Live Jazz in Washington, D.C.

Brandon Mitchell (vibraphone) and Keenan McKenzie (clarinet) celebrate the innovative music of the Benny Goodman trio, quartet, and sextet. These swing era combos featured dynamic arrangements played by musical pioneers like Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian, and Teddy Wilson. Brandon Mitchell is a Marimba One endorsed artist who has performed alongside and opened for some of the industry greats like Branford Marsalis, Jeff Tain Watts, Joey Calderazzo, Jon Metzger, and John Fedchock.. Keenan McKenzie leads swing-oriented ensembles at premier dance events and competitions, recently performing in Los Angeles, New York, and Prague. Mitchell and McKenzie are frequent musical collaborators, exploring Goodman's music with relentless rhythm and undeniable joy. Originally from Washington D.C., Brandon Mitchell is a jazz musician and music educator based in North Carolina. As an actively performing artist, you can hear Mitchell primarily on vibraphone as a leader or on drums as a sideman. Mitchell is making his mark in the music scene with his rhythmically captivating and spaciously melodic sounds on the vibes. His music style can be described as conversational, leaving lyrically satisfying melodies in listeners' ears long after the song has passed. Mitchell’s creativity is underscored through his work as a recording artist. He released his debut solo album, Black Guardian, in 2020 followed by an EP, 4 for 4, in 2022 and his latest album, On Brand, in 2025. Mitchell is endorsed by Marimba One and is an educator-affiliate of 2112 Percussion in Raleigh, NC. Over the course of his performance career, Mitchell has performed across the country in jazz clubs, listening rooms, festivals, and local events. He’s also had the opportunity to take his musical talents overseas. Mitchell graced stages abroad while touring in Italy, specifically at the Jazzit Festival, Teatro Piccolo in Milan, as well as a Notte Bianca performance in front of the Duomo. As a reed player, Keenan McKenzie regularly travels across the US with dance-oriented swing ensembles such as The Mint Julep Jazz Band, Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders, and The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. In recent years, he has also been fortunate to perform in Europe and Asia. Keenan currently plays lead alto in the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and delivers energetic party music with The Shakedown. His own band, Keenan McKenzie & the Riffers, has performed at events from Los Angeles to NYC.

Brandon Mitchell (vibraphone) and Keenan McKenzie (clarinet) celebrate the innovative music of the Benny Goodman trio, quartet, and sextet. These swing era combos featured dynamic arrangements played by musical pioneers like Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian, and Teddy Wilson. Brandon Mitchell is a Marimba One endorsed artist who has performed alongside and opened for some of the industry greats like Branford Marsalis, Jeff Tain Watts, Joey Calderazzo, Jon Metzger, and John Fedchock.. Keenan McKenzie leads swing-oriented ensembles at premier dance events and competitions, recently performing in Los Angeles, New York, and Prague. Mitchell and McKenzie are frequent musical collaborators, exploring Goodman's music with relentless rhythm and undeniable joy. Originally from Washington D.C., Brandon Mitchell is a jazz musician and music educator based in North Carolina. As an actively performing artist, you can hear Mitchell primarily on vibraphone as a leader or on drums as a sideman. Mitchell is making his mark in the music scene with his rhythmically captivating and spaciously melodic sounds on the vibes. His music style can be described as conversational, leaving lyrically satisfying melodies in listeners' ears long after the song has passed. Mitchell’s creativity is underscored through his work as a recording artist. He released his debut solo album, Black Guardian, in 2020 followed by an EP, 4 for 4, in 2022 and his latest album, On Brand, in 2025. Mitchell is endorsed by Marimba One and is an educator-affiliate of 2112 Percussion in Raleigh, NC. Over the course of his performance career, Mitchell has performed across the country in jazz clubs, listening rooms, festivals, and local events. He’s also had the opportunity to take his musical talents overseas. Mitchell graced stages abroad while touring in Italy, specifically at the Jazzit Festival, Teatro Piccolo in Milan, as well as a Notte Bianca performance in front of the Duomo. As a reed player, Keenan McKenzie regularly travels across the US with dance-oriented swing ensembles such as The Mint Julep Jazz Band, Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders, and The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. In recent years, he has also been fortunate to perform in Europe and Asia. Keenan currently plays lead alto in the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and delivers energetic party music with The Shakedown. His own band, Keenan McKenzie & the Riffers, has performed at events from Los Angeles to NYC.

Silver Spring-based saxophonist and multi-reedist Matt Rippetoe maxes jazz heavily influenced by electronic music: his tunes can breeze along with lo-fi vibes or hit hard with an industrial force. He also leads the Calypso-focused Kingman Island Trio, featuring Eric Harper on bass and Larry Ferguson on drums.

