Personnel

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Mike Ramos, bass

Connor Rohrer, piano

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born and raised in New England, Lucas Apostoleris is a drummer and composer residing in Miami. He has performed with artists such as Walter Smith, Fabian Almazan, Troy Roberts, Martin Bejerano, and Dave Liebman, and he plays regularly with a variety of ensembles in South Florida. He has released three albums of original music with his own ensemble, most recently “It’s Been Good” in 2024. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. 

The South Florida Jazz Orchestra is the premier modern big band in the greater Miami area, comprised of the best jazz artists and studio musicians in South Florida, and directed by renowned bassist Chuck Bergeron. In addition to performing repertoire from their own critically-acclaimed recordings, the "SFJO" has presented many world-renowned artists in concert over the last 22 years.

A truly eclectic collection of GRAMMY®-winners and jazz luminaries have performed with the band, including the likes of Randy Brecker, Janis Seigel, Arturo Sandoval, Wycliffe Gordon, Kevin Mahogany, Tom Scott, Eddie Daniels, Nicole Yarling, Jamie Davis, Ed Calle, Brian Lynch, John Fedchock, Ira Sullivan, Rick Margitza, Antonio Adolfo, and Ken Pepslowski.

The band’s latest release – Cheap Thrills – features Miles Davis alumnus Rick Margitza, along with GRAMMY® award-winner Brian Lynch, and highly acclaimed artists John Hart and Martin Bejerano. The band’s mission is to continue to produce and promote great artists and modern jazz throughout South Florida.

Performance - 7:30pm-9:00pm

$30 Tickets, Free entry for students! Tickets are available online or at the door.

*This performance is sponsored in part by Ed Blanco*

PERSONNEL

Beatriz Gusman, voice
Andrew Amengor, keyboards
Sergio Zavala, guitar
Juan Moreno, bass
Victor Sanchez, drums

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Burgundee, a living amalgamation of RnB, Jazz, and Neo-Soul from Miami, Fl is a five-piece collective currently redefining the standards for both live & recorded music by leaving their multi-genre landscape.
The captivating vocal stylings of lead singer Beatriz Guzman are colored by the imaginative musical choices made by keyboardist Andrew Amengor and guitarist Sergio Zavala while bassist Juan Moreno and drummer Victor Sanchez lay out their infectious grooves.

PERSONNEL

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Dayna Stephens, saxophone

Connor Rohrer, piano

Jon Ziegler, drums

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mikailo Kasha is an award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Miami, Florida. Currently considered to be among “the top 1% of bassists worldwide”, as stated by Scotty Barnhart of the Count Basie Orchestra, Kasha is a dynamic bandleader, versatile sideman, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass.

PERSONNEL

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Dayna Stephens, saxophone

Connor Rohrer, piano

Jon Ziegler, drums

Performance - 7:30pm-8:30pm

Jam Session - 8:30pm-9:00pm

$30 Tickets, Free entry for students & jamming musicians! Tickets are available online or at the door.

Mikailo Kasha is an award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Miami, Florida. Currently considered to be among “the top 1% of bassists worldwide”, as stated by Scotty Barnhart of the Count Basie Orchestra, Kasha is a dynamic bandleader, versatile sideman, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kasha is an alumnus of renowned incubator programs including the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars, San Jose Jazz All Stars, and the Stanford Jazz Institute. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida State University, studying under bassist Rodney Jordan and pianist Marcus Roberts, and completed a Master’s in Jazz Performance at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Live Entertainment Management at Frost.

A three-time DownBeat student award winner, Kasha received the 2022 “Jazz Soloist” award in the graduate division and an “Outstanding Performance” award for his trio. He also earned an Outstanding Soloist award in 2019. Kasha has been mentored by leading jazz figures such as Rufus Reid (Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute), Christian McBride (Jazz Aspen’s JAS Academy), Ben Wendel (Siena Jazz Workshop), and Maria Schneider (Generations Workshop, Switzerland).

