Bass - Matt Finders
Director of Mendenhall and East Avenue Middle School Jazz programs in Livermore, was the trombonist in the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Band for 17 years. As a trombonist, he performed with Benny Goodman, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Clark Terry Big Bad Band, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Harry Connick, Jr., among many others.
Vocals - karen Marguth
Karen Marguth is an internationally acclaimed jazz singer who has performed with Gilbert Castellanos and Pearl Django. Named one of the finest American jazz vocalists by Jazz Times, Marguth’s recordings have been listed twice in DownBeat’s annual Best-of-the-Year issue. At 53, she has toured the national jazz festival circuit and recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including this year’s “A Way With Words,” a two-disc tribute to the songs of British legend Carrol Coates.
Saxophone - Noel Catura
Award-winning saxophonist, has been performing and teaching for over 30 years. Noel has performed with storied musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Gordon Goodwin, Joe Louis Walker, and the Chris Cain Band. He has performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, Gospel and Rhythm and Blues Festival in New York, San Francisco Jazz, among other renowned jazz and blues festivals internationally.
Guitar - John Whitney
Educator and singer/songwriter, has combined the worlds of music and public education in a career that has included performing with Etta James, Tower of Power, Marty Balin, and Eddie Money, as well as working as a highly respected school administrator and mentor in Pleasanton Unified School District, at all grade levels from elementary through high school.
Drums - Kelly Fasman
Professional drummer, drum teacher, and clinician of diverse range, performs regionally and internationally in big bands, jazz orchestras and combos, musical theater, and rock groups, in addition to studio recording work. In addition to coaching top-notch high school and middle school jazz ensembles, Kelly has worked with Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, Martha Reeves, The Shirelles, and Joan Rivers and Don Rickles.
Piano - John R Burr
Pianist, piano teacher, and singer/songwriter, has performed and recorded with Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Paul MacCandless, Jeff Beal, Dennis Chambers, Charlie Musselwhite, and grammy-nominated songwriter Henry Butler. Known for both jazz technique and melodic expression, John’s recorded work, which embraces diverse musical genres, has received critical acclaim and inspired audiences.