The Islanders Hot Club

From an audience perspective, what they will see on stage is a group from a solo act to a Quartet or a quintet of musicians who take great pride in their abilities and in their work and who share a love for the music and for each other above all house the respect and appreciation for the audience will be apparent from the beginning, and the joyful exchange between the two parties will be undeniable during the show we offer features for all instruments, which can include upright base acoustic guitar, electric guitar, violin, vocals, accordion, and clarinet saxophone we will tell stories both with our melodies and with our lyrics and we offer new exciting original compositions as well as our own takes 100s of classics

From an event planner’s perspective, we offer punctual, cordial, and professional, musical services, and can offer completely enclosed services, including sound equipment rental set up and operation.

Highlights
Since its formation, The Islanders Hot Club has established itself as one of Vancouver Island's leading ensembles dedicated to the traditions of Gypsy jazz, French swing, and acoustic jazz. Based in Victoria, BC, the group has developed a reputation for high-calibre musicianship, engaging live performances, and collaborations with some of British Columbia's most respected artists. By combining a deep appreciation for the music of Django Reinhardt with original arrangements and contemporary influences, the ensemble has built a unique artistic voice that resonates with audiences across the province of British Columbia.

A significant milestone for the group was the release of its debut album, Greenhouse Blues. The recording features special guest appearances by two of British Columbia's most celebrated musicians: Juno-nominated guitarist Marc Atkinson and internationally recognized violinist Daniel Lapp. Their participation reflects the strong artistic relationships the band has cultivated within BC's vibrant acoustic music community and demonstrates the professional calibre of the ensemble. The album showcases the group's commitment to preserving and advancing the Gypsy jazz tradition while presenting fresh interpretations and original compositions that speak to contemporary audiences.

The Islanders Hot Club benefits from the extensive professional experience of its members. Guitarist Nick Mintenko performed for several years as a member of the Marc Atkinson Trio, gaining valuable experience touring, recording, and performing alongside one of Canada's foremost acoustic guitarists. This collaboration helped shape the ensemble's musical direction and strengthened its connection to British Columbia's thriving acoustic and jazz communities. The experience also fostered a high standard of ensemble playing, improvisation, and artistic collaboration that continues to define The Islanders Hot Club's performances.

The group's members have collectively performed throughout British Columbia at festivals, concert series, theatres, wineries, and community events, reaching audiences in both urban and rural communities. Their performances emphasize accessibility and audience engagement, introducing listeners of all ages to the rich traditions of Gypsy jazz while celebrating the diversity of acoustic music. Through these performances, the ensemble contributes to the cultural vitality of British Columbia by presenting music that bridges jazz, folk, and European traditions.

Beyond performance, The Islanders Hot Club is committed to contributing to the long-term sustainability of acoustic jazz in British Columbia. The ensemble actively seeks opportunities to present educational concerts, mentor younger musicians, and participate in community cultural events that foster appreciation for jazz and acoustic string music. Their work reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and community engagement.

As the ensemble continues to grow, The Islanders Hot Club remains focused on creating new original work, expanding touring opportunities throughout British Columbia and beyond, and building on the success of Greenhouse Blues. Through professional collaborations, high-quality recordings, and dynamic live performances, the group has established a strong foundation and continues to make a meaningful contribution to the province's cultural landscape.

Sound requirements will differ from stage to stage and from audience to audience. However, we would usually require sound system rental and operation as well as staging and lighting for any audience over 80 people. for indoor audiences under 80 people, we can simply bring our own equipment. We can perform acoustically for small intimate services. For outdoor performances, we would require heat in fall and spring or winter evening services. If the performance is far enough away from our home, we may require hotels and food. Each of our instruments has the option of being amplified via a direct input or via a microphone. That is something that we can decide from venue to venue except for our vocals, which of course need. Microphones.