On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Shuswap’s largest Heritage destination, R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, is proud to partner with the Salmon Arm Jazz Club for an evening of jazz in the park! Enjoy a gourmet meal from the Village’s licensed Sprig of Heather restaurant and some of the finest jazz in the Shuswap.
For this event, we present the Gareth Seys Quintet. Led by trombonist Gareth Seys, this group will perform a mix of traditional jazz and original compositions. Gareth will be joined by Zach Griffin on saxophone, Dan Smith on bass, Colin Spence on keys, and Richard Graham on drums. These are some of the finest musicians from the region, delivering an evening of energetic, engaging, and sophisticated jazz.
Gareth Seys is a pillar of the Shuswap improvisational music scene. Gareth honed his skills on trombone at Capilano University and has performed in countless local ensembles on his horn and as a drummer. He was also a founding member of Five Alarm Funk. As lead for the Quintet, Gareth has been bringing a mix of music that is exciting and testing, even for these seasoned players.
Zach Griffin is well-known in the Okanagan music scene as a saxophonist and music educator. After completing degrees in Jazz Performance (UofT, 2019) and Education (UBC, 2020), Zach began teaching in Kelowna and has co-led the OKM Music program since 2021. Zach plays saxophone in the bands 'Rock Steady’, 'TRADBURNER’, and the 'BCIJF Big Band', and can be heard playing woodwinds on the albums 'Embargo' and 'TRADBURNER' on streaming services as well as in one-off jazz, rock, and classical groups for various events across the Okanagan.
Dan Smith and Colin Spence add to the Shuswap foundation of the group. Dan Smith has become one of the area's most sought after session players thanks to his fearless collaborative approach. Another alumni of the Capilano University jazz studies program, he has become a skilled mulit-instrumentalist on guitar, bass, and slide steel guitar. For this outing he pins the low end down on with his sublime bass instincts.
Colin Spence brings decades of keyboard experience to the stage with history throughout the province playing Hammond B3 organ, electric keyboards, and piano. Following his return to Salmon Arm several years ago he quickly became a favourite in many ensembles thanks to his stylistic breadth and exploration of new musical territory, from funk to fusion and traditional to modern jazz.
Richard Graham hails from Kamloops and also went to Capilano University's jazz music program. Jazz Club regulars have appreciated his fine performances in Salmon Arm over the past few years and as Gareth says, “He's a stellar drummer”. It's always a good outing when Richard is on the kit.
Gather your friends and enjoy a relaxing summer evening of great food, live music, and summer hospitality in one of Salmon Arm's most unique outdoor settings.
R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization that proudly preserves the history of Salmon Arm and the surrounding areas. The Jazz Club sees this summer performance as a step in developing more music entertainment options in our community and a way to support R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum’s projects and educational programs.
Tickets can be purchased at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, or by calling 250-832-5243 to charge by phone. Gates open and music starts at 5:00 pm. meal service is from 5:30-6:30 pm. Local beer, wine and cider are available to purchase. R.J. Haney Heritage Village is located at 751 Highway 97B Salmon Arm, just south of Drivers Car and Truck Sales (map).
