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Trombonist Don Collins has based his career out of Philadelphia since 1986. He is the recipient of the 2014 Philadelphia Clef Club Jazz Award for trombone, and can frequently be heard performing with his own groups, as well as the Urban Guerilla Orchestra, the Cintron Band, Orquesta del Barrio, The Edgar Joel and Anthony Colon Orchestra, Orquesta La Paz, and The City Rhythm Orchestra. Don Collins Trombonist Trombonist Don Collins has based his career out of Philadelphia since 1986. He is the recipient of the 2014 Philadelphia Clef Club Jazz Award for trombone, and can frequently be heard performing with his own groups, as well as the Urban Guerilla Orchestra (or UGO for short, now entering its 25th year), the Cintron Band(since 1994, starting with the recording Musica Caliente featuring Michael Pedicin), Orquesta del Barrio( founding member 1989), The Edgar Joel and Anthony Colon Orchestra(since the mid 1990’s), Orquesta La Paz, and The City Rhythm Orchestra(since the early 90’s). Don began his musical studies at age 7 on piano, then took up euphonium, and subsequently the trombone at the age of 9. His teachers have included Roger Smith, David Maser, James Bennett, Brian Bowman, George Starks, Steve Turre, and Glenn Dodson. Don was previously a lecturer in Jazz Trombone in The Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University. Notable recent engagements have included the Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival, The Capital Jazz Festival, The Soul Train Cruise and the Exit 0 Jazz Festival. Recent recordings include I Wanna Go Where UGO by the Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Edgardo Cintron’s "Bon Appetite", and "The Lost Sinatra-Basie” With Brandon Tomasello and the City Rhythm Orchestra. Make It Real Edgardo Cintron 00:00 / 05:37 DON COLLINS FACEBOOK BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Bert Harris Musician • Composer Double bass, acoustic bass guitar and electric bass guitar. Playing straight ahead jazz, South African jazz, Reggae, NOLA jazz and NOLA funk, traditional Jamaican jazz (ska).. recorded and performed with with Byard Lancaster, music director for three Philadelphia Jazz Projects , Homage to Sun Ra concerts. Long time bassist with Philadelphia legacy band, Philly Gumbo. Two recordings with Philly Gumbo (Holy War and Mardi Gras in New Orleans) and Come and Get It. Latest recording project with Gumbo Nouveau, album "Seasoned", availble on all streaming platforms. Two compoistions in the Philadelphia Real Book, "Sunday Sermon on Mars and Blues for Trayvonn." Bassist with Aaron Pond's ensemble Inverse and Obverse...Bassist with the reggae band, Reggae Thunder. Bassist with the straight ahead jazz trio, The Pio Trio, led by drummer Pio Voluntad. Leader of the Afro Jazz Collective and the AfroJazz Gumbo (New Orleans jazz and South African jazz). Bassist with two ska bands, RK$TDY and the Philadelphia Ska Jazz Quartet (PSJQ). Trio with Steve Strawitz(guitar) and Grant McCoy (drums), original compositions. Bassist with The Satellites, revolving band memebers who came together through the Philadelphia Jazz Project and Homer Jacksons homage to SunRa, playing Spiritual Jazz. Double bassist with LB Entertainment events. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

The first annual Philatino Music and Culture fest is a celebration of Latin music and culture in the city of Philadelphia. Come join us at the Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown as we listen to a variety of music from the latin diaspora, featuring both local and international artists on two different stages. The event will also feature activities such as bilingual yoga, and a Son Jarocho workshop. Dance the day away, enjoy food from local latin food trucks, and support local art vendors. Philatino Music & Culture Fest EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS Chesy Amaranta Son Revoltura Alba Musik Tanicha López La Plena Del Puente The first annual Philatino Music and Culture Fest is a celebration of Latin music and culture in the city of Philadelphia. Come join us at the Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown as we listen to a variety of music from the latin diaspora, featuring both local and international artists on two different stages. The event will also feature activities such as bilingual yoga, and a Son Jarocho workshop. Dance the day away, enjoy food from local latin food trucks, and support local art vendors who will be featured at the venue. No matter your background or interests, this will be a day of joy and community, celebrating the diversity of our great city. EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS

Live music venue and Punjabi restaurant in Media, PA. Shere-E-Punjab serves authentic North Indian cuisine and hosts jazz, rock, funk, and more. Shere-E-Punjab 210 West State St., Media PA 19063 Live music venue and Punjabi restaurant in Media, PA. Shere-E-Punjab serves authentic North Indian cuisine and hosts jazz, rock, funk, and more. SHERE-E-PUNJAB.COM BACK TO VENUES BACK TO STUDIOS Not a venue member ? CLICK TO JOIN

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Justin Leigh is a graduate of Temple University who performs in and around Philadelphia. He was previously the co-leader of the band Ellipsis and is currently co-leading a project called Channel Collective. He also performs regularly with The Greg Snyder Trio, Hennessey Bonfire, and bass legend Bakithi Kumalo. Justin Leigh Drummer • Composer • Arranger Justin Leigh is a graduate of Temple University who performs in and around Philadelphia. He was previously the co-leader of the band Ellipsis and is currently co-leading a project called Channel Collective. He also performs regularly with The Greg Snyder Trio, Hennessey Bonfire, and bass legend Bakithi Kumalo. Tina Turners Head Channel Collective Channel Collective 00:00 / 03:50 JUSTIN LEIGH INSTAGRAM BACK TO ARTISTS his father “I really enjoyed that performance.” Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Chris Oatts Musician • Band Chris Oatts is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator renowned for his lush sound, virtuosic technique, and soulful improvisations that bridge the rich tradition of jazz with a bold vision for its future. Hailed as "a force to be reckoned with," Chris has performed, recorded, and toured globally—both as a leader and alongside an impressive roster of artists including Seal, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Band, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and The Temptations. A versatile artist, Chris’ work as a composer reflects his deep love for hard-swinging jazz, intricate harmony, and lyrical melody. His compositions blend complex arrangements with spontaneous improvisation, creating a sound that is both innovative and rooted in tradition. Born into a rich musical legacy in Des Moines, Iowa, Chris is the nephew of alto saxophone legend Dick Oatts, with whom he studied at Temple University in Philadelphia. His father, Jim, played trumpet with jazz icons Stan Kenton and Machito and was a member of the jazz-rock band Chase. Music runs deep in the Oatts family, with Chris’ grandfather, Jack Oatts, being a trailblazer in jazz education—credited with founding Iowa’s first high school jazz band and influencing generations of jazz musicians across the Midwest. Chris still performs on his grandfather’s Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone to this day. As both a saxophonist and composer, Chris has released two acclaimed albums. His latest, Personalities, features both quintet and nonet ensembles, with legendary jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford and some of the finest musicians from Philadelphia and New York. The album offers fresh interpretations of jazz standards alongside deeply personal original compositions. His debut album, First Quintet, showcases his distinct voice as a composer, featuring a stellar lineup of Philadelphia-based musicians. Chris is also the leader of the Pretty Big Band, a ten-piece ensemble that blends the power of a big band with the energy of small group improvisation. The band performs regularly in Philadelphia and serves as a platform for Chris’ unique compositions and arrangements, each piece designed to highlight the talents of the exceptional musicians within the group. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Chris founded the LOVE Jazz Orchestra, a group dedicated to preserving the traditions of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, while commissioning new works from Philadelphia-based composers. An active and dedicated educator, Chris teaches at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University and the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA. He has also held faculty positions at the University of the Arts and the Media Arts Council, where he helped develop jazz programming for local youth. As a co-founder of the Philadelphia Saxophone Guild, Chris is committed to fostering the next generation of musicians and nurturing the rich cultural landscape of Philadelphia's jazz community. With a deep commitment to both performance and education, Chris Oatts continues to shape the future of jazz while honoring its past. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Originally from Connecticut, Erik found his way to Philadelphia via The University of the Arts. Soon after graduating in ‘93 he joined NYC based drummer Ronnie Burrage’s band. Playing with such luminaries as Frank Lacey, Joe Ford, Joe Lock, Gregoire Maret and Kenny Davis. It was through Ronnie’s band that Erik gained invaluable experience as a sideman and really started to find his voice as a player. Erik Sayles Guitarist • Composer • Producer Originally from Connecticut, Erik found his way to Philadelphia via The University of the Arts. Soon after graduating in ‘93 he joined NYC based drummer Ronnie Burrage’s band. Playing with such luminaries as Frank Lacey, Joe Ford, Joe Lock, Gregoire Maret and Kenny Davis. It was through Ronnie’s band that Erik gained invaluable experience as a sideman and really started to find his voice as a player. In ‘94 he and fellow U Arts classmate Chris Farr signed a record deal with TMP Records under the name Common Ground. They released two records; the first in ‘95 and the second in ‘97. Cumulatively, these records featured such jazz/jazz fusion greats as Randy Brecker, Denis Chambers, Tim LeFebvre, James Genus, Zach Danziger and Dan Zank. Towards the end of the 90’s Erik was involved in the city’s Neo Soul movement. He was a member of the house band for Wilhelmina’s, which was the predecessor to Questlove’s Black Lily. It was at this club, on Thursday nights, that Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Balil and many others honed their craft. Through connections made at Wilhelmina’s Erik wound up by performing on Jill Scott’s Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol 1 (Grammy Nomination for best R&B album) Darius Rucker’s Back To Then and Vivian Greens A Love Story. For years Erik lead his own group, The Erik Sayles Fourtet featuring various local artists but mainstays were Chris Giraldi on drums, Ken Pendergast on bass and Andy Keenan on pedal steel. Earlier this year Erik along with Tone Whitfield on bass and Lionel Forrester Jr. on drums released a live record entitled Live at the Sanctuary. Fully free form, this record consists of 4 “improvisations” described as sonic explorations leaning towards the avaunt-guard. His first solo record Mélange was just released this past June and a second solo record will be out this fall (2025). Svadhisthana Erik Sayles 00:00 / 02:17 ERIKSAYLES.BANDCAMP.COM BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Ross Bellenoit Guitarist • Composer • Producer • Muscle Tough • Ross Bellenoit Sextet As of 2025, Ross Bellenoit has forged quite a career path, racking up impressive credits as a guitarist, composer and record producer. After moving to Philadelphia in 2003, Bellenoit quickly became the leading axe-man for a thriving singer-songwriter scene that spawned Amos Lee, Birdie Busch, and Chris Kasper. Since 2010, he's been making his mark as a songwriter himself, having released several of his own albums of original material, including three full-length LP’s in 2015. Raised in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, Bellenoit trained on classical guitar & viola for ten years before studying jazz guitar at the University of the Arts — but Bellenoit is not the sort of musician who lets his studies do the talking. A spontaneous, in-the-moment improviser and consummate team player, Bellenoit has spent the past six years training himself to stay on his toes, and to anticipate the un-obvious. "If there's one thing that I try to keep aware of," Bellenoit says, "it's the song's temperament. No matter the style or context of the song, you have to surrender yourself completely to what the music is telling you in the moment. Serve the song, and the song will serve you." Bellenoit more often than not can be found at Turtle Studios, the last remaining original “large” studio standing in Philadelphia. He has contributed to a wide array of albums — rock, jazz, gospel, R&B, country, even a song about cheeseburgers written for Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig Laban. He's worked as a guitarist with renowned producers John Carter Cash, Phil Nicolo, Ian Cross, Brian McTear and Devin Greenwood — and for the past 14 years has been producing records for a variety of artists himself. Bellenoit has also racked up a considerable amount of touring experience, most notably touring with Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello as a member of Amos Lee's band in 2007. He's made multiple regional tours with country group The Sweetback Sisters (with whom he appeared on NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion") fellow Philadelphian songstress Birdie Busch, and has toured internationally several times with German-based Joseph Parsons Band since 2008. As an arranger, in 2017, he was commissioned to write a suite of original music by the Philadelphia Jazz Project, and was music director for the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Arts Centennial Concert celebrating 100 years of music in Philadelphia. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Kevin Diehl Musician • Composer • Arranger • Organizer • Producer Bands: AIRLFT, Onilu, Instant Arts Quartet, Ashé Mystics, Ade Ilu Bata Ensemble, Sonic Liberation Front Kevin Diehl is a Philadelphia based drummer, percussionist and composer operating at the intersection of alternative jazz, traditional percussive arts, and forward leaning technologies to bring together communities and creative viewpoints. In addition to instigating opportunities for creative interactions within the music community at large, Kevin serves as a cultural worker for Orisa worship communities in the Philadelphia/Mid-Atlantic Region. KEY POINTS: Philadelphia-based drummer, percussionist and composer Student and mentee of the late Sunny Murray Ensemble leader recognized #1 or Top 10 by the Village Voice, All About Jazz, Jazziz Further recognized by leading international press including New York Times Recognized Downbeat Critics’ Poll 2021-2023 A Top 5 Rising Star Percussionist. Priest of the Lucumi (Afro Cuban Yoruba) culture Olu Bata (keeper of the sacred drums) in the Lucumi (Afro Cuban Yoruba) culture Founder of the Lucumi Youth Choir Label co-producer/partner at High Two Recordings CURRENT PROJECTS: Onilu with Chad Taylor and Joe Chambers (2024) Justice - The vocal works of Oliver Lake with Sonic Liberation Front Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons meets Ade Ilu Lucumi Ensemble (2024) recording Instant Arts Quartet (2024) with Matt Lavelle, Terry Lawson, Pete Dennis The Ashé Mystics (2024) - with Julius Masri and Joshua Marquez The Instant Arts Duo (2024) AIRFLT ensemble and performance series Lucumi Youth Choir The 1st Annual AIRLFT Sound Festival COLLABORATIONS: Chad Taylor, Joe Chambers, Oliver Lake, Marshall Allen, Odean Pope, Sunny Murray, Donald HarrisonJr., Khan Jamal, Michelle Rosewoman, Thurman Barker, Badal Roy, Kulu Mele Dance and Drum Ensemble, Gene Golden, Skip “Brinquito” Burney, Andy Gonzaléz, Prometheus Chamber Orchestra, Termite TV collective, Kariamu Welsh, Shaness Kemp COMMISSION: Kevin Diehl composed a commissioned work “Jetway Confidential” by Ars Nova Workshop in 2009 for inclusion in the ICA Philadelphia exhibit performance “Pathways to Unknown Worlds: Sun Ra, El Saturn & Chicago’s Afro-Futurist Underground, 1954–1968” DISCOGRAPHY: Onilu - Joe Chambers, Kevin Diehl, Chad Taylor (Eremite Feb 2025) Jamaaldeen Tacuma’s Philly Improv Society | Episode One (BandCamp February 15, 2025) Marshall Allen's Ghost Horizons | Live in Philadelphia (Otherly Love May 2025) Instant Arts Quartet - Matt Lavelle, Terry Lawson, Pete Dennis, Kevin Diehl (HighTwo August 2025) The Ashé Mystics (HighTwo August 2025) - Julius Masri, Joshua Marquez and Kevin Diehl Marshall Allen Trio with the Ade Ilu Bata Ensemble | The Ominiverse Oriki (HighTwo Sept 2025) DISCOGRAPHY: with Sonic Liberation Front on High Two Recordings Water and Stone (2000) Ashé A Go Go (2004) Change Over Time (2006) Sonic Liberation Front Meets Sunny Murray (2011) Jetway Confidential (2012) Bombogenic (2016) Moon Rust Red Streets (2021) Justice, the vocal works of Oliver Lake (High Two 2022) SONIC LIBERATION: FRONT large scale performance works: “The IT Summit” Prince Music Theater, “The Dream Book” presented by Bowerbird and the Philadelphia Jazz Project at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center “Kule Se Mama” A live performance at the John Coltrane Festival, Philadelphia Jazz Project and Temple University Kevin Dieh’s Ashé All Stars featuring Donald Harrison, and introducing the Lucumi Youth Choir at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts Musical Director for Philadelphia Jazz Project’s “Satellites Are Spinning” series - a performance at the Franklin Institute's Fels Planetarium. A Sun Ra tribute. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Elliot Bild Trumpeter • Composer • Arranger • Educator • Bandleader Originally from Chicago, trumpeter, educator, arranger and composer Elliot Bild got his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University where he studied with Scott Cowan, Andrew Rathbun and Edward Simon. Shortly after, he completed his Masters Degree from Temple University where he studied with Terell Stafford, John Swana, Ben Schachter, and Dick Oatts. In August 2017, Elliot was selected along with 14 other fellows to participate in the Ravinia Steins Music Institute, where he worked with Rufus Reid, Nathan Davis and Billy Childs. Later that summer, Elliot attended the Banff Workshop for Jazz and Creative Music, where he had the chance to work with Gary Bartz, Jeremy Pelt, Vijay Iyer, Tyshawn Sorey, Robin Eubanks and Tia Fuller, among others. In the Summer of 2018, Elliot was a sub trumpeter for the touring Big Apple Circus and became faculty of the Litchfield Jazz Camp. Since that time, he has shared the bandstand