Whirlybirds is a modern swing group from Columbus, Ohio. Comprised of musicians with a variety of backgrounds – including jazz, funk, R&B, and even punk rock – Whirlybirds put their own modern pop and jazz spin on a combination of original swing music, Dixieland, and Big Band Era standards.

Whirlybirds’ aim is to create music that is poppy, catchy, and makes people feel good. Age 9 or 90, on the lawn at the library or late-night in the bar, there’s a little something for everybody.

Copacetic, is a contemporary smooth jazz group from Columbus, Ohio. With roots in Gospel, Jazz, and Soul, their music blends diverse influences to create a captivating and soul-stirring sound. Their acclaimed debut album Copacetic and follow-up release Collage showcase their ability to thread a mix of musical styles, delivering both high-energy tracks and relaxing grooves.

Ron Holmes – Eclecticism Project
An Exploration of the Diaspora of Afro-Beat, Funk, Jazz, & Groove

Ron Holmes, the visionary bassist and bandleader of the acclaimed Jazz Fusion Collective, fo/mo/deep, is embarking on a thrilling new musical journey with the Eclecticism Project. This dynamic ensemble explores the rich and diverse tapestry of Afro-Beat, Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Groove, weaving together a captivating sonic tapestry that transcends boundaries.

Ron Holmes – Eclecticism Project will feature a powerful horn section, Afro-Latin and African-influenced percussion, and a soulful, blues/funk-driven guitarist. The Eclecticism Project delivers a high-energy, full-bodied sound that harkens back to the legendary supergroups of the past. Their music is a celebration of the human spirit, a sonic journey that is both exhilarating and deeply satisfying.  Since its inception in 2007, Ron & fo/mo/deep has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary jazz/funk fusion.

Their critically acclaimed albums, including Syzygy (2019), The Groovy Goodness (2014), A Beautiful Bang (2012), Eclecticism (2010), have garnered praise from music critics and fans alike.

Experience the magic of Ron Holmes – Eclecticism Project live and let yourself be transported to a world of soulful grooves and infectious rhythms and watch us grow.

Kofi B. is a 24 year-old, 2x Emmy® Nominated musician, producer, and actor born & raised in Akron, Ohio. Kofi B’s creative approach to music and public speaking has garnered the attention of millions globally on social media. In 2018, Kofi joined the ranks of ‘Black-ish’ star Anthony Anderson,
R&B songstresses Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys winning the Silver medal in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition.

While music remains at the core, Kofi’s accolades extend beyond the big stage. In 2021, Kofi launched his media production company, BlaBoak Ventures. By 2022, Kofi and BlaBoak Ventures received two Emmy® Nominations from the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of  Television Arts & Sciences for interviews and musical content produced under his company.

In 2022, Kofi joined the ranks of Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, H.E.R. and James Brown as the official winner of the 88th Season of the Apollo Theater’s “Amateur Night At The Apollo” Competition. As a result, Kofi was the recipient of a $20,000 Grand Prize courtesy of the
famed theater.

Recently, Kofi made his first acting debut on the big screens in the blockbuster film, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, where he played the late singer’s pianist in the movie, while also working alongside Houston’s music director Rickey Minor in assisting with composing
music in the film as well.

Currently, Kofi is headlining his first nationwide music tour titled the “Just Play It Tour” & was one of the newest contestants on Season 18 of NBC’s hit television show, “America’s Got Talent”. He aims to continue showcasing his array of talents to the masses and continuously show the world what “The Other Kid From Akron” is made of.

Saxophonist, Producer and Composer Boney James’ New Album ‘Slow Burn’

slow burn: noun, informal

A feeling that grows with a slow but deliberate intensity.

For saxophonist and composer Boney James, these words perfectly describe the music he has crafted for his new Concord Records album, Slow Burn, released on October 18, 2024. “When I mentioned that phrase to people as a possible title, they said, “That also refers to your whole career in a way,” James says with a laugh. “This is my 19th record and I feel like I’m just hitting my stride.”

Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades and includes a long list of accolades; four GRAMMY nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications.  In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024 year Boney became the first ever artist to score 20 number one singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.

