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Thursday, April 9, 2026
Doors open at 7:00 P.M.
Show starts at 8:00 P.M.

The Yardbird Suite
11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton, AB

FREE TICKETS available for MacEwan students. Limited availability.

General admission available through the Yardbird Suite. $31

John Sweenie, saxophone
Brett Hansen, guitar
Chris Andrew, piano
Aretha Tillotson, bass
Mark Segger, drums

Opening Act: Student performers from MacEwan University TBD

Sweenie and company leave no harmonic or melodic stone unturned in realizing compositions intended to frame both individual and collective improvisation. Spanning the spectrum between academic exercise and intuitive statement, Mysticism for Intellectuals reflects an ongoing attempt to reconcile method with instinct. The culmination of a nearly year-long working relationship, the band plays with risk, trust, and immediacy, producing a spontaneously energetic yet structurally cohesive recording that will reward active listeners.

Mixed by Paul Johnston (Christine Jensen) and mastered by Joao Carvalho (BADBADNOTGOOD, City and Colour), the production balances modern-jazz and indie-rock aesthetics. Mysticism for Intellectuals will be released on Bent River Records on April 9th.

Already known for high-energy and risk-embracing performances, Canadian tenor saxophonist and composer John Sweenie builds his music from that same forward motion—using the urgency of the bandstand as the engine for a language rooted in the bebop lineage while drawing from modern jazz and indie-rock aesthetics. In his work, strong melodic design and elastic rhythm become the means through which he pushes harmonic language to its edge, not as effect, but as a natural extension of that drive. From the bandstand to the page, that same approach shapes Sweenie’s work: he writes music that frames both individual and collective improvisation, allowing spontaneity to unfold within a clear structural arc. His projects have received support from major arts organizations, and he is the recipient of national awards recognizing his artistic excellence.

Together, these elements define an artist committed to momentum, clarity, and a distinctly personal voice within contemporary jazz.

The winner will receive a $750 honorarium.

By entering this competition, you are agreeing to the following TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Bent River Records (BRR) also reserves the right to publish, produce, re-produce, and distribute the finished audio in perpetuity, throughout the world, for promotional purposes. The media made available for this competition remains property of Bent River Records and may not be used for any other purposes or distributed in any way. This competition is open only to currently enrolled MacEwan students.

Adjudication will be done by a panel of jurors selected by BRR. The anonymity of entrants will be maintained; judges will not know the identity of the participants they are evaluating until after adjudication is complete.

Bent River Records values, promotes and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its work. We recognize the systemic barriers that have led to many artists being underrepresented and will continue to do work to amplify and uplift voices that reflect Edmonton’s diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that represents diverse backgrounds.

• Upon Entry, MacEwan students will download the link Pro Tools Session of “Strangers,” the song recorded with the Bros. Landreth during their MacEwan workshop, and will be asked to create a mix of the piece.
• Students will work independently on this, outside of their coursework (one submission per person), you may edit, mix, augment, and produce the track to your taste. 

Mixing Submissions Should Be:

• wav files at 48kHz and 24 bit
• Naming Convention: 2026 BRR Mixing Competition_Participant Name (names will be removed for anonymity before the panel receives them)
• All submissions must be uploaded using the form linked here: https://forms.gle/n6saJqEWNnBbK1y89

Any questions regarding these competitions may be directed to Paul Johnston at johnstonp24@macewan.ca

Adjudication Rubric

• Quality of Mix (Balance, Sense of Venue, Etc.)
• Does the track Sound Properly Mastered?
• Originality
• Do the Deliverables adhere to the Submission Requirements
• Overall Impressions

The deadline for all submissions is 12:00 MST on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 

An integral voice in Montreal’s vibrant jazz scene, guitarist Mike Bruzzese has shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Louis Hayes, Ben Solomon, Miki Yamanaka, André White, and Kevin Dean.

He returns now with Another Space, his second release on Bent River Records. The official album launch will feature an evening of brand-new compositions, dynamic interplay, and the celebration of a bold new chapter in his music.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
The Yardbird Suite | 11 Tommy Banks Way
Doors open at 7:00 P.M. | Show starts at 8:00 P.M.

FREE TICKETS available for students. Limited availability.

General admission tickets available here $31

Mike Bruzzese, guitar
Chris Andrew, fender rhodes and piano
Paul Johnston, bass
Dave Laing, drums

Opening act: Alex McDonald & Jonah Manson

Tom Shenher is a student intern for Bent River Records. He is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Edmonton. Tom began writing songs as a young teenager on his guitar, before learning bass, piano, synthesizer, and how to use his voice. Tom has been described as an ‘EDM Singer-Songwriter’ due to his tendency to combine folk-style writing with modern rock production. Through his internship with Bent River, Tom hopes to deepen his understanding of record labels, and the music industry. In Tom’s free time he enjoys biking, and watching old movies.

INTRODUCING: Catch the Current – A Bent River Records Podcast! “Catch-up” with the label’s artists, dive into their latest projects, and explore the stories behind the music with our debut episode featuring 2025 JUNO-nominated guest artist Brianna Lizotte!

First episode streaming now on the Podbean website: LISTEN HERE

Hosted by: Will Drake
Produced and edited by: Leili Rastad
Audio engineered by: Leili Rastad and Xavier Svekla
Themes composed by: Jussi Pitkanen