Richard Bona Asante Trio – Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Richard Bona Asante Trio performs as part of the 40th anniversary of the 2025 Vancouver International Jazz Festival on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street in Vancouver. For tickets or festival schedules, please visit coastaljazz.ca.

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician and one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers, and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift, he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music. His new group, Asante Trio, is a testament to his philosophy of cultural collaboration. Joining Bona is pianist Jesus Pupo, who pays tribute to the “piano Cubano” style and its vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythmic and melodic heritage. Percussionist Harvel Nakundi provides the groove and layered rhythmic complexity inherent to the many styles that influence the group’s sound.

The 40th anniversary of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival runs from June 20 to July 1, featuring 187 performances ranging from pay-what-you-can to ticketed events, including over 50 free shows from downtown to Granville Island and the North Shore.