There is something about the snap of a snare drum and the hum of an upright bass that changes a room instantly. Live jazz doesn’t just fill silence; it builds a vibe that curated playlists simply can’t touch.
Whether you are planning a wedding overlooking Deer Lake or a corporate mixer near Metrotown, the right music is the difference between an event people attend and one they actually remember.
Fortunately, we are spoiled for choice here. The Greater Vancouver area is teeming with world-class talent, making it surprisingly easy to find top-tier musicians right in our backyard. But with so many options, filtering through them can be a headache.
That is why I have done the heavy lifting for you. Below is my hand-picked list of the best reliable, professional jazz bands for hire in Burnaby that will make your next event unforgettable.
Top 10 Jazz Bands for Hire in Burnaby
Finding the right sound depends heavily on the vibe you are trying to curate. To help you narrow it down, I’ve categorized these jazz bands for hire in Burnaby by their specific strengths, so you can match the music to your venue effortlessly.
Company B Jazz Band
Best For: Vintage Themed Events & High-Energy Swing Dancing
If you are looking for more than just background noise, Company B is an absolute showstopper. They are a vintage vocal trio—think The Andrews Sisters or The Boswell Sisters—backed by a crisp instrumental ensemble.
What I love about them is the commitment to the bit; from the tight three-part harmonies to the period-correct attire, they transport the entire room straight back to the 1920s and 40s.
They are the ideal choice if you want the entertainment to be the focal point of the evening. Whether it is a “Great Gatsby” style corporate party or a wedding reception where you actually want people on the dance floor, their infectious rhythm makes it incredibly hard for guests to stay seated.
PK3 Jazz Trio
Best For: Corporate Events & Elegant Weddings
If Company B is all about the show, PK3 is all about the atmosphere. These guys are the definition of a “class act.” They show up in full suits and ties, looking every bit as sharp as they sound.
Musically, they lean into that refined, acoustic vibe—think Oscar Peterson or Bill Evans. It is the kind of music that elevates a room without demanding everyone’s silence.
This is exactly why they are one of the top jazz bands Burnaby venues recommend for cocktail hours and networking events. You get the sophistication of live performance, but your guests can actually hear each other speak, which is a harder balance to strike than you might think.
Van Django
Best For: Gypsy Jazz & High-Energy Acoustic
If you want something that breaks the mold of the typical tuxedo-clad ensemble, you have to check out Van Django. They specialize in Gypsy Jazz—that infectious, fast-paced string music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli in 1930s Paris.
What makes them special is the sheer energy they bring without needing a massive sound system. It is violin, guitars, and bass driving hard, often faster and more fun than a full drum kit.
They are easily one of the most unique jazz bands for hire in Burnaby, often throwing in clever mashups (like Beatles tunes played in a swing style) that catch guests off guard in the best way possible. They are perfect for outdoor garden parties or lively receptions where you want the music to be happy and upbeat.
The Grand Slam Jazz Band
Best For: Traditional New Orleans & Mardi Gras Vibes
Sometimes, you don’t want background music; you want a parade. The Grand Slam Jazz Band brings that authentic, raucous New Orleans spirit right to the Pacific Northwest. We are talking clarinets, banjos, and brass playing happy, foot-stomping traditional jazz.
They are fantastic at “roving” performances—meaning they can walk around your event while playing—which interacts with guests in a way a stage band can’t.
If you are looking to inject pure joy and a bit of history into your festival or party, they are one of the best jazz bands for hire in Burnaby to get the crowd smiling.
RazzMaJazz
Best For: Versatility (Duos to Sextets)
One of the biggest headaches in planning is figuring out if a band will actually fit—literally and musically—into your space. That is where RazzMaJazz shines. They are the Swiss Army knife of the local scene, offering everything from an intimate duo for small cocktail hours to a full six-piece sextet with horns for when you need a bigger sound.
What I appreciate about them is that they don’t just shrink the band; they adapt the arrangements so it sounds full regardless of the size.
This adaptability makes them one of the most reliable jazz bands for hire in Burnaby for event planners who need professional options without worrying about volume or space constraints.
The Mad Affair
Best For: Romantic Atmosphere & French Jazz
If you want to transport your guests straight to a dimly lit café in Paris, this is the act to book. Fronted by the captivating Alannah Lori, The Mad Affair specializes in French chansons and sultry jazz standards.
It is a distinct pivot from the usual American Songbook repertoire. Their sound is intimate, emotive, and incredibly chic—perfect for smaller wedding receptions or upscale dinner parties where you want the music to feel personal.
While many jazz bands in Burnaby stick to the standard swing or background instrumentals, The Mad Affair brings a European flair that makes the entire evening feel just a little more expensive and romantic.
Ben Lockwood Group
Best For: Classic Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova
If reliability had a soundtrack, it would be the Ben Lockwood Group. Led by British-born woodwind specialist Ben Lockwood, this group is a staple in the local wedding and corporate scene for a reason: they are incredibly polished.
Ben switches effortlessly between saxophone, flute, and clarinet, bringing a richness to the sound that you don’t always get with standard trios.
Their repertoire is smooth and accessible—heavy on the Great American Songbook and breezy Bossa Nova rhythms. They are excellent at reading the room, knowing exactly when to keep it low-key during dinner and when to dial it up a notch as the night progresses.
