Midtown Sounds is a medium-sized jazz group that focuses on reinterpreting the iconic 1950's west coast jazz sound while also incorporating modern musical elements.

Jeff Pedraz is a Philadelphia native bassist, composer and educator. He is an accomplished musician who possesses both virtuosity and versatility on both the Double bass and Electric bass and has worked in an array of musical situations ranging from orchestral to more modern genres and beyond. Jeff’s life changed forever upon his introduction to […]

The PLANET D NONET "a down & dirty little swing band from Detroit" was founded by drummer RJ Spangler & trumpeter James O’Donnell, two eastside Detroit based musicians who’ve been playing together for over 30 years. The Nonet features players from such venerated groups as the Sun Messengers, Bon Ton Roule' and Johnnie Bassett & […]

WSG/ The MSU Community Music School Jazz Ensemble Chicago based bassist/composer and bandleader, Matt Ulery, has developed an instantly recognizable sound. Known for his sweeping lyricism, unconventional phrase structures, expressionistic emotionalism, Ulery’s music is informed by the entire spectrum of jazz, classical, rock, pop, and folk– specifically American, South American, Balkan, and other European folk styles. He has been […]

Sasha Kashperko and his trio will explore the depths of detroit swing and soul with some original tunes as well as some standard repertoire for 3 sets at the historic Cliff Bells.

With a different local high school jazz band opening each performance! Scott Gwinnell is an award-winning pianist, composer/arranger, and educator born in Detroit, and residing in the Metro-Detroit area. He currently freelances as a sideman and leads various groups; the most well-known being the 16-piece Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra. He is an adjunct professor of […]

Sean's sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean's influences include Art Blakey, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones. Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman […]

Travis Albright a young multi-talented musician and graduate from the University of Michigan currently playing bass guitar for a local jazz group, the Gene-n-Tonics.  He has performed in and around Detroit for the last five years. Don Santilli (Don, the Sax Guy) is local journeyman saxophonist, with degrees from Michigan State and Oakland University.  Back […]