Performer Bios

Thursday, August 1

 

Anthony Taylor Trio

Anthony Taylor has an impressive music resume including co-writing and producing Cried, a Pop Billboard Top 10 single with Candice Glover. Anthony has also lent his musical talents to shows like Saturday Night Live, The Jimmy Fallon Show, Today Show, Carson Daily New Years' Eve Show and more. Don’t miss this nationally known musician performing right here in Old Town. See Anthony at JazzFest Michigan 2024 playing in Urban Beat Thursday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m.

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Walter Blanding & Friends

Walter Blanding embodies the spirit of a modern saxophonist – adept in jazz tradition, fluent in diverse styles, and a passionate educator. From his beginnings in New York City to his international acclaim, Blanding’s story is a testament to dedication, versatility, and pushing the boundaries of his instrument. Walter playing with a group of accomplished musician friends will be a performance not to be missed during JazzFest Michigan on Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Urban Beat.

 

Friday, August 2

 

School of Rock 

School of Rock East Lansing delivers a revolutionary music program to students. Our school is proud to offer lessons in guitar, drums, keyboard, vocals, and more, taught by practicing, passionate musicians. Students can refine their skills in popular styles such as pop and then go on to perform at notable live music venues. School of Rock's Adult Program is for students who are looking to improve their musical proficiency or begin with no prior musical experience.

 

JAMM Band

The future is here! Listen to some of the best and brightest young Jazz Musicians at JazzFest 2024! The Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan, or JAMM for short, awards a music scholarship annually to a deserving young jazz musician. This JAMM Scholarship Group is formed with past and present scholarship winners, and is led by local pro Doug Fritch, on guitar. The scholarship awardees also have several paid opportunities to perform with professional musicians.

 

Bill Cessna

Bill Cessna is a jazz pianist/multi-instrumentalist with a mission to create and present musical experiences that preserve and celebrate Jazz Music and the genius of improvisation. Bill graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a masters degree in jazz piano. Bill performs in Detroit and Chicago, as well as continuing to teach and grow his private piano studio, compose new music, and lead his own group, the Bill Cessna Trio which released their first album “Background Music” in 2022.

 

Freddie Cunningham and F&J Inc.

Lansing’s own Blues legend, Freddie Cunningham brings his powerful, yet smooth vocals and storytelling prowess to the JazzFest stage. After 32 years as the voice and sound of Root Doctor, Michigan’s most celebrated Blues band, Freddie is happy to be back on stage still captivating his listeners. Bringing his own personal flair to blues classics and crowd favorites, don’t miss Freddie and fellow musicians for an unforgettable blues experience.

 

Minor Element

Minor Element is an all-instrumental jazz fusion band from West Michigan. The band was founded by Keyboardist Brandon Fitzpatrick in 2012. Their sound is inspired by Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Classical, Fusion, and more. Minor Element now includes nine diverse musicians who come from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and experiences making their blended sound unique. From performing alongside The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra to playing in small pubs, Minor Element is sure to please audiences.

 

Clique Vocals

Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner met as members of Singers on the Grand, and their similar approach to performing and a shared love of singing jazz led to the formation of Clique in 2016. The duo performs classic jazz ballads of the 1920s–50s, plus a mix of pop and contemporary arranged in a unique style with tight harmonies. Seen frequently throughout Mid-Michigan, they are the featured vocalists with Lansing Concert Band’s Jazz Big Band.

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Tumbao Bravo

Formed in 2004, Tumbao Bravo has won the Detroit Music Awards on three different occasions for Best Jazz Recording, Best World Music Recording, and Best World Music Band. Featuring tight arrangements and sizzling solo work, Tumbao Bravo performs the authentic rhythms of Cuba including mambo, cha cha, rumba, and bolero, combined with rich, original jazz harmonics featuring congas, timbales, sax, flute, piccolo, trumpet, piano, and bass. This six-member group will make you want to move!

 

Bashiri Asad

Acknowledging that each of us has a priceless gift that we must harness and share with the world, Bashiri Asad has come to define his sound as "IndySoul". Hailing from Indianapolis, Bashiri Asad is an award-winning Soul/Jazz Singer-Songwriter, who's recent album "The Everyday Soulsinger" was released during 2023 Indy Jazz Fest. Bashiri will remind you that feeling what you feel, in your soul, is just fine. Bashiri exudes his IndySoul passion with every song!

