1. Dan Thomas is a dedicated performer and educator who emigrated to the United States from his native Canada in 1993.  He has received countless performance awards, and has performed as well as presented with some of the most important jazz performers and pedagogues in nearly every state in the continental US, Canada and abroad.
   

2. Performer
   

3. As a performer/composer “his [Dan’s] spirit, his obvious driving leadership and his passion surge to the forefront...” Butch Berman (Berman Music Foundation).  Joe Klopus of the Kansas City Star raves “ Sax Man Playing First Rate Jazz!”  Jazz critic Tom Ineck said “To survive as a viable art form in the 21st century, jazz must continue to evolve. In the hands of saxophonist and composer Thomas, that future is assured.”   Jazz Ambassador magazine praised Thomas for his “brainy compositional style” and said that his bands continue to “provide fresh compositions and arrangements…” BMF also noted the “often-complex musical assignments” get pulled off by “Thomas firmly asserting his leadership.”  Dan is known for “a tight ensemble, and muscular solos..” JAM Magazine.  Noted Jazz Critic Jack Bowers writes of Dan’s “chops-busting calisthenics” and goes on to speak of Thomas’s composing “there is enough variation in mood and tempo to nourish almost anyone’s interest.”  The Star noted that Dan’s bands have an “extensive repertoire from early jazz sounds to contemporary original compositions.”  Barakobama.com said that the Dan Thomas Quintet “lead a fresh conversation with his group”.  JAM stated “Fair warning! Jazz lovers will find them [Dan Thomas Quintet] addictive!”   His dear friend Bobby Watson also shares “Dan Thomas has shown himself to be a very soulful saxophonist with a warm sound.  He demonstrates great musicality and lyricism in his playing.”  The owner of an important historical jazz club in KC said of Dan “he emerged with confidence, class, style and a refreshing sense of joy in his playing, writing and overall presentation of his formidable talent. Upon repeated listening. Thomas is at the top of his game, both comfortable and adventurous in his musical exploits and dynamic releases.”  He goes on to say, “His artistry hearkens back to an older era yet still sounds fresh and new. Spend some time with [Dan] and you will be rewarded with music and spirit that shows not just where jazz has been but contains moments and hints where jazz is headed. Dan Thomas is a talent to enjoy now and continue to watch (and listen to!) in the years and notes ahead.”
   

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5. EDUCATOR
   

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7. In addition to being a busy performer Thomas has a passion for education.  He holds the position as Associate Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance where he serves as the Co-Chair of the Division of Jazz Studies alongside the iconic jazz saxophonist, and friend Bobby Watson.  He additionally serves as Coordinator of the UMKC Jazz Camp and the UMKC Jazz Festival.  Thomas holds performing artist/educator endorsements with Yamaha, Vandoren, Locoparasaxo, and RooPads.  Thomas’s regular teaching responsibilities include applied jazz studies, jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz pedagogy, jazz combo, and the 11:00 O'Clock Big Band (which received an invitation to perform at the JEN convention in 2012). Thomas has served as a woodwind and jazz studies specialist, instrumental music instructor, as well as vocal music instructor in the public school systems in Washington, Missouri, and Kansas. He has served on the faculty at Kansas City's Penn Valley Community College and Rockhurst University. Thomas is a three-time recipient of the "Who's Who Among America's Educator's" award. With a deep love for educating tomorrow’s jazz future he regularly presents masterclasses, workshops and works as a featured performing guest artist in a wide variety of settings.  He has performed and/or presented in nearly every state in the continental US, Canada and abroad.  JB Dyas, VP for education and curriculum development for the Monk Institute is quoted as saying that Thomas is “..eminent, experienced, and effective..” Former student and graduate downbeat soloist award winner Michael Shults recently wrote “Dan, in addition to being a killer player, is a dedicated pedagogue who breaks down and de-mystifies the nuts and bolts of improvisation in a way that no other teacher I have encountered in my 7 years of collegiate study can.”   Dan’s students can be seen around the world performing and teaching at the highest level. 
   

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Wayne Hawkins - Keys

 

Known in Kansas City as one of the area’s most versatile musicians, Wayne Hawkins excels as both keyboardist and composer. His discography includes over 20 CDs in which he has recorded with a variety of artists as well as his critically acclaimed Wayne Hawkins Trio. Hawkins plays in a variety of styles; from small group jazz to concerts with the Kansas City Symphony. But no matter what type of performance, his musicianship shines. In fact, after playing ‘Autumn Leaves’ with the Symphony one music reviewer wrote: “[Hawkins’] superb keyboard solo was probably the most talked about performance of the evening.” –Jazz Ambassador Magazine.

 

Hawkins is a first-call keyboardist in Kansas City and has performed with national touring acts such as Bernadette Peters, George Benson, Patti Austin, Diane Schuur, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Joe Piscopo, 2-time Grammy winner, Paquito D’Rivera, and film composers Marvin Hamlisch and Bill Conti. Hawkins performs in many styles with equal aplomb because to him, music has no limitations. “Making music is what I do,” he says. “I try to understand all of the parameters and use them.”

 

As a young man, encouraged by winning several performance awards in collegiate jazz festivals, he left to study jazz and studio music at University of Miami. Because of his own positive academic experiences, Hawkins enjoys teaching jazz piano. He is currently on the jazz faculty at the University of Kansas, where he teaches jazz piano, jazz improvisation, and coaches small jazz ensembles. In addition, he judges student bands in regional competitions, works with other young jazz musicians as a guest artist, and coaches jazz camps.

Forest Stewart - Bass

 

Performance experience includes work on both horn and the (electric) bass.  Forest has been both the bassist and musical director for Ida McBeth and friends, a popular and well known singer in the Kansas City area.  He has performed extensively with Orquesta de Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz.  Forest has performed in New York, Las Vegas, Denver, the Twin Cities and at many cities throughout German and Italy, and at festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Geneva, Montreaux, and Den Hag.

 

Artists with whom Forest has performed include Nick Brignola, Steve Cardenas, Richie Cole, Jerry Coker, Gary Dial, John Fedchock, Bruce Forman, Mike Freeman, Bill Goodwin, Steve Houghton, Arnie Lawrence, David Liebman, Chip McNeal, Jim McNeely, Roy Meriwether, Dick Oatts, Kim Park, Jack Peterson, Jim Piu, Joe Porcaro, Emil Richards, Bobby Shew, Marvin Stam, Jerry Steinholtz, Clark Terry, Phil Upchurch, Jiggs Wiggums, and the Paul Winter Consort.

 

Mike Warren - Drums

 

Michael Warren is a first call drummer throughout the midwestern region for creative minded, take no prisoners musicians.  He brings a positive attitude and an organic vibe to the stage every time he plays.  Mike is on the faculty at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music.