JazzSabroson Latin Quartet
Bassist Miriam E. Sullivan, born and raised in New York City on March 25, 1972, is a multi-faceted artist on the scene. Playing the musical styles of jazz, Latin, and funk, she has performed in Spain, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and many festivals throughout the world. Ms. Sullivan has performed with artists including Wynton Marsalis, the late Lionel Hampton, Rachel Z. and many more. She performs in workshops and concerts at public schools, and community events through organizations such as Young Audiences, Arts Horizons, the Harmony Project and David Pleasant's Riddimathon. (LEARN MORE)

Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans Latin Jazz Quartet
Annette A. Aguilar and StringBeans Latin Jazz Quartet were selected as Latin Jazz Ambassadors of 2003 and 2005 for the U.S State department and the Kennedy Center and now for Jazz at Lincoln Center. This versatile group toured Southern Africa and Rwanda sharing their knowledge of the music of the Americas and the Caribbean. Blending Afro-Cuban,Jazz and Afro-Brazilian rhythms with guitar, violin, trombone piano and bass, this exquisite ensemble creates a unique string and percussion sound. This extraordinary group of outstanding musicians which includes, Freddie Bryant: Guitar and 12 string, Rob Thomas: Violin/bass, Barry Olsen: piano/trombone/percussion, Annette A Aguilar: leader Percussionist, have performed with some of the greats in the music world from Tito Puente, Spanish Harlem Orchestra to Mahavishnu Project and the Grateful Dead. (LEARN MORE)

Rhythmic Prophecies Latin Jazz Ensemble
Rhythmic Prophecies repertoire consists of original compositions as well as original arrangements of certain standards the jazz idiom. These young musicians haven't ignored or forgotten the innovators and the "roots" of the music they study but don't play in any specific "style." Within their studies they absorb every thing they can, then produce something that is their own, something unique. This is a trio that has much experience in performance concentrates on making art with their music. With well-blended sounds from the Caribbean, Americas, Africa and other parts of the world, Rhythmic Prophecies is something fresh and new, something that has never been experienced before. Together, they combine their education and intuition to allow them to experiment, stretch and explore in all areas in music. They have grown with recognition while regularly performing with such notables as Herbie Hancock (Richie Barshay) and Donald Harrison (The Curtis Brothers). All three are currently working with Trombonist Steve Davis in his sextet. (LEARN MORE)

Agora Latin Jazz Quartet
Born in South Carolina, a guitarist, composer and bandleader, Clay Ross was encouraged musically from a young age. After receiving a BFA from the University of Charleston, he became an integral part of the South Carolina jazz scene. Mr. Ross has been featured in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, First Night Charleston, the Charleston Jazz Festival, the Moja Arts Festival and the Asheville Jazz Composers Forum. He has also served as a guest clinician and artist at the University of Charleston. (LEARN MORE)

Grupo Yanqui
Grupo Yanqui balances Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and American influenced compositions by its members, bassist Gregory Ryan, keyboardist Bennett Paster, trumpeter Jim Seeley and drummer Keith Hall, with their Latin-tinged arrangements of standard gems. The result is a true "salsa" of modern and traditional music. Grupo Yanqui defies simple classification- it's Latin Jazz; it's world groove; it's energetic, exciting modern music, which brings together the strengths of diverse individuals into a "grupo" unlike any other. (LEARN MORE)

Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet
The Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet consists of Henry Cole (from Puerto Rico) on drums, Ricardo Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) on bass, Jason Gillenwater (United States) on tenor saxophone, and Alejandro Aviles (Cuba) on alto and soprano saxophones. Utilizing a diverse selection of Latin American rhythms, the group's repertoire includes original music as well as arrangements of popular jazz standards. Many of the rhythms found in their music originates from Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. The unique choice of instrumentation also provides a modern touch that emphasizes improvisation and spontaneity. The Alejandro Aviles Latin Jazz Quartet combines traditional jazz concepts with Latin rhythms producing an explosive musical experience not to be missed. (LEARN MORE)

Toni Blackman Hip-hop Ensemble
Toni Blackman Hip-hop Ensemble have played before sold-out crowds sharing the stage with popular R&B diva Erykah Badu, seminal hip-hop band-the Roots, Mos Def and others. A Lilith Fair Talent Search Winner and Capitol Records Girls Room Talent Search Toni has also featured along some of the world's most legendary musicians including James "Blood" Ulmer, Craig Harris, Vernon Reid and saxman Steve Coleman. The trio of Bryon Hankins (bass), Ive 09 (drums) and J. Mage (keys) brings together seasoned musicians who complement Blackman's brand of jazz influenced, globally tinged, hip-hop soul. A highly respected freestyler (improvisationalist), the first-ever artist to work as a cultural ambassador for hip-hop through the Dept. of State's Cultural Affairs Division, Toni is invited to festivals all over the world including CUTTING EDGE Festival in Germany, NUMOON Festival in Holland, URBAN VOICES Fest in South Africa, as well as festivals in Canada, Senegal, Ghana, France, England and the U.S. (LEARN MORE)

Opus Akoben Hip-hop Ensemble
An "opus" is a piece of music. "Akoben is the African Adinkra symbol "warhorn", which means "a call to action". This band is a multi- influential, rhyme-driven, hip-hop funk thing. It's like," What would Sly and the Family Stone sound like if they did hip hop?" We call ours, "funk hop". (LEARN MORE)