Picture this: the sun is setting over Okanagan Lake, guests are mingling with local Pinot in hand, and the vibe is perfect. But something is missing—the soundtrack. While a playlist is fine, nothing transforms a “nice” gathering into an unforgettable experience quite like live music.
Whether you are planning a winery wedding in West Kelowna or a corporate gala downtown, the right rhythm sets the tone for the entire night.
You might not realize it, but the Okanagan has a surprisingly deep bench of musical talent, fueled by our vibrant winery culture and local festivals. But finding them? That’s the tricky part.
We’ve done the heavy lifting to curate a list of the top jazz bands for hire in Kelowna that are active, professional, and ready to play. From high-energy Latin ensembles to soulful, intimate duos, here are the acts that will make your event truly sing.
The Top 10 Jazz Bands & Musicians in Kelowna
Choosing entertainment shouldn’t be a gamble. We’ve scouted the local scene to bring you a mix of established legends and fresh talent—professionals who ensure your event runs smoothly. Here is the cream of the crop for live jazz in the Kelowna.
Trevor Salloum Jazz Group – The Reliable Professionals
Kickstarting our list is a group that practically defines the genre in this valley. If your vision involves a sophisticated cocktail hour where guests can actually hear each other talk over a smooth saxophone line, the Trevor Salloum Jazz Group is your safest bet.
They are absolute pros who specialize in standard jazz—the classics you know and love from the Great American Songbook.
They aren’t just a jam band; they are seasoned educators and performers who know exactly how to read a room. Among the highly recommended jazz bands for hire in Kelowna, they stand out for their consistency and class. You never have to worry about them being too loud or “experimental” for a mixed crowd.
- Best For: Upscale dinners, winery receptions, and corporate mixers.
Major Mambo – The Life of the Party
If you want your guests to sit politely and chat, you might want to skip this one. But if you want a packed dance floor? Major Mambo is your answer. They are Kelowna’s premier Latin ensemble, bringing a level of tropical heat right here to the city that feels more like a night in Havana.
Specializing in Salsa, Mambo, and Bossa Nova, they inject an infectious energy into any room. While many jazz bands Kelowna has to offer might focus on background ambience, Major Mambo is all about rhythm and movement.
They are the perfect antidote to a stiff corporate function or a wedding reception that needs a serious kickstart.
- Best For: Wedding receptions, summer outdoor parties, and festivals.
Anna Jacyszyn (and Jazz Café) – The Local Legend
You can’t talk about the local music scene without mentioning Anna Jacyszyn. An internationally acclaimed singer who spent years performing in London and Asia before returning to the Okanagan, she brings a level of vocal polish that is rare to find outside of major metropolitan cities.
Often performing with her group, Jazz Café, or as the Anna Jacyszyn Trio, she creates an atmosphere that feels like an exclusive supper club. Her style is witty, engaging, and deeply soulful, often compared to the great ladies of jazz but with a modern, approachable twist.
If you are browsing through jazz bands for hire in Kelowna specifically to find a “wow” factor for a gala or a black-tie wedding, booking Anna is a move that tells your guests you have impeccable taste.
- Best For: Black-tie galas, sophisticated winery dinners, and “Speakeasy” themed parties.
Kinga Heming – The Soulful Chanteuse
Sometimes you don’t just want background music; you want a performance that stops people in their tracks. Kinga Heming delivers exactly that.
With a voice that is often described as velvety and smooth, she channels the likes of Diana Krall and a young Ella Fitzgerald, bringing a contemporary freshness to the classics. While there are many jazz bands that you can hire in Kelowna, few feature a vocalist with this level of command over a room.
Whether she is singing an intimate ballad or a powerful anthem, Kinga brings a warmth and emotional depth that connects instantly with audiences. She is ideal for events where the music is meant to be a centerpiece rather than just filler.
- Best For: Feature performances, intimate cocktail lounges, and upscale corporate events.
Neville Bowman – The High-Energy Virtuoso
If you are looking for a musician who can seemingly do it all, Neville Bowman is your guy. A powerhouse on the piano and a strong vocalist to boot, Neville brings an infectious energy to the stage that is hard to match.
His background isn’t just jazz; he has roots in high-energy rock and theatre, which means he knows exactly how to put on a show. When looking for top-tier jazz bands in Kelowna, Neville’s groups (often performing as a trio or quartet) are a fantastic choice because they are versatile.
They can play soft, intricate dinner music one minute and then ramp up to high-octane, foot-tapping numbers that get the crowd involved the next. He is technically brilliant but never boring—a perfect combo for keeping guests entertained.
- Best For: Lively parties, festivals, and events that need a dynamic focal point.
DoubleSharp Duet – The Dynamic Duo
Not every event needs a full horn section or a drum kit taking up floor space. Sometimes, less really is more. DoubleSharp, featuring David Sproule on piano and Curtis Kieres on saxophone, is the perfect answer for smaller spaces or events where conversation is key.
They are one of the jazz bands that you can hire in Kelowna that truly master the art of “background” music—meaning they enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it. They seamlessly blend jazz standards with blues, Latin, and even pop hits, keeping the vibe sophisticated yet approachable.
