Jon-Erik Kellso | Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso started playing professionally in and around Detroit, Michigan where he was born in 1964. Jon began early, playing in a big band at age 11, in the International Youth Symphony at age 13, and in a concert alongside cornetist Wild Bill Davison at age 17. Kellso played with a wide variety of groups there, including the J.C. Heard Orchestra.

John Allred | John Allred knew at a young age that he wanted to carry on the jazz legacy of his grandfather and father. Born in Rock Island, Illinois and growing up in a musical environment, John developed a deep appreciation for jazz. At the age of 13 years, John played his first jazz festival on trombone with his father, Bill Allred. A world-class trombonist, Bill played an important part in John’s early musical development.

Allan Vaché | Allan Vaché attended Jersey City State College, Jersey City, New Jersey, from 1971-1975. At this time he studied with David Dworkin of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and independently with famed jazz artist Kenny Davern. From 1972-1975 Allan performed many professional engagements with such jazz greats as Bobby Hackett, Wild Bill Davison, Pee Wee Erwin, Gene Krupa, Dick Hyman, Max Kaminsky, Clark Terry, Dick Wellstood, Ed Hubble, Cliff Leeman, Bob Haggart, Jack Lesberg, and many others.

Paul Keller | String bassist Paul Keller is a Michigan jazz hero; he loves his life in Saline, MI where he lives with his wife and two kids and performs locally – in Detroit and across his home state of Michigan. Paul wear many jazz hats: He leads several successful and busy jazz ensembles including his 27-year old, 15-piece big band The Paul Keller Orchestra; he’s an in-demand side man, a prolific composer, a creative and skilled arranger, an enthusiastic and innovative jazz educator, a recording company owner and producer, and a nationally recognized recording artist.

Butch Miles | The accomplishments of drummer Butch Miles continue to attract worldwide attention. He has performed with such luminaries as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Gerry Mulligan, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Zubin Mehta, Itzak Pearlman, Dick Hyman, Willie Nelson and others, Butch displays the maturity of his experience with youthful imagination and unending energy.

Mark Shane | Mark Shane’s piano is firmly rooted in a tradition established by jazz piano masters: James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Nat Cole, and Art Tatum. While developing his solo style, Mark Shane served an extended tenure as house pianist in New York’s “Eddie Condon’s” Jazz Club, adding a distinctive new piano voice to the Condon tradition of hot ensemble playing. Shane has played with Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, Buddy Tate and many other all-star bands.