An unbeatable variety of performances!

The Andrew Kratzat Quartet features a variety of different styles and sounds of modern jazz played by some of the best musicians in Michigan (and nationwide!). Everyone in the group is both a composer and player for the quartet - there won't be any "Satin Doll" played by these four. The group features Andrew Bishop on saxophone, Matt Endahl on Piano, Andrew Kratzat on bass, and Chad Hochberg on drums. Their album, The Dentist (2008), features this quartet in varying instrumentations of their original works.

Dave Zerbe started playing the drums when he was two years old and hasn't stopped since. This director of percussion studies and bands has taught at Alma College since 1988.

"I wanted to teach because I had the desire to pass on what I have learned and help to spread a different philosophy of percussion instrument playing," Zerbe says.

Dave is joined by Ed Fedewa on bass and Arlene McDaniels on piano to form an entertaining and informative trio.

The latest version of RITMO currently consists of eleven players. They are some of the best Latin jazz musicians from Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Flint.

The current members are: Mike Eyia Sr., director, on guitar/lead vocals/percussion/arrangements, Paul Lesinski on piano, Carl Poposki on trombone/arrangements, Brandon Tesh on saxophone/flute, Russ McMartin on lead trumpet, Mike Sailors on 2nd trumpet, Rob Mulligan on congas/percussion, Carmelo Sanchez on Latin percussion/vocals, Tim Thelen on timbales, Terry Newman on bass, and Oscar Gonzales on vocals.

The band has been performing all over the Midwest for many years. They have opened for a number of national and international acts, including such artists as salsa great Oscar D'Leon, recording artists Los Lobos, and most recently, the Bangles. The band has also garnered a number of accolades, including a Special Tribute from the Michigan Legislature.

Andrew Bishop is an active composer, saxophonist, and clarinetist in highly diversified musical idioms. He has received over 20 commissions from professional organizations and universities, numerous residencies, and recognition and awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Andrew W. Melon Foundation, Meet the Composer, and a nomination from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He holds five degrees in music including a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in composition from the University of Michigan.

Bishop has performed with artisits including Reid Anderson, Greg Bendian, Karl Berger, Sandip Burman, Kenny Burrell, Eugene Chadbourne, Ray Charles, Gerald Cleaver, Drew Gress, Jerry Hahn, John Lindberg, Chris Lightcap, The Either Orchestra, Mat Maneri, The Manhattan Transfer, Tony Malaby, Ben Monder, Jeremy Pelt, Hank Roberts, Jacob Sacks, Craig Taborn, Clark Terry, Ben Waltzer, Matt Wilson, and John Zorn among others.

The Neil Gordon Trio performs originals and their own arrangements of jazz and pop classics that range from hard-driving swing and sambas to funky grooves and shimmering ballads. The group recently released their debut CD, It Takes Three. Guitarist-composer Neil Gordon's energy and soulful lyricism and the powerful rhythm tandem of bassist Ed Fedewa and drummer Larry Ochiltree create a dynamic three-way conversation. The result is satisfying and spirited blend of modern jazz!

Founded in December of 2009, the Michigan Trombone Project is the creation of trombonist, educator, composer and arranger Carl Poposki. Comprised of some of the finest trombone players in Michigan, along with a solid rhythm section, the Michigan Trombone Project delivers a new level of excellence in jazz trombone performance. Mainly inspired by the two-trombone quintets of J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding, the MTP aims to elevate the trombone to even greater status as a jazz instrument. With original arrangements, new compositions and transcriptions of great recordings of the past, the Michigan Trombone Project is an innovative group with a unique and exciting sound.

Derrick formed his own sextet, The Jazz Prophets, in 1991, and 19 years later it continues to be the primary vehicle of his distinctive, hard-driving music. The band's three-man horn line, consisting of Derrick, tenor sax player Rob Dixon and Derrick's brother, trombonist Vincent Gardner of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, has been together since the beginning. Derrick performed on the Grammy-winning The Count Basie Orchestra Live at Manchester Craftsman's Guild. Also with the New York Voices in 1997, and four sessions with Harry Connick Jr., including 2007's hurricane Katrina-inspired Oh, My Nola. Derrick was the featured trumpet soloist in the Broadway musical Thou Shalt Not, for which Harry Connick Jr. wrote the music and lyrics.

Orrick Ewing is a master of gospel-infused jazz. Fresh out of high school, Orrick played bass for Parliament-Funkadelic. After spending a few years with the group he wanted to branch out and try new styles of music, so he joined up with an R&B group, the Crowd Pleasers. As his career continued, Orrick joined up with long-time friend and powerhouse blues guitarist Larry McCray. After backing Larry, Mr. Ewing became the bass player for The Mighty Clouds of Joy, which ultimately won him a Grammy Nomination and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Orrick has made appearances on Good Morning America, David Letterman, the Stellar Awards, The Legends of Gospel, and Bobby Jones Gospel, among others. Throughout his amazing career, Orrick Ewing has performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Smokey Robinson, Inez Andrews and has shared the stage with Earth Wind & Fire, The O'Jays, The Gap Band, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Gladys Knight, and Sherrelle.

