Vocalist and baritone saxophonist Abram Collier is breathing new life into timeless music while bringing a traditional sound to a new, younger audience. Born and raised outside of Rochester, New York, the rising artist moved to Chicago, Illinois in 2021 to pursue his passion and love for jazz and traditional pop music.

In Chicago, Collier is an in-demand arranger, frequently commissioned by local big bands such as the Blueshift Big Band and the Shout Section Big Band, both of which he regularly plays and sings with. Collier also runs his own ensemble, bringing together nine of Chicago's finest musicians to form his nonet. From jazz standards to selections from modern pop music and video game soundtracks, they perform ensemble-exclusive arrangements written by Collier himself. In addition, the group plays Collier's original compositions and songs, traversing folk, traditional & modern pop, and jazz. Heavily influenced by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Bublé, Collier strives to keep the tradition of crooning alive with complimentary arrangements written with contemporary ears in mind.

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.

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”.

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. 

Matt Hines Band is a high-energy blues-rock group known for electrifying performances, soaring guitar work, and dynamic improvisation. Led by Guitar Center Blues Masters champion Matt Hines-personally selected by Joe Bonamassa-the band has shared stages with legends including ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, Ace Frehley, Oteil Burbridge, Devon Allman, Anthony Gomes, and Davey Knowles. With a blend of classic blues influences and modern rock intensity, Matt Hines Band delivers a headline-ready live experience that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression, whether on festival stages, theaters, or premier events nationwide.

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.

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

Steve traded his skateboard for a Synsonics/JCPenney guitar (with built-in, 9 volt-powered speaker) in the early 90s, much to the delight of his mother. At Emporia State University, he split his time between the theatre department and the music department, playing in pit orchestras, the big band, and the faculty combo, all the while teaching guitar at ESU Academy and Flint Hills Music.

Steve’s first step into the professional jazz world came in the living room of noted jazz pedagogue, author, and guitarist Dr. Wayne Goins at Kansas State University. Wayne’s unique approach as a professional first, academic second, inspired Steve to pursue the music further by moving to New York where he was lucky to study with luminaries in the field like Jack Wilkins, Mark Whitfield, Peter Bernstein, Mark Sherman, and Jim Ridl. 

Steve moved to Chicago in the spring of 2016 and began teaching and playing full time, further refining his craft with the help of local jazz heavies Scott Hesse, Jim Trompeter, Ernie Adams, and Henry Johnson. His debut album, Persistence, released in 2022 to rave reviews, including 4 Stars in Downbeat and inclusion on their ‘Albums of the Year’ list. His newest recording, For Years Gone, was released to critical acclaim in April 2025. 

Steve holds an MM in Jazz Studies from DePaul University and a MFA in Theatre from the University of Oklahoma.

Steve is proudly endorsed by Benedetto guitars, Raezer’s Edge amps, and Duneland Labs pickups. 

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. His performance credits include the Chicago Jazz Festival, The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Winter’s Jazz Club, Cliff Bell’s, Catalina Jazz Club, Feinstein’s/54 Below (NYC) and The Jazz Kitchen, among others. Chris is an in-demand educator as well, teaching piano, theory and ensembles at Lake Forest College, North Park University and North Central College. He earned his Master’s in Jazz Studies at Indiana University’s prestigious Jacobs School of Music, studying with the late renowned educator David Baker, and went on to complete his DMA in Jazz Performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has studied piano with Barry Harris, Joanne Brackeen and Hal Galper among other greats, and performed with Miguel Zenón, Ira Sullivan, Jamey Aebersold, Oliver Nelson, Jr. and many more.

Formed in 2023, we play a mix of swing, cool jazz and The Great American Songbook.  Expect to hear songs written or made popular by Chet Baker, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday and Fred Astaire.

Founded in 2017 by drummer Joel Baer and guitarist Chris Parsons, the Blueshift Big Band builds upon the rich legacy of Big Band music found in Chicago.  Having missed the thrill and energy that could only come from playing in an ensemble of this size, Baer and Parsons put together a book of their favorite charts and called upon friends and fellow musicians who enjoyed the style just as much as they did.

Initially, the bands repertoire included selections from the likes of Count Basie, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Buddy Rich, and the Clayton-Hamilton Big Band - all the greats that Baer and Parsons hold in high reverence.  These groups are famously hard-swinging and ubiquitous for unique compositional voices and originality.  Performing material from this canon helped lay a solid foundation for the band, providing a clearer vision for where the leaders would want to go next.

