PaulWertico. Hailed in the press as “One of the most versatile and musical drummers in music today,” “an inspired madman,” “a restless innovator,” “a true legend of jazz drums,” “a master of drumming insanity,” and “a genius of the sticks,” Paul Wertico gained worldwide recognition as a 7-time Grammy winning member of the Pat Metheny Group, during which time he won seven Grammy Awards. Paul has played and/or recorded with Larry Coryell, Eddie Harris, Lee Konitz, Dave Liebman, Sam Rivers, Bob Mintzer, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Roscoe Mitchell, Evan Parker, Jay McShann, Herbie Mann, Randy Brecker, Jerry Goodman, Ramsey Lewis, David Bowie, Charlie Haden, George Coleman, Diane Schuur, Nelson Riddle, SBB, Ken Nordine, Jeff Berlin, Sonny Fortune, Tierney Sutton…… Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. (www.paulwertico.com)

David Cain. An acclaimed revolutionary of “unbroken media and art”, David Cain is a composer, musician, vocalist, artist… in a class with music’s most forward-reaching innovators because of his groundbreaking multimedia explorations using old and new tech. David Cain’s musical journey includes studies with international award-winning composer, Dr. Roque Cordero, writing for symphony, movies and the Stan Kenton Big Band, and making radio music while on roster of Geffen Records with his band, Bux da Hoota. David has taught music, filmmaking, creative writing, and animation at the University of Illinois. Fun fact: David created an Apple computer “choir” startup sound while working as a pioneering Apple Evangelist. He was tired of the beep. He’s still tired of the beep. So he makes art and music to remedy the freaking beep. David is a Waves Audio artist. (www.davidjamescain.com)

Larry Gray. Larry has worked with artists and jazz legends, including McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Branford Marsalis, Benny Golson, Steve Turre, Lee Konitz, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, Jon Faddis, Roscoe Mitchell, Eddie Harris, Les McCann, Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, Tal Farlow, and Donald Byrd, among many others. Larry has toured extensively, and continues to do so, performing at jazz festivals and clubs around the globe. As a classical musician, Larry has worked on many occasions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also was part of the PBS television series, Legends of Jazz, where he can be seen performing alongside Jim Hall, Benny Golson, Chris Potter, Phil Woods, David Sanborn, Chris Botti, Clark Terry, and Roy Hargrove. Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at University of Illinois since 2007. (www.larrygraymusic.com)