Jordan Faught is a Kansas City–based electric and upright bassist known for his deep groove and relaxed energy. A DownBeat Award winner and graduate of Kansas City Kansas Community College, he studied under James Albright and has since become a well-respected presence in both performance and production. Jordan plays regularly at Lonnie’s Reno Club, is a member of The Mutual Musicians Foundation, and collaborates closely with Joe Straws III in audio engineering. His musical range spans jazz, funk, gospel, R&B, and fusion.

Henry Fears is an award-winning Trombonist and composer from Shawnee, Kansas. A graduate of Kansas City Kansas Community College, he studied under Jim Mair, Brian Scarborough, and Mike Ning, and earned 7 DownBeat awards across composition, ensemble, and soloist categories. Henry performs regularly with his own quartet and groups like Arnold Young and the Roughtet, and Alex Abramovitz’s Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band at venues like the Westport Coffee House Theatre, The Shop, and the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

Nick Gasser is a versatile upright and electric bassist active throughout Kansas City. A KCKCC alum, he studied under Mike Ning, Jim Mair, and James Albright. Nick performs regularly at venues like The Black Dolphin, The Mutual Musicians Foundation, and The Shop Cigar Lounge. Whether he’s holding it down in a swing trio or locking into a fusion groove, his sound is rooted in jazz and expands into funk, Latin, and modern improvisational music. He’s also a regular with Alex Abramovitz’s Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band.

Max Levy is a Kansas City-based saxophonist originally from North Carolina, with a Master’s in Jazz Studies from UMKC and a background that spans jazz, blues, swing, salsa, pop, and more. A dynamic performer and dedicated educator, he has shared the stage with Millie Edwards, Chicago Beau, Joe Cartwright, and members of the KCJO, bringing an energetic, personal touch to every performance.

Drew Madden is a Kansas City–based organist, pianist, and keyboardist known for his energetic versatility and classic groove. A graduate of KCKCC, he studied with Justin Binek and Chris Hazelton and is also an experienced piano tuner. Drew has performed at some of the city’s most iconic jazz venues, including The Green Lady Lounge, The Majestic, Corvino, The Shop Cigar Lounge, and The Mutual Musicians Foundation. Whether on keys or the Hammond B3, his playing brings warmth, soul, and depth to every room.

Asa Martin is a versatile trombonist and bass trombonist performing regularly across Kansas City. He’s played on stages like the Kauffman Center, the Blue Room, the Gem Theater, and the Missouri Theater with ensembles including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Marcus Lewis Big Band, the Saint Joseph Symphony, and Pinnacle Winds. Asa is a 5-time DownBeat Student Award winner and holds degrees from KCKCC and the University of Kansas, where he studied under Matt Otto, Brian Scarborough, and
Dr. Michael Davidson. He is currently completing a Master’s in Trombone Performance at KU while freelancing across the region.

Based in Kansas City, Ernest Melton brings over 15 years of professional experience as both a sideman and bandleader. Known for his versatile skill and stylistic range, Ernest is comfortable in nearly every genre—from funk to straight-ahead jazz—and continues to be a top-call saxophonist in the city.

Matt Robertson is a drummer based in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned degrees in jazz from Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

During his studies he received the opportunities to travel to Colombia to teach and perform and lead a group at the Bern International Jazz Festival in Bern, Switzerland. Currently Matt is a freelance musician in the Kansas City scene who is well-versed in a variety of styles. He has played with Marshall Gilkes, comedian Todd Glass, Peter Schlamb, Bob Bowman, and Stan Kessler, among many others. 

“To whom much is given, much is required”

Houston M. Smith is a saxophonist, bandleader, and artist educator performing across Kansas City and beyond. He leads his own ensemble Groove Axis and also plays regularly as an in-demand sideman with groups including The Bloodstone Experience, Thunder Road: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen, and the Saturday Night Trio led by Grammy-winning KC guitarist Will Matthews. A Kansas City native and graduate of Berklee College of Music, Houston studied under prolific artists Terence Blanchard, Walter Beasley, and Tia Fuller among many others. Houston's work as a mentor and educator are evident through his involvement with Kansas City Area Youth Jazz as lead clinician for the Bill Crain Ensemble, in addition to running his own private studio and founding Supreme Sound Studio, a boutique education brand for instrumentalists of all levels. “I’m not just here to perform — I’m here to transform” defines his mission to inspire the next generation and build bridges through sound, story, and service.

Andrew Voggesser is a Double and Electric Bassist from Des Moines, Iowa. He received his BM in Classical Bass Performance from UNL and is currently the Graduate Teaching Assistant at the UMKC Conservatory pursing a Master’s Degree. Andrew has played bass for 13 years and gigs with bands and small groups of all genre across Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa.

Kenny Watson is a dynamic drummer and educator known for his adaptability across genres, from straight-ahead jazz to hip-hop and funk. A Kansas City native, Kenny has performed at venues including The Blue Room, the Ship, and the Mutual Musicians Foundation, and works regularly with local artists, touring acts, and community programs. He studied at KCKCC and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and brings both precision and pocket to every ensemble he joins.