Wild Blue Herons with Horns - Inlet Theatre Music Series

Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of (piano/keys) and (vocals). They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of and the Crusaders) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz, in particular .

For the Inlet Theatre concert the band will be: the amazing horn section of Tom Keenlyside (saxes and flute) and Jim Hopson( trombone) as well as the fabulous Tim Porter on guitar and the illustrious Jane Mortifee on BGs! Rounding out the rhythm section will be - Bill Sample (keys); Miles Foxx Hill (bass) and Randall Stoll (drums)

This husband and wife team have a deep history in music: Bill (inductee to BC Enteratinment Hall of Fame) has been an in-demand sideman for over 40 years, working as musical director and keyboard player for the legendary , while Darlene has built a reputation not just as an engaging jazz/soul/gospel singer, but an educator, choral conductor and composer/arranger, too.

In September 2022, Bill and Darlene (with a wonderful team) started producing an exciting new music series at the 200 seat Inlet Theatre in Port Moody, BC as well as a series of house concerts at “The Herons Nest”.

Facilitating live music in their area is important to them as “it brings joy and vibrancy to the soul of the community. Music brings us together and helps us to focus on what unites us a humans … we need more of this in these times of division throughout the world.”

Formed in 2017, Wild Blue Herons have played in numerous festivals (the Filberg Festival, Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival , Vancouver Folk Festival) as well as various Jazz Clubs (Frankies Jazz Club - Vancouver; Hermann’s Jazz Club - Victoria, Jazz Bistro - Toronto, The Jazz Room – Waterloo, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few).

They have released two albums, On The Outside, a funky collection of tunes featuring horns and full production, and You and I, an intimate assemblage of select standards, recorded in their home studio during the 2020/21 lockdown. They have a new recording brewing and will be performing some new songs and arrangements from this upcoming project!

“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

“the interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” – Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic

The overall level of the duo’s performances is simply top-notch, resulting in a terrific vocal jazz recording. – Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report Jan/Feb 2022

The beautiful Inlet Theatre has lots of free parking and is just 5 minutes from Skytrain.

Host or Publisher Inlet Theatre Music Series