The Yardbird Suite (Suite) is the only facility of its kind in Canada. Founded in 1957 and
supported by volunteers, the Suite hosts three live performances a week including a Tuesday
night jam session. In 1973, the Edmonton Jazz Society was formed as a non-profit
organization and was registered as a charity in 1979. Besides supporting renown jazz
legends (including Jean-Luc Ponty, Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall) and local musicians, the
EJS supports educational programs. These educational programs include Jazz for Kids
targeted at grade school; the development of high school and college aged youth
performance and education; and providing the Littlebird program designed to allow youth to
begin their performance career with a live audience. In 1984, the Society found a permanent
home at the current location on Tommy Banks Way.
