Another year, another incredible lineup from the TD Victoria International JazzFest. From June 19 – 28 2026, JazzFest takes over eight different venues around Victoria for 10 days of world class performances. This year, I had the honour of being invited to a few meetings by the Victoria Jazz Society as they prepared for the 42nd edition of their music festival. During these visits, I had a chance to see how this year’s lineup was shaping up prior to their announcement earlier this month. Believe me, it was tough to stay silent but I’m proud of myself that I could keep quiet. 2026 is a very important year for Jazz  because this year, eight different musicians are celebrating their centennials including Miles Davis & John Coltrane. With three artist tribute performances planned at this year’s festival, there is no shortage of opportunities to celebrate a centennial. Now today is considered International Jazz Day around the world, and because of this, I felt like it was time to release my shortlist for this year’s TD Victoria JazzFest. So with no further delay, let’s get into the shortlist:

Miles Electric Band

Royal Theatre – Friday, June 19

In 2010, Miles Davis’s nephew, Vince Wilburn Jr. formed Miles Electric Band (or M.E.B.) to pay tribute to his late uncle’s fusion period. Since forming the band, M.E.B. has gone on to be the only tribute group acknowledged by Miles Davis’s Estate. Besides the historical significance of this group, the musicians in this iteration of the band need to be celebrated as well. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold and DJ Logic take the group to new heights as they celebrate Miles during this very special centennial. For those who attend, expect a night of both classic fusion Miles Davis, as well as other tributes to the late trumpet players work. If you are a Miles Davis fan looking for a way to celebrate the late trumpet player’s 100-year legacy, then look no further than Miles Electric Band.

Djabe

The Coda – Saturday, June 20

Hungary has always been full of art and amazing musicianship. Djabe has been proof of this since 1995, where they’ve blended Jazz Fusion, World Music, and Rock to create impressive soundscapes. The appreciation of this group doesn’t stop at the many fans they have acquired over the years, Steve Hackett of Genesis, who has joined Djabe for multiple records, has gone on to say that they are the best band he has ever played with. That’s quite the accolade for a band to have, but when you have over 27+ studio albums and live recordings over those 30 active years, you are bound to leave a mark on other famous musicians. While the group has yet to release an album in 2026, last year saw three releases including Freya Arctic Jam with Steve Hackett, Tour of Waterfalls with Chieli Minucci, and Djabe25, an anniversary live show from Budapest. I could continue talking about the successes of this group, but I think it would be better to experience for yourself why Djabe is one of the most successful groups out of Hungary.

Elysia Biro

Studio 919 – Sunday, June 21

Jazz excellence from our own backyard is here in the form of Elysia Biro. The 25-year old Jazz Vocalist & Pianist from Vancouver Island just released her debut EP, Running From Nothing. The EP is her first product since signing a joint deal with Universal Music Canada and Deutsche Grammophon and it won’t be her last. With this release, Biro’s set to play Victoria for the first time. If you’re a fan of the likes of Laufey, Caity Gyorgy, and other great Jazz Vocalists, this will be right up your alley. However, Elysia Biro’s sound is still unique, so it’s not necessarily hearing another one of these popular artists. If you are looking to hear greatness from one of our very own, then look no further than Elysia Biro’s performance at this year’s TD Victoria JazzFest.

The Robert Lee Group

Encore – Monday, June 22

Based out of Toronto, The Robert Lee Group is makes an impact unlike any other. Formed by bassist Robert Lee, this group takes influences from Korean Folk music and blends it with the sound of Contemporary Jazz. The TD Victoria JazzFest is just one of the seven stops Lee will be making across Canada this year as they play a majority of the Canadian Jazz Circuit.  Now while his band has featured the gayageum, a traditional Korean instrument, in the past, it’s uncertain if his performance this go around will feature it. That said, we will keep our fingers crossed that this instrument finds its way onto the stage because it creates such a beautiful sound. Nevertheless, The Robert Lee Group will be a performance you will want to check out at this year’s festival.

Brandon Woody’s Upendo

Studio 919 – Tuesday, June 23

Baltimore’s Brandon Woody is the next name in Jazz that you should follow. While Woody would go on to form Upendo in 2018, the group only released it’s first album in 2025. Entitled For The Love Of It All, this 6-song album on Blue Note Records helped present who Brandon Woody was to the masses and the international Jazz crowd liked what they heard. With this rise in attention, the trumpeter & bandleader now has a busy 2026 ahead of him including performances at North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam, Newport Jazz in Rhode Island, and of course, a performance at this year’s TD Victoria JazzFest. Those planning on attending this performance should expect a contemporary Jazz masterclass by this quartet.

Isaiah Collier: Collier Plays Coltrane

Studio 919 – Wednesday, June 24

After a successful performance at TD Victoria JazzFest 2023, Chicago saxophonist Isaiah Collier is back with a new set, which pays tribute to the great John Coltrane during his centennial year. Since his performance at Hermann’s Upstairs (now under the name, The Coda), Collier has been busy releasing new music. This includes the release of three new albums, two of which were released with his old project, The Chosen Few. The 2024 Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz was a surprise to see three years ago and I am thankful I grabbed a last minute ticket for his performance last go around. Don’t be like me in 2023 and prepare yourself early for this set because there’s a reason he is returning to our beautiful backyard. By the way, while the Saxophone is his main instrument, don’t be surprised if he brings a few other percussion instruments along with him to broaden the sound experience.

Etran De L’Aïr

Bullen Park – Saturday, June 27

One of the names to follow during TD JazzFest’s Funk & Soul in the Park series is Niger’s Etran De L’Aïr. Originally formed as a wedding band, Etran De L’Aïr started to gain international attention for their Saharan Rock, or Desert Blues sound. The genre blends traditional African melodies with both rock and blues influences. Get ready for mesmerizing riffs that shapeshift over time. Their latest single, Agadez, released last year and would lead to believe that the band is set to release a new album soon. If you are looking for something different in the form of Desert Blues, then Etran De L’Aïr’s set is for you. However, if you are looking for an opportunity to dance, then TD JazzFest’s Funk & Soul series as a whole will be the place you want to be.