The focus of the band quickly changed from a serious reading band to one that concentrated on original music and arrangements.  Armed with a number of great writers and arrangers in the band (and an emphasis on commissioning material from Chicago-area writers) the book grew quickly.  With a wealth of originals in the book, it didn’t take long for the band to begin to develop their own unique voice and sound. While inspiration for these arrangements may come from Jazz Standards,  Blues, and the Great American Songbook, the band has also tapped into a wealth of material a whole generation has been raised on - Video Games.

Popular music has always found a way into the greater Jazz lexicon.  From the music of Tin-Pan alley influencing early Jazz, the songs of Broadway being used as compositional vehicles for the Be-Bop Era, or Rock music affecting the sound of Fusion groups of the 70’s, the music found in Video Games have been impressed on many of us who are products of a certain age.  Baer and Parsons felt that in the past, there have been “tongue-in-cheek” approaches to how these songs have been presented.  With Blueshift’s unique arrangements and approach, the band hopes to present this music in a serious, but still fun way, that acknowledges the largely unsung composers of this genre.

The Blueshift Big Band is just that - A band.  Something greater that just a collection of musicians reading notes off of a page, but a group of friends tasked with one goal; making the best music possible.  The greatest lesson learned from the best Big Bands in the world is to treat the band like family.  If everyone in the band enjoys being with each other and shares a common dedication to the craft, making great music is inevitable.  Joel and Chris, along with the rest of the band,  hopes that feeling of camaraderie comes through to you, the listener.

Enjoy the music!

Jack Macklin is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Chicago, IL. From a young age, he gravitated toward jazz and improvisation styles. Studying music at DePaul University, he had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the finest Chicago musicians such as Scott Hesse, and Dana Hall. Jack has played alongside many other notable musicians including, Matt Ulery, Greg Ward, John Deitemyer, and many others. 

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.

Matthew Muñeses is a saxophonist and educator residing in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Although his introduction to music came through violin lessons at the age of six, music would not take a serious role in his life until he began playing the saxophone four years later.

Matthew received his B.M. in Saxophone Performance at Illinois State University in 2011 and his M.M. in Jazz Performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013. During this time, Matthew studied with Dana Hall, Chip McNeill, Ron Bridgewater, Tito Carrillo, and Chip Stephens.

In the subsequent years, Matthew has garnered recognition as an up and coming talent by winning or being named as a finalist in multiple educational and open competitions, including the Jazz Society of the Philippines competition and the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. In 2015, Matthew participated in an invitation-only workshop with Steve Coleman and the Five Elements at the University of Chicago. Through this workshop, he was afforded the opportunity to study with and perform alongside Steve Coleman and members of his band, including Jonathan Finlayson and Miles Okazaki. 

Matthew has led bands at a number of historic venues across the country, including the Green Mill and Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago, Catalina Bar & Grill in Los Angeles, and the Kranzberg Arts Center in St. Louis. He also has performed at numerous music festivals, such as the Chicago Jazz Festival and Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

In addition to his work as a performer, Matthew is passionate about educating future generations of musicians. He teaches saxophone technique, jazz improvisation, and composition through his private studio and in-residence at St. Charles North High School and Waubonsee Community College. His private students have been awarded first place commendations at numerous solo and ensemble contests, received awards from the prestigious Young Arts Organization, been selected to perform in ILMEA All-State and district ensembles, and successfully auditioned at colleges including the Manhattan School of Music, the New England Conservatory, the University of Iowa, Northern Illinois University, and DePaul University. Matthew is also active as a clinician and has given masterclasses at Illinois State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois University, and Northwestern University. 

In November 2015, Matthew released his debut album, Threshold. The record features trumpeter Zubin Edalji, pianist Steven Feifke, bassist Raviv Markovitz, drummer Jay Sawyer, and was produced by friend and fellow saxophonist, Adam Larson. His 2022 recording, Noli Me Tángere, is a tribute to the life, legacy, and compositions of José Rizal, the first national hero of the Philippines, and features a world-class band featuring Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Stu Mindeman, Zubin Edalji, and Miguel Zenón. Matthew’s newest recording, Pag-ibig ko, Vol.1, features harpist Riza Printup, and continues his exploration of the Filipino songbook. 

Matthew resides in South Elgin, IL with his wife, Renee, his children, Adelaide and David, and their dog, Jelly. Matthew is a D'Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist. 

The Paul Abella Trio was recently referred to as “earthy jazz funk.” While that does seem to be an absolute perfect description of what they do, we should probably expound on that.

