Led by guitarist Aimee Gwen, this group performs regularly throughout the Chicagoland Area. The band plays a mix of jazz including swing and bossa. 

Andrew Schlinder is a Chicago-based saxophonist. Following the receiving of his Bachelor’s in Music at Chicago College of the Performing Arts, he has been able to play with popular musicians like Ralph Bowen, John Swana, Lew Soloff, and many more. He plays regularly with a variety of jazz groups such as Bill O’Connell and the Chicago Skyliners, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, New Nostalgia to name a few. 

Beveled features the unusual instrumentation of two flugelhorns, two bass clarinets, and drums and bass, a combination that Davis explores to great and varied effect throughout Arc and Edge. “The name ‘Beveled’ is meant to evoke a soundscape that uses softer edges, unexpected angles, and a generally gentler and warmer side of modern creative music,” says Davis. The band got its start at the Green Mill’s Sunday Chicago Jazz Composers Collective series in 2013, released their first (self-titled) album in 2014, and played the Chicago Jazz Festival in 2015. A hiatus of several years followed as drummer Juan Pastor and bass clarinetist Michael Salter relocated overseas for extended periods. With their return, Davis reformed the ensemble and composed a new body of work, recording the EP Remain Calm literally the night before the COVID-19 lockdown hit Chicago in March 2020. Another hiatus unavoidably followed. With Arc and Edge, Davis and company return en force with crystalline performances of eleven sublime new Davis originals.

The Diego Rodriguez Big Band (DRBB) is a large jazz ensemble founded in Chicago in 2022 by drummer Diego Rodriguez. Honoring the legacy of Black American Music, the DRBB blends Post-Bop, R&B, and Latin influences with original compositions and unique arrangements, delivering a fresh, dynamic sound to the Chicago jazz scene. This close-knit group of young musicians shares a deep connection that comes through in every performance.

The band has performed at Andy’s Jazz Club, Fulton Street Collective, Epiphany Center for the Arts, and Elmhurst Hall, with festival appearances including the St. Charles Jazz Weekend, OQMS Jazz Festival, and the Chicagoland Classic. Guest artists have included Steve Wilson, Marques Carroll, Jeremy Kahn, Kevin King, Abigail Riccards, Victor Garcia, Tom Garling, and Kellin Hanas.

