"The very essence of taste lies somewhere within the dance between Jeanine Mackie’s warm but wise torch stylings and the lyrical Parker-esque impressionism that Pat Perez weaves around her as effortless, supporting colour… such are the finest ingredients that reveal sophisticated sensitivity and honed appreciation for nothing less than the finest of everything." Steve Greaves, Hollywood, California

Jeanine Mackie
Jeanine has performed extensively in and around her home base of Toronto and built a substantial following of loyal fans.  She has recorded and produced two albums, and as well as performing with Blue Martini Jazz can be seen regularly with herself titled R&B band. Jeanine has a unique gift as a singer and performer, the rare ability to find the hidden truth in anything she sings, carve out her own emotional, territory and make the performance her own.  The result is an evening that transcends mere rendition and with the thoughtful choice of music and lyric leaves the audience asking questions about their own lives.

In 2003, Jeanine joined Pat Perez and formed Blue Martini Jazz.  They set out on a musical journey to find in her words "our place."

Pat Perez
Pat Perez has performed on numerous television shows, records, film scores, concerts and club dates with a variety of local and international artists.  He has written music for television and theatre productions and won a dora mavor moore award for his theatre work as well as recording two albums of original material.  He has toured extensively and internationally.

"I sat in with Jeanine’s band one night and was knocked out with every thing she did, but toward the end of the evening she sang a jazz standard and I knew she was very special.  She has a wonderful sense of phrasing and I felt I knew just how to compliment it, when to add something, when to pull back and after a few choruses I became one long beautiful sentence with a great sense of shape, line and space.  Sometime when you play with people they just know what to do, nothing has to be said they just feel it, and that’s how it was.  Jeanine has an extra dimension in her performance, she gets lost in the song she feels it so deeply, and for that brief time she’s on stage the audience feels it with her, that's rare.  All through that tune there was such a beautiful musical understanding between us.  I think the idea for Blue Martini Jazz started right there."

Visit Blue Martini online at www.bluemartinijazz.com.

The Chu Nero Trio is like 3 bands in one, with Chu's versatility allowing the band's sound to change depending on the instrument he's playing. Chu is talented whether he's on the piano and sax, in addition to being a gifted vocalist. This enables the group to perform a wide variety of musical selections. Songs range from jazz classics and Chu Nero originals, to pop tunes performed with a jazz feel. Songs performed vary including John Coltrane, Ahmad Jamal, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Michael Franks, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Sade, the Beatles and more. In 2004, the Chu Nero Trio was awarded the NAMMA (Niagara Area Molson Music Award) award for the Best Jazz Trio. Buffalo Spree Magazine's Best of WNY July/August issue voted Chu Nero the best jazz act, in a tie with Babik. "As for Nero, whether he's playing in a jazz trio or in Tommy Z's blues band, he's always tasteful with a really deep spiritual undertone" says the writer.

As originator and host of Buffalo's longest running guest artist series, drummer Danny Hull has enjoyed the unique distinction of accompanying some of the finest jazz musicians in the world.  Celebrating ten years next month and still growing in popularity, Dan Hull and Friends at Bobby McGee's has become a staple on the regional jazz scene, featuring both local talent and musicians of international repute.

For his appearance at the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival, Danny will be featured on the main stage with guitarist Mike Kelly (Atlanta), pianist Pete Malinverni (New York) and bassist Danny Vitale (Rochester).

Dick Griffo is well known in the upstate New York and Ontario area as a jazz saxophonist, teacher, arranger and composer. He can be heard playing in a wide variety gigs. Everything from clubs, shows, dances concerts to the Buffalo Philharmonic Pops. He is a member of the Lewiston jazz project which performs Thursdays at 7pm at Hennepin Park through July and August this summer.

Dick has played with the Whos who of the entertainment and jazz world. He is also a very dedicated teacher he runs the Dick Griffo jazz workshop, a free workshop where students can learn about jazz and improvisation. He will be playing a variety of main stream jazz, fussion, Latin and blues.

