Five reasons to enjoy free Winter Jazz concerts

1 Atomic

Enjoy some jazz, pop and roots courtesy of Coastal Jazz and Granville Island. The free three-day Winter Jazz concert series features local and international acts, including Scandinavian jazz band Atomic. “While the complexity of the writing might come off as fussy in lesser hands, for Atomic it never feels less than charged, with fresh concepts speeding by breathless moment after breathless moment,” according to Downbeat. (Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.)

2 Jodi Proznick

Last year, the Juno-nominated Vancouver bassist released Sun Songs, the followup to her critically acclaimed 2006 debut Foundations. The record features guest vocals from Laila Biali. For Winter Jazz, she is joined by a three-piece band (piano, sax, drums). (Feb. 24 at 1 and 2:10 p.m.)

3 Marin Patenaude

On her 2016 album self-titled debut, Patenaude brings her angelic vocals to a mix of country, blues, and folk. She opens for roots band the Sumner Brothers. (Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.)

4 Alicia Hansen

The Vancouver singer’s “ethereal voice and classically informed arrangements come together in experimental pop that is both listenable Vancouver bassist Jodi Proznick performs Feb 24 as part of Winter Jazz at Performance Works. and challenging,” according to Now Magazine. Polaris Prize-winning musician Jesse Zubot produced her latest album, Before You. She’ll perform with a four-piece band. (Feb. 25 at 3:45 and 5 p.m.)

5 Jasper Sloan Yip

The local singer/songwriter released his third album Post Meridiem last year. The record features catchy indie-rock (In the Living Room) and orchestral pop (Strangers). (Feb. 24 3:45 and 5 p.m.)

— Shawn Conner