Wild Blue Herons are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of BC Entertainment Hall of Famer, Bill Sample, and Darlene Cooper.  Adding horns to their line up, namely Tom Keenlyside on tenor sax and Jim Hopson on trombone, they will be playing groove-oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (Jazz Crusaders, Dr Music) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz, in particular Nancy Wilson.  Rounding out the band will be Miles Foxx Hill on bass and Randall Stoll on drums.  Collectively, this team of musicians has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Celine Dion.

“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

“the interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” – Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic

The overall level of the duo’s performances is simply top-notch, resulting in a terrific vocal jazz recording. – Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report Jan/Feb 2022

“Cooper and Sample have produced a winner with You & I” – Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz

C'mon out to our Christmas(ish) house concert on Dec 10th!

Starring: 

Darlene Cooper - vocals

Bill Sample - piano

Tracy Moar - vocals

Guest starring: Darcy White - bass

Admission by donation (suggested $25)

Bring your own beverage - amuse-bouche by chef Carole Moar

Space is limited so you MUST RSVP to 

tracymaye18@gmail.com 

to reserve your spot and collect the address!!

Wild Blue Herons are excited to return once again to Frankie’s Jazz club - this time with a quintet! They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.

The band will be:

Bill Sample (piano and vocals) Darlene Cooper (lead vocals) Miles Foxx Hill (bass) Randall Stoll (drums) Tim Porter (guitar).

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and great music!

Make your reservations early.

Wild Blue Herons are returning to Toronto Jazz Bistro on Thursday May 11th. They will once again be joined by stellar Toronto musicians: Ted Quinlan (guitar), Pat Collins (bass), and Mark Kelso (drums). This is a dynamite band!

Toronto area friends! Come and enjoy an evening of groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.   They will be playing their arrangements of select standards as well as originals.

Bill’s emotional, playful and meticulous accompaniment added to Darlene’s “rich stunning vocals, where every note is delivered flawlessly” (Tom Haugen, Take Effect ) create a warm and mesmerizing synergy.   

Sharing a particular passion for song stylist, Nancy Wilson, they tug on your heart strings through their beautiful spin and storytelling.  

 “Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

Bill and Darlene invite you to enjoy an intimate concert in their home - The Heron's Nest. Their music, a combination of jazz, funk, soul, blues with ‘smoky’ ballads, blends groove with complex chords, rhythms, and soulful melodies. They will be performing songs they have written and will be sharing the stories behind the songs.

Bill and Darlene will be joined by Randall Stoll (drums) and Miles Foxx-Hill (Bass).

Please bring your own beverage (BYOB) to enjoy during the evening (glasses will be supplied). We will provide a snack as well.

Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $30

Seating is very limited so reserve your tickets early!

*Note: there are a number of stairs to navigate with no wheelchair access.

To contact: www.wildblueherons@gmail.com

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ Considering Creation Faith and Fable, Fact and Fiction. Exhibition and Symposium Artist: Betty Spackman with Special Guest Speakers Musicians & Storytellers April 22 - May 21, 2022.

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is not only an art exhibition. It is a multi-layered community event with an accompanying symposium with over 30 guest scholars, musicians, storytellers, actors, artists, poets, and more that Spackman has invited to be part of the month-long series of talks and concerts. Some are local to British Columbia and others are coming from England, the US, Alberta, the North West Territories and Ontario.

Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) are performing on the last 2 nights of the Exhibition/Symposium. Other artists sharing the stage that night will be: Carolyn Arends (singer/songwriter); Roy Salmond (musician); Lincoln Tatem (musician); Maki Yi (actor); Susan McCaslin (poet); Suzanne Northcott (visual artist); Sarah Ronal (visual artist)

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is part of the ‘Swallowfield Arts Series 2022’ hosted by Dennis and Jenny DeGroot of Swallowfield Farm, who use their award-winning barn for hay in the winter, and cultural events the rest of the year. The show and symposium are non-profit with all events by donation.

Seating is limited - so you will need to book a seat to Panel Talks and Concerts: ccregister@shaw.ca

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ Considering Creation Faith and Fable, Fact and Fiction. Exhibition and Symposium Artist: Betty Spackman with Special Guest Speakers Musicians & Storytellers April 22 - May 21, 2022.

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is not only an art exhibition. It is a multi-layered community event with an accompanying symposium with over 30 guest scholars, musicians, storytellers, actors, artists, poets, and more that Spackman has invited to be part of the month-long series of talks and concerts. Some are local to British Columbia and others are coming from England, the US, Alberta, the North West Territories and Ontario.

Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) are performing on the last 2 nights of the Exhibition/Symposium. Other artists sharing the stage that night will be: Carolyn Arends (singer/songwriter); Roy Salmond (musician); Lincoln Tatem (musician); Maki Yi (actor); Susan McCaslin (poet); Suzanne Northcott (visual artist); Sarah Ronal (visual artist)

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is part of the ‘Swallowfield Arts Series 2022’ hosted by Dennis and Jenny DeGroot of Swallowfield Farm, who use their award-winning barn for hay in the winter, and cultural events the rest of the year. The show and symposium are non-profit with all events by donation.

Seating is limited - so you will need to book a seat to Panel Talks and Concerts: ccregister@shaw.ca

After ten glorious years of making music together, the Marcus Mosely Chorale will hold their final show on Saturday, May 14th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley Church (1022 Nelson Avenue, Vancouver)

The show will include the amazing Dee Daniels, one of many artists who have sung with the choir over the years.

Marcus Mosely (Artistic Director), Darlene Cooper (Choral Director) and Bill Sample (Musical Director) have created an inspiring program from the Chorale’s impressive song portfolio. The band will be: Bill Sample (keys), Miles Foxx-Hill (bass); Buff Allen (drums); and Tim Porter (guitar).

There will be a special song with guest soloists from throughout the years.

Tickets are: $42

A sensational group of world renowned, multi award-winning musicians return for the annual Wind Festival of the Arts. Experience this evening performance at the famous Brackendale Art Gallery or tune in online for songs, stories, and incredible musicianship.

Wind at the BAG special features include:

• Dalannah Gail Bowen featuring Michael Creber

• Norman Foote featuring Jim Salmon and Maria Gabrielle B Foote

• Tsawaysia Spukwas

• Mario and Anne Iacovone (The Overcomers)

• Jane Mortifee featuring Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper

• And introducing Gabe da Costa and Mat Bergeron