It’s Kenny’s Fault is a newly formed jazz quintet that plays original music as well as arrangements from the renowned Dave Holland Jazz Quintet.  The group consists of a mix of players from different walks of life.  It’s Kenny’s Fault takes a standard jazz quintet into a new direction.  It members are:

Dave Kayne, Vibes
Jazz educator at Starpoint Senior High School and SUNY Fredonia. Free-lance jazz composer, arranger and performer in upstate New York.  Featured with the Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Esemble and has performed with such  jazz artists as Chuck Mangione, Jeff Jarvis, the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, Bob Berg and Clark Terry. 

Ken Kuriscak, Saxophone
Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, studied Jazz at the Manhattan School of Music, and received his Master’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo.  Currently, he teaches music at Niagara Wheatfield High School.  Aside from teaching, Ken performs as a free-lance saxophonist in the Buffalo/Niagara Area.  He was named “Best College Jazz Soloist” by Downbeat Magazine, and toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. 

John Hasselback, Jr., Trombone
Player that has been active in the Western New York Jazz scene for many years.  He began playing professionally with his father while still in high school.  He is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music, where he studied with the legendary Jackie McLean.   He is a featured soloist on recordings with Kenny Wheeler, Don Menza, and Gap Mangione.  He performs regularly in Lewiston with Ronnie Corsaro's Upstate Express.

Jim Kurzdorfer, Bass
Jim is an associate professor in the Music Department at Villa Maria College, where he also directs the college jazz program and an annual summer jazz camp for high school musicians. He was the original bassist with the internationally known jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, and continues to play an active role on the Western New York music scene, performing and recording extensively with a diverse roster of locally and nationally known musicians.

Danny Hull, Drums
As originator and host of Buffalo's longest running guest artist series, Dan Hull and Friends at Bobby McGee's, drummer Danny Hull has enjoyed the unique distinction of accompanying some of the finest jazz musicians in the world.  Versatile and experienced in a variety of genres, Dan is often called upon to accompany the varied artists who appear on the Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Concerts, Judy Collins being among the most recent.  Among other highlights in a busy and rewarding musical career, was a tour of Peru and Brazil as a cultural representative for the United States Information Service.

Celebrated, Legendary

James “Pappy” Martin
and the Love Supreme Jazz Ensemble

One of the Outstanding Buffalo/Niagara Region
Jazz/Blues/Soul Ensemble

Bassist – James “Pappy” Martin, Leader and Founder of Love Supreme Jazz Ensemble

Soul Singer – Craig Brown, Formerly of the Ohio Players

Keyboard – Gregery Treadwell, Formerly Rick James Music Director

Drummer – Danny Jay, Voted 2005 WNY Drummer of the Year

Saxophone – Marquell Green, Freshman Buffalo State College Music Department

Love Supreme Jazz Ensemble performance:
Opened for Wynton Marsalis at the Tralf
The Taste of Buffalo
Masten District Jazz Festival
Pine Grill Reunion
Lewiston Jazz Festival 2005
Ontario House Reunion 2006
Buffalo State College
Daemen College
University of Buffalo
ECC North Campus

Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline are both are natives of  Western New York, but performed throughout the world before resettling in this area.  Their gospel-blues backgrounds subtly flavor their polished jazz standard arrangements producing their unique sound.

Jim Beishline is recognized and respected among his peers for his superb style exhibited in his fine trio arrangements for piano, upright bass, and drums. Jim's piano styles span the full spectrum from blues to jazz and his versatile talent is featured on many local recordings.  He has performed with many local and nationally acclaimed artists, including: Muddy Waters, Mike Civisca, Spyro Gyra, Tony Galla, Chuck Berry, Sal Andolina, Billy McEwin, Danny & The Juniors, Chuch Harrington, Wendall Rivera, Patty Coyle, Jeff Hackworth, and Rick Strauss. Jim's quartet was voted the Top Jazz Group by Buffalo Music Awards 2000.

Janice's extensive musical background includes five world tours as a backup singer for Ray Charles (as a Raylette) . She has also provided backup vocals for Stevie Wonder, Fabian, and many more. Janice has also recorded with a long list of musical giants including Jimmy Smith, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Les McCann, and many others. Her exceptional talents have taken her to the showrooms of Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas' casinos, as well as cruise ships. Movie fans may recognize Janice from her appearance and vocals in the Sidney Poitier film "Uptown Saturday Night."Janice was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame 2000.

