Berlin-based Canadian saxophonist Peter Van Huffel will be at the Beat Niq on July 2.

Keep your eye fixed on the jazz calendar this month. We've got CD releases, visiting out-of- towners and fresh new compositions happening, and that's all before the June 21 Calgary Jazz Festival kickoff .

This weekend, check out the Brent Mah and Alex Goodman Quartet’s CD release performances on June 11 and 12 at the Auburn. Saxophonist Mah has been described as a "rising star," while Alex Goodman's been called "one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation" by Rolling Stones saxman Tim Ries. Mix that with the already amazing talents of drummer Karl Schwonik and bassist Daniel Fortin, and the show becomes a must-see. The quartet is celebrating the release of Convergence, a disc that showcases original compositions and innovative takes on cover tunes.

Speaking of innovative, Beat Niq is hosting the SQUISH Composers Symposium on June 17 and 18. If you've ever wanted to see many of the best of our jazz talents in one place, this is your chance. Two evenings of original works by Mah, Karl Schwonik, Sheldon Zandboer, Jeremy Coates, Rob Maciak, Stephen Fletcher and Sanah Kadoura. Promos for these gigs also mention "and guests," so we'll just have to wait to see who drops in.

The following night, Braveheart hits town. Based in Montreal, the group is a mix of musicians from British Columbia and Vermont, featuring Ted Crosby on sax and clarinet, James Meger on double bass and Omar Amlani on drums. The trio is known for its original compositions and interpretations of Monk, Radiohead and Ellington, so they're completely comfortable referencing the past and the present. Catch them at Beat Niq on June 19.

As far as summer jazz beyond the jazz fest, if the beginning of July is any indication, we have a lot to look forward to. Watch for Berlin-based Canadian saxophonist Peter Van Huffell to play the Beat Niq on July 2. Van Huffel is a talented sax player and composer who's a frequent player in the international jazz scene. He's been described by Time Out New York columnist Steven Smith as “a compelling melodist with a fiery outward-bound streak and a penchant for layering opposed rhythms in quirky, compelling ways,” and he'll be at Beat Niq one night only, promoting his newest CD Like the Rusted Key, just out on Fresh Sounds Records.