But Boney James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn, which the artist produced, marks several firsts. Beginning with the album’s opening track, ‘Arcadia.’ The very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller.  It’s one of the few times that Miller, known for his electric bass guitar work, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording and the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music

Slow Burn follows two of the most successful albums of James’ career, 2020’s Solid and 2022’s Detour which debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart. James is, of course, thrilled that his music continues to reach new audiences more than thirty years after he released his debut album, Trust, in 1992. “It’s always been my goal to be one of those guys that would just keep doing it at a high level,” he says, “and to have that connection with the audience.”

That’s what it’s always been about for Boney James. Growing up in New Rochelle, New York, James played clarinet in his school band, but two years later, he says, “The teacher needed a sax player. As soon as I switched, playing it became my favorite thing to do.” By the time he entered his teens, James was already gigging with bands, and he turned pro at 19.  After years of paying his dues with artists like The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie and many more, Boney cut his first album on an independent label, which led immediately to a major label deal and a string of increasingly successful recordings and nonstop touring.

Now residing in Los Angeles with wife, director Lily Mariye, James says, “I wake up each day and try to play a little better. To quote the cellist Pablo Casals ‘I think I’m making progress.’ I am really proud of my playing on this new record. And I absolutely love the songs and the sound I achieved.”

Some might say it has a Slow Burn: a deliberate intensity.

Al Son del Iya features talented musicians from Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to performing the best classic salsa, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Latin jazz!

Cedric Easton is a New York City-based musician from Columbus, Ohio who engages blues-based music to build community.

A self-taught percussionist, Easton’s foundation for music and community building began in the black Pentecostal church, where he spent his formative years playing local church services and concerts. At age 15 Easton began playing featured artist concerts with national gospel artist Dorinda Clark Cole, Jonathan Nelson, Detrick Haddon and more.

Easton’s dedication and desire to explore various forms of music led him to connect with jazz organ and piano master, Bobby Floyd (2006) Playing alongside Floyd, he learned foundational music principles that spread his musical palate. Soon thereafter, Easton became the principal percussionist for violin virtuoso national recording artist, Christian Howes (2008 – 2016) where he traveled and performed internationally. Easton also performed as a sideman with acclaimed artists such as JD Allen, Rez Abassi, Joel Harrison, and more (2008 – present) During this time, Easton received an honorable mention in Jazz Times (2012), won the statewide Guitar Center Drum Off (2013) Triple Croxx Artist Signature Series (2014) and was commissioned by The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center (2015) Alongside various live performances, Easton self-published the single, “Inspire Me”
(2015) co-created and directed the multi-disciplinary stage production, “Black Staccato” by the Maroon Arts Group (2015 – 2016) self-released a music video entitled “Tears” (2018) and was featured in the docufilm, “Legacy: Jon Irabagon A Tenor Odyssey” by A Tribe for Jazz (2021) Most recently, Easton has self-published the single, “The Lesson” (2023) and full-length album, “Letters From A Broken Brother” (2024)

Alongside Easton’s active music performance schedule, he has served as a teaching artist with the Jazz Arts Group (2010 – 2015), served as the Fine Arts Director at New covenant Believers Church, Columbus Ohio (2006 – 2016), and serves at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center, based in New York City as the Associate Director of Outreach (2016 – present)

Performing their brand of contemporary smooth jazz, R&B, soul, a sprinkling of the blues, and gospel jazz – 496 West provides instrumental performances with a variety of combos including–music for relaxing, music for listening, and party music–from slow to jam. The band has opened for some unforgettable and inspirational artists including the legendary Kirk Whalum, soulful balladeer Phil Perry, the late jazz guitar entertainer Nick Colionne, Grammy-nominated Gerald Albright, saxman Euge Groove, smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman and international Grammy-nominated keyboardist, Bob Baldwin, the electrifying saxophonist Eric Darius.

8X GRAMMY® NOMINEE & NAACP IMAGE Award Winner The Baylor Project

A husband.  A wife.  An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community.

