- Projects - 

The Leading Ladies

"With a name that nods to marquee status and mentorship in equal measure,
it should be no surprise that the Leading Ladies Little Big Band
​ has taken the Canadian jazz scene by storm since its formation in 2019."
- Andy Rice, Powell River "Peak" News
​
    11-woman big band 'The Leading Ladies' present a rare blend of modern and classic, showcasing beloved pieces from the big band era alongside modern-day originals. Directed by trombonist Casey Thomas-Burns, this dynamic and vibrant group of young women first came together to perform a single show in 2019. They've stuck together ever since. 

     Recently returned from their 2024 '5th Birthday Tour' this band has been named one-to-watch on the Canadian jazz circuit. In addition to public concerts and festival performances, 'The Ladies' host and present a number of educational programs (see below "Ladies Night" and "Big Bandology").

​For more information, please visit leadingladieslittlebigband.com.
Photo by Ali June Photography

Ladies Night: Jazz Jams for Women

    The Leading Ladies are proud to present their community outreach program, the "LADIES NIGHT" Jazz Jam series. These jams were created to build a safe and comfortable environment for women and non-binary folks to play music, make mistakes, and grow their jazz ability. To find out more, please visit leadingladieslittlebigband.com/ladiesnight.

"Big Bandology" Educational Shows

     Introducing "Big Bandology"! What better way to inspire elementary students to study music at the high school level than by exposing them to the big band sound? The Ladies provide an irresistible introduction to the instruments students can play in high school band class. By showcasing each instrument through musical selections from jazz, swing, and popular classics, this 11-piece* ensemble gives students an unforgettable taste of their musical possibilities.

*presented in association with KBAM Arts Management. To book "Big Bandology" at your school, please visit: https://www.kbamonline.com/leading-ladies ​ 

Casey Thomas-Burns Jazz Quartet

 For upcoming shows, please visit caseythomasburns.ca/shows

Deep Cove Big Band

     Since 2021, Casey has directed North-Vancouver-based community ensemble The Deep Cove Big Band. The DCBB specializes in showcasing big band classics from the 1940's and 50's, and regularly performs across the Lower Mainland. 
"DEEP COVE COMMUNITY SWING BAND SOCIETY (Deep Cove Big Band) is delighted to announce the recent appointment of our new Director CASEY THOMAS-BURNS.

Casey is the founder and director of the 10-woman jazz band 'The Leading Ladies', and holds a diploma in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, where she is currently pursuing her BMus.  While at Cap, Casey has had the opportunity to study trombone with Dennis Esson and  is currently the lead trombonist in the "A" band under the direction of Brad Turner.
​
The Deep Cove Big Band is looking forward to an exciting fresh start with Casey at the helm!"