Theo Croker is a Jazz Trumpeter, following in the footsteps of his Grammy award-winning grandfather, Doc Cheatham. His positive spiritual approach to life shines through in his music and his haunting melodies leave you in a state of insightful contemplation. Theo has worked with notable artists such as Roy Hargrove, Dee Dee Bridgewater, J. Cole among several others. Headlining festivals around the world, it is safe to assume that there is plenty more to come from this incredible mind.
With an admirably pure dedication to his craft, Smithsoneon has developed himself to be a true timeless artist in his own right. He possesses a rare authenticity as a vocalist and songwriter, always remaining in harmony with who he is as a human being. Having an impressive history performing with legends like Bilal, Kenny Garrett, and BigYuki, he is also the frontman of Freelance, one of New York’s most talked about and incredible new acts. His own solo music presents an intimate look into the heart, hopes, thoughts, and dreams of this gentle soul who inspires all who listen to want more.
Starting his professional career at the tender age of 19, Marc Cary went on tour with the legendary vocalist, Betty Carter for a 6-week tour of one-nighters and never looked back. Since then he has worked tirelessly developing his own sound while also taking the time to work with some of the greatest musicians and artists to grace the stage. Marc has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Abbey Lincoln, Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, and Q-tip to name a few. Hailing from Washington D.C., Marc’s musical influences are an eclectic mix ranging from Bebop to Go-Go (a style native to D.C.) and classical Malian music to Hip-Hop resulting in a wholly unique and compelling sound that is all his own.
Featured nightly on CBS’s, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with Jon Batiste and Stay Human, grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato has earned international acclaim recording with megastars like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, and touring with acts like Bobby McFerrin, Snarky Puppy, and Marcus Miller to name a few.
A true musician and artist, Louis Cato brings his wealth of experience and expertise as an in-demand sideman to his own music, presenting listeners with a sound that is soulful and honest.
Deva is the daughter of blues icon Taj Mahal and Inshirah Mahal, a dancer, artist and educator who Deva refers to as “my rock.” Their support and influence combined with Deva’s inborn passion and soaring talents make her a formidable and inspirational artist. Those remarkable facets come together strikingly on Run Deep, which is composed of ten new songs and a powerful cover of a King/Goffin hit from the 1970s. Deva’s songs are as infectious as they are stirringly personal, placing her powerfully moving voice in the service of raw, vulnerable explorations of resonant emotion.
Transient Beings, a New York-based group rooted in soul music, is led by drummer E.J. Strickland and features Sarah Elizabeth Charles on vocals, Nir Felder on guitar, Tom Guarna on guitar and Ben Williams (video) on bass. The sound is guided by openness and intentful improvisation that explores ideas of harmony and dissonance through music and lyrics, both of which are written by Strickland and later given life by the elite and uniquely virtuosic members of this group.
Creative and eclectic are two words that come to mind when trying to describe Gizmo. He is many things in one; bassist, singer, and a brilliant composer who is not afraid to break convention and develop something both new and exciting. Featuring grammy winning saxophonist/keyboardist/vocodorist Casey Benjamin as a guest artist in many of his live performances, Gizmo whisks you away on memorable adventures with every tune. The young bassist has worked with many iconic artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Derrick Hodge, and Lalah Hathaway.
A unique example of an artist who took the diy approach to his music and promotion to marvelous effect. Having been trained in classical Indian music from a young age, and further educated within the elite atmosphere at Berklee College of Music, Sid is armed with a unique musical palette and skill set that allows him to blend many different styles of music together creating an unprecedented and enthralling sound. His talents are in high demand in India’s Tamil Cinema Industry, where Sid has had several chart topping hits as a playback singer.
Individually, the members of Freelance have been making international names for themselves, playing for the likes of Bilal, Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Deva Mahal (daughter of Taj Mahal). Now assembled for a unified musical purpose, they have quickly propelled themselves to “must-see” status in the New York City night life. First meeting back in college, Justin Tyson (drums), D.J. Ginyard (bass), Chad Selph (keys), Yasser Tejeda (guitar), Craig Hill (saxophone), and Smithsoneon (vocals) are seamlessly fusing together the warmth of their vast collective ancestry, equal parts John Coltrane, Rufus, and George Duke.
Jaime Woods is a sultry voice steeped in the roots of soul tradition. A 2x Grammy Award winning vocalist (Chance The Rapper), the Brooklyn-based Chicagoan has graced countless stages with the likes of Emily King, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Alice Smith, granting her plenty of prep time and life experience to craft her own solo material. Her debut “Troy” EP is the first entry in what promises to be a fruitful career.
