| Saturday January 12, 7p.m. |
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Kal Bergendahl Project
Founder and bassist Kal Bergendahl embarked on this this project in 2005, with the aim of combining smooth, edgy jazz with soulful pop music. KBP's sounds are reminiscent of Diana Krall and Kirk Whalum on the jazz side, and Norah Jones, Maroon 5 and John Mayer on the pop side. The group's musical diversity has attracted a large and varied fan base and enabled KBP to perform at a wide range of revenues, customizing the live show to the audience.
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RAR
This trio's name, RAR (pronounced "rare"), is a combination of the members' first names: Rick Massey on guitar, Andre Davis on bass and vocals, and Roy Banks on drums. The name also describes the group's musical learnings, for their set list is indeed a rare combination of genres - smooth jazz, acoustic, rhythm and blues - and artists: Al Green, Kansas, Prince, John Mayer, Phil Collins, Usher, the Eagles, Tears for Fears, Gnarls Barkley, the Beatles and their own original music.
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| Saturday February 16, 7p.m. |
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Madison Mellophonium Jazz Orchestra
MMJO is dedicated to keeping alive the glorious compositions and arrangements of Stan Kenton and Johnny Richards and bringing those sounds to today’s ears, young and old. The orchestra is further committed to exploring new ideas with this wonderful instrumentation. Kenton used mellophoniums to bridge the gap in tonalities between his trumpet and trombone sections. Madison Mellophonium Jazz Orchestra also has trumpets and trombones (bass and tenor), plus tuba, saxophones (alto, tenor, and bass), drums, piano and bass.
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| Thursday March 21, 7p.m. |
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Fell Boyzs
With a unique brand of rock, funk, and jazz, they wow audiences wherever they go, from Wisconsin’s Summerfest and Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival to Pennsylvania’s Muskifest and SummerSounds. You’re likely to see a different setup each time they play, as they continually seek the best tone possible. Fell Boyzs is a family affair, composed of brothers Zach (sax, electronic woodwind, piano, guitar, drums) and Kyle (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals), dad Tom (drums, vocals), and his brother Billy (guitars, vocals).
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Opus
Recently reunited, Opus, an icon of the Wisconsin music scene, has a long history of club, festival and college performances. They’ve played with jazz greats Freddie Hubbard, Spyro Gyra, and Bill Bruford, as well as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Curt Hanrahan (woodwinds), James Sodke (keyboards), Steve Lewandowski (guitar), Larry Tresp (bass), and Brian Ford (drums) are sure to impress with a mix of their own material and interpretations of classics.
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| Thursday April 18, 7p.m. |
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Brian Harris Group
Brian Harris Group services as a versatile vehicle that allows talented, experienced musicians to express themselves through an eclectic blend of jazz, blues and virtuosity. Pianist-vocalist Brian Harris, bassist Michael Gudbaur, and drummer Paul Griffin together generate fresh, new pieces along with unique arrangements of hits from the likes of Dave Brubeck, Dr. John, Nat King Cole, Chick Corea and Michele Camilo.
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Flat Cats
Known for playing vintage, timeless standards and modern music rooted in the hottest swinging jazz and blues, this Chicago-based ensemble has played at Navy Pier, the Drake Hotel, Pete Miller’s and Green Dolphin Lounge. The Flat Cats have backed legendary singing groups, such as The Drifters and The Crystals, at major venues, including the Chicago Theatre, Star Plaza and Pabst Theatre. The band members are more than musicians, they are true entertainers and have been featured on WGN-TV.
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