The 2025 Vancouver International Jazz Festival is in full swing, and this year’s lineup has been packed with standout performances—including a sold-out appearance from acclaimed alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins. Wilkins, who took the stage at Western Front on June 20, has quickly become one of the most talked-about voices in modern jazz. Immanuel Wilkin’s show marked an early Vancouver Jazz fest highlight and demonstrated why he’s earned so much attention on the international stage.

Wilkins records for the iconic Blue Note Records label, joining a roster that has shaped the history of jazz. His debut album Omega (2020) was met with widespread acclaim, praised for its emotional depth and thoughtful reflection on the Black American experience. Omega appeared on multiple year-end “Best Of” lists and introduced Wilkins as a thoughtful, inventive bandleader.

He followed up with The 7th Hand (2022), an ambitious and spiritual work that pushed his quartet’s sound into new territory and drew comparisons to legends like John Coltrane. His most recent release is a multimedia project called Blues Bloods. Check out the video for the opening track on Blues Blood – Matte Glaze – below.

Vancouver Premiere

At just 27, Wilkins has already built a reputation for delivering performances that are as emotionally charged as they are musically sophisticated. His sold-out set in Vancouver reinforced that reputation, as he was joined by Poland’s Lutosławski Quartet for the Canadian premiere of his latest work, Ethnic Cleansing — An American Tradition.

While Wilkins’ performance was a major draw, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival offers plenty more for fans to discover. From up-and-coming local artists to global stars pushing the boundaries of jazz, the festival continues its celebration of the genre with shows across the city—ranging from intimate club gigs to larger-scale concerts.

For jazz lovers and curious newcomers alike, this year’s festival offers countless opportunities to catch artists who, like Wilkins, are redefining what jazz can be today. If you missed his show in Vancouver, you’ll need to book a flight to Rotterdam, As Wilkins next steps on stage on July 13 at the North Sea Jazz Fest in the Netherlands.