Musicians

Another Kind of Magick
Another Kind of Magick is an exciting, high energy blues group from Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado, that is comprised of five young musicians ranging in age from fourteen to seventeen. The band initially formed during the summer of 2009, and since then has been playing in Southeastern Wyoming and all across the Colorado Front Range. AKM was the first band ever from Wyoming to be sent to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, which is the largest blues competition in the world. Bringing original and traditional blues stylings into a modern setting has made them a hit among all age groups. Another Kind of Magick's live performances continue to wow audiences through a combination of musical talent, soulful playing, and eye catching showmanship. This combination is what Another Kind of Magick build their music upon. The band plays the way they do because in addition to each member feeling a strong passion for the music, they are best friends and put in an extraordinary amount of time working on their music offstage. Another Kind of Magick plays the blues, and plays 'em with soul. Check out their website: www.anotherkindofmagick.com

Big Horn Big Band
The only group to play at every Donkey Creek Jazz Festival, Gillette’s very own Big Horn Big Band has been a highlight in such events as the Sheridan Arts Festival, Haggerty’s Music in the Park summer series, and the Sheridan Airport 75th Anniversary. This well rounded band has is made up of music educators as well as other community members varying from doctors, realtors to electricians. With seventeen members, they perform all over Northeastern Wyoming and have been alive and kicking it jazz style since 2005. Check out their website: www.bighornbigband.com

Blind Dog Smokin'
Blind Dog Smokin' - Wyoming blues rockers Blinddog Smokin', features guitarist Jason Coomes. While blues based, the band draws upon gospel influences, rock, funk, jazz, swing, gypsy, hip-hop and classical showing versatility, innovation and creativity without leaving their roots behind. Instrumental fans will dig their powerful songs, great stories and smokin' guitar playing. Check out their website: www.blinddogsmokin.com

Calle Mambo
Hard work, dedication to their craft and respect for Latin roots and traditions distinguishes Calle Mambo in the American Latin music scene; explaining why this ensemble of talented musicians has rapidly become one of the most sought after musical groups in the region. Playing fundamentally Cuban styles, Calle Mambo is heavily influenced by the West Coast Latin Jazz and Salsa scene with updated arrangements of classic Cuban and Latin Jazz standards mixed in. Their catalog features music by Pete Escovedo, Wayne Wallace, Rebeca Mauleon and Tito Puente, as well as contemporary Latin Pop Stars like Marc Anthony and Gloria Estefan. With unique Latin renditions of classic R&B and pop tunes thrown in, Calle Mambo is sure to please every crowd. Delivering tight grooves from the rhythm section and intricate harmonies from the horns, this dynamic band appeals to audiences ages 5 to 95, inspiring all to move to their exhilarating rhythms! Check out their website: www.callemambo.net

Chanman Roots Band
Created from a love of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and Peter Tosh, Chanman Roots Band is all about having a good time. They have opened for bands such as the B-Side Players, JAH Army, and Los Lonely Boys. Their music has also been recorded for the films Swift, Silent, Deep―the story of the Jackson Hole Air Force and Stormshow Studios’ Trial by Air. The pulsating horns and sweetened vocals have been spreading a message of social consciousness and happy feet for over three years. This band can be heard all across Wyoming. Check out their website: www.chanmanrootsband.com

Euforquestra
Originally from Iowa City, IA, Eufórquestra (pronounced: yoo • FOHR • keh • struh, think Euphoria+Orchestra) relocated to Fort Collins, CO in August 2008 and has made a splash on the Colorado music scene with its progressive, genre-crossing funk fusions and a relentless tour schedule. Eufórquestra is quickly spreading its self-proclaimed "Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk;" a unique, rhythmic blend of sound, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. Eufórquestra's music is igniting dance floors across the country, with a sound that "explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss" (Chris M. Slawecki; AllAboutJazz.com). As percussionist and lead vocalist Matt Grundstad puts it, "we just want to make people dance." With three full length albums to their name and a relentless tour schedule (over 100 shows per year), Eufórquestra has created a presence on the national scene, performing all over the U.S. at clubs, concert halls, community events, and festivals. Check out their website: www.euforquestra.com

Freddy Rodriguez Quintet
Having played behind artists such as The Jackson 5 and The Temptations, Freddy Rodriguez is called a legend in the Denver jazz scene. Freddy played saxophone in the United States Army band in the late 1940’s and has played in Denver and Los Angeles ever since.  A sample of the jazz superstars he has backed up includes Gerald Wilson, Roland Kirk, Horace Tapscott, Damaso Perez Prado and Nancy Wilson. Freddy started playing at the jazz club El Chapultepec in 1980 and still plays there every Wednesday and Friday with his band. Freddy is now the Jazz Director of El Chapultepec Jazz Club in Denver.  Freddy will be joined by The Jazz Connection with his son Freddy Rodriguez, Jr. on keyboards, Andrew Hudson on bass, Tony Black on drums, and special guest Dave Boswell on trumpet.