Howard Mandel of the Chicago Reader says "the members of Extraordinary Popular Delusions bring vast and varied experience to this underappreciated ensemble's regular weekly shows which follow no rules but their own." Jim Baker has been playing piano and synthesizer in and around Chicago and the world for a few decades, mostly in improvisational contexts. His work has been documented on more than eighty commercially released recordings, including recent and/or forthcoming work with Extraordinary Popular Delusions (usually comprised of some combination of Baker, Mars Williams, Edward Wilkerson Jr., Brian Sandstrom, and/or Steve Hunt); Rempis/Abrams/Ra+Baker; Urs Leimgruber and Jason Roebke; Charles Rumback; Brandon Lopez and Bill Harris; WiHuBa (with Wilkerson, Vandermark, and Ra); Bernard Santacruz and Samuel Silvant; Christoph Erb (with Frank Rosaly, Michael Zerang, or Steve Hunt); Junius Paul; Benjamin Vergara/Keefe Jackson/Phil Sudderberg; Dan Phillips; Forget to Find (with Jean-Luc Guionnet, Pierre-Antoine Badaroux, and Jason Roebke); and Madness of Crowds (with Brian Sandstrom, Matt Lux, Nate Lepine, and Joe Adamik). For a number of years in the 90s, Baker was the house pianist for the weekly Sunday evening jam sessions at the Velvet Lounge, For most of the last fifteen years, he has been playing most Mondays at Beat Kitchen with free-improvisation group Extraordinary Popular Delusions. Edward L. Wilkerson Jr. (born July 27, 1953 in Terre Haute, Indiana) is an internationally recognized American jazz composer, arranger, musician, and educator based in Chicago. As founder and director of the cutting-edge octet 8 Bold Souls, and the 25-member performance ensemble Shadow Vignettes, Wilkerson has toured festivals and concert halls throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. "Defender", a large-scale piece for Shadow Vignettes, was commissioned by the Lila Wallace/Reader's Digest Fund and featured in the 10th Anniversary of New Music America, a presentation of BAM's Next Wave Festival. His music can be heard on 14 recordings, including two film soundtracks and the critically acclaimed albums Birth of a Notion, and 8 Bold Souls, both on his own Sessoms Records label. Bassist/Guitarist Brian Sandstrom was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. He learned jazz and blues roots there before embarking on studies in contemporary classical and jazz bass at SIU (BFA, 1978). He subsequently made Chicago his home from 1979 through 2019. He began embarking on musical tours to Canada and Europe starting in 1988. He has recorded with numerous contemporary performers and educators (John Roothaan, Ed Petersen, Frank Portolese) and jazz legends (Von Freeman, Hal Russell, Frank Catalano). He is a regular member of the NRG Ensemble, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Witches and Devils and the Green Mill all-stars. He is continually looking for the "new thing". Drummer Steve Hunt has been active in the Chicago music scene since 1980 when he became a member of the Hal Russell NRG Ensemble. They toured nationally and internationally beginning in 1988 and released six recordings (Nessa, Abduction, Principally Jazz, and ECM) before Hal's passing in 1992. With the addition of Ken Vandermark, the NRG Ensemble continued touring internationally and released three recordings (Quinnah, Atavistic and Delmark), with a forthcoming release expected later this year featuring a live performance from 1997 in Utrecht. Among other groups, he has played on a mostly weekly basis with Extraordinary Popular Delusions since 2005, releasing two recordings (Harmonic Conversions and Okkadisk) which include Mars Williams on saxophones. He is als othe drummer for Witches and Devils, led by Mars Williams. They have released five recordings (Knitting Factory, Soul What Records, Astral Spirits) four of which are An Ayler Christmas which feature arrangements by Mars Williams of the music of Albert Ayler and Christmas music. Additionally, he is a member of WiHuBa which includeds Edward Wilkerson, Jr. and Jim Baker. The trio is featured on one self-released recording "Live at the Owl", recorded in 1988.

Gregory Hyde, a Billboard award-winning Chicago-based Singer/Songwriter who has toured North America as an original artist, and as an entertainer for major corporate events.

Gregory has shared the stage with notable performers like Jay Leno, Jim Gaffigan, Pat Benatar, Barenaked Ladies, Soul Asylum, 10,000 Maniacs, Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms, Los Lonely Boys, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Smithereens, The Jayhawks, Edwin McCain, Tesla, America, Guster, The Fixx, Air Supply, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bo Bice, and many others.

Jack Aiello first captured national attention with his spot-on impersonations of presidential candidates, earning him a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.  Now, at the age of 23, he’s stepping into a new spotlight—this time behind the microphone. In May of 2024, Jack made his singing debut as part of The Crooners’ Club, Jack sold out the house at Moonlight Theatre and we keep getting requests to have him back!  Jack brings his passion for classic jazz and swing to the stage, honoring the legendary voices that defined the genre. With his signature charm and a deep love for timeless melodies, he continues to entertain audiences in a whole new way!

Joel Ream is a guitarist/producer based in the Chicagoland area. He attended Northern Illinois University where he received a degree in Jazz Studies/Music Performance, and had the opportunity to study under virtuoso guitarist, Fareed Haque. Ream has performed with many Chicago-based musicians, and even toured with the NIU Jazz Ensemble. 

Kirby Fellis is an accomplished performer, educator, composer and arranger. Born and raised in South Florida, Fellis attended both Performing Arts Schools at Parkway Middle and Dillard High studying under Melton Mustafa Jr. and Christopher Dorsey respectively. Currently, he is the Graduate Assistant in the Jazz Studies field at Northern Illinois University. 