If you have a smaller budget or a venue with strict noise limits, this duo delivers a full, rich sound without the volume wars.
- Best For: Intimate cocktail hours, restaurant patios, and private house parties.
Loni Moger – The Smooth Guitarist & Vocalist
If your event calls for something cool, funky, and effortlessly soulful, Loni Moger should be at the top of your list. A Berklee College of Music grad, Loni plays a hybrid style of guitar that mixes jazz complexity with R&B grooves, often singing along in a way that reminds people of John Pizzarelli or George Benson.
He is technically a solo artist, but often loops his guitar to create a sound much bigger than one person. He is an excellent choice if you are looking for a jazz band that you can book for an event in Kelown, but don’t quite have the space (or budget) for a full ensemble.
His vibe is relaxed but highly skilled—perfect for setting a mood that feels upscale without being stuffy.
- Best For: Relaxed winery mixers, restaurant ambience, and private garden parties.
Sax Among Friends – The Melodic Storytellers
There is live music that serves as background noise, and then there is Sax Among Friends, who turn a performance into a conversation.
Often led by the charismatic saxophonist Don Wade (frequently accompanied by vocalist Yanti), this group is beloved in the local scene for weaving stories and humor between songs.
They specialize in those melodic, feel-good tunes that everyone recognizes but presented with a warm, personal touch that disarms audiences immediately. If you are looking for jazz bands for hire in Kelowna that can engage a crowd—making them laugh one moment and sway to a ballad the next—this is your group.
They are particularly fantastic for community events or daytime gatherings where interaction is just as important as the notes being played.
- Best For: Community fundraisers, afternoon winery events, and private parties where you want the band to interact with guests.
Twango Twango – The Instrumental Vibe
For something completely different, Twango Twango offers a unique twist that listeners love. This instrumental guitar duo, comprised of Brian and Jim, strips away the vocals to focus entirely on the interplay between two electric guitars.
Their sound is eclectic and fun, moving seamlessly from the gypsy jazz stylings of Django Reinhardt to surf rock classics like “Mr. Moto” and instrumental covers of The Beatles.
Because they don’t rely on a vocalist, they are incredibly versatile—they can be background music for a dinner where conversation is key, or they can turn up the energy for a fun, retro-inspired set.
Their “twangy” tone gives them a distinct personality that stands out from the typical piano-bass jazz combos.
- Best For: Outdoor markets, brewery patios, and events wanting a fun, retro, or surf-rock flavor.
Sean Bray – The Modern Jazz Guitarist
Rounding out our list is a musician who brings serious prestige to the local scene. Sean Bray is widely considered one of Canada’s top guitarists, having been recognized as one of the country’s top 50 by CBC Radio. He isn’t just playing background chords; he is creating a sonic landscape.
His style leans towards the modern and sophisticated side of jazz, perfect for events where you want the music to feel curated and high-end. Whether performing as a solo act or leading his “Peach Band,” his technical mastery is obvious but never flashy for the sake of it.
If you are searching for jazz bands for hire in Kelowna that will impress even the most discerning music snobs in your crowd, Sean Bray is the gold standard.
- Best For: High-end corporate galas, gallery openings, and events requiring a modern, upscale touch.
How to Choose the Right Jazz Act for Your Event
Now that you know who the top players are, how do you decide which one is the perfect fit for your specific gathering? It’s rarely a one-size-fits-all situation.
Match the Vibe
This is the most critical question: What do you want your guests to be doing? If you envision them mingling, networking, and holding conversations without shouting, you need an act that specializes in ambience—like the DoubleSharp Duet or Loni Moger.
If the goal is to get people out of their seats and sweating on the dance floor, a background duo simply won’t cut it. You need the high energy of a group like Major Mambo. Be honest about the atmosphere you are trying to create.
Check Logistics
Before you sign a contract, look at your venue. A full five-piece band like the Trevor Salloum Group needs physical space for drums, amps, and mic stands. If you are hosting an intimate dinner in a small winery tasting room, a solo artist or a guitar duo like Twango Twango might be the only logistical option that makes sense.
Always ask the musicians about their power requirements and footprint to avoid day-of headaches.
Booking Early is Essential
Kelowna is a premier wedding destination, which means dates fill up fast—often 12 to 18 months in advance. The summer season (May through September) is incredibly competitive.
If you have your heart set on a specific vocalist like Anna Jacyszyn or Kinga Heming, don’t wait until the month before your event to reach out. Secure your entertainment as soon as you have your venue locked in.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, booking live entertainment is a crucial investment in your guests’ memories. Long after the cake is cut, the food is eaten, and the flowers have finally wilted, people will remember exactly how they felt on the dance floor or the unique ambiance of the room. It effectively transforms a standard gathering into a genuine, standout experience.
Now that you have the inside scoop on the best jazz bands for hire in Kelowna, the next step is entirely yours. Don’t just sit on this info—visit their websites, watch their performance clips, and reach out to them directly.
The top talent in this valley gets snapped up incredibly quickly, so if you find a sound that resonates with your vision, lock it in today. Your future self—and your guests—will thank you.
Also check our article: Best Wedding DJs for Hire in Kelowna
