non-binary musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to come and jam with the members of the band in a safe, female-led environment that focuses on learning and community building for the next generation of women in jazz.
|
"With a name that nods to marquee status and mentorship in equal measure,
it should be no surprise that the Leading Ladies Little Big Band
has taken the Canadian jazz scene by storm since its formation in 2019."
- Andy Rice, Powell River "Peak" News
"I've been wanting to hear The Leading Ladies for a while now, and they didn't disappoint.
Under the direction of Casey Thomas-Burns, and featuring some of
the lower mainland's brightest young musicians, this band swung hard."
- Tim Reinert, Infidels Jazz
"I had the good fortune to listen to them play Jazz Vespers at St Andrews-Wesley Church this afternoon.
I have been a house concert host for many years and have experience with many talented national level musicians.
These ladies can play anywhere!"
- Dave, Audience Member
Keep up with The Ladies on social media!