Our annual festival might've bit the dust, but jazz is still playing in Calgary. Last week, there were a number of venues still featuring jazz acts; kudos to Beat Niq, Mikey's Juke Joint, Cantos, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer and Scarboro United Church for stepping up to the plate. We’ll see what rises from the ashes of the festival, but in the meantime, there are still plenty of good gigs forthcoming.

To end the month, there’s the annual Jazz on the Lake festivities at Glenmore Reservoir, landing on July 30 this year. Hosted by Jazz is Society aboard the S.S. Moyie, the music will be provided by RAEJIS (Resident Artists Ensemble, Jazz is Society of Alberta). As in previous years, expect 7 p.m. cocktails and snacks while docked, a cruise along the reservoir from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and more jazz (and hey, more cocktails) on the observation deck until sunset. It promises to be a great time, but don’t believe us. We’ll let John Reid (sax), Allistair Elliott (trumpet), Keith Smith (guitar) and Kodi Hutchinson (bass) do the talk — er, playing.

If sailing isn’t your thing, head over to the Beat Niq to catch the Mike Cann/Josh Crowhurst Quartet on July 30 and 31. The quartet explores the works of performers such as Terence Blanchard, Chris Potter and plenty more. With Mike Cann on bass, Josh Crowhurst on guitar, Afo Fapojuwo on drums and Brent Mah on saxes, it’s sure to be a stellar gig.

And Beat Niq isn’t done. On July 23 and 24, it’s hosting a two-night performance from drummer Jon McCaslin's new quartet — and it’s a must-see. McCaslin, who earned a master’s degree in jazz studies from McGill University in 2002, has built a solid reputation as a composer and leader. He’s just returned from teaching and studying his craft at the University of Toronto, and his new quartet features Ralf Buschmeyer (guitar), Brendan McElroy (bass), Jim Brenan and Mark DeJong (both on sax). Expect to hear dynamic playing and original compositions, or, in other words, some damn good music.