Benny Benack III - Trumpet / Vocals
Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III has quickly become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed live album “This Is The Life” which has been garnering thousands of streams and topping the JazzWeek Radio Charts. He is the rare talent who is just as formidable as a fiery trumpeter ranging from Freddie Hubbard to Louis Armstrong and everyone in between, while as a singer he delivers sly, mature, naturally expressive post-Sinatra vocal stylings.
His sophomore album “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (2020) featured the likes of bass luminary Christian McBride, achieving viral online fame w/his vocalese rendition of "Social Call" ft. Veronica Swift that's been transcribed and covered by singers around the world. He has crooned his way to millions of more listeners alongside groups such as the Grammy-winning “8-Bit Big Band” and YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”. His (2023) album “Third Time’s the Charm” went all the way to #2 on the charts and featured a veritable line-up of special guests including Peter Bernstein, Bria Skonberg, Chad LB & more. His double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonius Monk Competition on trumpet, and then won Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered by Downbeat Magazine’s Readers Poll for 2025, where he placed #1 for Rising Star Male Vocalist and was also #8 for Rising Star Trumpet.
His global recognition has been bolstered through his collaborations with the GRAMMY-award winning “8-Bit Big Band” and touring with Postmodern Jukebox. The recent advent of live-streaming concerts has been a boon as well, both through his residency at Smalls Jazz Club, as well as frequent appearances at fellow superstar Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. He has arrived as one of the most in-demand touring artists and music educators in the Jazz world, with a never-ending intercontinental schedule that reflects his indefatigable love for the music, with his smile and panache on full-display wherever it takes him next.
Michael Stephenson - Saxophone / vocals
Local saxophonist Michael Stephenson has built a career that bridges international acclaim and community impact. A performer at both Carnegie Hall and the White House, Stephenson says his favorite compliment is when someone tells him he looks like he’s having fun on stage: “That’s when you know your love for music has reached the audience.” Stephenson is the Coordinator of Music and Drama at Pitt Community College, directing the symphony orchestra and jazz band while shaping a program that connects people through music. He and his wife, Cheryl, co-founded the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina in 1997, a nonprofit that offers lessons, music therapy, and rehearsal space for local ensembles. Since 1988, Stephenson has performed worldwide as soprano saxophonist with the New Century Saxophone Quartet, winners of the Concert Artist Guild Competition and the first saxophone quartet to play Carnegie Hall. Memorable moments include performing for President Clinton in the White House and playing Bach’s Art of the Fugue on a California beach at sunset. A native of Henderson, NC, Stephenson’s love for music began in church and school bands. Today, he and Cheryl—an oboist and music therapist—continue to perform together, sharing their passion for music with family and community alike. During the pandemic, Stephenson adapted by streaming performances and exploring new technology. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where musicians collaborate virtually across the globe. “Whether on the world stage or in my hometown,” he says, “music is about sharing love with our neighbors and our community.”
Leo Larratt - Guitar
Leo Larratt is a guitarist originally from Newcastle, Australia. In Australia, he worked with and was mentored by some of the country's best musicians, including Warwick Alder, Carl Dewhurst, Craig Scott, Steve Brien, and John Harkins. At the age of 23, Leo moved to New York to deepen his knowledge and pursue his passion for jazz. In New York, he has worked with world renowned musicians such as George Coleman, Houston Person, Joe Farnsworth and Emmet Cohen. He was also a private student of the great Russell Malone for two years. Leo's playing is deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz and blues, and he continually strives to bring out his inner voice on his instrument and evolve as a musician.
Aaron Kimmel - Drums
Aaron Kimmel, originally from Pennsylvania, has resided in New York City for nearly two decades where he works as a freelance drummer. He holds a bachelor of music degree from The Juilliard School, where he studied with Kenny Washington and Billy Drummond. He frequently appears at Smalls and Dizzy's Club, and many venues around the world. You can see him performing as a sideman with Aaron Diehl, the Benny Green trio, Ben Wolfe, among others. He has also played with such jazz luminaries as Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Eric Alexander, Joe Magnarelli, Grant Stewart, Terell Stafford, Ryan Kisor, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mary Stallings, and Jon Faddis.
Mark Lewandowski - Bass
New York City-based bassist Mark Lewandowski originally hails from Nottingham, England. His interest in the bass took him to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Whilst studying at the school Mark was rapidly producing a strong name for himself on the London scene; playing regularly at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club by only his second year in the capital. He was also awarded the Yamaha Jazz award and is now continuing his studies in New York City as part of the celebrated Artist Diploma program at the prestigious Juilliard School. He has been lucky to perform with a diverse range of musicians including such names as John Surman, Wynton Marsalis, Buddy Greco, Sheila Jordan, Henry Grimes, Steve Wilson, Paul Dunmall, Vic Juris, Martin Carthy, Jean Toussaint, Tcha Limberger, Julian Joseph, Bobby Wellins, Peter King, Soweto Kinch, Zoe Rahman.
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