Linette Tobin
Founder/Percussionist/Vocalist/Composer
Linette is a percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter based in the Washington, DC area. Her primary instrument is the congas. Most recently, she formed the group Pangaea which features World Music, relying on the individual backgrounds and influences of musicians from various countries. During 2014-15, she organized the Afro-Cuban group Sin Frontera, which played on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Atlas Theater, and Cape May JazzFest amongst other venues. She has traveled extensively in Latin America, Cuba, and Africa to learn a variety of music styles. Her approach applies traditional or folkloric themes to more contemporary styles, including Jazz, World, and Americana. She combines diverse influences to create a unique sound. See full bio
Featured Artist Elin Melgarejo
Lead Singer/Composer
Born and raised in Sweden by Peruvian and Irish parents, and fluent in five languages, Elin is the embodiment of multiculturalism. Her debut album, Lazy Afternoon, released in the U.S. to rave reviews by jazz radio and critics alike, is a genre-bending mix of American & Brazilian standards combined with fresh new originals. It spent 22 weeks on the US JazzWeek charts, debuting as the #1 most added album on the World Music Chart. Performing in seven languages, she’s a polished jazz vocalist with a pop sensibility who showcases an ardent vocal style and an uncanny ear for melody. Elin has headlined at premier festivals and venues in the Canary Islands, Peru, El Salvador, Brazil, Guam, Japan, Miami, Boston, California, Washington, DC, and New York City. ElinMusic.com
Etu Dieng
Bassist, Composer, Arranger
Etu (Ibrahim) originates from Senegal, West Africa. He is known for his strong melodic bass lines & incredible chops!
He has performed with world music artists such as Kine Lam, Youssou N’Dour, Ismael Lo, Omar Pene, Baba Maal, Coumba Gawlo Seck, Yaya Leley. Since 1989 he has been featured on more than 50 albums. A composer in his own right, Etu is now working on his solo debut album. Facebook
Jon Guo
Bassist
Jon’s modern approach to the bass is inspired by the many styles he’s played, including jazz, classical, world music, musical theater, and popular styles. He performs regularly with a variety of ensembles in the DMV area. Jon studied at the Peabody Conservatory (degrees in Jazz Studies, as well as Performance) under saxophonist Gary Thomas and bassist Michael Formanek. Jon leads Mobtown Jazz, a group which specializes in performances for corporate and private events; notable clients include: The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland Public Television, International Finance Corporation, and Johns Hopkins University. Read more at JonGuo.com.
Nathan Okite
Guitarist, Composer
Nathan is a Kenyan guitarist based in the Washington D.C. Area. He blends jazz with traditional African rhythms and sounds. Facebook
Antonio Orta
Saxophonist & Flautist
Antonio, a native of Puerto Rico, has been a freelance saxophonist in San Juan (Puerto Rico), Dallas, Miami, and Washignton, D.C. He has performed with Jimmy Heath, Poncho Sanchez, Ignacio Berroa, David Liebman, Bob Mintzer, Paquito d’ Rivera, Michele Camilo, Giovanni Hidalgo, Joe Lovano and Kurt Elling. As lead alto player of The U.S. Army Blues he has accompanied many well-known jazz artists such as Ernie Andrews, Greg Bissonette, Randy Brecker, Bobby Caldwell, Bob Curnow, John Clayton, Freddie Cole, Buddy DeFranco, Vince DiMartino, John Fedchock, Wycliffe Gordon, Danny Gottlieb, Tim Hagans, Slide Hampton, Conrad Herwig, Clay Jenkins, Kevin Mahogany, Louise Mandrell, Maureen McGovern, Paul McKee, Joe Morello, Tiger Okoshi, Ed Palermo, Ralph Petersen, Chris Potter, Adam Rapa, Chuck Redd, John Riley, Marlena Shaw, Ed Soph, Terrell Stafford, John Swana, Mark Taylor, Chris Vadala, Bill Watrous, Scott Whitfield, Patrick Williams, Peter Erskine, and Phil Wilson.
Ayanna Gallant
Percussionist, Background Vocals
Ayanna is a Puerto Rican musician and poet with a passion for creativity. She has been a music and poetry artistic leader for non-profit groups such as Arts in Reach, Jazzmouth: e Portsmouth Poetry and Jazz Festival, With Open Minds and The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project. Ayanna shares her love for the arts as a music teacher at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of New Hampshire in Music Education (2005) and a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Arts Integration (2010). She is formerly a trombonist with the Portsmouth Symphony (2009-2012) and has shared the stage with Branford Marsalis, Clark Terry and former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins. Ayanna currently performs with Marsha Goodman-Wood and the Positrons and The Bele Bele Rhythm Collective. AyannaGallant.com