Women in Jazz: Allison Au

Event Description

Jazz Appreciation Month runs all month long, and venues across the city will open their doors to Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) events, filling Kingston with the sound of live jazz. From intimate listening rooms to community stages, April becomes a city-wide celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the rich history of this music we love.

We’re thrilled to kick things off on Thursday, April 2nd from 7 to 9pm at the RCHA with a very special evening focused on women in jazz. Headlining the night is Alison Au, a JUNO Award–winning saxophonist based in Toronto whose original compositions are both lyrical and boldly contemporary. Joining her is international double bass competition winner Jared Beckstead-Craan, alongside some of Kingston’s finest musicians.

Kingston-based vocalists Chantal Thompson and Nathalie Craan will bring their distinctive voices to the stage, performing with Rich Bannard on drums and Dave Beckstead on guitar. Chantal and Nathalie will perform duets as well as solo features, offering audiences a chance to hear their voices intertwine and shine individually. The program will include original works by Alison Au as well as beloved jazz standards—an evening that honours tradition while celebrating fresh, modern perspectives.

Best of all, this event is free, welcoming everyone to experience world-class jazz right here at home.
Throughout April, Kingston will resonate with rhythm, improvisation, and community spirit. Jazz Appreciation Month is more than a series of concerts—it’s a reminder of the music’s power to bring people together, spark conversation, and celebrate the diverse voices shaping its future.