MA:Q (pronounced M A Q) is led by Vancouver based Canadian Filipina artist Mary Ancheta. Returning to the Medicine Hat JazzFest, the newly renamed group pushes the boundaries of genre, drawing inspiration from Weather Report, Betty Davis, McCoy Tyner, and David Byrne to create a crisp, fresh, funky fusion sound described by the Vancouver Sun as landing somewhere between vintage Headhunters and the swing of Jimmy Smith.
Ancheta’s forthcoming MA:Q album When the Light Comes to Play explores themes of resilience, moments of clarity, and the transitional space between waking and sleeping. Building on the foundation of her Level Up EP, the new record leans further into piano driven compositions while embracing modern jazz infused with elements of funk, hip hop, and Afrobeat.
Featuring Dominic Conway on saxophone, Matt Reid on bass, and Paul Clark on drums, MA:Q deliver a groove driven, future facing sound, bringing what the Georgia Straight calls supercharged jazz and funk to the stage.
Tickets are available online for $49.50
or $20 for youth under 25
Purchase a festival pass for $160
or $80 for ages 25 and under
