Jazz Fest performers

BWB featuring Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown This supergroup is the perfect vehicle to showcase the talent of three incredible musicians. Braun is a world-renowned trumpeter with vocals to match. Whalum was inspired by his gospel background to create the unmistakably rich tenor that is his trademark sound. And Norman Brown continues to enjoy the spoils of success as a Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer and vocalist known for his sultry blend of R&B and contemporary jazz.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Defining and refining the signature sound dubbed as “Supafunkrock,” Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews blends old-school jazz, funk and soul, layered with some good, old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. The band, featuring Mike Ballard on bass, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on drums, Dan Pestreicher on baritone sax and Tim McFatter on tenor sax, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2010 for their debut album Backatown and they have recently toured in support of their latest album, For True.
Euge Groove A graduate of the Miami School of Music, Euge Groove is sure to deliver his trademark contemporary funk/blues. His style has earned the attention of such artists as Peter White, Rick Braun, Jeff Golub, Paul Brown and Gregg Karukas, all of whom join him on his 2011 release S7ven Large. Groove has also toured with such big names as Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and Aaron Neville.
Gerald Albright With a reputation as a “musician’s musician,” this multi-instrumentalist has sold over 1,000,000 self-produced albums in the U.S. alone. Albright provides the saxophone, bass guitar, keyboards, flute, drum programming and vocals. He was also among ten featured saxophonists to perform at President Clinton’s inauguration.
Gregory Porter This Grammy-nominee exhibits an incredible degree of vocal mastery, earning the respect and admiration of many top musicians in jazz including Wynton Marsalis. He is enjoying the success of his debut release, Water, which echoes tones reminiscent of his influence Nat King Cole.
Najee This Platinum selling artists is revered as a Smooth Urban Jazz Icon. Najee is known for his skills as a natural born storyteller, multi-instrumentalist and leader in contemporary jazz and R&B fusion. He has four gold records under his belt.
Poncho Sanchez For more than three decades as a bandleader and as a sideman, Sanchez has perfected his brand of Latin-infused jazz and soul. His infectious melodies and rhythms continue to stir up his trademark sound. Sanchez released his 25th recording as a bandleader in 2011, paying tribute to his most prominent Latin Jazz influences.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy The pioneers of the new swing revolution were founded in 1993 and haven’t stopped swinging yet. BBVD, featuring Scotty Morris, Kurt Sodergren, Dirk Shumaker, Andy Rowley, Glen “the kid” Marhevka, Karl Hunter and Joshua Levy, is celebrating their 20th anniversary and touring in support of their most recent album, Rattle Them Bones.
Yellow Dog Jazz Band This Tallahassee act will open the 2013 Jacksonville Jazz Festival on the Swingin’ Stage with a hopping set of Dixieland revival. The Yellow Dog Jazz Band is committed to the preservation of the Dixieland legacy through entertainment and educational outreach efforts.
Doug Carn This St. Augustine native is also a Jacksonville University alumni with several albums under his belt on Black Jazz Records. Carn is an accomplished musician and educator who has played with many notable artists including Nat Adderley, Earth, Wind & Fire, Shirley Horn and Lou Donaldson.
Just Jazz Quartet An ensemble of talented jazz veterans, this quartet is an instrumental and vocal powerhouse. Just Jazz has performed extensively at outdoor festivals, corporate venues and private engagements. The quartet is comprised of Andrew Stack, Ryan Davis, Joe Bourchier and Gary Keenan.
Gary Starling Artist in Residence and Professor of Guitar at Jacksonville University, Starling is fortunate to share his passion for jazz with his hundreds of aspiring musicians. He has played with such performers as Bob Hope, Diahann Carroll, Rita Moreno and Skitch Henderson and has appeared with the Jacksonville Symphony Pops Orchestra. Starling is a 2012 inductee into the Jacksonville Jazz Hall of Fame.
John Ricci Quartet He has been a performer, jazz educator and instructor in North Florida for over a decade. Ricci composed and arranged his debut release which includes performances by some of the region’s finest musicians. He is also a former winner of the jazz song category at the Independent Music Awards for his single, ‘Made Time.’
Von Barlow’s Jazz Journey Barlow’s musical journey will take you many places, as house drummer for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, member of the rhythm section for the festival’s Great American Piano Competition and one of the most sought after jazz drummers in the southeast. He has played along such greats as Lou Rawls, the Ray Charles Trio, O.C. Smith, Arthur Prysock, Etta James and Mose Allison.
Elisha Parris This urban jazz pianist is also a songwriter and producer in Jacksonville. Parris has developed a signature style of keyboard which has earned several spots at jazz festivals and clubs across the country. He was a member of the renowned Edward Waters College Chorale and is a past recipient of the NCP Musician of the Year Award.
AMP Trio The acoustic piano trio is comprised of Addison Frei, Matt Young and Perrin Grace. The talented young musicians met while attending the University of North Florida. Together, their sound captures rich, melodic textures through musicianship and the freedom of improvisation.
St. Johns River City Band Since 1984, the St. Johns River City Band has performed public, private, and educational programs emphasizing traditional American music and jazz. It is the official band of Jacksonville and the State of Florida.
The Katz Downstairz These artists are making a name for themselves with their unique hybrid of jazz, hip hop, neo soul, rock and R&B with unmistakable urban undertones. Based in Jacksonville, the Katz Downstairs generated a local stir by hosting their bi-weekly “Live Basement Parties” as a nod to the old school house party and regularly perform in the city’s Downtown area.
Tropic of Cancer Some of the most familiar names in the local music scene make up this dynamic group of artists. Tropic of Cancer bills its style as New World Lounge, “a mix of jazzy jams, worldly beats and saucy rhythms stewed together instrumentally.” They have performed at the Jacksonville Jazz Fest, Blackwater Music and Arts Fest and the Veg Fest.
Ya Gozo’ Known as the pioneers of Latin jazz in northeast Florida since 1996, Ya Gozo’ blends contemporary and classic jazz standards with a distinctly Latin flavor. The band features Al Ortiz, Julio Bello, Otto Pedraza, Tony Scozzaro and Felix Colon.
Firecracker Jazz Band Paying tribute to the roots of jazz music, the Firecracker Jazz Band is an homage to the sound of Dixieland. They have performed at such notable gatherings as Bonnaroo, the Highline Ballroom in NYC, the Sacramento Jazz Fest and on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Akia Uwanda This consummate entertainer reflects all the genres of art, music and culture that inspired her as a child and led her to develop her own style of smooth jazz, soul and R&B. Uwanda has opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and regularly performs at the Casa Monica in St. Augustine and numerous local civic functions. She also recently appeared at the Jacksonville Jazz Series alongside her 8-year-old daughter.
JB Scott’s Swingin’ Allstars This group of professional, local artists carved a niche for themselves playing Chicago swing and New Orleans-style jazz led by trumpeter, Scott. Jazz chanteuse Lisa Kelly and “all-star” musicians Dave Steinmeyer, Jim Snyder, Eric Mason, Ken Calhoun and Steve Salo round out this group of supreme and spirited players.
Noel Freidline A fixture in the regional music scene for over 30 years, Friedline is an accomplished pianist, arranger, composer and educator. He still leads the band he assembled in 1992, a testament to his commitment and dedication to creating masterful musical landscapes. He currently resides with his family in Charlotte, NC.
Linda Cole & The Joshua Bowlus Quartet Cole hails from a distinguished musical lineage, performing with her family’s group, the Singing Coles, as a small child and as the niece of the legendary Nat King Cole. Bowlus also began playing piano at a young age and describes his classically trained style as modern jazz with an old soul.