Chicago based bassist/composer and bandleader, Matt Ulery, has developed an instantly recognizable sound. Known for his sweeping lyricism, unconventional phrase structures, expressionistic emotionalism, Ulery’s music, from small, diverse chamber ensembles to full orchestras, is informed by the entire spectrum of jazz, classical, rock, pop, and folk– specifically American, South American, Balkan, and other European folk styles. He has been performing for 25 years on upright, electric, and brass basses.
For over two decades, Ulery has been the leader of his own groups and frequent collaborator. Ulery has produced and released 15 critically acclaimed albums of all original music under his name including with his latest, 11-piece mixed chamber jazz ensemble, Mannerist, from May 2023.  In 2014, Matt Ulery’s Loom performed on the NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series and was featured in Vanity Fair Magazine in a “rising jazz stars” feature article.

Jim Bartholomew & Rich Nelson, A/K/A ON the AIR, will be playing and adding sweet harmonies to songs from the "Great American Songbook", focusing on popular standards from Tin Pan Alley and the golden age of radio, the 1920s to the 1960s.

Formed in 2007, the Shout Section Big Band has been entertaining audiences at swing dances, weddings, corporate events, city concerts, festivals and schools all over the Midwest. They’ve been featured on WGN TV, WBEZ radio, and on the nationally syndicated television show, “Vampire Diaries.” They were hired by Amazon.com to perform 1940’s swing for the opening of the Amazon Prime series “A League of Their Own.” Staffed by some of the best musicians in the Chicago Area, you’re going to love listening to and dancing to Shout Section Big Band!

The St. Charles North Jazz Workshop is comprised of St. Charles North band students who have a passion for performing jazz music. 

Tina has shared the stage with numerous stars such as, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Sarah Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, and Lionel Richie to name a few. She has also appeared on the hit Fox TV show “Empire.” Her album “The Longest Journey” reached #1 on the UK Soul Charts.

Guitarist Alejandro Urzagaste is a midwestern native of South American descent whose musical interest piqued at an early age by popular music on the radio. He studied guitar at Northern Illinois University with Fareed Haque. Alejandro released "Urban Intervals," in January 2012.

In 2018 “Subject to Change,” was his first with the quartet Flow featuring Bill Carrothers on piano followed by “This From That,” in 2020.

They are currently working on the 3rd record entitled “Universal Translation,” recorded at Creation Audio in Minneapolis featuring Anthony Cox on bass and Ethan Kogan on drums. This latest quartet recording proves to be his best yet featuring the sounds of a stellar rhythm section and the accompaniment of Bill Carrothers,

Alejandro has toured and performed with Jodie Christian, Von Freeman, Rodney Whitaker, Ron Blake, Bobby Broom, Ron Perrillo, Fred Anderson, Malachi Favors and George Fludas.

He Plays Hofner guitars.

Chicago-based saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang has been garnering attention as one of the up-and-coming jazz musicians on the scene. As a bandleader, he currently leads the Arman Sangalang Quartet which feature his compositions that are informed by jazz, folk, and improvised music. His debut record “Quartet” was released on August 4th, 2023 on Calligram Records and garnered acclaim for Best First Release as Leader by RadioRadioX.

Throughout his career, he’s had the honor of sharing the stage with notable jazz artists such as Jon Irabagon, Clark Sommers, Lenard Simpson, Camila Mennitte, and countless others. His music has been performed prestigious venues like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and Chicago Jazz Festival. Other notable venues include The Green Mill, Hungry Brain, The California Clipper, The Whistler, the Epiphany Center for the Arts and the Logan Center for the Arts.

Arman has also received various accolades in the last few years. He was awarded grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for his debut album. In 2023, he was selected to be apart of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency in Delaware. In 2022, IRIS, a collective formed by Arman, was one of four groups across the U.S. selected for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy. The same year, Arman was also the awardee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Fellowship program.

Arman holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (Saxophone) at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he studied with Greg Ward, Tom Walsh, and Walter Smith III. He finished a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University in 2022 where he studied with Geof Bradfield.

