Mighty Fraser Big Band at St. Stephen's

St. Stephen’s is an Anglican church in West Vancouver that hosts a free Jazz Vespers service on the first Sunday of the month.

The events are by donation, attract big-name local Jazz musicians, and, assuming you like Jazz, are highly recommended.

JAZZ CANCELLED

Due to the COVID-19 virus, the church building was closed for a number of months. It has since reopened and services are happening once again. As of early 2022, however, it doesn’t appear that Jazz Vespers events are happening. See the St. Stephen’s website for details.

Jazz at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church

Jazz Vespers services take place at various locations around the Lower Mainland. At Stephen’s they take place at 4:00 pm, once a month every month, except for in August and September. The services run for about an hour, there is a very light spiritual message, and there’s lots of great Jazz.

For a list of other places offering similar events, click Jazz Vespers in Metro Vancouver.

Where is St. Stephen’s?

St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is located at 885–22nd Street. It’s just a short distance north of West Vancouver’s seawall at a point about halfway between Dundarave and John Lawson Park. The church is also just a 2-minute walk north of the West Van Aquatic Centre.

Ada Lee at St. Stephen's Jazz Vespers — Ada Lee at St. Stephen’s in 2019

St. Stephen’s 2020 Jazz Schedule

The following is the list of Jazz Vespers’ services for 2020. (Note: Event dates, guest performers and other details are subject to change.)

Sunday, February 2, 2020 – with The Original Blend
Sunday, March 1, 2020 – with The Jordan Manderioli Quartet.
Sunday, April 5, 2020 – TBA.
Sunday, May 3, 2020 – with the Saxalamode Quartet.

Katherine Grefner & Mighty Fraser Band — K. Grefner & the Mighty Fraser Big Band

Tips and Advice

Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most out of your Jazz Vespers experience in West Vancouver.

TIP #1: You don’t have to be Anglican or even Christian to appreciate the Jazz at this event. All are welcome.

TIP #2: Admission is by donation (and funds collected help reimburse the band for their time and talents). Give generously if you can (but don’t let a lack of money stop you from going).

TIP #3: In winter, if the weather is good, arrive early and go for a walk along the waterfront. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll! And in warmer and sunnier months, do the same, but either before or after the show.

TIP #4: St. Stephen’s is just a few steps from the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre which has one of the Lower Mainland’s best swimming facilities for children. It has a large pool for swimming lengths, a giant pool with a river current for kids, diving boards, a water slide, hot tub, steam room and sauna. Go there yourself either before or after the show (swim schedules permitting).

TIP #5: If you have children who don’t want to listen to Jazz and are old enough to swim on their own (i.e., around age 8+), drop the kids off at the Aquatic Centre and then pick them up at the end. Just be sure to check the public swim schedule first to make sure the times fit.