Artists

Brandon Rose is a Detroit-born artist whose musical journey began at age 5 in the city’s vibrant church community, deeply influenced by Motown’s soulful sound. A graduate of Michigan State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jazz Studies, Brandon honed his skills in upright bass, composition, and arranging, earning sponsorships with DR Strings, Gruv Gear, and EBS Professional Bass Equipment.

Mentored by bass legends Marcus Miller and Rodney Whitaker, Brandon’s versatile style spans jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and more. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Terri Lynn Carrington and contributed to Dan Wilson’s Things Eternal. As a producer, vocalist, and songwriter, his self-produced projects, Transition and

Marion Hayden is part of the great Detroit Jazz bass legacy. As a young protégé of trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, she learned improvisation, ensemble performance, repertoire and a deep appreciation for jazz and its creators. Marion combines these influences in a unique jazz perspective, creating a swinging sound with the bass which is both authentic and fresh. Her music embodies the spirit of tradition and adventure in jazz.

Marion has been involved in countless ensembles throughout her career, including Straight Ahead and the all-female group Venus, as well as performing and recording with jazz legends while releasing her own work, including her solo album Visions.

For more information on Marion:

-Drums-

       Gayelynn McKinney began playing the drums at the age of two. Although she received much of her musical training in the Detroit Jazz scene, she also obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Oakland University. McKinney has recorded projects with the group Straight Ahead, (of which she is a co-founder) Ralph Armstrong and Marcus Belgrave just to name a few. She has recently recorded solo projects called “It’s About Time,” “McKinFolk The New Beginning, “and “Zoot Suit Funk.” McKinney’s many awards include: 2014 Kresge Artist Fellows recipient, with the Group Straight Ahead and McKinFolk, a Grammy Nomination, Detroit Black Music Award recipient and in 2021 & 2022 Gayelynn won the Detroit Music awards for “Outstanding

-Drums-

Sarah Whitaker has familial roots originating in Detroit, Michigan, with an upbringing and education in East Lansing, Michigan. Ms. Whitaker is a jazz drummer whose influences include Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, and many other rhythm masters. She recently earned a Bachelor of Arts at Michigan State University’s College of Music, studying under jazz master Randy Gilespie. In the fall she will be returning to MSU to start her master’s degree in jazz studies. She’s been privileged to accompany and be mentored by seasoned and contemporary professionals alike, such as Rodney Whitaker, Ramona Collins, Vincent Chandler, Carmen Bradford, Stefon Harris, Walter Blanding, Rockelle Whitaker, and Anthony Stanco. Through her membership of small and large

Ann Arbor based percussionist, Annie Hayes, has been honing her craft since she was nine years old. Originally hailing from Fenton, Michigan, she fell in love with the southeast Michigan music scene; and after graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, she began to pursue a bachelor’s degree in jazz and Contemplative Studies. During her time spent studying jazz, she has had the privilege to learn from Ellen Rowe, Robert Hurst, David Alvarez III, Andy Milne, and countless other virtuosos. Annie’s passion for jazz exists in conjunction with her love for Musical Theatre, and she has had the opportunity to work on a plethora of shows, her favorite being Rent, put on by Michigan Musical Theatre. She plans to pursue a career as a pit musician when she graduates

Nate Winn, a Detroit-born drummer, educator, and songwriter, discovered his passion for music at age 4 in church. A graduate of Wayne State University and Berklee College of Music’s Global Jazz Institute, Nate has performed with renowned artists such as Danilo Perez, Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, and Kurt Elling. His versatile playing style has taken him to stages and classrooms worldwide, including Japan, Panama, and Poland.

Committed to mentoring the next generation, Nate has taught at schools like Troy High School, DIME, and Oakland University. Now a Professor of Jazz Drums and Jazz Ensembles at the University of Michigan, he strives to inspire students to reach their full potential through his teaching and

Cory Allen is a Detroit-based guitarist, educator, and composer. Active in the metro Detroit jazz scene, Cory performs with his own trio as well as with the Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet and as a freelance guitarist.

Cory’s musical voice was developed through study at Central Michigan University (B.S. in Music) and Michigan State University (M.Music in Jazz Studies), where he fostered his love for swing, bebop, and blues and studied the classic jazz guitarists Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, and Jim Hall. 

Not only active in the jazz scene, but Cory is also a band member of the Motown Eagles, Detroit’s Tribute to the Eagles and regularly performs at weddings, parties, and corporate events.