For anyone looking for jazz bands for hire in Burnaby that offer pure class without the stress, this group is a safe bet.
Jennifer Scott
Best For: High-End Vocal Performances
If you want a performance that feels less like a “gig” and more like a concert, Jennifer Scott is the name you need to know. She is widely considered one of the finest jazz vocal improvisers in Canada, and frankly, her piano skills are just as dangerous.
What sets her apart is her emotional range. She can navigate complex jazz standards, blues, and even world music with a level of technical mastery that stops people in their tracks.
While there are many jazz bands that you can hire in burnaby for background ambiance, booking Jennifer Scott is a statement. It tells your guests that you care deeply about the quality of the art. She typically performs with top-tier accompanists, ensuring the entire ensemble matches her incredibly high standards.
The Swing Soul Band
Best For: Dance Floors & Big Crowds
If your goal is to get every generation on the dance floor, you need The Swing Soul Band. Led by the charismatic Tom Arntzen and the powerhouse vocalist Amanda Wood, these guys bridge the gap between a classic jazz orchestra and a high-energy party band.
They don’t just stick to the 1940s; they seamlessly blend swing classics with Motown, Soul, and even current top 40 hits. It’s that rare mix where your grandmother enjoys the Sinatra covers and your college friends vibe with the Bruno Mars tracks.
When looking for jazz bands for hire in Burnaby that can handle a large crowd and keep the energy peaking all night, this is the group I’d recommend.
Doc Fingers
Best For: Bluesy Jazz & Piano Entertainment
If you want your event to feel less like a formal recital and more like a high-energy party, you call the Doctor. Bruce “Doc Fingers” Gallagher is a local legend in the Pacific Northwest, known for his infectious “Doctor of Fingerology” persona.
His style is a therapeutic mix of boogie-woogie, blues, and jazz that is impossible not to tap your foot to. He is the perfect choice if you want an entertainer who interacts with the crowd and brings a bit of grit and soul to the piano.
Whether it is a lively birthday bash or a festival stage, he brings a “good times” vibe that instantly loosens up the room.
How to Choose the Right Jazz Band for Your Event
Picking a band isn’t just about finding a group that sounds good on YouTube; it is about finding a group that fits the physical and atmospheric constraints of your specific party.
When you are browsing through jazz bands for hire in Burnaby, keep these three practical factors in mind to avoid any day-of disasters.
Venue Size: Be Realistic About Space
A six-piece swing band might sound like a dream, but if you are hosting in a small private dining room, it is going to be a nightmare.
- The “Corner” Rule: If you only have a small corner available (roughly 8×6 feet), stick to a Duo or Trio (e.g., piano/bass or guitar/sax). They have a tiny footprint and can squeeze into tight spaces.
- The Stage Rule: If you want a full Quartet or Quintet (especially with drums), you need a designated performance area of at least 12×8 feet. Drums take up significant real estate, and horn players need room to move.
- Volume Control: A smaller room amplifies sound naturally. A drummer in a small, hard-surfaced room can easily overpower conversation, even when playing softly. In these cases, drum-less trios (like piano, bass, guitar) are often the safer bet.
Also check our article: Burnaby’s Best Indoor Wedding Venues: Top 15 Locations for Your Intimate Ceremony
Vibe: Background Ambience vs. Center-Stage
Ask yourself: Do I want people to listen to the music, or talk over it?
- Background Ambience: If the music is secondary to networking or dinner conversation, look for instrumental groups that specialize in “Cool Jazz” or Bossa Nova. Vocals naturally draw attention, which can distract guests from conversation. A piano trio or a guitar duo is perfect here because they occupy a sonic frequency that doesn’t compete with human speech.
- Center-Stage Entertainment: If you want dancing or a “show,” you need vocals and brass. Bands like Company B or The Swing Soul Band are designed to be watched. They engage the crowd, tell stories, and demand attention. Don’t book a high-energy vocal act if you just want something pleasant while people eat soup.
Logistics: The Boring (But Critical) Details
Before you sign a contract, check the technical requirements. Most professional bands are self-sufficient, but they aren’t magicians.
- Power: A standard 15-amp household outlet is usually sufficient for a jazz band, but ensure it is dedicated (i.e., not shared with the coffee maker or a slushie machine).
- PA Systems: Ask if the band provides their own sound system. For events under 150 people, most bands bring their own gear. For larger ballrooms, you might need to rent a separate PA system to ensure the sound carries to the back of the room without deafening the front row.
- Load-In: If your venue is on the second floor without an elevator, tell the band before they arrive with a 300lb Hammond organ.
Conclusion
Booking live music is an investment in the memory of your event. While a DJ can play hits, nothing replicates the unique chemistry of musicians improvising in the moment. The talent pool right here in the Lower Mainland is world-class, meaning you don’t need to look far to find Broadway-caliber performers.
When you choose any of these jazz bands for hire in Burnaby, you are getting seasoned professionals who know exactly how to read a room and elevate the atmosphere.
Don’t leave your entertainment to the last minute; the good ones book up months in advance, especially during wedding season. Take a moment to visit their websites, listen to their audio clips, and lock in the soundtrack for your perfect night.