with such people as Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Pablo Batista, Bill Jolly, Don Braden, Duane Eubanks, Tim Warfield Jr., Norman David and The Eleventet, Conrad Herwig, Randy Brecker, Mike Boone, Adam Neiwood, Byron Landham, Lucas Brown, John Swana, Zaccai and Luques Curtis, Behn Gillece, Caleb Curtis, V. Shayne Frederick, Richie Canata, and Myron Walden. Elliot has performed at such venues as The Kimmel Center for the Arts, Chris's Jazz Cafe, The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Cellar Dog Philly/NYC, and The Litchfield Jazz Festival. He appears on recent releases by Bassists Richard Hill, Mike Boone, Nick Krolak, Organist Lucas Brown, Trombonist Nick Lombardelli, Saxophonists Michael Hudson-Casanova and Skyler Hagner, as well as The South Philly Big Band and Peter Frank Orchestra ft. Lucas Beltran. Elliot Bild & the Zone’s album, “ISMS” was released in November 2020, which features a collection of all original material and a 4 1/2 star review from All about Jazz. The Zone recently released their second album, entitled “Sound Picture” produced by Tim Hagans. In addition, he has released Volumes 1 & 2 of "Car Licks"; transcriptions of trumpeter John Swana available on Bandcamp. Elliot currently teaches for The Philadelphia Orchestra School Ensemble Program, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, Drexel University Jazz Studies Guest Lecturer and Judge for Cavalcade of Bands. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN

Hiruy Tirfe Saxophonist • Composer • Arranger • Band Leader • Jazz Artist Coming off of the fresh, captivating release of his debut record entitled “10,000 Hours” with a outstanding 4 of 5 star review on DownBeat Magazine and named “Top 10 Jazz Records Of 2024” by jazz publicist Dan Ouellette, Hiruy Tirfe is a distinguished saxophonist, musician, composer, arranger, educator, musical director, band leader, voting member of the Recording Academy and film scorer hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Philadelphia, PA. His journey as a versatile musician began during his time in Upper Darby public schools, in addition to extra curricular programs such as the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program, and then continuing his studies at the University Of The Arts in Center City Philadelphia, where he honed his craft and emerged as a sought-after sideman for numerous local Philadelphia artists. Tirfe received his bachelors in Music Performance (Saxophone) with a Minor In Music Education in 2017 then the following year received his Master in Music Education while attending University Of The Arts. In 2022, he launched “Tirfe Music World”, a company in which he contracts numerous musicians for a plethora of functions from private events to national tours providing artists and clients a high level of musical mastery all from “Tirfe’s Musical World.” Tirfe was very fortunate to provide musical mastery from clients such as the American Association For Cancer Research, Channel 10 NBC, The Mann Music Center and also artists such as Chill Moody for the “Moody Klubbhouse” Series held at City Winery. Tirfe has also lent a hand for the Delaware County Jazz Jam Festival, a festival run since 2023 run by Tirfe, Upper Darby Arts And Education Non-proft and the Upper Darby Township in which Tirfe runs the booking, contracting, accounting, stage management and MC. While pursuing his education, Tirfe had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of top-tier jazz musicians residing in Philadelphia, including luminaries like Mike Cemprola, Mark Allen and John Swana. These experiences provided the foundation for his extraordinary talent. Tirfe's impact in the industry is undeniable, as he has collaborated with an impressive roster of renowned artists, such as Patti LaBelle, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trombone Shorty, Solange Knowles, Bilal, Res, Brandy, Steve Mckie, Tye Tribbett, Gerald Veasley, Eric Roberson, Chill Moody, Mike Boone, Jeff Bradshaw, and many others. His reputation as a consummate professional, both on stage and in the studio, has led to incredible opportunities whether on the big stages, clubs stages and in the studio. Beyond the musical realm, Hiruy Tirfe has extended his talents to the world of TV and film, contributing his unique musical voice to productions like "A Nashville Legacy," (now streaming on Hulu) where he worked alongside notable actors like Andrea Lewis, Pooch Hall, and Roz Ryan. Additionally, his contributions graced Tye Tribbett's Grammy-nominated gospel album, "All Things New." You are guaranteed to be engaged in the high level of artistry, musicianship and professionalism when you listen to saxophonist Hiruy Tirfe and his quartet. ARTIST WEBSITE BACK TO ARTISTS Not an artist member ? CLICK TO JOIN