David Throckmorton Quartet
May 13th, 5:00 PM
David Throckmorton has performed worldwide with artists including Maynard Ferguson, David Fiuczynski, Tony Grey, Hotei, and Javon Jackson. David is 1/3 of the DTC Organ Trio featuring guitarist Dan Wilson and organist Cliff Barnes. David leads or co-leads his ensembles, including Beam, Thoth Trio, Smash Your Wagon, and The David Throckmorton Quartet. David performs clinics and masterclasses worldwide and endorses Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Vic Firth Drumsticks.
James Moore Plays Jobim
May 27th, 5:00 PM
Dr. Moore is an active member of the Pittsburgh jazz community where he is a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and has been a member of RH Factor—the Roger Humphries quintet. In addition to his work in Pittsburgh he performs regularly with the Norman David Eleventet in Philadelphia as well as many other collaborative ventures in that city. He has performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Ahmad Jamal, Sheryl Bailey, Tim Warfield, and the Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra. Moore appeared on Bob Mintzer’s GRAMMY nominated album For the Moment, released on the MCG Jazz label in 2012.
Molly Miller Trio
June 10th, 5:00 PM
From creating the Molly Miller Trio with Jennifer Condos and Jay Bellerose in 2016 to playing and touring with artists like Jason Mraz, to teaching guitar at the University of Southern California, Molly brings a passion for music and a sophisticated, raw style to everything she does.
“The best things in life happen naturally, which has been true for me,” Molly says. “I’ve been able to have a diversified career that has served me very well and I think it all informs each other. Not only does it keep me busy, it keeps me challenged. I’m fortunate that everything I do brings me joy and the goal is to grow from it as well.”
Bassel & The Supernaturals
June 24th, 5:00 PM
Bassel & The Supernaturals tells the story of Bassel Almadani's experience as a first generation Syrian-American using soulful melodies, funk inspired rhythms, and captivating lyrics regarding love, loss, otherness, and the war in Syria. They made their national television debut in May 2024 as part of a new PBS docuseries starring Dule Hill entitled The Express Way, regarding the transformative power of the arts.
Adam Brock Quintet
Featuring Mike Tomaro
July 8tth, 5:00 PM
As a musician, Adam started singing in church, where he discovered his love of using his God-given gift to bless others. Through a series of musical twists & turns, Adam found his love for what he affectionately calls "Blue Music." Pulling from Gospel, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Swing, Funk & Soul, Adam has created a sound that is unique & recognizably his.
Mike Tomaro has been the Director of Jazz Studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, since 1997. A saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator, he wrote one of the definitive books on jazz arranging used by countless high school and college band directors. “Instrumental Jazz Arranging - A Comprehensive and Practical Guide” is published by Hal Leonard.
Kenny Blake and the New Hip
July 22nd, 5:00 PM
Jazz saxophonist and composer Kenny Blake earned critical acclaim and reached the top of the jazz charts with his four releases on Heads Up Records. His “soul hybrid” sound combines traditional jazz with modern rhythm and blues. Kenny Blake's R&B-tinged solos delight fans around the world. Kenny has performed as a solo artist and sideman throughout the United States, Europe, and South Africa. In the mid-80s, Blake toured with the MCA pop-jazz recording artists Cabo Frio and performed his compositions on their 1987 self-titled release. With airplay on smooth jazz and quiet storm radio stations, Blake’s 1991 solo release “Interior Design” climbed to number 15 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. He again reached the jazz charts at number 20 with the “Rumor Has It” album in 1992.
Hugo Cruz and Caminos
August 5th, 5:00 PM
Hugo Alexander Cruz Machado is an award-winning Cuban-born drummer and composer leading the group Caminos, which blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz and funk. He has performed internationally, including at prominent venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Jazz Plaza festival in Havana. Hugo's debut album with Caminos, "Punto de Partida," was released in 2022, featuring original compositions and collaborations with musicians from Pittsburgh and Cuba. He is also dedicated to music education, teaching workshops and courses at various institutions and receiving multiple grants to support his projects and performances.
John Shannon's Adventure Time
August 19th, 5:00 PM
John Shannon is a guitarist and composer who grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and began playing music at age 6. After working professionally during high school and studying with local greats Dwayne Dolphin, Eric Kloss, and Mike Ross, he went on to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with jazz luminaries Mick Goodrick and Hal Crook. John also formed the group Waking Vision Trio with musicians during this time and began touring Europe at 19. Moving to New York City, John performed as a freelance guitarist for many artists and albums across genres, such as Sonya Kitchell, Hiromi, and Bob Reynolds. During this time, John also recorded three records under his name for the record label ObliqSound.