Colleen Allen
September 2, 3 & 4 @ 8:00 PM
Colleen Allen - sax
Adrean Farrugia - piano
Mike Downes - bass
Ethan Ardelli - drums
Alberta born Colleen Allen plays all saxes, flute, and clarinet. She is top call in Toronto for live shows, festivals, and recording projects. Recent performances include Sessionsx recordings with Gospel legend Carvin Winans, featuring Michael MacDonald, Take 6 and Martha Reeves.
She has performed extensively with Molly Johnson, David Clayton Thomas, Holly Cole, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Shakura S'Aida, Jackie Richardson, Cirque Du Soleil, SoulPepper Theatre, Brian Barlow's Big Band and is a proud member of Manteca, one of Canada's premier fusion jazz bands. Recent recordings include Hilario Duran's Juno and Latin Grammy award winning Big Band featuring Paquito D'Rivera.
Her first CD, "Colleen Allen," is a beautiful collection of nine tracks displaying her many talents as instrumentalist, arranger, band leader and producer. Her sophomore disc features bassist George Koller, guitarist Rob Piltch and Snarky Puppy drummer, Larnell Lewis. Her most recent recording is a collaboration with pianist Fern Lindzon and bassist George Koller entitled "Tryptique."
Colleen's latest project is playing alongside a Brazilian ensemble called ONA. The group features 2 french horns, bassoon, flute and clarinet, guitar and Brazilian percussion with custom arrangements written for this unique and dynamic ensemble.
Alongside her professional performance career, Ms. Allen is also the Artistic Director of the Port Hope Jazz Festival and has programmed two sell-out seasons: 2024/2025. Colleen also programmed the Prince Edward Island Jazz Festival in 2023. She developed these leadership roles as an artist in residence at Soulpepper Theatre (2015-2018).
Whether touring with the celebrated Marc Jordan, teaching in Humber College's esteemed Jazz Studies Program, or Artistic Directing jazz festivals, Colleen is considered one of the most cherished musicians on the Canadian music scene. A dynamic solo performer and flawless ensemble musician, Colleen is known for her gorgeous warm tone, soulful style, and brilliant soloing. Colleen is a world-class musician whose musical talents have touched many audiences around the globe.