​Katie Ernst:
Katie Ernst is described by the Chicago Tribune as "a versatile young bassist who plays in far-flung bands and sings with uncommon delicacy and authenticity." She is co-leader of the adventurous Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, folk-jazz duo Wayfaring, indie rock band Edith Judith, and has received widespread critical acclaim for her Dorothy Parker poetry song cycle Little Words, which premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

She travels throughout the US as a guest artist/clinician for young musicians. She is a teaching artist for the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Masters Residency Program in Chicago Public Schools, and serves on faculty at Birch Creek Music Academy for the Jazz I summer program. Ernst joined the board of directors for the Jazz Institute of Chicago in 2023.

Jeremy Cunningham is a drummer, composer, and improviser. Originally from Cincinnati, he moved to Chicago in 2009, where he currently performs and composes as an integral part of the city’s vibrant music scene. Cunningham has performed with an impressive roster of luminaries such as Von Freeman, Jeff Parker, Mike Allemana, Marquis Hill, Caroline Davis, Nick Mazzarella, Greg Ward, Will Miller, Lane Beckstrom, and Dave Rempis. He can be heard on Resavoir’s epon

KIRBY FELLIS
A captivating Chicago based, Jazz trombonist, educator, and composer. Kirby Fellis is insightful, passionate, & spontaneous, yet boisterous. His music is reflective of his Caribbean-American roots & embraces the essence of his life from the pain and sadness of losing his father at the age of four to the gratitude & passion of being able to perform at events such as Detroit Jazz Festival & Monterey Jazz Festival.

Kirby further developed as a musician as a student at Michigan State University (MSU), where he obtained a Bachelors in Jazz Studies Degree in 2016, under the direction of Rodney Whitaker and Trombone virtuoso Michael Dease. At MSU he described some of his most memorable experiences, meeting jazz legends such as Antonio Hart, Rufus Reid, and Jimmy Cobb. Currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant & Masters student at Northern Illinois University (NIU)     

​Leon Q. Allen

Jon Faddis said “This boy can play!!!” Wynton Marsalis said “He can swing.” Bone Thugs N Harmony calls him “Chicago’s Finest.” Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, and Ice Cube call this “young lion” of a musician “The Truth.” This whirlwind musical master from The Windy City has been captivating international audiences for the past 17 years as the most versatile trumpet player of choice for today’s shining stars. The person that they are referring to is none other than Chicago’s very own Leon Q. Allen.

Since his entrance into the professional arena in 1994, at age 14, Leon Q. has given his gift of music to audiences around the world. Leon Q., in his personal, versatile way, has shared the stage with such dynamic musical icons such as Common, Kanye West, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Carl Thomas, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Drake, Tito Puente, Jr., and countless others. The world has not seen such a versatile musical force with the power to inspire people, like Leon Q. Simply put, Leon Q. will truly move your heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit through the powerful gift of music that he bestows upon the masses.

Quentin Coaxum
One of Chicago’ brightest young trumpeters, Quentin Coaxum is one of our most thoughtful composers. He is inspired by great literary voices including James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni, the civil rights movement and “the dynamics of human relationships in America’s current social climate.” His deeply moving song, “Alton Sterling,” honors the memory of the African American shot to death two years ago by white police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Coaxum, who grew up outside of St. Louis, is heavily influenced by the soulful post-bop styles of the late '50s and early '60s, but as evidenced on his well-received 2014 debut album, Current, his music has a contemporary edge.