These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor.  This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz.  As the children of Pastors, Marcus’ and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul to make its mark. Their debut CD “The Journey“, released on their own label, Be A Light, topped the Billboard Jazz Chart at Number 8 in 2017 and a year later garnered 2 GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Two years later during one of the most challenging years in recent history, The Baylors released their single, “Sit On Down” in 2020 which earned a 3^rd GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, solidifying The Baylor Project as an undeniable force. Their second album, “Generations,” released in 2021 earned the duo its first NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Jazz Album-Vocal and its 4^th GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album.  And their first live album, “The Evening : Live At APPARATUS” earned The Baylors their  5^th and 6^th GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Improvised Jazz Solo. A collaboration with Adam Blackstone and Russell Ferrante earned them a 7^th GRAMMY® Nomination for the original song “Vulnerable (Live)”, from the live recording, “Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn.” Most recently, in partnership with APOGEE Electronics, The Baylor Project received their 8^th GRAMMY® Nomination for an impromptu live, in-studio performance of the age-old spiritual “Walk With Me, Lord.”

Marcus and Jean also expanded into television, writing, produced and performing the new theme song, “GOOD LIFE” for Season 6 of the Tamron Hall Show!

The Baylor Project pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in doing so generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel-good music.

Soulful. Melodic. Authentic. The Baylor Project.

“Married musicians vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor have created a captivating “project” that meets at the 3-way intersection of Jazz, Gospel and Legacy. Brimming with aural snapshots of their individual roots and the sacred space where they come together, it is a very unique album that soothes the soul…” -Urban Music Scene (by A. Scott Galloway)

The Nasty Nati Brass Band is a New Orleans-styled brass band based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 2014 by trumpeter/Band leader Mike Wade, the band is made up of a diverse group of musicians who share a love for the rich and vibrant music of New Orleans. The band’s name is a nod to Cincinnati’s nickname, “Nasty Nati,” the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds “Nasty Boys” Baseball Team, and reflects the band’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the city’s unique culture and heritage.

The Nasty Nati Brass Band is known for its energetic live performances, which feature a mix of traditional New Orleans jazz, funk, soul and Go-Go. The band’s high-energy sound and infectious rhythms have made them a favorite among audiences in Cincinnati and beyond. In addition to performing at local festivals and events, the band has also released several albums, including “Nasty Nati Brass Band” (2020) and “Bengal Anthem” (2021). This year in addition to performing at the 2024 Cincinnati Tennis OPEN, the Nasty NATI Brass Band will be performing for The Ohio State Football Program and at The Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Football Game in October 2024! With their unique sound and infectious energy, the Nasty Nati Brass Band is a true gem of the Cincinnati music scene and a testament to the power of community and collaboration in music.

Honey and Blue is a pop and soul duo from Columbus, Ohio, featuring singer/songwriters Adam Darling and Stephanie Amber. They have opened for artists like Bettye Lavette and Aloe Blacc, and their album ‘Bloom’ includes a track produced by Charlie Hunter. Their music blends sultry bluesy sounds with sweet, whimsical lyrics and harmonies.

Byron Stripling’s engaging rapport, jazzy vocals and virtuosic trumpet sounds dazzle audiences wherever he goes. Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He has played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and The GRP All Star Big Band.

Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Mavis Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. She’s collaborated with everyone from Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier, blown away countless festivalgoers from Newport Folk and Glastonbury to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, performed with The Band at The Last Waltz, and graced the airwaves on Fallon, Colbert, Ellen, Austin City Limits, Jools Holland, the GRAMMYs, and more. At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums in her 70s with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that prompted Pitchfork to rave that “her voice has only gained texture and power over the years” and People to proclaim that she “provides the comfort of a higher power.” In between records with Tweedy, Staples teamed up with a slew of other younger artists—Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Nick Cave, Valerie June, tUnE-yArDs, and M. Ward among others—for ‘Livin’ On A High Note,’ an album The Boston Globe called “stunningly fresh and cutting edge.”