Jackson 6
A New Orleans-style jazz combo; Jackson 6 has become a local favorite for dancers and listeners, alike. Founded in 2007 by vocalist and trombonist John Kidwell and saxophonist Jason Fritts, Jackson 6 has spread their music throughout the Jackson Hole area; performing at 43 North, The Mangy Moose, The Wort Hotel’s Silver Dollar Bar, and the July 4th “Music in the Hole” Grand Teton Music Festival. This jazzy band received the Jackson Hole Planets’ award for “Wholesome Dancing.” The members include bassist Bill Plummer, trumpet player Lawrence Bennett, and pianist Keith Philips, as well as the founders Kidwell and Fritts.

Keith Phillips Trio with Nicole Madison
Keith Philips served as a keyboardist for Broadway for fifteen years. From 1980 to 1996; he played in New York City for productions such as Cats, City of Angels, Will Roger Follies, and Crazy for You and well as pianist for the films The Morning After and Crossing Delancey. Keith is now the music director for national recording artist The Arbors.  A graduate of the University of Illinois, Keith recently joined up with Bill Plummer to record the CD Wrap Your Troubles in Dream. He performs at jazz festivals and concert venues throughout the region and plays regularly at The Pines and The Granary in Jackson. His trio includes Keith Phillips on piano, Bill Plummer on bass and Tony Black on drums. vimeo.com/6200852

Nicole Madison - Nicole Madison is a jazz singer and actress from Salt Lake City who performs through the region. Hear some of her work at her wesbite www.nicolemadison.com

Matt Costa
Former skateboard pro Matt Costa records on surfer Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records label on the strengths of some very workman-like pop songs and a smooth, appealing voice. The singer-songwriter says he has always been drawn to the sound of the 1960's psychedelic superheroes like Donovan, the Zombies, and others. His breakout single, "Mr. Pitiful" was featured prominently in the hit comedy, I Love You, Man and an iTunes ad campaign. Visit his website, www.mattcosta.com to hear Matt's music.

Pam Drews Philips Trio
Pam Drews Philips is a jazz pianist who does it all―classical, Broadway, New age, pop―but where she really shines is jazz. She has performed in many Broadway shows and has even done some film work. In New York City, Pam conducted the Broadway companies Crazy for You and Jerome Robbins' Broadway. Plus, she composed and recorded her own CD entitled Open Country inspired by Native American legend. Pam's style ranges from ragtime to her original work which is fun and full of personality. She'll be performing with Bill Plummer on bass and Tony Black on drums. Check out her website.
Bill Plummer is a multi-talented musician with ability on the piano, marimba, baritone sax, guitar, and string bass. He has worked with some of the world's great musicians including sitar study under Ravi Shankar and has established the Bill Plummer Bass School at the Jackson Hole Center of the Arts. Bill is also a staff instructor in the Grand Teton Music Festival's Tune Up program. Producing the CD Road to the Sky with his group Basses International led to his recording with the Rolling Stones on "Exile on Main Street." Check out his website: www.bassplum.com

Papa Chan
Papa Chan grew up singing the Great American Songbook. Artists like Bing Crosby, Billie Holliday,and Fats Waller have been a part of Papa Chan's life from the begining. Often compared to Leon Redbone, Papa Chan always looks and acts the part. Armed with a Gibson J -180ec and an Ibanez AF 80, Papa Chan takes listeners back to a time of casual elegance and impassioned swing.  Check out their website

Square Peg
Square Peg was formed in 2008 and includes Shilo Stroman on Drums, Kevin Whalen on trumpet, Ryan Fourt on guitar and Matt Smiley on bass. The group performs energetic originals and re-worked Jazz standards with a nod to the past and a clear vision of the future. Square Peg will capture the audience with their virtuosic solos and tight ensemble playing. You won't forget a Square Peg performance. Check out their website: www.myspace.com/squarepegjazz