In addition to being an active performer, Arman is a committed educator. While at NIU, Arman held a graduate assistantship where he coached jazz combos and taught courses. Most recently, he was the Woodwinds Teaching Artist for YOSAL and Santa Catalina School. During the summer he is a teaching assistant at Birch Creek Music Performance Center. He also held positions with After School Matters, Stafford Music Academy, NIU Community School for the Arts and South Suburban College.

Jukebox JBC and Colleen Wild founded The Black and Blue Hearts two years ago. They started as a band writing jazzy and torchy tunes about unrequited love and murder. When it came time to release an EP, Henry and Colleen decided to do something a little different. Inspired by their love for old time radio, The Spectral Silhouette Radio Show was born; a musical and comedic homage to the golden age of radio. In time their humble little duo grew into a multifaceted collective featuring great musicians and artists from all over the Chicagoland area.

Elaine Dame sings – and people stop and listen. Since 1996, the woman Time Out Chicago calls “a jazz dynamo” and “a gem in the city’s vocal jazz scene” has been turning heads and capturing attention at venerable jazz venues from coast to coast, bringing her unique, superlative interpretations to vintage vocal classics and modern standards alike. Originally from Toronto, Chris White has gained recognition as a leader with the albums Young at Heart and Tributaries. At home in a host of genres and settings, he has made his name as a go-to freelance pianist, arranger, and accompanist in the Chicago area. Bassist Joe Policastro is a Chicago-based performer, composer, educator, and bandleader. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, he spent time performing in Europe and settled in Chicago in early 2003. He is an in-demand bassist for vocalists, combos, and big bands alike. As a composer/arranger, he leads and contributes to a wide array of ensembles.

Fantasy Master's is a band playing a style of smooth jazz that has been around since the 1970's.

A timeless voice outlasts eras. It feels just as at home in the sixties as it does in the TikTok age. It also resounds louder as time goes on. Haley Reinhart brandishes such a voice. Haley plays regularly with Robby Krieger of The Doors among other rock legends; she continues to keep her rock ‘n’ roll roots intact.

The gold-certified Chicago-born/Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter exudes an empowering level of charisma and confidence earned by a quiet, decade-long grind. Haley landed third place and became a fan favorite on season 10 of American Idol. She recently returned to AI, this time as a mentor, coaching contestants singing in the Soul Genre.

Jack Macklin is a Guitarist, Composer, and educator originally hailing from Chicago, IL. Macklin's love for the guitar began at an early age starting with the first song he learned how to play; "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osborne. This sparked a life-long pursuit for Macklin to explore and discover the impact of music on humanity. Macklin's music is deeply inspired by improvisation and the lineage of master musicians who came before while exploring the boundaries of modern music by blurring the lines of what a genre can be.  Macklin now resides in Nashville, Tennessee where he continually interacts with Nashville's best musicians and is invested in the community. Macklin is continuing to compose and perform regularly in Nashville and beyond.

The Jack Macklin Trio is a bright light in the growing community of improvised music. The Trio will uniquely navigate their way through popular songs ranging from the present to the 1950’s, as well as sprinkle in original material.

Macklin is known throughout the community as a young lion and has already performed with many notable musicians at the age of 25 including; Matt Ulery, Greg Ward, Joel Frahm, Donny McCaslin, Marcus Finnie, Dave Douglas, Don Aliquo, Bruce Foreman, and many others. Macklin has been a part of many successful projects including the notable "Red Door Band" which was featured in news articles by Chicago Read and WGN. The band also released an EP in the summer of 2020, which features Macklin as a co-leader in the group. Macklin is invested in his trio which released its debut EP entitled One that's on all streaming services and for sale on his website. His experience working with admired musicians from many different traditions has made him an interactive, and versatile musician who is finding his distinct musical voice.

Macklin's goal is to create a band that goes above and beyond genres to connect with the audience on a personal level and to have a compelling experience that leaves the listener wanting more. 