The combined talents of Janice Mitchell with the Jim Beishline Trio distinguish them as one of the most outstanding musical teams in Western New York.   

Contact Information
http://www.janmitchell.com
http://www.jimbeishline.com

Jeffery Arthur group is made up of Jeff, vocals. Warren Stirtzinger on guitar. Henry strong on bass. Randy Stirtzinger on vibraphones. Bill Bates on drums. This group has been together for approximately twelve years. Playing easy listening jazz-standards with an envious on easy-listening, they have entertained at some of the best restaurants and clubs in Western New York and Southern Ontario.

Jeff from Stevensville Ont. Started as a dancer-singer. He has performed all over Canada and the United states. Jeff has developed into an exceptional singer-entertainer that also can dance.

Warren is one of the finest guitarists in this area. He plays everything from traditional to modern jazz. Warren has played with the Buffalo Philharmonic, shows at the Niagara Casino as well as in the best clubs, and restaurants in this area. Warren lives in Vineland Ont.

Henry from Hamilton Ont. is one of the most workingest bass players in Southern Ontario. His swinging-groove style makes him very easy to work with and to listen to.

Randy is one of the hardest working musicians any where, he plays piano, bass, vibraphones, and conga drums. We are delighted to have Randy playing vibes with us. Randy plays in a latin band in Toronto Ont. Has worked all over Southern Ontario and Western New York. Randy is one of the most under rated musicians around. When you hear his inpecable style you will agree. Randy lives in St. Cathrines Ont. and is Warren's brother.

Bill has played in the Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Southern Ontario area for many years. He has played everything from traditional to swing, blues to more modern jazz. Bill lives in North Boston, NY.

“Jody Sandhaus has a pure, sweet, full and strong voice that is well suited to interpreting standards. She always swings, her subtle improvising makes her interpretations seem personal and she knows how to tell a story.”  4 Stars, All Music Guide

“… a voice that is subtle and sensitive, and projects clearly a strong emotional tone...some of the most intimate vocals on the jazz scene!”  Five stars, CD picks of the Week JazzReview.com

 “… proves herself to be not only a first rate jazz singer, but an artist that is aware of who she is and where she fits within today’s jazz scene.  As much a result of her artistic integrity as her vocal skills, 'A Fine Spring Morning' is nothing short of a fine jazz release.”  Jazz Improv

Since the 1990s, Jody Sandhaus has been a fixture on the musical scene in New York, charming audiences there and around the world in such venues as Steinway Hall, Sweet Rhythm, 55 Bar, the Friar’s Club, WNYC’s  (NPR) “Around New York”, the 92nd Street Y, and St. Peter’s Midtown at Midday Jazz series in New York as well as The Seattle Art Museum (for Ear Shot Jazz), Women in Jazz Festival, Mendocino, CA, the Charles Ives Center for the Performing Arts (Danbury, CT), William Paterson University’s “Jazz It Up” series (Wayne, NJ), Albright-Knox Art Gallery (Buffalo), Rich Forum Theater (Stamford, CT), Mohonk Mountain House’s “Jazz On The Mountain” Festival, and in Rome, Italy at the Villa Celimontana Jazz and Image Festival and at that city’s Mississippi Jazz Club.  Born in Houston, Texas, Jody grew up in a musical family on New York's Long Island.  shw studeied voice and piano at the Cleveland institute of Music and is celebrated for her outstanding musicianship as well as her captivating vocal stylings.

Along with Jody Sandhaus’ live concert performances, her three solo recordings have gained Jody successively greater notice in the jazz press and beyond.  “Winter Moon”, on SaranacRecords, gave us our first opportunity to hear a collection of songs recorded as Jody feels them–personally, deeply and without artifice.  Reviewing “Winter Moon” inJazzTimes, Chuck Berg wrote,

“Jody Sandhaus is an evocative vocalist whose sultry after-hours delivery meshesperfectly with such exquisitely excruciating torch tales as “Not in Love”.  On medium paced gambols she flirts with breezy aplomb.”  Berg also remarked that, “clearly, Sandhaus is a singer who’s also a musician.  She phrases like a horn and swings with uptown élan.”