In 2024, Kasha premiered the music from his upcoming record at the Stanford Jazz Festival with his working trio featuring star saxophonist Dayna Stephens. He has also appeared at festivals like San Jose Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and hallowed Bay Area venues like Café Stritch, SFJazz, Mr. Tipples, and Club Deluxe. As a sideman, Kasha has collaborated with Nestor Torres, Nick Finzer, Dave Meder, Stephen Scott, and Sal Valentinetti.

Beyond performance, Kasha is deeply committed to jazz education and community leadership. He serves as the Executive Director of the Miami Jazz Cooperative, is on faculty at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and leads the High School Honors Jazz Combo at Miami Country Day School.

Personnel

Melvys Barrios, vocals

Alex Hernandez, bass

Tom Lippincott, guitar

Enrique Pulley, drums

About The Artist

Melvys Barrios is a dynamic music educator and accomplished performer with over ten years of experience as a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in pop, rock, jazz, and original compositions. 

Renowned for a high retention rate and a reputation for excellence, Melvys is deeply passionate about music and committed to making a positive impact in the musical community. Constantly striving to hone her craft, learn new skills, and collaborate with others, Melvys seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth while sharing her love of music and art with the world; she is currently pursuing a Masters of Music at Florida International University. 

Join us for an evening of jazz featuring the next generation of vocal talent! Ashley Pezzotti presents members of the FIU Vocal Jazz Program backed by the powerhouse talents of Matt Wigler, Vince DuPont, and Gabriel Landa. 

PERSONNEL

Featuring FIU Jazz Vocal Performance Students Under the direction of Ashley Pezzotti

House Band

Matt Wigler, piano

Vince DuPont, bass

Gabriel Landa, drums

Performance - 7:30pm-8:30pm

Jam Session - 8:30pm-9:00pm

$30 Tickets, Free entry for students & jamming musicians! Tickets are available online or at the door.

*This performance made possible by the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs Community Grants Program*

Personnel

Max Milian, keyboard & vocals

Mike McGarril, tenor saxophone

Mikailo Kasha, electric bass

Emmanuel Reid, drums

About The Artist

Max Milian is a pianist, vocalist, music director, and arranger born and raised in Miami, Florida.  He received his Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Commercial Music at the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University in the spring of 2022. Since 2022, he has served as the Director of Contemporary Worship at Granada Church in Coral Gables. Since 2023, he has served as the music director for the musical theatre productions at Westminster Christian School, his alma mater. Max’s debut album, Authenticity, is a collection of reimagined pop covers ranging from The Beatles to Childish Gambino, and is available on all streaming platforms.

When not in Miami, Max can be found performing with his wife, vocalist Kyra Milian, as a guest entertainer aboard Azamara Cruises. His transcription skills have earned him work with Christina Aguilera, Anitta, Elena Rose, Mau Y Ricky, CNCO, Jay Wheeler, and many others across Latin pop and contemporary music. Known for his energy, dedication, and attention to detail, Max approaches every performance with a spirit of excellence and service.

maxmilianmusic.net

Personnel

Dylan McHann, saxophone

Connor Rohrer, piano

Vince Dupont, bass

Sam Hart, drums

About The Artist

Dylan McHann is an accomplished saxophonist and composer based in Miami, Florida, with a deep-rooted passion for jazz that began in his hometown of St. Petersburg. A graduate of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Dylan honed his craft under the guidance of some of the most respected jazz educators in the world. Since then, he has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the U.S. and abroad, including Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and the Monterey Jazz Festival.

With a sound that honors the legacy of jazz greats like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, Dylan offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on the genre. His music is known for its intricate improvisations, original compositions, and dynamic energy, making him a perfect fit for venues seeking both intimate and high-energy jazz performances.

Dylan is a regular presence in Miami’s vibrant jazz scene, where he connects with audiences through his expressive playing and diverse musical range. Whether performing in an intimate club setting or a large festival, his artistry and passion for the craft shine through, creating unforgettable experiences for listeners.

PERSONNEL

LeNard Rutledge, voice

Angel Perez, piano

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Gabriel Landa, drums

Performance - 7:30pm-8:30pm

Jam Session - 8:30pm-9:00pm

$30 Tickets, Free entry for students & jamming musicians!

ABOUT THE ARTIST

LeNard Rutledge, born and raised in Miami, Florida, where there are only a handful of truly great jazz vocalists, is usually compared, aptly, to the legendary Lou Rawls. Like Rawls, Rutledge's classy elegance is often permeated by the raw passion of his church choir work. In fact Rutledge still sings with the choir at The Church of The Incarnation.

Rutledge began not as a vocalist but as a percussionist, playing in the marching and concert band at Miami Central Senior High, and later making his income while attending Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He began his vocal career in 1997, when he was asked to join the famed Melton Mustafa Orchestra after returning to Miami. LeNard was the featured vocalist for Melton Mustafa for seven years. 

In 2002, Rutledge was introduced to the music director of The Van Dyke Café's, Don Wilner, who immediately recognized Rutledge's talent and began giving him regular performance dates. LeNard has shared the stage with a number of highly respectable jazz artists such as: Wycliffe Gordon, Kenny Drew Jr., Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows and the late George Duke. 

The Miami Jazz Cooperative is back in full swing, and we’re kicking things off with a Back-to-School Bash like no other! We’re bringing together beloved MJC staples like Matt Wigler and Gary Keller, alongside fresh talent such as Claudens Louis and Mikailo Kasha, for an unforgettable evening of music.

Professional musicians and students alike are invited to join us onstage for an open jam session that will keep the energy soaring. We’re thrilled to return to the Westchester Cultural Arts Center, and even more excited about our continued partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Roxy Theatre Group to make this community celebration possible.

Sunday, August 24th @ The Westchester Cultural Arts Center

7930 Southwest 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155

Doors - 4:30pm, Show - 5:00pm-6:30pm

Tickets: $30 for General Admission, Free Entry for Students and Jamming Musicians. Beverages and light bites will be available for purchase.

House Band:

Matt Wigler, piano

Jim Gasior, piano

Gary Keller, saxophone

Claudens Louis, saxophone

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Gabriel Landa, drums

Jon Ziegler, drums

PERSONNEL

Eliana Joy, vocals

Matt Wigler, piano

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Sam Hart, drums

Born and raised in the American Southwest, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Eliana Joy offers an expressively emotional sensitivity to audiences and collaborators alike. Following her graduation from Arizona State University, Eliana spent a season in the Santa Fe Opera’s media department. She then moved to Brooklyn and swiftly established herself in the jazz scene, combining her eclectic influences to explore The Great American Songbook as a medium of storytelling and social connection.

As a member of the Women in Jazz Organization’s Mentors Program, she studied with New York Voices member Lauren Kinhan. She has played across the country in iconic venues like Ornithology and Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, NY,  The Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid, NM, and The Century Room in Tucson, AZ. Now based in Santa Fe, NM, Eliana performs actively as a solo singer-songwriter, an enthusiastic bandleader, and a frequent guest with the indie/folk project Lamby--all in the outrageously southwestern setting of sculpture galleries, wine gardens, and tourist trains.

PERSONNEL

Adam Lord, tenor sax, bass clarinet

Joshua Polion, trumpet

Aidan McCarthy, upright bass

Jacob Smith, drums

Aidan McCarthy is a bassist and composer hailing from Oakland, California. An impassioned musician of eclectic interests, Aidan plays a wide range of musical styles on the acoustic and electric bass.

Growing up amidst the vibrant musical landscape of the Bay Area, Aidan cut his teeth on the local scene, ultimately gaining admittance to nationally acclaimed jazz programs such as Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz Band and the Vail Summer Jazz Workshop while in high school.

Aidan had the distinct opportunity to spend an incredibly formative year studying with the great John Clayton, bassist, composer, and pedagogue. Aidan has performed professionally with jazz luminaries such as Jazzmeia Horn, Samara Joy, Miguel Zenon, Brian Lynch, Paquito D’Rivera, Ingrid Jensen, Etienne Charles, Sean Jones, Ulysses Owens Jr., Allison Miller, Melissa Aldana, Carl Allen, Kemuel Roig, Faye Carol, etc.

Internationally, Aidan has performed in Singapore, Japan, Ecuador, Switzerland, and Italy. Nationally, he has appeared at Birdland, Dizzy’s Club Cola, and The Festival of New Trumpet Music in New York City, along with Boxley’s Jazz Club in Seattle, The Faena Theater in Miami Florida, The Ringling Theatre in Sarasota, etc. Aidan is currently a senior at the University of Miami, finishing up his undergraduate degree in Media Scoring and Production, with a focus on Jazz Bass Performance, with a minor in French Language Studies.

PERSONNEL

Thomas Wenglinski, keyboards

Jacob Batchelder, trumpet

Austin Muthyala, trumpet

Kate Hammann, trumpet

Pablo Muller, trombone

Sam Keedy, trombone

Allie Biancoviso, trombone

Eric Law, saxophone

Jason Arkins, saxophone

Ben Mini, bass

Brenten Handfield, drums

featuring guest vocalist Maria Alejandra Quintanilla

ABOUT THOMAS WENGLINSKI

Thomas Wenglinski is an award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist currently based in Miami, Florida. Originally hailing from suburban Houston, he moved to Austin in 2016 to pursue a degree in Jazz Composition at the University of Texas under the direction of John Mills and Jeff Hellmer. After a vibrant four years studying, performing and writing music in Central Texas, he headed east to the University of Miami in 2020, where he has since completed his Masters Degree and currently pursues a D.M.A. under the direction of Stephen Guerra. He currently maintains a strong connection to Austin's music community, and in 2021 he co-founded the critically acclaimed Christian Wiggs Big Band with its titular leader and vocalist.

Thomas has performed with and/or arranged for such artists as Anat Cohen, Tom Scott, Joe Lovano, Christian Wiggs, Randy Brecker, Lisa Fischer, Christopher Cross, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, BluMoon, and numerous others. He regularly cites Stevie Wonder, Genevieve Artadi, Vince Mendoza, Thom Bell, and Thad Jones as crucial influences.

PERSONNEL

Noam Makover, trumpet

David Galli, alto sax

Angel Perez, piano

Patrick Leavy, bass

Marvin Clairsaint, drums

ABOUT NOAM MAKOVER

Noam Makover is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer based in Miami, Florida. Noam received his bachelors of music at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where he studied with jazz legend Brian Lynch, and then stayed for his masters in Studio Jazz Writing, where he was a teaching assistant for jazz violinist and vocalist Nicole Yarling. Noam has written extensively for jazz ensembles, big bands, and orchestras, and has written under the direction of Maria Schneider. He now works as a performer, writer, and educator in the South Florida music scene.

PERSONNEL

Jake Hart, piano

John Hart, guitar

Bill Moring, bass

Rudy Petschauer drums

ABOUT

Pianist and composer Jake Hart is an emerging artist recently signed with Sunnyside Records. Jake has performed in a multitude of international competitions and holds a Bachelor of Music from University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a Master of Music from Salem College.

A fixture on the New York music scene for 30 years, guitarist John Hart has distinguished himself as a band leader with 16 CDs - including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord. John has also appeared on 100-plus CDs as a sideman.

PERSONNEL

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Connor Rohrer, piano

Vincent Dupont, bass

ABOUT LUCAS APOSTOLERIS

Born and raised in New England, Lucas Apostoleris is a composer and instrumentalist residing in Miami. He has performed recently with artists such as Dave Liebman, Fabian Almazan, Troy Roberts, and Martin Bejerano, and plays regularly with a variety of ensembles in South Florida. He has released two albums of his own music: “Chronicle,” in 2020, and “The Path Forward,” in 2023. His third album, “It’s Been Good,” was released in May 2024.

Performance made possible by Ed Blanco

PERSONNEL

Tim Armacost, saxophone

Russ Spiegel, guitar

Jim Gasior, organ/piano

Kurt Hengstebeck, electric bass

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Channeling the spirited energy of hard bop with the progressive aesthetics of rock music, Spiegel carves out his own niche in the contemporary jazz scene.

—Troy Collins, All About Jazz

A highly dynamic and energetic musician, Miami-based Russ Spiegel has made a name for himself as a guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. From hard swinging, groovy, and melodic Modern & Post-Modern Jazz to Funk, Soul, & Latin to Rock & Blues, this sophisticated guitarist is the full package. Russ can be heard at jazz festivals and concerts across the globe.

His seventh studio album, Nitty Gritty is set for release at the end of March 2025. Caribbean Blue (2023) garnered international critical acclaim, reaching #5 on the JazzWeek Charts and remained in their Top 20 for eight weeks. Along with writing scores for film and television productions, Russ composes and arranges music for all types of ensembles, especially big bands. He has also appeared in film and on television as both an actor and musician. Russ holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Composition from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. He also travels the world giving workshops and masterclasses. He presently teaches at Florida International University and Miami Dade College, Kendall.

PERSONNEL

TBD

PERSONNEL

Jason Arkins, alto Sax

Aaron Lebos, guitar

Marty Quinn, bass

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Jason Arkins is a 24 year old Saxophonist/Composer, and a graduate of the Frost School of Music. He is a Vandoren Emerging Artist Awardee, Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Alumni, and has performed around the US at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Dizzy's Club, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. He has also performed internationally in Japan, China, Taiwan, France, and Canada. Since graduating from Frost, Jason has led a busy freelance career around South Florida playing many styles of music and performing at many of the premiere venues. In 2022, Jason released his first EP of music called "In Focus" which you can hear on all streaming platforms.

With special guest Alicia Hall Moran and the Frost Jazz Orchestra

Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this extraordinary celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy 125 years after his birth. Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music, brilliantly reimagined by Moran.

PERSONNEL

Jason Arkins, saxophone

Aaron Lebos, guitar

Marty Quinn, bass

Claudio Silva, drums

PERSONNEL

Ian Muñoz, alto Sax

Ilai Maccagi, trombone

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Claudio Silva, drums

ABOUT

Alto saxophonist Ian Muñoz, is a recent graduate from The Juilliard School with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Ian has had the opportunity to perform alongside musicians like Sean Jones, Bruce Williams, Ira Sullivan, Billy Drummond, Bryan Carter, Hermeto Pascual, Josh Evans, Matthew Whittaker and more. A particularly cherished memory of his was, in 2017, he was a guest artist on the renowned flutist Nestor Torres' album, "Jazz Flute Traditions," which was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album.

He also had the honor of being a five-time National YoungArts winner, a two-time recipient of the DownBeat Student Award and was also selected for The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (2018, 2019, and 2020), the National Youth Orchestra Jazz ensemble with Sean Jones (2019) where he was able to internationally tour in China, Taiwan, Japan, Canada and perform at Carnegie hall in 2019. He was also selected for the 2018 Jazz Band of America and the recipient of Essentially Ellington’s Ella Fitzgerald award in 2020, where Wynton Marsalis was kind enough to comment that “This young man's playing is so intelligent and full of wit and humor.” Recently, Ian got off a 2 week tour alongside Vincent Herring and Eric Alexander, where he was able to play with the two saxophonists at venues like The Cotton Club, JZBrat, and Star Eyes in Tokyo, Japan.

PERSONNEL

Aaron Lebos, guitar/composer

Vania Junco, voice/lyricist

Marty Quinn, bass

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Abstract Citizen showcases the greatest qualities that South Florida has to offer. The group channels Miami’s multicultural influence into their original compositions and performs them at the highest caliber. Under the wide umbrella of “modern jazz,” the band democratically composes, arranges, and pushes their music to sound organic, honest, and fresh.

Aaron Lebos, an accomplished and well-known guitarist and composer is always curious and hungry for musical growth. A fixture musician in South Florida for over 25 years (touring with international Jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and composing for Nu Deco Ensemble amongst many others), Lebos looked to the younger generation of Miami’s musicians to bring a new fire to his projects. Thus, Abstract Citizen was formed and spearheaded by four envelope pushing musicians: Marty Quinn - bass, Vania Junco - vocals and Lucas Apostoleris -drums.

In 2023 Abstract Citizen won two prestigious grants which allowed it to record and released their debut album and tour across the United States in 2023. One of those was the Jazz Roads touring grant from South Arts. The award made it possible for the band to bring their fresh global sound to areas of the country such as the Delta Mississippi, Memphis, and rural Arkansas. Abstract Citizen is currently playing many inspiring local shows, a Florida tour in November 2024 and releasing new videos and music.

PERSONNEL

Greg Diamond, guitar

Michael Eckroth, piano

Jamie Ousley, bass

Ludwig Afonso, drums

ABOUT GREG DIAMOND

Greg Diamond is an acclaimed jazz guitarist known for his innovative and soulful approach to music. With his impassioned performances and distinctive sound, Diamond has captivated audiences throughout the world, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.

Latin Jazz Network calls Diamond  a “composer of great maturity and genius” while Acoustic Guitar magazine touts his “deep harmonic language and an unerring sense of groove" —  Diamond has forcefully stepped into the spotlight in recent years as an innovator with a distinct brand of Latin-infused contemporary jazz.  Born in New York City to a musical family of mixed Eastern-European Jewish and Colombian heritage, Diamond draws his influence from an eclectic palette of sounds.  Diamond’s father,  a Julliard-trained classical pianist and opera singer,  exposed Diamond to the rich sounds of Rachmaninov, Chopin, Bach, and Puccini, while his mother spinned the vibrant  tropical sounds of cumbia legends Lucho Bermúdez and Pacho Galán from the turntable at family gatherings.

As a composer, Diamond possesses a keen ear for melody and an intuitive sense of storytelling through music. His original compositions blend sophisticated harmonies with infectious grooves, taking listeners on a sonic journey that transcends boundaries. His deep-rooted connection to his Latin heritage often finds expression in his music, infusing it with vibrant rhythms and colorful textures.  Over the years, Diamond has released several highly acclaimed albums, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his mastery of the jazz idiom. His recordings have received widespread critical acclaim and have garnered him a dedicated following of jazz enthusiasts worldwide. 

PERSONNEL

Brahm Masla, drums

Vince Dupont, bass

Connor Rohrer, piano

ABOUT BRAHM MASLA

Brahm Masla’s extensive global performance and scholarship in the jazz idiom has set a firm groundwork for his own artistic endeavors and creations within the genre. Often collaborating with friends and colleagues such as internationally known pianist Tal Cohen, or multi grammy award winning trumpeter John Daversa, Brahm’s jazz explorations take his love for every genre of music, and filter them through a small group lens, with a more acoustic style mindset.

Taking influence from some of the many incredible jazz musicians Brahm has had the privilege of accompanying over the years such as Cohen, Daversa, Tony Perez, Arturo Sandoval, Charles Neville, Nestor Torres, Aaron Lebos, Glen David Andrews, Nicole Henry, and many more; the musical intention of this project is to break new barriers of what modern jazz can be while also paying deep respect, and homage to the great lineage of Black Amerian Music and Jazz history. Brahm writes arrangements and compositions both from the head and heart, and the bands are always energy infused, sure to captivate the audience from the first stroke of the snare drum until the very last hit of the cymbal.

PERSONNEL

Brahm Masla, drums
John Daversa, trumpet
Tal Cohen, piano
Aidan McCarthy, bass

Brahm Masla’s extensive global performance and scholarship in the jazz idiom has set a firm groundwork for his own artistic endeavors and creations within the genre. Often collaborating with friends and colleagues such as internationally known pianist Tal Cohen, or multi grammy award winning trumpeter John Daversa, Brahm’s jazz explorations take his love for every genre of music, and filter them through a small group lens, with a more acoustic style mindset.

Taking influence from some of the many incredible jazz musicians Brahm has had the privilege of accompanying over the years such as Cohen, Daversa, Tony Perez, Arturo Sandoval, Charles Neville, Nestor Torres, Aaron Lebos, Glen David Andrews, Nicole Henry, and many more; the musical intention of this project is to break new barriers of what modern jazz can be while also paying deep respect, and homage to the great lineage of Black Amerian Music and Jazz history. Brahm writes arrangements and compositions both from the head and heart, and the bands are always energy infused, sure to captivate the audience from the first stroke of the snare drum until the very last hit of the cymbal.

PERSONNEL

Mikailo Kasha, bass

Carlos Vivas, guitar

Gabriel Landa, drums

ABOUT MIKAILO KASHA

Mikailo Kasha is an award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Miami, Florida. Currently considered to be among “the top 1% of bassists worldwide”, as stated by Scotty Barnhart of the Count Basie Orchestra, Kasha is a dynamic bandleader, versatile sideman, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass.

Originally hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kasha holds a Bachelor’s in Music from Florida State University, where he studied under bassist Rodney Jordan and pianist Marcus Roberts. As a participant in exclusive music workshops worldwide, Kasha has received mentorship from masters like Rufus Reid at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute for Jazz, Christian McBride at Jazz Aspen’s JAS Academy, Ben Wendel at the Siena Jazz Workshop in Italy, and Maria Schneider at the Generations Workshop in Switzerland. 

Kasha is a three-time Downbeat award winner—while at Frost, he won the “Jazz Soloist” category in the graduate division of the Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards, and his trio received an award for “Outstanding Performance”. He also received the Downbeat Outstanding Soloist award in 2019.

In 2024, Kasha premiered the music from his upcoming record at the Stanford Jazz Festival with his working trio featuring star saxophonist Dayna Stephens. He has also appeared at festivals like San Jose Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and hallowed Bay Area venues like Café Stritch, SFJazz, Mr. Tipples, and Club Deluxe. As a sideman, Kasha has collaborated with Nestor Torres, Nick Finzer, Dave Meder, Stephen Scott, and Sal Valentinetti.

PERSONNEL

Aaron Lebos, guitar/composer

Vania Junco, voice/lyricist

Marty Quinn, bass

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

ABOUT ABSTRACT CITIZEN

Abstract Citizen showcases the greatest qualities that South Florida has to offer. The group channels Miami’s multicultural influence into their original compositions and performs them at the highest caliber. Under the wide umbrella of “modern jazz,” the band democratically composes, arranges, and pushes their music to sound organic, honest, and fresh.

Aaron Lebos, an accomplished and well-known guitarist and composer is always curious and hungry for musical growth. A fixture musician in South Florida for over 25 years (touring with international Jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and composing for Nu Deco Ensemble amongst many others), Lebos looked to the younger generation of Miami’s musicians to bring a new fire to his projects. Thus, Abstract Citizen was formed and spearheaded by four envelope pushing musicians: Marty Quinn - bass, Vania Junco - vocals and Lucas Apostoleris -drums.

In 2023 Abstract Citizen won two prestigious grants which allowed it to record and released their debut album and tour across the United States in 2023. One of those was the Jazz Roads touring grant from South Arts. The award made it possible for the band to bring their fresh global sound to areas of the country such as the Delta Mississippi, Memphis, and rural Arkansas. Abstract Citizen is currently playing many inspiring local shows, a Florida tour in November 2024 and releasing new videos and music.

ABOUT GREG DIAMOND

Greg Diamond is an acclaimed jazz guitarist known for his innovative and soulful approach to music. With his impassioned performances and distinctive sound, Diamond has captivated audiences throughout the world, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.

Latin Jazz Network calls Diamond  a “composer of great maturity and genius” while Acoustic Guitar magazine touts his “deep harmonic language and an unerring sense of groove" —  Diamond has forcefully stepped into the spotlight in recent years as an innovator with a distinct brand of Latin-infused contemporary jazz.  Born in New York City to a musical family of mixed Eastern-European Jewish and Colombian heritage, Diamond draws his influence from an eclectic palette of sounds.  Diamond’s father,  a Julliard-trained classical pianist and opera singer,  exposed Diamond to the rich sounds of Rachmaninov, Chopin, Bach, and Puccini, while his mother spinned the vibrant  tropical sounds of cumbia legends Lucho Bermúdez and Pacho Galán from the turntable at family gatherings.

As a composer, Diamond possesses a keen ear for melody and an intuitive sense of storytelling through music. His original compositions blend sophisticated harmonies with infectious grooves, taking listeners on a sonic journey that transcends boundaries. His deep-rooted connection to his Latin heritage often finds expression in his music, infusing it with vibrant rhythms and colorful textures.  Over the years, Diamond has released several highly acclaimed albums, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his mastery of the jazz idiom. His recordings have received widespread critical acclaim and have garnered him a dedicated following of jazz enthusiasts worldwide.