John Wesley III was born and raised in Chicago, where his father played trumpet and his mother directed and sang in the church choir. Music has played a large part in the Wesley household. At about age 12, John heard his first live jazz saxophone solo. It was love at first note. From there, his life as a musician began. From the Gallery 37 Jazz Band internship to the Chicago All-City Jazz Ensemble. From the ensemble came the creation of the John Wesley Experience (JWE), a group of musicians that come together to make people feel good. JWE is currently in residence at The Duplex in Chicago's Logan Square on the third Thursday of every month.

The Magen Kranz Quartet is a group of performers branching from St. Charles North’s music program whose goal is to perform as much as they can in the Chicagoland area to share their love for jazz. The Magen Kranz Quartet consists of Magen Kranz on the guitar, Ian Levin on the trumpet, Cam Enders on the drums, and Riley Stitz on Double Bass & Electric Bass Guitar.

At the ripe old age of 17, Michael has already begun to establish himself as a formidable improvisor, ensemble player and all-around musician. He began studying with renowned saxophonist Gary Smulyan at the age of 12 and quickly began devouring every opportunity for selective school-aged jazz ensembles and competitions. For the past year, Michael has been studying with contemporary jazz alto sax phenom Sharel Cassity, and playing gigs around the Chicago area with various established performers from the Chicago jazz scene. Michael just returned from the ultra-selective Jazz at Lincoln Center two-week jazz program at Bard College in New York, where he was one of 40 students selected from an international pool of applicants to study with a faculty of internationally acclaimed jazz masters including bassist Professor Rodney Whitaker and guitarist Mark Whitfield. Michael is excited for his return to gigging in the Chicago area.

Hi! We are a small combo based out of Dekalb County comprised of young, local musicians. We play a large variety of standards, from bebop to ballads and sambas, including a couple of our own compositions. Our goal is to bring live music to small local businesses and venues across Northern Illinois. So please feel free to reach out and support live music!

Crooner Nick Pontarelli, with an 18-piece orchestra, is bringing his show to the Arcada stage.  Nick is a crowd-favorite in our Club Arcada Speakeasy.  Don’t miss your chance to hear him perform the music of Frank Sinatra LIVE on stage.

Opening the afternoon’s show will be Close To Karen, A Tribute to Karen Carpenter.  Hear the beautiful songs of The Carpenters including “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “Close To You”, “We’ve Only Just Begun” and so many more!

An amalgamation of musical influences, Tatum Langley is a Chicago-born, raised, and based vocalist & performer specializing in jazz & musical theatre styles. With mesmerizing vocal agility, captivating stage presence, and a voice that is certainly larger than her small build may suggest, Tatum has charmed the audiences of cozy jazz clubs & intimate cabaret venues, as well as shaken the rafters of internationally-renowned performance spaces across the globe such as The London Palladium, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Albert Hall. She regularly records & tours globally with musical sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”, amassing millions of views online, and sings with some of Chicago’s top swing bands & musicians. She regularly performs shows of her own at venues such as The Drake Hotel's Coq d'Or supper club series, Winter’s Jazz Club, Andy’s Jazz Club, and she recently wrote, produced, and performed her own original cabaret, "A Walk Down 42nd Street: Broadway's Biggest Hits & Best Kept Secrets". She has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University, and has professional regional theatre credits under her belt, ranging from Shakespeare, to contemporary & Golden Age musical theatre, to large-scale original theme park production shows. She believes that telling a story & connecting with others through performance is a necessary healing force in this world, allowing us to learn from & understand one another better.

The Toby Morden Jazz Trio is an ensemble in the Fox Valley that loves to play at any opportunity.

Andrew Egizio is a jazz trumpeter from the Chicagoland Area. Graduating from DePaul University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies, Egizio had the opportunity to play with the DePaul Jazz Workshop. He has performed at many restaurants throughout St. Charles and the surrounding area, and at a variety of Chicago jazz club staples such as Andy’s Jazz Club and the Jazz Showcase.

Enjoy a concert featuring the marriage of classical and jazz music by the French composer Claude Bolling. This performance features special guest violinist James Martin, with bassist Cory Biggerstaff, Darren Scorza on drums, and pianist Richard Sladek performing Bolling’s Suite for Violin and Jazz Piano Trio.

