Performances

Reminiscing in Tempo – Musician Biographies

By kanderson
3 min read | April 16, 2025

Kristian Alexandrov – Musical Director, Keys, Percussion

Reminiscing in Tempo marks Kristian Alexandrov’s 17th production collaborating with the incredible dancers and choreographers of DJD. Born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, Kristian is a versatile pianist, percussionist, composer and producer who has made Canada his home since 1995. Onstage Kristian has worked alongside some exceptional artists, including Warren Hill, Senator Tommy Banks, James Ehnes, Measha Brueggergosman, Jackie Richardson, Tom Jackson and The Tenors. Kristian is a long-standing musical director for acclaimed trumpeter Jens Lindemann and Soul recording artist Shannon Gaye. He’s been a part of three Juno-nominated CDs: Lauren Spencer-Smith Unplugged Vol.1, Order of Canada Soloists Sweet Canadiana, and Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks Legacy Live. He’s also a co-writer with Tate McRae for her RIAA gold-certified single One Day.

Jeremy Coates – Bass

Calgary-born bassist Jeremy Coates is excited to return to DJD. His past performances include Rhythm Addiction (1997), Classic Jam (1998), Soul Jugglers (1999), Evanescence (2000), Longings (2001), and 20th Anniversary Jam (2004). Jeremy has toured with Billy Elliott, Beautiful, and Wicked and performed locally in Cats, The Little Prince, Anne of Green Gables (Theatre Calgary), Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Forever Plaid, and Legally Blonde (Stage West). His career spans performances in the U.S., China, Russia, Israel, England, Australia, and South Korea, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Jeremy is thrilled to bring his passion and experience back to the DJD stage.

Tyler Hornby – Drums

Tyler Hornby has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts in North America, South America, Korea and Europe, and has appeared on more than 100 recordings. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and was nominated for multiple albums for the WCMA Awards. Tyler also received a nomination at the 2016 YYC Music Awards for Best Male Artist (all genres) and a Juno nomination for his drumming on Al Muirhead’s It’s About Time. Tyler is currently teaching at the University of Calgary and is the Jazz Coordinator at Ambrose University. In 2024 he received a YYC Music Awards nomination for Top Educator.

Carsten Rubeling – Trombone

Carsten Rubeling is one of Canada’s most dynamic trombonists and composers. Originally from Rocky Mountain House, Carsten performs a wide array of styles from jazz and classical music to salsa, hip-hop and nearly everything in between. His recorded works as a leader include VOLK//PEOPLE (2019) and Headwaters (2022), both on Inner Ocean Records. Carsten has performed in many DJD creations over the years and composed and directed the music for last season’s Party Time, as well as Nervous Systems in 2023. He is currently the jazz trombone and ensemble instructor at the University of Calgary.

André Wickenheiser – Trumpet

André Wickenheiser began his musical studies at Mount Royal University where he completed an Artist Diploma in jazz performance. From there, he went on to finish both a Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree in jazz performance at McGill University in Montreal. André is a busy educator, composer/arranger, and freelance musician performing regularly in many local groups. He is on the music faculty at Ambrose University, the Mount Royal Conservatory, and the University of Calgary. André has performed with artists and groups including Laila Biali, Jens Lindemann, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra. He is ecstatic to be back for his third show with DJD.