Trombonist John Hasselback, Jr. has been very active in the Western New York Jazz scene for many years.  He began playing professionally with his father, noted pianist John Hasselback, while still in high school.  He is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music, where he studied with the legendary Jackie McLean.  He has performed in the United States and Europe with many jazz luminaries including Jaki Byard, Maynard Ferguson,  Lester Bowie, Roswell Rudd, and Joe Lovano.  He is a featured soloist on recordings with Duncan Hopkins, Gap Mangione, Wendell Rivera, John Bacon's Multi Jazz Dimensions, and the Don Menza-Ron Corsaro Quintet.  “Menza Lines,” recorded live in Los Angeles with the Don Menza Big Band, was listed as one of the Top 50 Best Jazz Releases of 2005 by Jazz Times magazine. He performs regularly in Lewiston as a member of Ron Corsaro’s Upstate Express.  In addition to his busy performance schedule, John is also very active as a music educator, teaching full time in the West Seneca Central School District.  He has served as an officer of the International Association Of Jazz Educators, Jazz Ensemble Chairman for the New York State School Music Association, and has been an active clinician for many Western New York school jazz programs.

Las Vegas Jazz Vocalist and Performer Lydia Marks will sing selections from her debut CD titled "Lovelight Shining" an original jazz bossa nova, written by Ms. Marks and bassist Dr. Harry Jacobson and will also feature John Bacon, Drums, Mike Jones Piano and Ken Kursiak Sax at the this years Lewsitons Jazz Festival.
 
Lydia's recent performances include headlining at the "Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater" in "Broadway Song & Jazz" and as a featured opening act for "Lisa Lampanelli" at "Caroline's On Broadway in New York."  Lydia also attends SUNY Fredonia where she is continuing a degree in Music Education and studies classical voice with Dr. Patricia J. Corron. Visit http://www.lydiamarksjazz.com for more information. 

Lynn Ligammari, a native of Niagara Falls, NY, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.  Specializing in both Jazz and Classical saxophone, she has studied under the direction of Walt Weiskopf, Dave Schiavone, Fred Sturm, David Demsey, Chienkwan Lin, Ramon Ricker and Chris Azzara.

In addition to THOUGHT, Lynn performs regularly with Mocean Worker, HyLoFi, and the Lynn Ligammari Quintet.  In addition, she has been fortunate to work and perform with Dick Oatts, Wycliffe Gordon, the Temptations, Clay Jenkins, Rich Thompson, Rufus Reid, Harold Jones, Reggie Thomas, Brad Lubman and Phish’s Mike Gordon. 

While at Eastman, Lynn performed in a number of ensembles including The Eastman Jazz Ensemble, New Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Ossia, Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Performance Workshop.  As a freelance musician in Rochester, she was a member of the Dave Rivello Ensemble, the Half Ton Horns, Uptown Groove, M6, and the New Energy Big Band. 

As a music educator, Lynn has taught at the elementary through collegiate level and is currently employed as a Teaching Artist for the Lincoln Center Institute of the Arts in New York, NY.

Guitarist Mike Moser has had the good fortune to play with some of the finest musicians in Western NY over the last 20 years. This includes work with the Buffalo Brass, Ron Corsaro Trio, Jim Tudini Big Band, Sal Andolina Quintet (CD recording “Like Benny to Me”) and Dave Schiavone’s legendary “Captiva.” Recent performances include Bobby Militello with the BPO, Sal Andolina and BPO, and Buffalo Bones at the Tralf and Albright Knox.

While primarily a jazz guitarist, he has played guitar, mandolin and banjo in pit orchestras for numerous musical productions and stage shows in Buffalo, Rochester,Toronto, Erie and Chautauqua. Mike has played pops concerts with the Buffalo Philharmonic since 1983 and toured with the North Carolina Opera production of Man of LaMancha. In this trio setting he is happy to be joined by the great talents of  Dave Siegfried on bass and Billy Thiele on drums.

