Polaris Theatre introduces intimate new jazz combo and cabaret series
Looking to spend an intimate evening listening to live jazz, blues and soul music — without the drive into Calgary?
The Polaris Theatre for the Performing Arts in Balzac is hosting a new Blue Room Cabaret Series starting in September. The cabaret is curated by the recently formed jazz combo, the Blue Room Collective, a powerhouse ensemble of top-tier professionals.
“The exciting part is that the group changes from show to show, ensuring that we’re showcasing new talent, both professional and emerging,” says Carlos Foggin, general manager of the Polaris Theatre and co-founder of the Blue Room Collective.
Foggin founded the group in April with Dylan Martin and Jay Michalak, longtime members of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra and some of the top jazz musicians in the Calgary area.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” says Foggin. “Audiences are craving real, intimate and meaningful experiences — a shift away from screen fatigue and toward live, personal connection. The Blue Room Collective meets that need head-on, offering bold performances in a space built for artistic risk-taking and collaboration.
In a world often fragmented by digital noise, live jazz and its related styles offer “a soulful reminder of the power of presence, listening and human connection,” Foggin adds. “Jazz, blues and soul are living traditions constantly evolving through improvisation, collaboration and personal expression. Experiencing these genres live allows audiences to witness the spontaneous creativity and emotional depth that can’t be fully captured in recordings.”
With rotating vocalists, special guests and a sound shaped by rich instrumentation (including Polaris’ Steinway grand and Hammond organ), every show delivers a fresh, unforgettable musical experience in an intimate cabaret-style setting.
SHOWS RUNNING:
- First Take – September 26
- Redline Trio – October 17
- A Cool Yule – December 6
- Winter Blues, featuring The Smokey Trail Bandits – January 17
- Love Notes, featuring Gisela Romero – February 13
- Spring Swing – March 27
- May Cabaret – May 9
“Guest artists are chosen from the deep professional networks of each founding member, not just for their musical talent, but for their storytelling power, collaborative spirit and willingness to take creative risks,” says Foggin.
“We’re looking for artists who are pushing boundaries in their field, whether that’s through genre-crossing work, bold new repertoire or fresh approaches to live performance.”
Housed in the Polaris Theatre, these performances make the most of the venue’s warm, resonant acoustics with minimal need for amplification.
“It’s live music the way it was meant to be heard; up close, unfiltered and unforgettable. The kind of experience you can’t get from a screen or a stadium seat,” says Foggin.
“These shows are for curious, culture-loving audiences who crave something different — people who want to be surprised, moved and engaged. Whether it’s seasoned concertgoers looking for intimacy, or newer audiences drawn to genre-blending and storytelling, Blue Room shows invite anyone open to bold, honest performance.”
A key part of the Collective’s mission is to support the next generation of musicians. By inviting local high school jazz bands to open for professional shows, the series offers young artists invaluable real-world experience performing on a professional stage.
“This not only builds their confidence and skills, but also strengthens ties between emerging musicians and established artists creating mentorship opportunities and inspiring artistic growth,” says Foggin.
“This collaboration helps bridge the gap between education and the professional music world, fostering a vibrant, supportive community where creativity and learning thrive. This series is about building community through music, education and artistic collaboration.”
The Polaris Theatre is located at #8, 265051 Wagon Wheel View, just east of CrossIron Mills. Tickets to the Blue Room Cabaret Series are just $25, making it affordable for a wide audience to enjoy bold, high-quality performances.
Learn more and get your tickets at polariscentre.ca.