The Labra Brothers have established themselves regionally, not only as the standard within their core genre of Latin Funk & Soul, but also as a dynamic and diverse juggernaut of musical presentation. With sibling-driven vocal harmonies at the forefront, their versatility has become more evident with each new original studio recording they have released. In addition to having headlined ticketed shows throughout the region, the Brothers have been featured on a long list of events and productions, such as Brite Winter, the Summit FM 330 Day, Federal Frenzy, and the WDVX Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN. The Labras have shared the stage with nationally recognized acts like Average White Band, Hunny, Will Hoge, Sister Hazel, and Red Wanting Blue. Their debut album, “Colder Weather” was released on CD, vinyl, and streaming services in 2019. Most recently, they released their new EP, “Waiting”, in April 2022. Be on the lookout for the next Labra Brothers release, and don’t miss your next opportunity to see this band live.

Panac3a is a new initiative focused on exploring through the genres of RnB, Pop, & Soul and bringing unmatched performances and energy to the people. The band name comes from the word panacea, which means the solution or remedy to all problems. Our mission statement derives from that definition. So, this means that when you are rocking with Panac3a, all of your problems go away for the moment.

Doctor Thunder Quartet is a world-class jazz quartet that performs traditional and progressive jazz. It is led by Dr. Shawn ‘Thunder’ Wallace, a virtuoso saxophonist and flautist.

Cuban music has a new global ambassador: Cimafunk. With a name and image that pays tribute to the Cimarrons – Cubans of African descent that resisted slavery – and music and showmanship that re-embodies funk legends from the last century, the medical-school student turned funk artist has developed into a musical force crafting the sonic future of the island and a global, cultural phenomenon that unites and celebrates blackness across borders, oceans and languages.

With his unmistakable AfroCuban sounds, no holds barred live show and multiple Grammy-nominations, Cimafunk is redefining what the planet understands as Cuban music. Cimafunk’s debut album “Terapia” (2018), with its groundbreaking #1 single “Me Voy” – followed by his breakout performance at SXSW 2019 and widely praised NPR Tiny Desk Concert, started a movement of converting millions of people to the religion of groove, one live show at a time. The AfroCuban rockstar has moved the spotlight well beyond the Buena Vista Social Club, salsa and reggaeton.

From a local sensation on Havana’s small alternative music scene to global success, Cimafunk’s ascent is as dizzying as an F1 race. Performing with La Tribu (The Tribe), his 9-piece band from Havana, Cimafunk has electrified global audiences on massive stages and worldwide temples of music, making a name for himself as one of the great showmen of today. From New Orleans Jazz Festival and Lollapalooza Chile to becoming the first Cuban-born artist to play Coachella, this undisputed star of Afro-Latin music has earned the adoration of musical icons such as Argentine Fito Páez, who has hailed him as “one of the lights of the continent’s future,” the Godfather of Funk George Clinton, who refers to him as “the next one,” and Chucho Valdés, who credits Cimafunk with masterfully and organically blending “AfroCuban with African American, converting this into a new school that until now I haven’t heard done.”

Cimafunk’s distinctive musical fusion continued to grow in its artistry with both the release of his second album  “El Alimento” (‘The Nourishment ) –which was met with an abundance of critical praise that included Best Albums of the Year lists of Rolling Stone, NPR and more… as well as an equal volume of glowing reviews for his unrivaled live shows, which quickly made him one of the most in-demand festival performers.

 Cimafunk has collaborated on records and shared the stage with the likes of Alejandro Sanz, CeeLo Green, ChocQuibTown, Chucho Valdés, Fito Páez, Fonseca, Fred Wesley, Galactic, George Clinton, Jon Batiste, Juanes, Leoni Torres, Lettuce, Lupe Fiasco, Preservation Hall,, Omar Portuondo, Orquesta Aragón, Robert Glasper, String Cheese Incident, The Soul Rebels and Trombone Shorty. Susan Sarandon, Ron Delsner and other personalities have become superfans, often seen side-stage lost in the groove, and the likes of Paul McCartney and more have come out to check out the AfroCuban sensation.

After the success of El Alimento, Cimafunk delves even further into his exploration of the intersections between funk and the sounds of the continent and gives us Pa’ Tu Cuerpa (Mala Cabeza Records), his most polished and mature production to date, on August 23^rd, 2024.