Proudest 2025 Achievement:

This year, I’m most proud of the work done over many years that led to Edmonton jazz trombonist Audrey Ochoa earning her first Juno nomination. After her four albums that have topped jazz radio charts across North America and undertaking numerous jazz festival tours over the years, I was so thrilled for her to finally be recognized among the best jazz musicians in the country.

Every day, in all the roles I’m in, I strive to help artists have a fruitful life and career in music while living and working in Alberta. Music has an unmatched ability to bring people together in shared experience. Having musicians create, release and perform music here helps strengthen the cultural fabric of our communities, which is the kind of creative and interconnected world I hope for my kids to grow up in.

One Thing I Wish I Knew at the Start of My Career:

I originally had no preset expectations or understanding of where my career in the music industry would take me, but I wish I really understood in the early days to embrace the unexpected twists and turns. A fulfilling life and career aren’t always a linear path. Detours are adventures, often bringing the most rewarding growth, impact, and surprising opportunities. With strong ambition, drive and a deep passion for making an impact in the world, I’ve found that things have a way of falling into place how they’re meant to be.