P.J. Perry & Al Muirhead Quintet

P.J. Perry and Al Muirhead Quintet perform live at the King Eddy — the National Music Centre’s largest historic artifact — on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Based in Edmonton, saxophonist P.J. Perry makes a special stop in Calgary to reunite with longtime friend and collaborator Al Muirhead. Widely regarded as one of North America’s leading jazz saxophonists, Perry’s career spans several decades of international performance and recording, earning him a JUNO Award, multiple Critics’ Choice accolades, and appointment to the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian jazz.

Trumpeter Al “Oop” Muirhead joins Perry at the front line, bringing a distinctive melodic voice shaped by a lifetime of performing, composing, and arranging. Beginning his professional career in Regina at a young age, Muirhead has remained an active and influential figure on the Canadian jazz scene. In October, he released his most recent album to coincide with his 90th birthday, marking another milestone in a remarkable career. A two-time JUNO nominee with an extensive discography, Muirhead is joined by Jon Day (piano), Kodi Hutchinson (bass), and Tyler Hornby (drums).

Together, the quintet will present an evening of straight-ahead swing, harkening back to the sound and feel of the 1950s. The band will perform two sets beginning at 7:30 pm.

Sound production equipment for the King Eddy provided by PK Sound.