Sunday, August 17, 2025—On a sunlit afternoon at the 2025 Markham Jazz Festival, amid the constant flow of festivalgoers along Main Street Unionville, The Vaudevillian (an electrifying Port Elgin-based duo featuring Norah Spades and Jitterbug James) offered something rare: a performance that felt less like a scheduled concert and more like a joyful interruption in time. Drawing on the theatrical spirit and musical eclecticism of early 20th-century vaudeville, the Ontario-based band transformed their set into a living, breathing homage to jazz’s roots in storytelling, humour, and communal experience.

The Vaudevillian’s music lives at the crossroads of vintage jazz, swing, blues, folk, and cabaret, filtered through a modern sensibility that resists nostalgia for its own sake. That balance was fully on display in Markham. Rather than recreating the past as a museum piece, the band approached vaudeville as a playful, flexible language—one that invites reinvention. Their songs unfolded like short theatrical scenes populated by vivid characters, sly wit, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

From the first tune, it was clear that audience engagement is central to The Vaudevillian’s artistic identity. The performance quickly dissolved the usual barrier between stage and crowd. Clapping, call-and-response moments, and bursts of laughter rippled through the audience as the band leaned into the participatory spirit that once defined vaudeville and early jazz performance. What could have been a novelty became something more substantial: a reminder that jazz, at its core, thrives on human connection.

Musically, the set moved effortlessly between upbeat, foot-tapping numbers and more intimate passages, highlighting the group’s dynamic range and strong ensemble chemistry. Tight arrangements left space for spontaneity, while rhythmic playfulness—often using unconventional textures and percussive elements—kept the music buoyant and unpredictable. The historic setting of Unionville, with its small-town facades and open-air stages, provided an almost cinematic backdrop, amplifying the sense that this was music meant to be shared in public spaces, not confined to concert halls.

What distinguished The Vaudevillian at Markham was not technical flash or genre purity, but purpose. In a festival known for stylistic diversity—from straight-ahead jazz to global fusions—the band stood out by reconnecting jazz to its populist origins. Their performance felt inclusive and welcoming, equally accessible to seasoned jazz listeners and casual passersby who may have stopped out of curiosity and stayed out of delight.

By the final notes, the smiles, laughter, and lingering applause suggested that The Vaudevillian had done exactly what vaudeville was always meant to do: entertain, surprise, and bring people together. At the 2025 Markham Jazz Festival, they didn’t just perform a set—they created a shared moment, reminding audiences that great music is as much about connection as it is about sound.

The Vaudevillian Photo Gallery by Atael Weissman (click on thumbnails to enlarge)

Programming Notes: Billy Joel’s upbeat, poignant and compositionally daring songs have been with us for decades. Experience an emotive and entertaining night featuring Billy Joel’s most exciting selections, skillfully performed by returning touring company/rock band Jeans ‘n Classics, featuring lead vocalist Jean Meilleur, pianist John Regan, bassist Darryl Stacey, drummer Steve Heathcote, and the Jeans ‘n Classics Rock Symphony, a full symphony orchestra, conducted by Mitchell Tyler.

Jeans ‘n Classics is not a tribute act; instead, they authentically interpret legendary rock and pop albums, infusing their performance with a unique flair. Under the guidance of Peter Brennan, this world-class act has become a star performer, enriching the arts and entertainment scene for over two decades with their diverse catalogue in symphony collaborations across North America.

Jeans ‘n Classics revolutionized orchestral performances by merging world-class rock musicians with symphonies. Comprising accomplished individuals Jeans’n Classics transcends generations, appealing to individuals from 25 to 75 and beyond. Collaborating with over 100 orchestras, they’ve curated nearly 1,000 orchestrations across 45 productions, shaping the contemporary symphonic landscape with professionalism and finesse.

Songs List: 1. Movin’ out / 2. Uptown Girl / 3. She’s Got a Way / 4. Say Goodbye to Hollywood / 5. Goodnight Saigon / 6. She’s Always a Woman / 7. We Didn’t Start The Fire / 8. An Innocent man / 9. Only The Good Die Young / 10. Scenes From Italian Restaurant / 11. Lulleby / 12. My Life / 13. Big Shot / 14. Baby Grand / 15. Piano Man / 16. Honesty / 17. Ballad of Billy The Kid / 18. You may Be Right.

