PLEASE NOTE - this event takes place on the 3rd Thursday of the month, a departure from our typical 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month timing.

Aretha Tillotson is a JUNO nominated Canadian bassist, band leader
and composer. Aretha has played across North America with Kris Davis, Walter Smith III, Allan Chase, and Josh Rosen. In 2023, she toured as a member of the Ingrid and Christine Jensen quintet.

She released her debut album “Introducing Aretha Tillotson” (Bent River Records), and in 2024, won a Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. The record was composed by interviewing intersectional women across arts disciplines about their experiences in arts institutions as part of Aretha's masters thesis, and features Allison Au.

Her second album as a band leader, “Kinda Out West” features Ingrid and Christine Jensen and Dave Laing, released November 7 2025, and was nominated for a 2026 JUNO award for Jazz Album of the Year (solo), as well as a 2026 WCMA for Jazz Artist of the Year.

As a session musician, Aretha has toured with Universal artist Mick Flannery and worked as a touring/resident bassist on the Broadway rendition of SIX. She continued her work with SIX in 2024 as the bassist for Mirvish Theatre’s residency in Toronto.

Aretha was honoured to receive a presidential scholarship in 2020 to attend Berklee's Global Jazz Masters program, receiving an individual mentorship with John Patitucci, and studying with Linda May Han Oh, Joe Lovano, and Danilo Perez. She earned a Masters of Music in 2022. Aretha is a faculty member at MacEwan University, teaching teaching bass and theory.

Yet another fantastic show is set to take to the Nexus stage in this high-flying musical conversation by the Aretha Tillotson Quartet! Joining Aretha for her show here is Salmon Arm are Andre Wickenheiser (trumpet), Jacob Do (tenor sax), and Mark Segger (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm