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. 

PERSONNEL

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

ABOUT BURGUNDEE

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.

ABOUT ANTHONY FUNG

Anthony Fung is a Canadian-born drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader currently based in Los Angeles, CA. He has established himself as an accomplished musician, earning multiple degrees and performing at renowned festivals and venues worldwide.

Anthony is an alumnus of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, where he earned a master of music (M.M.) degree while studying and performing with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chris Potter, Billy Childs, and many others. Prior to this, he obtained both his bachelor's (B.M.) and another master's (M.M.) degree from Berklee College of Music, mentored by the esteemed Danilo Pérez.

Anthony has appeared at International Jazz Day (St. Petersburg, Russia and Havana, Cuba), Panama Jazz Festival, Panama Percussion Festival, Sitka Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Calgary Jazz Festival, Edmonton Jazz Festival, Medicine Hat Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. He has performed alongside Danilo Pérez, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenón, John Beasley, Bennie Maupin, Esperanza Spalding, George Garzone, Luciana Souza, David Binney, Dave Douglas, Jerry Bergonzi, Danny Rivera, Ruben Blades, and Ingrid Jensen, among others.

As a bandleader, Anthony has released four studio albums. His debut, Chronicles, was followed by Flashpoint, which received a 4-star review in Downbeat Magazine and was featured on WBGO’s ‘New Music by Five Composers behind the Drums.’ He later released What Does it Mean to be Free?, and most recently, FO(U)RTH featuring the renowned saxophonist Mark Turner.

Anthony has also accumulated a number of awards which includes the following: The 2020 recipient of the Angel City Jazz Festival New Note Commission Award, composed a 30-minute piece inspired by Chinese Immigration in Los Angeles, The Jazz Foundation of America Grant, and the DCA Public Art Award in which his composition “Resilience” has been selected for an exhibition in a Curatorial Showcase in the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs’ (DCA), and Best arrangements prize in the 7 Virtual Jazz 8th Edition worldwide juried competition.

Aside from performing, he is an accomplished composer and producer. Fung’s composition work can be heard on the feature documentary “The Last Tourist” on Apple TV, Season 3 of Craig Robinson’s Hulu special “Your Attention Please” as well as a commissioned work for the Los Angeles Jazz Society in 2020 entitled “The Chinese Immigration Suite.”

Anthony proudly endorses Vic Firth Sticks, Canopus Drums, MONO Cymbal Bags, Remo Drumheads, Cogs Drums, and Zildjian Cymbals.

PERSONNEL

Gary Campbell, saxophone
Michael Eckroth, piano
Vince DuPont, bass
Brandon Lee Lewis, drums

ABOUT GARY CAMPBELL

Saxophonist/composer Gary Campbell’s life as a jazz musician began in his hometown of Indianapolis Indiana, the city that spawned jazz greats such as J.J. Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, Wes, Buddy and Monk Montgomery, and many others. As a teenager he was introduced to the “Naptown” jazz community through his teacher and mentor David Baker. Learning the ropes by sitting in at local clubs and jam sessions, he played with the likes of organist Mel Rhyne and guitarist Ted Dunbar. After brief stints at Indiana University and the University of Miami, Gary migrated to New York City. From the late 60’s through the 70’s he was active in the innovative, energetic, and notorious loft scene - the testing ground for dozens of creative young jazz musicians. As a performing member of Free Life Communications, an organization of young jazz artists founded by David Liebman and Richie Beirach, Gary presented concerts of original music with John Abercrombie, Jan Hammer, Michael Moore, Bobby Moses, and many others. 

He appeared on records alongside Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Dan Wall, Adam Nussbaum, David Friesen, Ira Sullivan, Andy LaVerne, Miroslav Vitous, Gerald Cleaver, and others. He has shared concert, festival and night club stages with (in addition to the above) John Scofield, Dave Liebman, Tom Harrell, Jaco Pastorius,  Red Rodney, James Moody, George Adams, Hank Crawford, Mose Allison, Arturo Sandoval, Conrad Herwig, Barry Ries, and is currently working with the Miroslav Vitous Group. 