When you combine the amazing guitar dialogues of George Kane and John Murphy with the rhythmic foundations of bassist John Werick and drummer Jeff Meister, you have “Natural Elements.”  The group has established deep roots in the Buffalo area since 1993, performing for terrific audiences in some of the nicest venues in Western New York.  While heavily steeped in the jazz tradition, Natural Elements offers a sound with an almost universal appeal. This can be attributed to the many years of work devoted by Kane and Murphy to developing a sophisticated, yet listener-friendly repertoire of guitar arrangements that showcase the great Latin, classical and pop characteristics so integral to the instrument’s identity.  All four members of the group have shared the fundamental benefits of growing up musically in the Buffalo jazz culture.  These four musicians now have a focus on a unique sound that is jazz, and so much more. 

“…audacious and exquisite..." Village Voice (NYC)

 “One listen and you’ll know why Malinverni is one of New York’s great pianists.”  Boston Herald

 "A thoughful pianist" New York Times

 “Pete Malinverni is a wild cat…he digs into the piano and emerges with exotic treasure.” The Philadelphia Inquirer

“When Pete Malinverni plays, the people listen”, noted Patricia O’Haire in the New York Daily News. That’s no mean feat in the Mecca of Jazz.  Since coming to New York in 1981 Pete has established himself as a highly respected presence in NYC and nationally as well as abroad in Europe, South America, and Japan, his work earning him entry in the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz, as compiled by Ira Gitler and Leonard Feather.  Among his ten recordings as a leader many have appeared on Year's Best lists and have earned four star reviews in many publications, among them Down Beat, Jazz Times and Jazz Improv Magazine.  His recordings regularly reside in the Top Ten nationally for airplay.

Pete’s enthusiastic audience has found him on stages in NYC and around the world such as Weill Recital Carnegie Hall, the Caramoor Festival, Symphony Space, Rome’s Villa Celimontana Festival, Chile’s Santiago Jazz Festival and clubs such as Birdland, the Blue Note, etc.  Most often playing solo piano or with his trio, Pete has also appeared with the likes of Joe Lovano, Charles Davis, Vernel Fournier, Mel Lewis, Jody Sandhaus (for whom he serves as Musical Director) and other bright lights.  His celebrated appearance on NPR’s‘Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz’ was one to remember, for its exciting music and revelatory conversation.  Pete, a native of Niagara Falls who grew up in Lewiston, also serves as Minister of Music at the predominantly African-American Devoe Street Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY.  Pete Malinverni is a Steinway Artist.

Ralph Fava has been playing guitar for over 40 years.  He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass.

Ralph has performed and studied with Lorne Lofsky, Mark Elf, Tommy Tedesco and Gene Berticini.

Mr. Fava is the owner of The Lockport Music Center celebrating over twenty years of service to his community.

Ralphs main musical interest is in the improvised interpretation of the American song and composing original music.

Contact Information
Ralph Fava
The Lockport Music Center
Specializing In Quality Music Instruction
5996 Snyder Drive, Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 433-6157
Rjf948@cs.com

www.rickstrauss.com

Ron Paladino has been performing on saxophone, flute, and clarinet for over 30 years. Ron has performed in jazz and classical setting.  Ron has performed with the Artpark Orchestra , and The Shea’s Buffalo Orchestra where he has performed many musicals.  Ron has also played many shows at Melody Fair. Ron has also been performing as a Jazz Saxophonist performing with Phil Sims and the Buffalo Brass, Brian Lewis Big Band, Jim Tudini Big Band, Jack Lis Big Band, Dave Stevens Big Band, and the Amherst Saxophone Quartet. Ron has been teaching privately for the past 30 years.  Ron is in high demand as a professional woodwind player in the WNY area.
               
