Apollo Suns

Founded by Ed Durocher, Apollo Suns is a 7-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The band fuses the influence of jazz, rock and psychedelic music, to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind. They have self-released three EPs: ‘Each Day a Different Sun’ (2017), ‘Dawn Offerings’ (2019), ‘A Relationship of Force’ (Color Red, 2021), and were awarded “Instrumental Artist of the Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards in both 2018/2020/2024.

In 2022, Apollo Suns returned to the studio with Juno award-winning producer Ben Kaplan (Five Alarm Funk, Mother Mother, The Rare Americans) to record their latest album, ‘Departures’. The band is signed to the Canadian label Do Right Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts. 'Departures' was released in September 2023 and supported by a robust North American tour that included sold-out shows in several cities. The band returned to Winnipeg, MB to a two night stand at The Good Will Social Club to celebrate the release in their hometown.

Best known for their high-octane live shows, Apollo Suns have captivated audiences at Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Kispiox Valley Music Festival, Vermont Jazz Fest, Kaslo Jazz Festival, Harvest Festival and Calgary Stampede. Some of their most notable shows include support slots for Too Many Zooz, The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Anomalie, The Brooks, and Five Alarm Funk. The core group includes Ed Durocher (Guitar), Tim Iskierski (Drums), Aarin Lofstrand (Bass), Jordie Oulette (Trumpet), Benjamin James Hill (Trombone), Lhanna Writesel (Alto Sax and pedals) and Anatol Rennie (Keyboards/Synths).