Since moving to Miami in 1982 Gary has become a prominent figure on South Florida’s jazz scene - gigging and recording with jazz greats Ira Sullivan, Chubby Jackson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bobby Thomas Jr., Rene Luis Toledo, Andy Laverne, and the great Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa.

His compositions have been recorded by John Scofield, Ira Sullivan, Jeff Palmer, Duffy Jackson, Mike Orta, and the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band. 

PERSONNEL

Ashely Pezzotti, voice

Matt Wigler, piano

Jamie Ousley, bass

John Yarling, drums

ABOUT ASHLEY PEZZOTTI

Ashley Pezzotti is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, blending the elegance, rhythmic sophistication, and infectious joy of the great jazz vocalists who came before her. Just in her 20s, Pezzotti has already made her mark, touring and recording with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), and icons such as Arturo Sandoval, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and piano prodigy Joey Alexander.

   Born to Dominican roots, Ashley crafts original compositions in both English and Spanish, weaving a timeless blend of melodies that echo the classic jazz standards she so effortlessly interprets. Her silky smooth, rich voice and impressive artistry have also taken her to prestigious venues around the world, further solidifying her reputation as an international force in jazz. 

   Her unique vocal mastery has earned rave reviews, with JLCO trumpeter and arranger Marcus Printup calling her a “singer’s singer” who not only delivers classic standards and original work with ease but also effortlessly holds her own in the world of scat singing, rivaling the skills of any horn player. With a stage presence that captivates and a voice that commands attention, Ashley brings fresh, compelling interpretations to both timeless tunes and hidden gems.

Personnel

Angel Perez - Piano
Josh Ewers- Bass
Brandon Lee Lewis - Drums 

ABOUT ANGEL PEREZ

Angel is a Pianist, composer, and arranger from Miami Beach, Florida. His music journey began when he was young, and since then he has continued honing and developing his musical skills. He graduated with his B.M in Jazz Performance at the University of Miami and continues to perform in the south Florida area. Angel has performed at concerts, festivals, and competitions including The Essentially Ellington Competition, Sankofa Jazz Festival, Miami Downtown jazz festival/competition, Okeechobee Music Festival, and Ill Points music.

Presented by Sunshine Jazz Organization and Miami Jazz Cooperative, an all-star ensemble of South Florida artists will take center stage at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. This musical tribute is produced by Nicole Yarling.

Featured Artists

ABOUT MUTHYBABY

Austin Muthyala, “Muthybaby,” is a jazz trumpet player from Byron Center, Michigan. He is a versatile musician that can blend into various musical styles. At 25 years old, he has had the opportunity to perform with many of today’s celebrated musicians, such as Terell Stafford, Melissa Aldana, Harvey Mason, Tim Warfield, and Kenny Washington, through Michigan State University’s premier jazz ensemble, where he completed his Bachelor degree in Jazz Studies. He was also a Geri Allen fellow and a member of the Gathering Orchestra under the direction of Rodney Whitaker. In addition, Austin has performed multiple times as a member of the Rodney Whitaker Group. Most recently, he has completed a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami, where he studied with both Etienne Charles and Brian Lynch. Currently, he performs around the Miami area with many different groups ranging from Kompa to Funk to Jazz and his own sextet, Muthybaby & Friends.

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 versatile sideman, dynamic bandleader, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass. Kasha helms his innovative project Double Trio, featuring drummers Jon Ziegler, Brahm Masla, and pianists Leo Folsom and Connor Rohrer (Samara Joy). In 2024, Kasha premiered the music from his upcoming record “MKDOUBLETRIO” 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.

Originally hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kasha is an alumnus of prestigious incubator programs like SFJazz High School All Stars, San Jose Jazz All Stars, and the Stanford Jazz Institute. He 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. 

In 2022, Kasha graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a Master’s of Music in Jazz Performance. 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.