LittleBirds

Sunday • 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm | Main Stage (119 Ave & 93 St in the Grassy Field)

The Littlebirds started in 1990 by Gordon Towell as part of an education program run by the Yardbird Suite. Gordon’s tenure was short lived as he returned to school to start a doctoral degree. Dean McNeill was the next director of the Littlebirds and perhaps best known for establishing the band as one of western Canada’s finest groups. Joel Gray took over as director in 2004, and the Littlebirds continue to flourish and develop, sustaining their high level of musicianship. In 2010, Joel started up the Littlebirds combo, and this group writes most of their own material and focuses on performance and improvising. The Littlebirds experience has a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Littlebirds members. Some become music teachers or professional musicians. All are motivated students sharing a love of music. The Littlebirds season includes regular weekly rehearsals from September through May, participation in local Jazz festivals, many local concerts, and participation in the Edmonton International Jazz Music Festival.