John Etheridge & Blue Spirits

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM - 2 set(s) of music Line-up: Shirantha Beddage - Baritone saxophone Nick Smart - Trumpet Nikki Iles - Piano Conor Chaplin - Double bass James Maddren - Drum kit About: Acclaimed Canadian baritone saxophonist Shirantha Beddage brings his brand of high-octane jazz to the Vortex Jazz Club for his first-ever UK show. In this new collaboration, he is joined by celebrated UK artists Nick Smart (trumpet/flugelhorn), Nikki Iles (piano), Conor Chaplin (bass) and James Maddren (drums).

This concert will feature music from his new album, "Departures", which includes Shirantha's originals and arrangements inspired by modern jazz and Sri Lankan traditional songs.

Shirantha Beddage is a baritone saxophonist, composer and educator born in Eastbourne (East Sussex) and living in Toronto, Canada. His original music combines hard bop and modern jazz to create a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated.

He has released three critically-acclaimed albums as a leader: Roots and Branches, Identity (2013 JUNO nominee) and Momentum (2017 JUNO nominee). As a side musician, he is featured on recordings with the Order of Canada Band, Laila Biali, Nancy Walker, Mike Downes and many others. His compositions and arrangements have been featured at Carnegie Hall, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and on the soundtrack of the Emmy-winning TV series “Fargo”. He currently performs as the leader of his own quartet, and as a side musician with ensembles such as the Carn-Davidson 9 and John McLeod’s Rex Hotel Jazz Orchestra. His newest album “Departures”, featuring arrangements of Sri Lankan melodies and original compositions, will be released on Rhea Records on October 16, 2026.

He is Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. He previously held faculty appointments as Professor of Music at Humber College (Toronto, Canada) and Director of Jazz Studies at the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music (Columbus, Georgia, USA). He also adjudicates regularly at festivals throughout the country including MusicFest Canada, where he serves as Vice-Chairman of Instrumental Jazz.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College. Shirantha Beddage is a Yamaha saxophone artist and performs on the YBS-62. "Beddage has a well-developed identity on the demanding baritone, playing with real power” (The Whole Note magazine, Canada)

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear Shirantha in action!