Project Story

Honouring Ron Paley:  A legacy in Jazz, a future for students

Tribute Concert & Jazz Scholarship

On May 23, 2026, the Winnipeg music community will come together for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration: an evening honouring the life, legacy, and extraordinary musical impact of Ron Paley [BMus/71], a visionary artist whose work has shaped Canadian jazz for more than five decades.

This tribute concert will also launch the Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund campaign, with a goal of raising $25,000 to establish a permanent endowed award supporting future jazz students at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music.

➡️ Purchase tickets. Net proceeds from the event will be directed to the Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund.

➡️ Make a gift to the Scholarship Fund below.

Hosted at the Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith Street in Winnipeg, this special tribute event will feature performances by the Ron Paley Big Band, bringing Ron’s signature sound to the stage in the way it was always meant to be experienced: live, vibrant, and unforgettable.

But this night is about more than reflection and celebration, it’s about investing in the future.

Why this tribute matters

Ron Paley’s influence on jazz in Canada cannot be overstated. He is not only a celebrated musician, composer, and arranger, but a mentor who has lifted up generations of artists.

After graduating from the University of Manitoba and later studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ron toured internationally with the legendary big bands of Buddy Rich and Woody Herman. His artistry carried him onto some of the world’s most respected stages.

When he returned to Winnipeg, everything changed—for the city, the province, and countless young musicians.

A builder of community, a catalyst for talent

• In 1976, Ron founded The Ron Paley Big Band, a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s music scene.
• For a decade, he served as Musical Director of the University of Manitoba Big Band, igniting the artistic growth of emerging performers, many of whom now enjoy successful careers across Canada and beyond.
• His influence helped lay the foundation for the University of Manitoba’s current jazz program.

A prolific and celebrated artist

Ron’s creative legacy includes:

• Six recorded albums
• Commissions from major institutions such as
  • The Royal Canadian College of Organists
  • The National Arts Centre
• Original works performed twice by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
• A groundbreaking collaboration with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet on A Cinderella Story, featuring his jazz-infused reimagining of Rodgers and Hart classics, a production that toured across North America

In 2024, Ron received the Order of Manitoba, recognizing his profound contributions to the cultural life of our province. Earlier, in 2014, he was awarded the BreakOut West Heritage Award for lifetime achievement in music.

Ron’s career is defined not only by excellence, but by generosity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to community.

The vision: The Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund

To honour Ron’s remarkable legacy, we are establishing the Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 to create an endowed scholarship that will fund an annual award for students pursuing jazz studies, ensuring that Ron’s impact continues to shape future generations of musicians.

Should we not reach the $25,000 threshold to establish a permanent named endowment award, 100% of donations will be directed exclusively to student support in the Jazz Program at the Desautels Faculty of Music.

Charitable tax receipts will be issued immediately upon making your gift.

How you can support Ron Paley’s legacy

You can help by:

➡️ Making a gift to the Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund below.

➡️Sharing this campaign with others who have been touched by Ron’s music and mentorship.

➡️ Purchasing a ticket to attend the tribute concert. Net proceeds will be directed to the Ron Paley Jazz Scholarship Fund.

Together, we can ensure Ron Paley’s legacy inspires not only the audiences who have cherished his music, but the students who will carry jazz forward into the future.