In the Hollywood film “Ray,” Ray Charles, played by Jamie Foxx, goes to a nightclub to see legendary Toledo jazz pianist Art Tatum played by Johnny O’Neal. During filming, O’Neal played three or four songs, although only one “Yesterdays” made it to the silver screen. “That was a real honor for me, and for Toledo audiences, to play the part of Tatum—one of the greatest pianists ever.” A lot of people asked […]

Mark Tonelli is an internationally-renowned musician and educator based in Decatur, Illinois. He is associate professor of music and coordinator of guitar studies at Millikin University, an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, and a Fulbright Scholar to Brazil. Mark enjoys an active performing career, working with a wide variety of artists: American Idol Clay Aiken, Broadway legend Rita Moreno, rock icons The Platters; crooner Bobby Rydell; and jazz musician Peter Erskine. He has […]

Third Shore Quintet is a forward-thinking instrumental quintet dedicated to creating new sonic spaces, pushing musical boundaries, and challenging listeners' perspectives. Though the members share a background in jazz, the group draws from a wide range of musical influences including rock, hip-hop, swing, classical and folk music resulting in an eclectic range of songs and improvisations. Tickets are non-refundable. No DSLR, point-and-shoot, or other digital/film cameras permitted (mobile phones are ok) unless […]

“Eng’s star wattage is undeniable. Mercurial luxurious croon...” —Chicago Sun-Times “Cool sounds... very likable performer...” —Chicago Tribune From New York City, multifaceted Broadway actor and acclaimed jazz pianist and singer, Bryan Eng is one of the most promising and accomplished entertainers of his generation. With a sound and showmanship compared to jazz masters such as Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jr., Eng’s musicality packs a punch of energy that manages to […]

Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues With A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas. MISSISSIPPI HEAT’s name is a reflection of Pierre’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music. The band’s conviction is that there is no deeper music than Delta-inspired blues to express what lies in everyone’s soul. They have received world-wide […]

2x-GRAMMY® Award Nominated, 3x Blues Music Award-Winner and 15x-Blues Music Award Nominated Blues Singer & Guitarist JOHN PRIMER is a Chicago Blues Living Legend, and will be Inducted into the "Blues Hall of Fame" in Memphis, TN on May 10, 2023. THE CHICAGO READER states, "John Primer is a living link to the departed giants of Chicago blues. The veteran guitarist and singer learned his trade from the likes of Sammy Lawhorn, […]

Nicole Heitger has been a vocalist for over twenty years. Nicole was raised on traditional jazz. Her father, Raymond, has been the leader of the Cakewalkin' Jass Band for over 40 years. She began singing with the CJB since she was sixteen years old, performing at various concerts, jazz festivals, and jazz clubs. Nicole also has performed with the Toledo contemporary swing band Satin and Brass, the Easy Street Jazz Band from […]

Recognized in both the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor and vocal jazz ensemble director at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. In addition to her teaching, Ellie performs regularly throughout the United States. She performs regularly with Stan Kenton drummer Jerry Mackenzie, Rich Michaels, Tom Dennis […]

Formed in August 2003 by reedman Paul VornHagen and conguero Alberto Nacif, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically acclaimed CDs of mostly original compositions that have been featured on all the major jazz public radio stations throughout the United States. Winner of the 2005, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band, this combo has performed at all the major Michigan jazz/music festivals including Detroit, […]

Djangophonique is a virtuosic, instrumentally driven acoustic jazz quartet led by guitar player Andrew Brown. With over a decade of national touring experience, Brown is no stranger to the stage and delivers every performance with personality and enigmatic charm. A true disciple of the style, Brown has spent countless hours immersing himself in the language of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche, and he’s joined on stage by bandmates that match his skill and passion […]

Chris Canas “Detroit’s Prince Of The Blues” was born on July 18th, 1984 to Angela and Lenard Cottingham. He has grown with music in his life whether it be his Mom singing to him or taking him to see Ray Charles at Hart Plaza or his Dad singing and dancing him to sleep as a kid. Music is part of his very soul and is the main reason he has grown into […]

Karim Gideon is a masterful trumpeter whose journey through music has been as dynamic as his sound. Starting at just 10 years old in Detroit, Karim found his passion for the trumpet, which led him into the heart of the city’s rich jazz scene. Mentored by legends like Dr. Teddy Harris Jr., Marcus Belgrave, and Harold McKinney, he refined his craft at the Serengeti Ballroom’s iconic jazz workshops. These formative experiences set [...]