Initially rooted in the underground punk scene, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies made waves with their unique fusion of swing-era jazz and modern rock elements, gaining a reputation for their explosive live performances. They burst into the mainstream in 1997 with the release of Zoot Suit Riot, an album that celebrated the swing revival of the late 1990s. The title track became an instant hit, propelling the band to international fame and selling over two million copies. Musically, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies are hard to pin down. They fluidly navigate a range of styles, from the big band swing sound of Zoot Suit Riot to the ska-punk of albums like Kids on the Street and Rapid City Muscle Car. With roots in alternative and punk rock, the Daddies have always pushed boundaries, creating music that feels fresh and innovative. Their ability to seamlessly blend vintage swing with modern genres like ska and rock has allowed them to stand out in a crowded musical landscape, while appealing to a wide variety of listeners. The band’s vision, led by charismatic frontman Steve Perry, is grounded in a love for American music traditions and a rebellious spirit. Perry’s songwriting often tackles deep social issues, but with a playful, irreverent edge that keeps listeners hooked. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies have always been about more than nostalgia—they bring a modern sensibility to classic sounds, breathing new life into the swing genre while staying true to their punk roots. Their music speaks to both die-hard swing fans and those seeking something new and different. For new fans, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies offer an exciting journey through American music, on their new recording At The Pink Rat, a 12 song Swing high energy album experimenting with: 40’s Big Band, Ragtime Hot Jazz, salacious mid-century Bump and Grind, slap bass Rockabilly and much more.

Ethan is a singer / songwriter from Sycamore, Illinois. 

Now a touring musician, you can catch him in music halls Detroit to Nashville.

"I've always found songwriting to be cathartic. If all my music ever does is connect with one person, I've done my job-- music has changed my life more times than I can count"

2023 saw the release of Ethan's full-length debut record, 'Crossroads'. 

Influenced by the rock and roll of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, outlaw country, and folk, production of his sophomore album, 'Into The Flood' is underway and slated for release in 2025.

Frank Catalano is a 3-time Grammy-winning, and 11-time Grammy-nominated jazz saxophone player who has been heard by millions of people all over the globe. He has recorded alongside notable artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, and John Legend. His most recent album, “Tokyo No. 9” was recorded in collaboration with Jimmy Chamberlin, the drummer for the alternative rock band “The Smashing Pumpkins”.

Inversion is a new form of the group includes Saxophone, piano, bass, and drums. We can be booked as a duo, trio, or quartet and I am available to do solo performances with background tracks.

Jimmy Farace is a dedicated jazz baritone saxophonist, composer, and educator based in the vibrant city of Chicago. Farace is known for collaborating with acclaimed musicians and presenting innovative projects that blend jazz tradition with a unique, thematic approach. His compositions have been described as “delightfully elegant, flirtatiously succulent” (Exclusive Magazine) and tone has been celebrated as “big and sonorous – visceral while giving hints of Gerry Mulligan coolness” (Jazz Weekly). Farace firmly believes that music should be accessible to all, serving as a universal language that communicates themes and emotions shared by every human being. 

Canadian born guitarist Kevin Brown is an accomplished classical and jazz guitarist.  Studying guitar from a young age under his uncle Peter Ulrich and later being inspired by his high school band director Jeff Kula, he has gone on to study and perform with many world-class musicians.

Brown has a BM in guitar performance from Wheaton College where he studied under Steve Ramsdell, Nicole Mitchell and Audrey Morrison.  Brown also has a MM in Jazz Composition from DePaul University where he studied with Bob Palmieri, Tom Matta, Mark Colby, Ron Perillo and Bob Lark.  Other notable teachers include Canadian guitarists Larry Roy, David Letkemann and Willie Wiebe; additional studies with Chicago guitarists Mike Allemana, Scott Hesse and Fareed Haque; and additional masterclasses with John Patitucci, Steve Coleman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Rez Abbasi, Gary Smulyan, Gene Bertoncini, Xuefei Yang, Oscar Ghiglia, Anne Waller and Mark Maxwell.