Tom Paladino has been performing as a professional pianist and jazz pianist in WNY for the past 38 years. Tom has performed with Sam Falzone & Buffalo Jazz Workshop, which included Sam Noto, Joe Romano, and Bruce Johnstone and other great jazz players in the WNY area. Tom has performed with the Sam Falzone Quartet, featuring Sam Noto; the Don Menza Octet; the Bruce Johnstone Quartet; Phil Sims & the Buffalo Brass; and The Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. Tom has performed also with Pat LaBarbera, Eddie Henderson, and Don Menza who were featured artists with the Buffalo Jazz Workshop. Tom also has performed with Sam Noto, Larry Covelli, and Donald Walden. Tom has performed in many clubs in the area as piano solist, with his own trio, and many other settings including backing vocalists and in Big Band settings. Tom currently also performs with the Jim Tudini big band.

Tom also has played for many shows at Melody Fair and Jazz concerts at the Calumet Arts Cafe, the Tralfamadore Cafe, and many other clubs in WNY. In addition to performing, Tom also teaches piano, theory, and piano improvisation. Tom is in high demand as a pianist in the WNY area.

Sabu Adeyola  is a world class bassist who has toured around the United States and world. He is one of the busiest bassists and sought after musicians in WNY. Sabu has performed and toured with Ahmad Jamal. Other artists Sabu has performed with are Charlie Byrd, Donald Byrd, Abbey Lincoln, Lee Konitz, Roy Haynes, and is a disciple of Charles Mingus. Sabu has also been a long time member with Sam Falzone and Buffalo Jazz Workshop. Sabu has also performed with, the Sam Falzone Quartet, Sam Noto, Don Menza, Joe Romano, Bruce Johnstone, Pat LaBarbera, Eddie Henderson, Donald Waldon, and performed many years with the Al Tinney Trio. Sabu has recorded with Ahamad Jamal and with Al Tinney.

Louie Marino rounds out the quartet. Louie has for many years been the premier drummer in WNY. Louie left for New York City at an early age and joined Kai Winding. Other artists Louie has performed with are Al Belletto, Billy Holiday, Don Menza, Sam Noto, Joe, Romano, Lou Donaldson, and Donald Byrd. Louie also was a long time member of the Buffalo Jazz Workshop with Sam Falzone. Louie also performed at the Art Gallery with Phil DiRE who ran the Buffalo Jazz Workshop before Sam Falzone. Louie like Sabu performed at Fanny’s Restaurant for many years as a member of the Al Tinney Trio. Louie played for many years with the Ange Callea big band, which played the Variety Club Telethon for many years. Louie also performed with Phil Sims and the Buffalo Brass. Louie also for many years has been a highly sought after drummer in the area. Louie has for many years been the premier teacher for jazz drummers in the area.

Wendell Rivera is one of the leading ambassadors of Latin Jazz, an invigorating sound that incorporates Afro-Caribbean grooves with the free melodic and harmonic elements of progressive jazz.  Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble has been the cornerstone of Latin music in the Western New York/Niagara Falls region for more than a decade.  Over the years, Rivera’s music has captivated a wide audience and convinced many to explore this type of music.

As a percussionist, he has performed with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Ben Vereen, Dave Valentin, Bob Mintzer, John Patitucci, Jeff Jarvis, Ralph Irizarry, Yomo Toro, Tito Gomez, Oscar Hernandez, and Humberto Ramirez.

His current ensemble features five internationally acclaimed Buffalo-based artists:  Pat Georger on piano, Juan Betancourt on drums/timbales, Andy Weinzler on sax, and John Curry on bass.

In the year 2000, he was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, an award that recognized his achievements and musical contributions to the Western New York community.

Selected Discography
2006 Wendell Rivera - The latin jazz Ensemble with John Patituci
2003 Wendell Rivera - Among Friends
1998 Wendell Rivera - Portfolio
1996 Wendell Rivera - No Boundaries
1993 Wendell Rivera -  Los Hermanos Rivera
Also appears on
2003 Colleen Williams -  Colleen Williams
1998 Carol Mclaughlin - Two Hearts and a Diamond
1997 Miki Howard - Can’t Count Me Out
1995 Jeff Hackworth - Just For You
1995 Jeff Jarvis - Contents Under Pressure

For more information please link to www.wendellrivera.com.
Thank you very much
Wendell Rivera
716-998-1162