Since 1957, the volunteer-run Yardbird Suite has provided a venue for live jazz performances featuring local, national & international musicians. Operated entirely by volunteers of the Edmonton Jazz Society, the Yardbird Suite is the only facility of its kind in Canada. Every weekend between the middle of September and the end of June (with the break for the New Year) a new jazz experience unfolds in the Suite's casual and intimate atmosphere. In addition to average 75 concerts per performance season, the Yardbird currently hosts weekly Tuesday Night Sessions, sponsors the Littlebirds Big Band, and provides concert space to other organizations. Our programming has enabled local musicians to play with some of the world's luminaries of jazz. In partnership with the CBC and Radio-Canada, we have broadcast a number of performances nationally. In the past we have provided jazz appreciation courses, weekend workshops with visiting musicians and sponsored various bands. The Yardbird Suite was recognized in Downbeat Magazine's 2009 list of "100 Great Jazz Clubs" from around the world.