Kevin Brown has performed with artists such as Benny Golson, Bobby Watson, LAGQ, Jimmy Greene, Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, Marquis Hill, Victor Garcia, Chris Madsen, Marques Carroll, Jon Irabagon, Tim Ries, Matt Harris, Curtis Nowosad, Luke Sellick, Pete Benson, Michael Raynor, Juan Pastor, Matt Ferguson and many others.  He has performed at premier Chicago jazz clubs including the Green Mill and the Jazz Showcase; and he has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Jazz Up Glen Ellyn, and the Chi-town Jazz Festival; and presented classical guitar recitals on college campuses and concert series throughout Chicagoland including chamber music performances.  He has independently released three albums of music with the Chicago group Mosaik.  In 2025 Brown will be releasing a collection of original arrangements of Advent music for jazz quintet featuring Andy Schlinder, Matt Peterson, James Ross and Lucas Gillan.

Mario  Dueñas, born from an Italian family in Guayaquil, Ecuador on April 23,  1985, was introduced to music at the age of 5, developing a special interest in harmony, and soon began a self-teaching process through record transcription and bibliographic studies.

Years later, Mario established a variety of ensembles to further explore  both the languages of composition as well as performance. After experiencing the music of Bill Evans and John Coltrane along with many  other master improvisers, he decided to continue a deeper study into the nature of improvisation.

In 2008, traveled to the United States. By 2014, moved from Texas to  Illinois, where he currently resides with his wife and two children.  Since 2014, the continuation of this musical journey, led to the Mario Dueñas Solo, Duet and Trio acts, performing regularly all around the  Chicago, Wisconsin and Indiana areas. In 2024, Dueñas released “Fruits of the  Spirit”, a solo guitar meditation featuring acoustic textures with motivic explorations inspired by jazz aesthetics and spiritual writings.

New Vintage Strings is a contemporary string quartet known for its distinctive blend of jazz, classic rock, pop & alternative instrumental covers with a Classical touch. NVS presents the songs you love like you’ve never heard them before - modern takes on timeless classics. Their unique instrumentation (two violins, viola, double bass), blend of diverse genres and rotation of outstanding musicians sets NVS apart from the traditional string quartet. Classically-trained, experienced orchestral players and music educators, the members of NVS strive to share their passion for music with their community and bring the perfect balance of energy and elegance to any setting.

St. Charles, Illinois native, Samuel Wyatt, is a pianist/singer/songwriter/producer who has been creating music for various projects for the last 15 years in the Chicago area. Samuel is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Jazz piano, and has had the opportunity to open for Blues Traveler and Counting Crows with his former national touring band, Train Company.

The St. Charles East Jazz Workshop is comprised of St. Charles East band students who have a passion for performing jazz music.

Ten Cat Swing is a Chicago-based acoustic quartet, bringing a fresh twist to the jazz standards everyone loves. Our music captures the essence of gypsy jazz and beyond, offering the perfect blend of timeless melodies and innovative arrangements. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or someone new to the genre, our tunes are engaging, easy to listen to, and will make you want to dance, swoon, or croon along with us! Ten Cat Swing performs at a variety of venues and events, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, bringing jazz to life wherever we play, and delivering an unforgettable musical experience that is truly “the cat's meow”!

Beyond Standard is a modern Jazz ensemble founded by group leader Trevor Hill. The group performs both the great traditional jazz standards crowds love and expect and original tunes written by Trevor and current band members. Beyond Standard gives new life to covers with original modern arrangements of music from movies, TV and video games. They have performed at a variety of local indoor and outdoor venues including the Downtown Wheaton Association events, Fulton Street Collective and Epiphany Center for the Arts and Trevor’s hit single, Turtle Beach, played on WDCB Jazz Radio. Trevor Hill has co-produced three albums. Territorism and Pangaea Ultima contain all originals, while Contemplanet presents his own renditions of jazz standards and video game covers. Beyond Standard is a 3-5 piece band and is a great addition to any party or event