Blues Alley Youth Orchestra Alumnus Experience an unforgettable night of smooth jazz, R&B, and soul with Ellis Hamilton. A passionate saxophonist with incredible energy, Ellis captivates audiences with his rich tone, soulful expression, and dynamic stage presence. From laid-back grooves to uplifting rhythms, his performance creates the perfect vibe for an intimate evening of live music! Ellis Hamilton is a dynamic saxophonist and composer whose blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and soul has positioned him as a rising star. Known for his expressive playing and infectious energy, Ellis’s signature sound captivates audiences whether delivering upbeat grooves or soulful ballads. A Billboard #1 chart-topping artist, Ellis has also earned distinction as a Billboard Top 10 Year-End and Mediabase Top 5 Year-End Artist—an achievement that reflects both his musical excellence and growing global audience. His debut single, "My Heart To Yours", soared to #1 on Billboard, Mediabase, and Smooth Jazz Network, establishing him as a powerful new voice in contemporary jazz. He followed with "Intuition", featuring Grammy-nominated jazz icon Najee—his mentor and collaborator—further elevating his presence on the national stage. His 2025 release, "So Happy With You", highlights his warmth, expressive phrasing, and vibrant artistry—an uplifting musical statement that reflects his joy and heartfelt musical storytelling. An engaging and enthusiastic musician, Ellis has performed as a solo artist as well as with ensembles and bands around the country. He has been a featured soloist on several artists’ professional recordings. Further expanding his global reach, Ellis headlined the 2024 International Jazz Day in Barbados with the Barbados Jazz Society. Beyond his work as a solo artist, Ellis is an accomplished composer, arranger, and orchestrator. As a guest soloist with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, he arranged and orchestrated his original composition "Possibilities", showing his versatility. His compositional credits include scores for several short films and original music for theatrical productions. He also serves as the Music Director for various community theater companies in Northern Virginia. Always eager to instill a love of music in young musicians, Ellis is frequently a guest lecturer for high school and college students. Ellis graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music, earning dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Film Scoring and Saxophone Performance. A multi-instrumentalist also proficient in piano, drums, vibraphone, and voice, he continues to expand his artistry as a performer, composer, bandleader, and recording artist. With every performance and recording, Ellis Hamilton delivers more than just music—he creates an experience defined by passion, excellence, and genuine connection.

Blues Alley Youth Orchestra Alumnus Experience an unforgettable night of smooth jazz, R&B, and soul with Ellis Hamilton. A passionate saxophonist with incredible energy, Ellis captivates audiences with his rich tone, soulful expression, and dynamic stage presence. From laid-back grooves to uplifting rhythms, his performance creates the perfect vibe for an intimate evening of live music! Ellis Hamilton is a dynamic saxophonist and composer whose blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and soul has positioned him as a rising star. Known for his expressive playing and infectious energy, Ellis’s signature sound captivates audiences whether delivering upbeat grooves or soulful ballads. A Billboard #1 chart-topping artist, Ellis has also earned distinction as a Billboard Top 10 Year-End and Mediabase Top 5 Year-End Artist—an achievement that reflects both his musical excellence and growing global audience. His debut single, "My Heart To Yours", soared to #1 on Billboard, Mediabase, and Smooth Jazz Network, establishing him as a powerful new voice in contemporary jazz. He followed with "Intuition", featuring Grammy-nominated jazz icon Najee—his mentor and collaborator—further elevating his presence on the national stage. His 2025 release, "So Happy With You", highlights his warmth, expressive phrasing, and vibrant artistry—an uplifting musical statement that reflects his joy and heartfelt musical storytelling. An engaging and enthusiastic musician, Ellis has performed as a solo artist as well as with ensembles and bands around the country. He has been a featured soloist on several artists’ professional recordings. Further expanding his global reach, Ellis headlined the 2024 International Jazz Day in Barbados with the Barbados Jazz Society. Beyond his work as a solo artist, Ellis is an accomplished composer, arranger, and orchestrator. As a guest soloist with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, he arranged and orchestrated his original composition "Possibilities", showing his versatility. His compositional credits include scores for several short films and original music for theatrical productions. He also serves as the Music Director for various community theater companies in Northern Virginia. Always eager to instill a love of music in young musicians, Ellis is frequently a guest lecturer for high school and college students. Ellis graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music, earning dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Film Scoring and Saxophone Performance. A multi-instrumentalist also proficient in piano, drums, vibraphone, and voice, he continues to expand his artistry as a performer, composer, bandleader, and recording artist. With every performance and recording, Ellis Hamilton delivers more than just music—he creates an experience defined by passion, excellence, and genuine connection.