Jazz Vespers

Usually at 4:00 pm on the last Sunday of the month some of Toronto’s best jazz musicians come for a lively service of music and reflection to lift the spirit. It lasts about an hour and is followed by our “Wine and Perrier” reception.

Follow us on Facebook @etobicokejazzvespers and check our calendar frequently for dates and details.

Next Jazz Vespers – Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 4.00pm

Featuring – Scott Marshall, Robi Botos, Dave Young.

Toronto – based composer, saxophonist, producer, band leader, and educator Scott Marshall

A skilled composer and arranger, Scott’s compositions have been featured onSix of his own releases: The Solitude Suite (2024), Dream Logic Project (2018), Nihahi Ridge (2014), Vignettes (2010), Nine Moments of Time (2007), and Face It (2002). Scott has also had compositions featured on Lyne Tremblay’s release Get To It (2021), and two releases by the group Out of Order: What Now (2000), and Out of Order (1997). Scott’s compositions have also been featured in the feature length movie The Anniversary by Canadian film maker Valarie Buhagiar, and the short film The Loss by Consistent C Films.    Scott has had a lengthy and diverse career as a music educator. He is the Director of Bands at The Oscar Peterson School of Music at the Royal Conservatory of Music,  he is a member of the jazz faculty at  the Inter Provincial Music Camp, a member of faculty at the Bobcageon Music Camp, and has been a band instructor for the Toronto District School Board  for twenty five years. Scott taught at The University of North Texas and has instructed masterclasses at St Francis Xavier University, The University of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Community College, Toronto District School Board’s Music Department, as well as numerous high schools across the country. 

Robi Botos has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, to the swing of Oscar Peterson and the heartfelt melodic expression of Mulgrew Miller and Cedar Walton, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. While Robi is known for being a strong player in the traditional jazz and funk fields, he always incorporates an element of the music he grew up listening to into his playing.

Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic. As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.  One of Dave’s most beloved gigs was a five year stint (1961-66) as a member of iconic jazz guitarist Lenny Breau’s quartet. Recently, Randy Bachman’s “Guitar Archives” label has released Bourbon Street – a LIVE recording of Dave and Lenny in duo format, digitally restored and originally recorded on a primitive reel to reel at Toronto’s late, lamented jazz venue. The list of musicians with whom Dave has shared the stage is a virtual “Who’s Who” of international jazz…including the late Oscar Peterson (with whom Dave had a thirty-five year musical relationship), Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Zoot Simms, Joe Williams, Oliver Jones, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Nat Adderly, Peter Appleyard, Gary Burton, Barney Kessell, Ed Bickert, Ranee Lee, Marcus Belgrave, Don Thompson, Kenny Burrell and James Moody.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of world-class jazz and soul-stirring reflections at Etobicoke Jazz Vespers. Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or a newcomer to the scene, you’ll be uplifted by the incredible talent of Scott Marshall, Robi Botos, and Dave Young. Stay connected with us on Facebook @etobicokejazzvespers for the latest updates and mark your calendar for our upcoming performances. We look forward to sharing an hour of inspiring music and community with you, followed by our welcoming “Wine and Perrier” reception. See you there!