Currently, Orrick is the lead bassist for the Wayman Tisdale Band, following Mr. Tisdale's untimely death. He is proud to step into the shoes of someone who was loved by many all around the country. During his live performances, he pays tribute to Wayman Tisdale by performing some of his songs.

For 30 years, CBT has thrilled mid-Michigan audiences with the talent and exuberance of its young dancers, ages 8 to 18. Best known for its annual Nutcracker performances during Thanksgiving weekend, the company also performs classic ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Swan Lake in the annual spring show.

Dancers study technique at their regular home dance studios, then work with CBT to create memorable, fun performances. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gregory George, they learn more than classical ballet. They also participate in creating their own choreography and exploring the inner artist. This diversity will be reflected in their performance at the Lansing JazzFest, where the CBT dancers will present an eclectic mélange of classical and contemporary ballet.

CBT gets the MICA Stage rolling Saturday afternoon - you won't want to miss it.

Aligned with the vision statement of their church, this soul stirring and dynamic group of singers strive, with contemporary and traditional genres of praise and worship, to usher people of all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds into a life-impacting worship experience.

Sounds of Praize Choir is comprised of several faithful members of Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church who welcome any opportunity to minister in song. Under the direction of Kenneth Richardson, the vocal & musical renditions of Sounds Of Praize reflect the best in gospel music both past & present.

This powerful music ministry was birthed as the result of the studious discipline and gracious leadership of Pastor H. Levi McClendon, III, the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church since 1994. Mount Zion All Nations Bible Church is located at 10575 South Krepps Road in Dewitt, Michigan.

As a cultural treasure in the Lansing area and Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company, Happendance continues to find ways to develop the future of dance in our community. Under the direction of Missy Lilje, for the 5th year CDP offers free modern dance performances in a format designed to demystify modern dance for audience members and to nurture Lansing-area choreographers and dancers. Prior to the presentation of each dance, the choreographer verbally shares his or her intentions and process with the audience. At the conclusion of the show, dancers and choreographers answer audience questions in a talk-back session.

Special to the project this year is a dance for 40+ community people, led by Happendance founder Diane Newman, who received an Individual Artist Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing to mount this ambitious work, titled Everybody Dance Now.

JazzFest is just one of three venues where CDP is presenting its free performances. Others are LCC's Dart Auditorium on August 4-5, 8 PM, and August 6 at Scene Metrospace, 8 PM. Project partners with Happendance include Lansing Community College Department of Arts and Humanities and Terpsichore's Mentor.

The Lansing JazzFest Trumpet Showcase will feature three extraordinary jazz trumpet masters, each of whom will be performing on the main stage line-up with their respective bands. Etienne Charles, Derrick Gardner and Mike Sailors are each masters of their instrument and will share with audiences their individual style and approach to the jazz trumpet sound.

The Easy Street Jazz Band focuses primarily on traditional and Dixieland jazz from 1915 to 1945, with a special tip of the hat to their heroes: Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson, George Gershwin, J. Fred Coots, and Walter Donaldson.

The ESJB's trademark uniform: bright red shirts that signal "ALERT! GOOD CLEAN FUN AHEAD FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" Leader Paul Klinger personifies the band's joyful and carefree style that has made them a beloved Ann Arbor institution. Whether swinging out a spirited solo on cornet assisted by his "trusty styrofoam coffee cup plunger mute," wailing a poignant Sidney Bechet ballad on soprano sax, or singing one of his many light-hearted novelty songs from the 1920s, Klinger always brings a passion and authenticity to the music that is not only full of life but is also life-affirming!

The Easy Street Jazz Band's cheerful enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, vast repertoire, ésprit de corps and unabashed love of traditional jazz make them a pleasure to hear and a joy to experience. They are adored by their many loyal fans who congregate weekly at Zal Gaz Grotto to enjoy the good times and happy music that the Easy Street Jazz Band delivers with every performance.

The Ron Newman Trio will feature regional favorite jazz musicians, including Joe Baione. Few artists have chosen to make the vibraphone their primary means of expression. Fortunately, Joe Baione has and on Oh Yeah!!, his second outing as a leader and impressive successor to his distinguished debut The Superhero, he shows that the vibes and the mallets with which he plays them are in very good hands. He has gone on to become a passionate and creative band teacher by day and an energetic and innovative bandleader and performer at night. Dr. Herb Wong noted that "Baione's CD is refreshing and not the same old rinky-tink sound you hear in vibe player's today."

Elden Kelly, guitarist, singer and songwriter, entrances audiences with a style composed of diverse elements that speak about something fresh, relevant, urgent and new in today's world. His interest in international styles led him to the oud (a fretless Egyptian lute) and the glissentar (a 12-stringed fretless guitar) instruments which he now incorporates into many of his performances. In addition to instrumental improvisation, Elden also works as a singer-songwriter, whose musical style blends jazz and neo-classicism with middle-eastern influences and American roots music.

