Djangophonique is a musical project born out of reverence for the Parisian Jazz Manouche style that was made popular by the legendary Sinti guitarist Django Reinhardt and his Quintette du Hot Club de France. While remaining steeped in the rich and virtuosic tradition, the group brings this music into the present with stunning improv, spontaneity and musical interaction. Hot swing, lush ballads, musette waltzes, jazz standards, boleros, and moody minor pieces are all fused together with theatrical flair and musical humor.

Caravan Gypsy - is a fiery jazz, World, Gypsy music group that brings rich blend of these traditions together in a unique and eclectic mix. Caravan Gypsy has variety of lineups that involve world class musicians. From acoustic trio concept that creates intimate but electric vibe with two guitars and cajon to more straight ahead jazz trio exploring rich swing traditions.

Tom Dennis is a versatile jazz pianist whose style is defined by melodic solo lines and sophisticated reharmonizations of familiar melodies. His taste in composers ranges from Gershwin to Bacharach. Tom is Professor of Music at Oakland Community College, he currently performs as a solo pianist, a sideman to some of Detroit’s finest vocalists, and as the pianist in Detroit’s own traditional swing band, the Rhythm Society Orchestra.

Michael Zaporski creates astonishing music that merges American jazz traditions with a West-African-influenced rhythmic dialogue. Serving as the pianist for the late Detroit saxophonist Sam Sanders, Zaporski traveled to West Africa, playing and teaching jazz through the U.S. State Department.

His roots are deep in Detroit, but when he sits in front of the keys, Jarrod Champion’s sound makes its way to the south, over in the dixieland and delta. Ask anyone, he’s one of the best in the city. If it’s top notch Detroit made music you seek, look no further.
Travis Wright, WDET

The doctor is in

Tom Dennis is a versatile jazz pianist whose style is defined by melodic solo lines and sophisticated reharmonizations of familiar melodies. His taste in composers ranges from Gershwin to Bacharach. Tom is Professor of Music at Oakland Community College, he currently performs as a solo pianist, a sideman to some of Detroit’s finest vocalists, and as the pianist in Detroit’s own traditional swing band, the Rhythm Society Orchestra.

Recognized in both the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. She performs a wide variety of repertoire from Brazilian music, American Songbook, Bebop, as well as her original compositions. A fearless improviser, Ellie delivers songs with individuality, passion, and honesty. Career highlights include performing at the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, the Sunset Jazz Festival, and the Michigan Jazz Festival. She was the featured vocalist with the National Arab Orchestra in San Antonio Texas, and performed alongside jazz luminaries Geri Allen, Terri Lynne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, the New York Voices, Jon Hendricks, and Afro Blue.

Drummer Brad Billmaier is an accomplished jazz musician based of Toledo, Ohio. Brad has performed extensively across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan and has held multiple musical residencies at venues throughout Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti. He has performed alongside musicians ranging from Vic Juris, Detroit’s own Alvin Waddles, renowned flautist and clinician Galen Abdur-Razzaq, and other jazz luminaries

Brett Lucas started his professional musical career in his late teems as a guitarist performing in Blues clubs in Detroit and with some of Detroit’s legendary Blues performers. Since then, Brett has performed on stages across the world including Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Austin City Limits, Conan O’Brien Show, The Jay Leno Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. Brett has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan, Africa and South America.