Published on July 28, 2026
Plaza Series: August 13 Artist Highlight
Pictured above (L-R): Ryan Davidson, Jiajia Li and Warren Tse of Ginger Beef.
Plaza Series is underway and hundreds of St. Albert residents are making it the soundtrack to their summer! You’re invited to join us on August 13 for the dazzling and funky sounds of Flute, Funk and Dazzling Guitar.
The Flute, Funk and Dazzling Guitar outdoor concert features three of Canada’s highly acclaimed musicians. They are award-winning freelance guitarist Ryan Davidson and Ginger Beef, an instrumental pop collaboration of husband-and-wife team flutist Jiajia Li and producer/multi-instrumentalist Warren Tse.
Artist Highlight: Ryan Davidson
Ryan Davidson is a Canadian freelance guitarist who has performed and recorded professionally for 31 years. In 2010, Ryan recorded LAB 09 with the One O'clock Lab Band, for which the group received two Grammy Nominations. With the One O'clock, Ryan has also shared the stage with jazz legends Dave Brubeck, James Carter, Eddie Gomez and George Garzone. In the country/rock music world, he has performed and/or recorded with Gord Bamford, Dallas Smith, Brett Kissel, Dean Brody, Chad Brownlee, Jojo Mason, Meghan Patrick and many more. He has been nominated 12 times for CCMA’s Guitarist of the Year and has taken home the award twice. Additionally, he can be heard on two JUNO-nominated country records, Gord Bamford’s Country Junkie and Brett Kissel’s Started with a Song.
We connected with Ryan Davidson and asked him about his music and upcoming performance at Plaza Series:
How would you describe your music/sound to someone who has never heard you before?
My music is influenced by movie soundtracks while blended with country and rock elements.
Why are you looking forward to performing with Plaza Series?
The Plaza Series is an opportunity to share my music with new listeners in an intimate, beautiful venue.
What can audiences look forward to with your August 13 performance?
On August 13, I will be sharing some of my own music off my latest release, Country. In addition, there will be some new takes on country and rock favourites.
Artist Highlight: Ginger Beef
Ginger Beef is the hot new instrumental pop collaboration of the husband-and-wife team of virtuosic flutist Jiajia Li and veteran producer/multi-instrumentalist Warren Tse (AKA MSG). The result: a gleaming pop artifact that balances dazzling instrumental performances and catchy melodies with deep grooves. Ginger Beef brings high-energy instrumental acrobatics to life with Li on a range of flutes — both Chinese and western — and MSG on synth, keys and guitar. Backing up the duo are a lineup of top R&B and jazz players from Calgary’s robust Gospel music scene. Ginger Beef self-released their debut album in October 2023 to astonishing reception. It quickly hit #1 on CJSW, CFRU and CJRU campus charts, and was nominated for a JUNO award. The band has been nominated for three YYC Music Awards and has blown away crowds at music festivals and large venues.
We connected with Warren and asked him about Ginger Beef’s music and upcoming performance at Plaza Series:
How would you describe your music/sound to someone who has never heard you before?
Flute-forward instrumental pop. Imagine if catchy TV theme songs were still a thing, but with more shredding and more heart? We’re kinda loathe to use the term “fusion,” but our music does combine Eastern flavours with rock, funk and jazz!
Why are you looking forward to performing with Plaza Series?
It’ll be our first time ever playing in St. Albert, and we have so much fun playing outdoors in the summer!
What can audiences look forward to with your August 13 performance?
They’ll get to see serious musicians joyfully playing seriously fun music. Fans have described our shows as thrilling, like watching musical fireworks!
Soundtrack for Your Summer
Want to make the Plaza Series the soundtrack for your summer? Join us every Thursday evening in July and August, starting at 7 p.m., to enjoy a variety of performances from local talents and internationally acclaimed artists.
Each week will feature a new theme to highlight and explore culture in St. Albert. With themes ranging from ‘Songs from a Paris Café’ to ‘Up Jumped the Blues’, there is something for everyone!
- Shows are free to attend and family-friendly!
- BYOC = Bring Your Own Chair.
- Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
See the Full Plaza Series Lineup
Plaza Series is presented in part by Kinsmen Club of St. Albert.
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Last edited: July 29, 2026