DUNCAN McMILLAN
Duncan Williamson McMillan began studying piano at age 5. His musical studies con-tinued with Frederic Dehaven at Christ Church in Grosse Ponte, singing in the boys choir (1980-1987). From 1989-1992, Duncan studied jazz piano and music theory with James Hohmeyer, Bess Bonnier and Matt Michaels. Upon graduation from Western Michigan University in 1997 (B.M. piano/jazz studies), Duncan has established a reputation as a versatile musician, working with such diverse artists as Jon Hendricks, Aretha Franklin, Rodney Whitaker, Ira Sullivan, Marcus Belgrave, Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Chris Standring, and The Four Freshman. In demand as both a pianist and organist,
TOM DENNIS
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.
Djangophonique Duo
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.
PAUL KELLER TRIO
Paul is well known for his associations with pianist/vocalist Diana Krall and guitarist Russell
Malone. Paul has performed with jazz greats Joe Williams, Cab Calloway, Marian McPartland,
Barry Harris, Jeff Hamilton, Benny Golson, Benny Green, Jon Hendricks, Wycliff Gordon,
Mulgrew Miller, Jay McShann and James Moody. He has played on over 50 CDs with artists
such as Larry Vuckovich, Eddie Higgins, and Marcus Belgrave.
Paul was honored by the West Michigan Jazz Society as their 2001 Jazz Musician of the Year
and by the Detroit Music Awards as the 2002 Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist. Keller is on the
faculty of the Wayne State University jazz department in Detroit. He travels frequently, giving
jazz concerts, workshops and clinics and is well-respected as an innovative and enthusiastic
jazz educator.
PAUL KELLER TRIO
Paul is well known for his associations with pianist/vocalist Diana Krall and guitarist Russell
Malone. Paul has performed with jazz greats Joe Williams, Cab Calloway, Marian McPartland,
Barry Harris, Jeff Hamilton, Benny Golson, Benny Green, Jon Hendricks, Wycliff Gordon,
Mulgrew Miller, Jay McShann and James Moody. He has played on over 50 CDs with artists
such as Larry Vuckovich, Eddie Higgins, and Marcus Belgrave.
Paul was honored by the West Michigan Jazz Society as their 2001 Jazz Musician of the Year
and by the Detroit Music Awards as the 2002 Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist. Keller is on the
faculty of the Wayne State University jazz department in Detroit. He travels frequently, giving
jazz concerts, workshops and clinics and is well-respected as an innovative and enthusiastic
jazz educator.
CHRIS PLANSKER
Chris Plansker is a composer,pianist and session musician based in the united states. His work has been featured on various recordings,television shows and commercials globally.Trained in classical and Jazz piano Chris holds a degree in music composition from the University of North Texas. When not composing, Chris also performs on a regular basis with his group as well as the long time keyboardist with Detroit singer/songwriter Stewart Francke. It has been with Francke that Chris has arranged for Motown's Funk brothers and opened for acts such as Brian Adams, Rick Springfield and Bob Seger.
BILL HEID
Born in Pittsburgh, keyboard/vocalist Bill Heid has performed throughout the […]
ATHENA JOHNSON
International Vocal recording artist Athena Johnson, has been singing since the age of 5. An Ann Arbor native she has studied both vocal Jazz and Classical music. A thriving solo career, her voice will leave you mesmerized and wanting more!
Currently Athena is 1/3 member of London's Defected Records, Detroit based soulful vocal ensemble, Dames Brown.
Her inspirations are making people happy through the power of music! Having shared stages and/or opened for people such as Alexander Zonjic, Saxophonist Marion Meadows, Neo/Funk legend Amp Fiddler and even the legendary Angela Bofill, Athena continues to fulfill her dream, her gift, music!
MICHAEL ZAPORSKI
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.