Photographs by Atael Weissman [click on thumbnails to enlarge]

On Friday April 12, 2024 Ladaniva performed for the first time in Canada at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre, George Weston Recital Hall.

The show was attended in full force by Armenian community families, including kids and elderly people who came with desire to re-connect with their homeland and their culture. And Ladaniva did not disappoint.

The show started with a number of traditional Armenian folk songs: Erzumi, Bingyol, Narek, Zepyuri Nman, beautifully performed by Jaqueline and the spectators immediately joined in admiration and singing along. It was a beautiful ethnic synergy flowing from Armenia.

The show continued with the high energy songs Malika, Wayo Waya, with the band producing truly original sound with impressive jazzy improvisations, great beat and soulful accompaniment.

The song Ne do Sna was performed in reggae style in Russian while Pourquoi t’as fait ça? and Je voulais in French.

The culmination of this Armenian party in Canada came with force thru Vay Aman, Shakar and Jako (the latest will be performed at Eurovision, representing Armenia). Kids jumped on the stage to join the band, while parents had been dancing and chanting in the aisles.

The band revolves around Jaqueline and Louis, who are very high level musicians, playing multiple instruments, including traditional saz and duduk.

Ladaniva members are extremely comfortable on stage, and play not only for the audience, but also for each other. They engage in dialogue, respond to each other, take solos or disappear behind the voice. This was a very entertaining high-quality world music show.

As far as the name Ladaniva…the band is named in reference to the off-road SUV Lada Niva made in Russia. According to Thomas, “Jacqueline’s father and my father, when we were kids, both had this car.”

Ladaniva’s music transcends cultural boundaries, inviting listeners on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Armenian music and beyond. With their captivating melodies, dynamic rhythms, and heartfelt performances, the band continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression wherever they go.

Songs list: 1. Erzumi; 2. Bingyol; 3. Malika; 4. Wayo Waya; 5. Narek; 6. Zepyuri Nman; 7. Kef chilini; 8. Ne do Sna (Russian); 9. Yerku Mas; 10. Interlude; 11. Manoushak; 12. Baleni; 13. Vay Aman; 14. Pourquoi t’as fait ça?; 15. Shakar; 16. Je voulais; 17. Jako.

The Band: Jacqueline (Zhaklin) Baghdasaryan: lead singer; Louis Thomas: guitar, trumpet, flute; Pierre Kastler: drums, percussions, pad; Louis Desseigne: guitar, saz; Romain Desreumaux: saxophone, clarinet, duduk; Ninon Thomas: keyboard, vocals.

Show Production: G.D.A.L. Production, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Booking Agency:  Dionysiac Tour, Paris, France.

About Ladaniva

Ladaniva is a French-Armenian world music group originally from Lille, France founded in 2019 by Armenian singer Jacqueline Baghdasaryan and French multi-instrumentalist Louis Thomas. The group’s music is inspired by traditional songs from Armenia, Russia and the Balkans—with influence from travels in Latin America, Africa and Reunion Islands.  

Jacqueline Baghdasaryan was born in Armenia, grew up in Belorussia and came to France already eight years old. Jacqueline’s connection to the Armenian community has remained strong over the years.  Dancing Armenian dances, singing Armenian songs it was her nostalgia to the roots, and she always wanted to participate in Armenian culture. Jacqueline was into classical music and later got deeper into jazz music. She has been part of several bands in France and has participated in different music festivals.

Louis Thomas was born and raised in France. For him, music is in his DNA; he began playing the trumpet at the age of 7.  “I was born in a musician family. My mother played the classical piano. And since I was a child, I used to play a lot of different instruments,” he stated.   His love for music and adventure have had a big influence in his work and life.

Jacqueline Baghdasaryan and Louis Thomas met at a bar one night during a jazz jam session. They founded the Ladaniva band which immediately became famous in Armenia after the release of the video Vay Aman which went viral in no time, with more than two million views. Jacqueline says her inspiration for songs comes from everyday life. Most of their songs are in Armenian, but they also have songs in Russian and French.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/ladanivayaman

Photos by Atael Weissman [click on thumbnails to enlarge]