Elden received his Bachelor's Degree with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2008. While in Boston, he instructed keyboard harmony courses at New England Conservatory and served as faculty at the Allegro Music School. He also directed a week-long guitar educational program in Vermont, "Guitar Intensive," which was sponsored by the Huntington Valley Arts organization.

In 2008, Elden accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University to serve as a graduate assistant to bassist and Jazz Studies chairman Rodney Whitaker. In addition to performing, Elden maintains a private teaching studio in East Lansing.

The Sailors/Delancey Jazz Orchestra was founded in September of 2009 by trumpeter/composer Michael Sailors and double bassist/composer George Delancey. Comprised of some of the finest musicians in the Michigan area, the S.D.J.O. is the only jazz orchestra in Michigan that exclusively performs original music, composed by Sailors and other members of the band. In keeping with the traditions of the great big bands of years past, the S.D.J.O. combines exceptional musicianship with exciting and adventurous compositions. The result is an exciting new band, with its own unique sound.

Jazz often incorporates some of the most creative improvisational solo performances by musicians who are truly artistic masters. A solid rhythm section provides the heartbeat from which jazz performers explore their musical artistry and express themselves. This workshop will highlight the inner workings of laying down the groove.

Born on the island of Trinidad in 1983, Etienne Charles defies easy musical categorization. Immersed in his father's vast record collection and suffused with the sounds of calypso, steel pan, and African Shango drumming, Etienne imbibed many of the influences that presently constitute the diverse colors of his harmonic palette. An alumnus of the prestigious Juilliard School, Charles has received critical acclaim for his exciting performances, thrilling compositions and a knack for connecting with audiences worldwide, having performed and recorded with greats in many different genres including Grammy Award winners Roberta Flack, Wynton Marsalis, Johnny Mandel, Ralph MacDonald, Maria Schneider, the Count Basie Orchestra, Marcus Roberts and Monty Alexander.

Special guest drum virtuoso Dana Hall performing with Etienne & Folklore!

How does one write a song? Where do the ideas come from? Where do you start? Tracy Kash Thomas, award-winning performer and composer, will discuss some songwriting concepts and tools she uses in her unique brand of songwriting. This will surely be an eye opener for non-musicians and musicians alike!

Tracy Kash Thomas began her musical life as a classical musician. Armed with a bachelor's degree from University of North Texas - a veritable jazz factory producing musicians such as Lou Marini and Stefan Karlsson - and a master's degree from the venerable Boston Conservatory, Tracy is an accomplished flutist. Her unique brand of jazz and jazz-influenced rock/pop thrills live audiences as well as her growing radio following. In 2009, Tracy received a Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Vocalist and has been nominated for numerous others including Outstanding Jazz Composer, Modern Jazz Band, R&B Composer, and in 2007 for Best Jazz Album for her release, There and Back Again. Her original compositions "Make Me BlueÓ"and "One More Day" made the semi-finals in the prestigious 2005 UK Songwriting Contest.

From the moment he made his debut in 1985 with the gold-selling Grammy^® nominated album Magic Touch, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan has proven himself as a forward thinking innovator. With his nimbly executed "touch" or "tap" technique, he ushered a dazzling and spellbinding new sound into the world of progressive instrumental music. Over the course of five major recordings and several smaller independent releases, Stanley has explored earthly and astral musical trailways.

Because of the extraordinary originality of his approach to guitar, Stanley has been looked upon first and foremost as a musical original, orbiting in an artistic universe without predecessor or immediate successor. With his groundbreaking new album, State Of Nature (his first mainstream release in over a decade, and his debut for the Mack Avenue label), Stanley Jordan makes another bold step by using his music to aurally illustrate profoundly unifying truths about man's relationship to nature and humankind.

Since the late 90's, Too Smooth for Notes has been gaining popularity throughout the Midwest in the jazz subgenre referred to as smooth jazz, creating a "Too Smooth" buzz. Hailing from Lansing, Mich., this saxophone-led group effortlessly entertains audiences with an energized blend of jazz, R&B, pop, soul and gospel, conjuring an array of moods.

Too Smooth for Notes is saxophonist Phil Denny, keyboardist Sebastian Wood, bassist Arnold "AP" Pullium, guitarist Irvin Williams, drummer Joe Amerson and percussionist Craig Smith. For the last 10 years, these gentlemen have infused their individual influences to create a unique sound full of color and musical chemistry attracting a very diverse fan base.

Too Smooth For Notes has shared the stage with national and international recording artists, including Howard Hewitt, Tim Bowman, Gail Johnson, Randy Scott, Penny Wells, Al McKenzie, Savion Glover - and had the honor of performing an impromptu jam session with Stevie Wonder. The group recently brought to Lansing Grammy-nominated R&B vocalist, Lalah Hathaway, with whom they performed for a sold-out self-produced concert event. Currently, the band is working to complete their long-awaited CD while touring throughout the state. For more information on Too Smooth For Notes, visit their fan page on Facebook or MySpace. If you have not experienced the melodic sound of Too Smooth For Notes, prepare yourself for an engaging ride.