Think of The Paul Abella Trio as Jazz for The People. Not just because of the pop, rock, blues and country songs that make their way into our setlists, but also by the way that we communicate when we play. We want you to have a good time. We want you to clap, stomp your feet, and shout out an earnest “woooooooo!” when the mood strikes you. We love Eddie Harris, Ramsey Lewis, The Meters, Booker T & The MG's, Willie Dixon, Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis. If you do, too, we're gonna get along great.

so, who are we?

Steve Knight is the guitarist that usually shares the bandstand these days, and he's a perfect fit, weaving together Meters funk, the soulful warmth of Kenny Burrell and the biting snarl of John Scofield. You can find Steve playing all throughout Chicago and the northern suburbs on a regular basis with his own groups when he's not playing with us.

Chris Bernhardt is our usual bassist. Coming up through Chicago's legendary blues scene, and playing in numerous other scenarios, from big bands to 80's cover bands, he can handle whatever's coming at him because, frankly, he's heard it all before. Go catch him with The Jolly Ringwalds or his own group, BMR4, when you can.

that leaves Paul Abella. In Chicago, most people know that name because I'm the morning show host for WDCB, Chicago's home for Jazz and Blues on the radio. But, get me away from the microphone, and I'm sitting on a cajon - a Peruvian box drum - that gives The Paul Abella Trio its signature earthy thump.

The St. Charles North Jazz Workshop is comprised of St. Charles North 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”!

As a pianist, vocalist and composer, Thomas Linsk has established himself as a premier musical artist in the Chicago-area.  His unique approach to every song demonstrates how audiences are enthralled by his versatility.  Tom has developed and perfected a style of his own, enhancing his performances into a realm of supreme quality.  He performs exceptionally in various styles – from standards, jazz, rock, and pop to contemporary music and crowd favorites.

The Andrew DiRuzza Trio is a dynamic Chicago-based original jazz ensemble featuring guitar, bass, and drums. They seamlessly blend traditional swing, modern jazz, and Latin styles to their original compositions. Driven by an exploratory spirit and deep musical communication, the trio creates a vulnerable, engaging, and in-the-moment experience for every audience

Fantasy Master's is a band playing a style of smooth jazz that has been around since the 1970's like Geroge Duke and Jeff Lorber.

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. 

Larry Brown Jr. is a guitarist who holds degrees from Southern Illinois University in Jazz Performance and from Northern Illinois University, with a Master’s in Jazz Studies. A Kennedy Center Jazz Ahead Alumni, Brown has toured nationally and internationally as a composer/arranger as well as a band leader. Brown is an in demand guitarist in Chicago, playing in several ensembles and co-leads the acclaimed Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. He has released two records of original compositions (There Can Only Be One – 2011; The Music & The Moment – 2015). He is a contributing writer to the book Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz – Volume 2. 

Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Miles Franklin Smith was no stranger to the stage. Miles’ mother and father, both musicians, introduced their livelihood to Miles upon birth, and his first steps would be met with a rhythmic cadence as he soaked in the sounds of classical and jazz music as a way of life.

Now, 25 years later, Miles has cemented himself as one of the Midwest’s premier, successful young performers. Having performed and/or recorded with the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Darius Rucker, The Count Basie Orchestra, Foley, the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and countless other artists and groups, Miles exudes passion and excellence through energetic and virtuosic playing with a will to always do right by the music.

Miles prides himself in his effectiveness to not only perform, but to teach, as he tours the United States as a teaching artist for Jazz at Lincoln Center and spent 4 years teaching at the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. Smith holds a bachelors degree from Ohio State University and a masters in music from Northern Illinois University.

The sounds of pianist Peter Miletic are simply timeless. He captivates audiences into a melodic world of sweet melodies that are pleasing to the ear. His versatility and stage presence are moving to the soul, and uplifts the hearts of the listener.

Peter’s dedication to music shines through with each piece he plays as he creates enchanting dancing melodies that will always leave audiences wanting more.

Stan Karcz is a heartfelt songwriter blending Country, Southern Rock, Pop, and Blues into a rich musical tapestry. A first-generation American from Chicago, he honed his craft at Sherwood Music Conservatory and the Bloom School of Jazz, drawing inspiration from life’s highs and lows.

Stan has collaborated with notable artists, including Noah Gordon, Jim Peterik, Walker Hayes, and Adam Shoenfeld, among others. His songs have been recorded by Nashville talents like Mark Mackay, Chris Hawkey, and Levi Hart, with performances on platforms like The Huckabee Show.

From playing Lake Tahoe with Jerrod Niemann to releasing EPs like Good Night Chicago (2019) and co-writing tracks for Adam Shoenfeld’s All the Birds Sing (2022), Stan’s music captures universal themes of love, hope, and dreams. Let his songs speak for themselves.

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.