For more information on

Brendon Davis, called a “rising star” by Fox 2 News, is a pianist, composer, and recording artist with degrees in Improvisation and Jazz Studies from the University of Michigan. Mentored by jazz legend Benny Green, Brendon has performed at top venues like the Kennedy Center and Detroit’s Orchestra Hall and is a fellow with the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra. His compositions include work for Musique Noire, whose album Intergenerational was nominated for a 2023 Detroit Music Award.

Brendon has appeared at festivals such as the Detroit Jazz Festival and Mackinac Island Jazz Festival and collaborated with artists like Jason Marsalis and Keyon Harrold. In 2023, he released his debut single, “I’m Done Hiding,” encouraging listeners to

Scott Gwinnell is a pianist, composer, arranger and educator who has grown up in Detroit. His playing credits consist of performing, recording, and/or touring with the following artists: Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Williams, Roberta Flack, Joe Lovano, Richie Cole, Sheena Easton, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Marcus Belgrave, Delfayo Marsalis, Steve Turre, and Jon Hendricks.

Gwinnell has written over 300 works, from solo piano to symphony orchestra. In April of 2012, he received two Detroit Music Awards for “Best Jazz Composer” and “Best Classical Composer.” These are his 9th and 10th honors from the DMAs. Gwinnell currently records under Mack Ave.’s new label, Detroit Music Factory.

For more information on

Rick Roe won first place in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in 1994, was twice a semifinalist in Thelonius Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, in 1993 and 1999, and has been a featured performer in the Jacksonville Jazz, Savannah Onstage International Arts, Montreaux/Detroit Jazz, Birmingham Jazz, Lansing Jazz, Flint Jazz, and Hawaii Jazz Festivals.

Roe has served as an educator/clinician at the University of Arizona, North Texas University, Michigan State University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Michigan, and the Montreaux/ Detroit Jazz Festival.

He has given performances with Marcus Belgrave, Donald Walden, Rodney Whitaker, Frank Foster, Andrew Speight, Wycliffe Gordon, Louis Smith, Wendall

Saxophonist Duane Parham is one of the Motor City’s most beloved jazz artists.  He is recognized as an innovator and top performer in Smooth Jazz, R&B and Gospel Music. 

Parham was inducted into the “Detroit Legends of Jazz Hall of Fame.” He holds the distinction of being the youngest person to join this elite fraternity at the time of his induction. As a performer, Parham has opened for noted Motivational Speakers Les Brown and Iyanla Vanzant, R&B and Soul singers Anita Baker, Martha Reeves, Freda Payne and Spider Turner.  Duane has also performed alongside gospel greats Michael Matthews, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar and Rance Allen.

For more information on

Marcus Elliot is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. He is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra and is the director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Ensembles.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, Elliot began to curate weekly performances in Detroit, showcasing some of Detroit’s young jazz musicians. Elliot has performed with Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, James Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Marcus Belgrave, Johnny O’Neal, and others. 

Elliot received his Masters of Music degree at the University of Michigan. He is active in the Detroit music community, collaborating with musicians in jazz,

As part of the next generation of Detroit-grown musicians, Stephen Grady Jr. is building a name by performing with such greats as Marcus Belgrave, James Carter, Geri Allen, Bob Hurst, Kareem Riggins and many others.

He has also received the National Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, the first annual JC Heard Youth Jazz Award and the James Tatum Scholarship. Recently, he attended the Stanford Jazz Residency through a full scholarship program. After graduating from University of Michigan in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, he attended Michigan State University under a full Graduate Assistantship and regularly performs with The Rodney Whitaker Septet and Detroit Carr Center’s Gathering Orchestra, among others.

Trumpeter Dwight Adams’ musical training came later in life, not beginning until he joined his Detroit High School Band during his junior year. With a great deal of natural talent and hard work, he landed a gig as a member of fellow Detroiter Teddy Harris’ New Breed Bebop Society at the age of 16. 

Adams earned a full scholarship to Kentucky State University, where he majored in music education and performance. He has since played and recorded with musicians including Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, James Carter, Shawn Wallace, and Donald Walden, and tours with Stevie Wonder. He has served as a jazz trumpet instructor at both The Ohio State University and Michigan State University and performs with the Columbus Jazz

Kris Johnson is an award-winning trumpeter, composer, and educator. He has appeared on five Grammy-nominated albums and composed the original score for the four-time Emmy-nominated webseries “King Ester.” Kris toured the world as a trumpeter and arranger with the Count Basie Orchestra from 2008-2019 and served as the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah from 2015-2019. Currently, Kris is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

Kris received his master’s (2007) and bachelor’s (2005) degrees in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University. He was a full-time faculty member at The Ohio State University from 2012 –