Jane Monheit is a jazz and adult contemporary vocalist celebrated for her deep passion for the Great American Songbook. With numerous highly acclaimed solo albums, many awards and accolades, and more than two decades of international touring, she has established herself as one of today’s leading jazz singers. At the age of 20, while studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, Jane placed second in the Thelonious Monk Competition, (now the Hancock Competition) catapulting her into the jazz stratosphere nearly overnight. By 22, she was working with legends such as Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, and Kenny Barron leading to collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride and many more. Over more than twenty years, twelve studio albums and countless recorded guest appearances, Jane has continued to tour the world nearly nonstop, including playing iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and legendary jazz clubs such as New York’s Village Vanguard and Birdland. Jane Monheit – Vocals; Max Haymer – Piano; TBD – Bass; Rick Maltbano – Drums
The Michigan-based Latin jazz group, The Lunar Octet, plays eclectic music drawing on Cuban and Puerto Rican salsa, African high-life music, Brazilian sambas, and more to forge a new sound enriched by these traditions. LA Jazz Scene called their music "the perfect melding of elements of Latin and jazz." JazzThing Magazine said their music is "the very best of arranging and instrumental art." Jazziz Magazine called them “sizzling”. Jazz Weekly called them “picante”. The band’s hundreds of performances include the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest, the Flint Jazz Festival, the Columbus Arts Festival, the Lancaster Festival, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the WEMU/Depot Town Winter Jazz Series, Rusty's Jazz Cafe, Ann Arbor's Top of the Park, the Bird of Paradise, the Detroit Festival of the Arts, Detroit's New Center Park, Toledo's CityFest, Toledo's Rib-Off, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and many more. Come to hear this amazing group play a fabulous concert for you. You’ll see saxophones, bass, drums, timbales, and more percussion. And before they play each tune, the band members will explain the types of grooves involved and the origins of the compositions. Enjoy and learn!
About Reviewers have called Charged Particles “a tight and enormously talented trio.” (Jazz Times Magazine), “definitely dazzling.” (Jazz and Blues Report), and playing “fresh, energized jazz that showcases the trio’s individual technical mastery.” (Jazz News Magazine) According to the LA Times, the band’s performances feature “tight interplay, spark, and personal flair.” Downbeat said their concert at Birdland in New York was “something special: inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, and virtuosic.”
Celebrate Father’s Day with the irresistible rhythms of the John Santos Sextet, featuring the band’s original compositions and reimagined arrangements. Seven-time Grammy–nominated percussionist John Santos is recognized as one of the leading figures in Afro-Latin music. Born in San Francisco and raised in Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean musical traditions, he is known for his innovative blend of traditional forms with contemporary influences. Over his five-decade career, he has earned wide respect as a performer, composer, educator, writer, and producer, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Cachao, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Hutcherson. Founded in 2003, the John Santos Sextet is regarded as one of the premier Afro-Latin jazz ensembles in the United States. Their repertoire highlights original works and dynamic reimaginations of classic rhythms and styles from Latin America and the U.S. Their acclaimed recordings showcase the Afro-Latin roots of jazz, produced largely on Santos’s Machete Records label, established in 1984. The Sextet has released nine highly praised albums since 2007, consistently engaging with projects of cultural and social significance. John Santos – Percussion; Dr. John Calloway – Flute & Piano; Charlie Gurke – Sax; Marco Diaz – Piano & Trumpet; Saul Sierra – Bass; David Flores – Drums
Acclaimed ECM recording artist Ralph Alessi is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz trumpet. Known for his bold imagination and unmistakable sound, Alessi brings a rare blend of tradition and fearless innovation to every performance. Raised in a deeply musical family in Northern California, Alessi has earned international recognition for music that is intricate, expressive, and adventurous. Downbeat praises him as “an individualist, with a style and sound all his own.” His collaborators include leading artists such as Steve Coleman, Ravi Coltrane, Jason Moran, Don Byron, and Fred Hersch. A prolific bandleader with 13 albums to his name—including the acclaimed Baida and It’s Always Now—Alessi arrives with the quartet featured on his upcoming ECM release: Matt Mitchell, John Hebert, and Ches Smith. This performance offers a glimpse into the cutting edge of modern jazz. Ralph Alessi – Trumpet; Matt Mitchell – Piano; John Hebert – Bass; Ches Smith – Drums
