Temidayo Balogun is a talented and versatile pan-African musician with a strong background in jazz and contemporary music. He hails from Osun state, Nigeria, and has a diverse skill set that includes playing the saxophone, piano, and talking drum. His musical journey has taken him through a rich education at the Muson School of Music(Lagos, Nigeria), and later on at the Longy School of Music(Cambridge, Massachusettes), where he had the opportunity to study with renowned artists such as Noah Preminger, Eric Hofbauer, and Ben Schwendener.
Temidayo is not only a solo artist but has also had the privilege of collaborating with various notable musicians and bands, both in Nigeria and Boston. These collaborations include artists like Yinka Davies, Taye Mayegha, Tosin Aribisala, and groups like The Lagos Jazz Series Quintet, Generayshun, The Native Brains, Ope and the Stereo Choir, Jazz in My Room, and most notably, The Makanda Project in Boston.
His involvement in The Makanda Project led by John Kordalewski has allowed him to work alongside jazz legends such as Chico Freeman, Avery Sharpe, Dee Alexander, Ricky Ford, Warren Smith, Bill Lowe, and others, which is a significant achievement in the world of jazz music. In addition to his live performances and collaborations, Temidayo Balogun recently released his debut studio album titled “Ìbà,” which is available on various digital platforms. This album reflects his deep connection to his Yoruba cultural roots and West African musical influences, both rhythmically and harmonically. It’s a testament to his skills as a composer and his dedication to exploring and sharing the rich musical traditions of his heritage. www.temidayobalogun.com
Lumanyano Mzi.JPG Lumanyano Mzi is a South African / Boston USA based award winning musician with his “The Unity Band”, whose debut album "Fabric" earned them the Best-Newcomers in Jazz Award at the 2019 Mzanzi Jazz Awards.
Lumanyano's musical journey began with an adventurous spirit, as he snuck out of his home at just six years old to witness his father's reggae band in action. Little did he know that fate had something special in store for him that day, as he ended up filling in for the missing drummer and wowing his father with his natural talent. From there, Lumanyano's passion for music continued to grow, with jazz and gospel sounds becoming a major influence on his self-taught drumming style.
Currently a Contemporary Writing and Production Graduate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music 23’.
With a wide range of musical experiences under his belt, including performances with an impressive list of local and international artists, Lumanyano's journey continues to evolve. He remains a passionate and collaborative force in the world of music, always eager to explore new sounds and connect with fellow artists.
Brandon Volel.JPG
Brandon Volel, a Berklee graduate, is a versatile trumpeter from Boston, known for his expertise in jazz. His time at Berklee saw him excelling in big productions, showcasing his talent and dedication. With a passion for music, Brandon’s dynamic performances have earned him acclaim worldwide. Today, he continues to inspire audiences with his soulful expression and technical prowess.
Amaury Cabral Jorge.JPG Amaury Cabral Jorge,
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1998. Admitted in 2016 to the National Conservatory of Music of Santo Domingo into the Folkloric and Popular music program with concentration in Guitar Performance. During his time at the conservatory he was selected as a winner of the 2019 AES presidential scholarship towards a Berklee Summer Program, during which he was awarded a Full Tuition scholarship towards a Bachelor of Music in Berklee College of Music, where he is now on his last year of studies.
During his time in Boston he has participated in some of Berklee’s most advanced ensembles and concerts, representing the school in different off-campus concerts and events throughout the state and country. He has also introduced himself in the professional scene, collaborating in recordings and live performances with artists like Mike Pope, Randy Brecker, Nate Smith, Geoffrey Keezer, Terri Lyne Carrington and Tia Fuller, among others, also actively performing in the New England music scene as a sideman with different projects as well as a bandleader.
Ian Quinton Banno.JPG Ian Quinton Banno is one of the finest up and coming double bassists in the jazz scene today. He has a wealth of experience performing internationally, having played at the Montreal Jazz Festival with Jacques Schwarz-Bart and Malika Tirolien, Fort Delgres as part of the Guadeloupe Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall (as principal bassist of the RIPY Orchestra), Scullers Jazz Club in Boston (featuring Aaron Goldberg), and at the Ambassade de France in Washington, D.C.
Ian displays an enthusiastic passion for teaching as well. Besides giving a week-long clinic with Jacques Schwarz-Bart in Guadeloupe alongside Grégory Privat and Ivanna Cuesta Gonzalez, he has taught numerous practicums at the college level, including masterclasses at Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Clark University, and Bowdoin College.