Twilight Jazz & Blues Series – Trio Explorations – Nancy Walker Trio
📅DATE: Monday, May 4th, 2026 🕑TIME: 7 pm – 9:30 pm 🏟️VENUE: The Hare Wine Co. 🗺️ADDRESS: 789 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON 💵PRICE (REGULAR): $39 + HST + FEES 💵DISCOUNT (Promo Code - MAWSU-2026): -50% (19.50) + HST + FEES (Musicians/Arts Workers/Students/Under 30) 🍕 FOOD: Snack foods available on site. 🍷DRINKS: Wine by the glass available 🚗 PARKING: Free on site *Doors at 6 pm / Concert starts at 7 pm
🎶 TRIO EXPLORATIONS 🎶
Pianist Nancy Walker and her trio perform music from her 2026 JUNO-nominated album ‘Deeper Down’, and take a deep dive into favourites from the standard jazz repertoire.
Nancy Walker: Piano
Dan Fortin: Bass
Ethan Ardelli: Drums
About the artists
Nancy Walker is a highly respected Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and arranger known for her lyrical playing and sophisticated harmonic style. A longtime member of the Canadian jazz community, she has performed and recorded with many of the country’s leading musicians and has been featured at major jazz festivals and venues. Walker is also an accomplished educator and bandleader, admired for her expressive touch at the piano and her ability to blend classic jazz traditions with modern influences.
Dan Fortin is a versatile bassist from Peterborough, Ontario, known for his work across jazz, rock, and pop. He has performed with a wide range of artists including Emilie-Claire Barlow, Laila Biali, Matt Dusk, Serena Ryder, and Ethan Iverson, and has appeared at leading venues and festivals worldwide.
A co-leader of the acclaimed trio MYRIAD3 with Chris Donnelly and Ernesto Cervini, Fortin has released multiple albums and toured internationally. As a bandleader, he has also released several recordings that highlight his creative range, from ensemble work to solo double bass and electronic collaborations.
Ethan Ardelli
Drummer and composer Ethan Ardelli has been one of Canada’s most acclaimed jazz musicians for over a decade, drawing inspiration from everything from art house film to classical and global music, particularly Cuban traditions.
After performing with leading artists such as David Virelles, Brian Dickinson, and Nancy Walker, he emerged as a bandleader in 2014, leading a quartet featuring Luis Deniz, Chris Donnelly, and Devon Henderson.
His debut album The Island of Form, recorded by James Farber, highlights his distinctive compositional voice and dynamic drumming. Ardelli is also an active sideman and educator, with faculty roles at the University of Toronto and Humber College.
OPENING ACT: JAZZ 4 the AGES Youth Winner
Category: BAND – 18 – 23
Clayton Maracle Trio
Clayton Maracle is a 21-year-old guitarist, based in Niagara, Hamilton and the GTA 
with a focus on jazz guitar, performance and improvisation; and is a recent Mohawk graduate. Originally from the border town of Fort Erie, Ontario, Clayton developed a love for music at a young age. While music was always present in his life, it wasn’t until he was 17, after taking his first guitar lessons with award-winning blues guitarist Spencer Mackenzie, that his dedication to jazz and guitar began to take shape.
With focused practice and study, solidified his commitment to pursuing music both academically and professionally. Since studying at Mohawk College under the mentorship of Bob Shields, Pat Collins, and Emile D’Eon, Clayton’s work has been recognized with multiple awards. Now, Clayton continues to perform while refining his skills as a guitarist and pursuing further education.
Clayton will be joined by:
Woodley Watson on Upright bass and Jack Ryckman on drums.
Instagram @claytonmaracle
Presented by
Juliet Amanda Dunn Entertainment
In partnership with
Sponsored by:
PLEASE NOTE:
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- For more details, please email Darlene at admin@niagarajazzfestival.com