Taking cues from the vintage stylings of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, the Leading Ladies blend beloved jazz and blues classics with fresh, original arrangements and a high-energy, swingin’ performance style. Directed by trombonist Casey Thomas-Burns, this dynamic and vibrant group of women first came together to perform a single show in 2019. They've stuck together ever since.
‘The Ladies’ have toured the province numerous times from their home base of Vancouver for festivals, concert tours, and educational tours.
2024 alone saw over 40 performances from the group, with highlights including their “5th Birthday Tour”, the opening concert and parade for the Tofino Jazz Festival, a week-long residency at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, and the collaborative GALS & PALS show, which saw The Ladies pair up with 5 of Vancouver’s most prominent female Rn’B and rock singers to present an evening of never-before-heard collaborations
The Leading Ladies are an ensemble with a mission, and in addition to performing in concerts and festivals, focus on educational engagements and community outreach. They regularly perform their educational production "Big Bandology" for students grades K-12 at schools across the province, and launched their “Ladies Night” jazz jam series for femme and non-binary musicians in 2022.
‘The Ladies’ have toured the province numerous times from their home base of Vancouver for festivals, concert tours, and educational tours.
2024 alone saw over 40 performances from the group, with highlights including their “5th Birthday Tour”, the opening concert and parade for the Tofino Jazz Festival, a week-long residency at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, and the collaborative GALS & PALS show, which saw The Ladies pair up with 5 of Vancouver’s most prominent female Rn’B and rock singers to present an evening of never-before-heard collaborations
The Leading Ladies are an ensemble with a mission, and in addition to performing in concerts and festivals, focus on educational engagements and community outreach. They regularly perform their educational production "Big Bandology" for students grades K-12 at schools across the province, and launched their “Ladies Night” jazz jam series for femme and non-binary musicians in 2022.
"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
Casey Thomas-Burns' Leading Ladies Little Big Band
www.leadingladieslittlebigband.com
www.leadingladieslittlebigband.com
