Winter Solace – Jonathan Wielebnowski and Kelly Steele

Description

Jonathan Wielebnowski is an emerging Canadian bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Calgary, Alberta. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Music from Humber College in 2019, Jonathan relocated from Toronto to his native Calgary, and has since enjoyed a busy freelance schedule where he has the opportunity to perform with a variety of local, and touring acts. 

While living in Toronto, Jonathan had the opportunity to study under a multitude of great Canadian jazz musicians such as Kirk MacDonald, Al Kay, Mike Downes, Neil Swainson, Kieran Overs, Jon Maharaj, Nancy Walker, Brian Dickinson, and Lorne Lofsky. During his studies, he has been the recipient of several scholarships including the Kevin Mackle Memorial Scholarship, the Kenny MacLean Memorial Scholarship, the prestigious Gordon and Anne Wragg Music Scholarship, as well as the Humber Leadership Scholarship. 

Jonathan has had the opportunity to perform with several notable Canadian artists and companies such as John Roney, Miles Black, Jon McCaslin, Jim Brenan, Mark Dejong, The Primetime Big Band, Theatre Calgary, Tim Tamashiro, the Heebee-jeebee’s, and Elizabeth Shepherd. 

In addition to his freelance work in Calgary, he has also had the chance to perform in several Canadian music and theatre festivals including the Calgary International Jazz Festival, the Calgary Fringe Festival, the Regina Jazz Festival, the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival, and the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival. 

Kelly Steele is a tap dance performer, instructor, and choreographer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada where she has been tap dancing for over 20 years. She has performed as part of residencies at the Vancouver International Tap Festival, Tap City in New York City, Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project in Los Angeles, and Nicholas Young’s Institute for the Rhythmic Arts in Chicago. Kelly is passionate about the connection between tap dance and music, playing with musicians at events such as International Jazz Day, the Feats Festival of Dance, and JazzYYC’s Canadian Jazz Festival with the Kelly Steele Quartet.