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Saturday, August 3

 

Olivia Van Goor with Ruben Stump

Olivia Van Goor is an award-winning Detroit-based jazz vocalist, band leader, arranger, and composer. Van Goor created two EPs, “When the Shadows Fall” in 2021 and “Don’t Be Mad At Me” in 2023. Nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album of 2021 by the Detroit Music Awards, and Outstanding Vocalist in 2023, Van Goor has produced the show “Duets” with vocalist/bassist Reuben Stump exploring the history of vocal jazz duets and as well as her own arrangements.

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Tom Duffield

Tom Duffield’s piano work has been a part of the jazz and blues scene for decades. His repertoire includes interpretations of the standards as well as some surprises. A regular at music festivals on the west side of the state, we are glad to have Tom Duffield at JazzFest Michigan again this year! Known for wonderful renditions of jazz and blues classics as well as original work, Tom is sure to please even the most seasoned listener.

 

Lansing Concert Band-Big Band

A local favorite, The Lansing Concert Band Big Band was formed by members of the Lansing Concert Band who wanted an opportunity to play the great jazz standards and bring this exciting art form to mid-Michigan audiences. Jim Kasprzak, lead trumpet, directs this dynamic 18-piece group comprised of traditional jazz-era instrumentation including full sections of saxophones, trombones and trumpets, plus a swingin’ rhythm section. The ensemble also features vocalists Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner.

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Matt Von Roderick

Inhabiting the rarified air of innovative jazz trumpeter and heart-centered crooner, Matt Von Roderick has been hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by the New York Times and "a top-drawer trumpeter who also sings like an angel obscured by a storm cloud” by JazzTimes Magazine. Expect an intimate performance celebrating Von Roderick’s latest album, Celestial Heart, that seamlessly weaves together classic lush tones with audacious experimentation, incorporating multiphonics, melodic vocals, and even hints of spoken word poetry.

 

The Faith Quashie Quintet

The Faith Quashie Quintet is a harmonious fusion of musical talents that redefines the essence of jazz. This quintet is not just a musical group; it's an enchanting journey through the realms of rhythm, melody, and soulful improvisation. Led by the brilliant vision of Faith Quashie, a virtuoso musician and visionary, this quintet is poised to captivate hearts and minds with their distinctive blend of sounds painting vibrant sonic landscapes that range from traditional jazz to contemporary improvisation.

 

Tom Duffield

Tom Duffield’s piano work has been a part of the jazz and blues scene for decades. His repertoire includes interpretations of the standards as well as some surprises. A regular at music festivals on the west side of the state, we are glad to have Tom Duffield at JazzFest Michigan again this year! Known for wonderful renditions of jazz and blues classics as well as original work, Tom is sure to please even the most seasoned listener.

 

Marbin

Marbin is a progressive jazz-rock band based in Chicago, with a unique story that stands out in today's music world. With a do-it-yourself approach, Marbin started touring extensively in 2011, bringing their original instrumental music to every part of the United States. Through word of mouth, Marbin has gained hundreds of thousands of devoted fans all over the world and has sold tens of thousands of albums. Marbin has released eight albums and performs throughout the US.

 

Matt Von Roderick

Inhabiting the rarified air of innovative jazz trumpeter and heart-centered crooner, Matt Von Roderick has been hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by the New York Times and "a top-drawer trumpeter who also sings like an angel obscured by a storm cloud” by JazzTimes Magazine. Expect an intimate performance celebrating Von Roderick’s latest album, Celestial Heart, that seamlessly weaves together classic lush tones with audacious experimentation, incorporating multiphonics, melodic vocals, and even hints of spoken word poetry.

 

Planet d Nonet

Detroit’s Planet d Nonet is nationally known for curating some of the best in early jazz traditions and Black-American musical influences from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. Nominated and awarded multiple honors over the past decade, the band’s repertoire is unmatched, in one set paying tribute to the music of Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson, and in another the proto-R&B sounds of Detroit artists such as Paul “Hucklebuck” Williams and King Porter.