Denise Pelley is a vocalist who has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, gospel and blues legend Jackie Richardson and Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook. In 2003, she opened for the late Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre, now Budweiser Gardens, London. She has also performed with symphony orchestras in Canada, the US and Europe, and has been featured at jazz festivals in Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo, and at London’s Sunfest and Bluesfest.

Denise also enjoys acting. She had roles in Grand Theatre productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Wang Dang Doodle and A Streetcar Named Desire. Jazzabel, her 2004 one-woman show at the Grand’s McManus Theatre, sold out night after night. In 2005, she performed Jazzabel in Washington, DC, at the National Museum for Women in the Arts, and in New York City at Urban Stages Theater. In 2006, she was featured in an article in O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine. Recording credits include seven CDs.

Over the years, Denise has won many awards. She was named London Music Awards’ Best Jazz Artist of the Year six times and Jack Richardson Jazz Artist of the Year twice.

In 2009 she was honoured with a Black Community Achievement Award, and in 2015 was inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame. Her most recent award: a Conservatory Canada Honorary Licentiate in Music.

Denise lends her musical talents to many organizations. She is a volunteer with Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan and has made twelve trips to Gordhim, South Sudan, where she helped deliver an arts and music camp to over 400 children. She is also on the board of Educate the Children which is building a school in Nigeria.

Rick Kish is a 3 times nominated, and the recipient of the FCLMA 2019 Jazz Vocalist Award. Rick tours a variety of shows around the province of Ontario, including “The Crooner Show” and “a really Retro CROONER Christmas” with his company LINK theatre & concerts (www.linktheatre.ca) and Rick Kish & Friends. Involved in the London music and theatre scene for many years, having performed and directed on the main stage at The Grand Theatre, the Auburn Stage (formally McManus Studio Theatre), Wolf Performance Hall, The Palace, Paul Davenport and many other venues and spaces, Rick is a proud Londoner. Rick teaches singing and acting lessons from his in home studio in West London.

 Award-winning London, Ontario jazz songstress Sonja Gustafson is a versatile and captivating vocalist whose distinctive style combines elegance, warmth, and a timeless appreciation for the great traditions of vocal jazz. Her performances reflect a deep admiration for the forerunners of the genre, bringing a cool sophistication to both beloved standards and lesser-known gems.

Whether delivering a sultry ballad with honeyed languor or launching into an exuberant, free-flowing scat improvisation, Sonja has a rare ability to connect with an audience and make every song her own.

Sonja has released two independent albums, both warmly received and continuing to enjoy airplay on CBC Radio. Her recordings also include several original compositions by acclaimed London songwriter Steven Hardy.

Beyond jazz, Sonja is an accomplished classically trained soprano, holding a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Western University. Her versatility has made her a sought-after guest artist with Canadian symphonies, choirs, and big bands. She has also served as soprano soloist at First-St. Andrew’s United Church in downtown London since 1999.

Sonja’s love of opera and musical theatre inspired her to found Diva Lounge Productions, a production company dedicated to bringing fully staged chamber opera to the stage. Her favourite theatrical roles include Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Jesus in Godspell.

From a candlelit jazz club to the concert stage, from chamber opera to musical theatre, Sonja Gustafson is at home wherever there is a story to tell through song. With artistry, versatility, and an unmistakable connection to her audience, she transforms every performance into an invitation to experience the joy, beauty, and emotional power of music.