Megan Shung often described as ‘the 21st Century violinist’, is an international violinist, composer, producer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. Adept at multiple genres and styles, she has performed/recorded with artists including Anthony Kiedis, Michael Bublé, Seal & Billy Childs. In addition to being an active performer, Megan is also a passionate educator. Currently on the Suzuki and jazz faculty at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). In 2023, she became the co-artist director of String Project Los Angeles a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster the bowed strings teaching community while celebrating the musical and cultural diversity of the city of LA.
Ryan Whyman is a seasoned pianist and composer from Los Angeles, and has made a living performing and recording with various artists and ensembles over the last decade. As a composer, he writes regularly for film, TV, and video games. Ryan released his debut album, Fantasies & Memories, in 2019.
JASON LUCKETT
Date
City
Venue
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Time: 8:00pm.Admission: $20 donation.Age restrictions: All Ages.Address:27 N Mentor Ave.As I complete a trip ‘round the sun in August, I’m happy to say that we’re having a special birthday edition of First Fridays Jazz Night with Jason Luckett and Friends. Past performers will take on my compositions for the night, I’ll do a couple of theirs, and a set of my own! I hope you can make it on Friday, August 2 to Lyd & Mo’s. So far we have Alison Lewis, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Jeanne Newhall, and the Pincus Ladies on for the song exchange.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Known principally as a Jazz singer, Cheryl’s versatility encompasses many musical genres. Singing in four languages, Cheryl has performed around the world (including sharing the stage with J.J. Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, and a guest member spot with the world renowned Clara Ward Singers), and has recorded with a score of respected and beloved artists. Her 16 years of Operatic training have brought her to the stage as a featured soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Lawrence University Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin. She has toured extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, nurturing her love for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and the riches of Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Her tours in Europe and Asia enthralled audiences.
A sought-after vocal clinician conducting numerous workshops and clinics across the U.S., she is also a founding member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and retains an esteemed musical presence in Los Angeles, having been heard on stages ranging from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s prestigious Friday Jazz Series to the Hollywood Bowl to the Hollywood and Las Vegas branches of the House of Blues.
What sets Cheryl apart from others is her incredible voice, which imbues each word she sings with a beauty and clarity all its own, taking the listener along on an extraordinary journey. She opens her soul through her music and aims to make a direct connection with every listener.
She has created and performed a one woman show on the life of the great singer/dancer/actress Ethel Waters and has produced and participated in numerous recording projects. Her most recent is entitled LISTEN TO THIS. It features a remarkable cast of players including John Beasley, Rahn Coleman(Producer), Brandon Fields, John Hammond, Rickey Minor and, most notably, her husband and esteemed keyboardist/arranger, Phillip Cabasso, M.D.
Cheryl D. Barnes brings a singular warmth and empathy to every line she sings, engaging listeners from a purr to a power belt. Beloved around the world as a captivating live performer, she is one artist not to be missed.
Visit Cheryl’s website for more in-depth reviews and information. www.cheryldbarnes.com
PHILLIP CABASSO….Jazz Piano, Arranger, Composer
Beginning at age 5, Phillip Cabasso began a life long musical journey. Piano lessons, music in school, studying arranging and composition and performing on piano and trombone…all culminating in a 30 year collaboration with his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Barnes. Their group, usually a trio with piano, bass and drums, performs regularly and wows audiences with their precision playing and artful renditions of jazz standards, R and B, Brazilian, as well as original compositions. This career taking place throughout university and medical school studies, and as a respected full time internal medicine physician. He considers himself extremely fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the world, not to mention, to be the musical director for the fabulous Ms Barnes!
JASON LUCKETT
Date
City
Venue
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Time: 8:00pm.Admission: $20 donation.Age restrictions: All Ages.Address:27 N Mentor Ave.As I complete a trip ‘round the sun in August, I’m happy to say that we’re having a special birthday edition of First Fridays Jazz Night with Jason Luckett and Friends. Past performers will take on my compositions for the night, I’ll do a couple of theirs, and a set of my own! I hope you can make it on Friday, August 2 to Lyd & Mo’s. So far we have Alison Lewis, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Jeanne Newhall, and the Pincus Ladies on for the song exchange.Related post.Buy TicketsMore information
Cathy and I met probably a decade ago when her group Fish To Birds, an a cappella improvised singing group, was forming, I even sat in with them a few times! She’s been a long time influential presence on the jazz vocal scene in Los Angeles and a tireless champion of jazz of all kinds, and now hosts live broadcasts from Kulak’s Woodshed. Cathy & jazz pianist Gary Fukushima have had a wonderful musical relationship for many years. They are the founders of “The Moment”, a quirky modern-jazz & improvisational quintet with synth, guitar, tenor, and percussion. On the 1st, the band will include Chuck Manning on tenor and special guest percussionist.
First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends, 9/1/23
Cathy Segal-Garcia & Gary Fukushima MASAUKO Jason Luckett
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
Lyd & Mo Photograpy Studio & Gallery 27 N Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA, United States, California
September saw the release of a project I began in 2016. The album is called “Mood Swings” and the artist is Larry Wolf, whom I’ve mentioned a few times on this site. He was one of the circle of actors Robert Downey Sr. used for his movies back when Iron Man was just another dog in the “Pound.” It’s mostly a jazz record, with a little bit of Leadbelly. I produced a much of it, played guitar and harmonica, and contributed some BVs. Because Larry is a good actor, he’s such a good musical storyteller. But, this isn’t an actor’s record, this is a seasoned vocalist, digging into the essence of songs you may have heard hundreds of times…or not. Larry also adds some of his own verses and commentary to evergreen standards. What’s gratifying to me is that the reviews have been so positive, with special mentions for the guitar playing in a group with veterans of Jazz artists I’ve admired for years. And if I can share an intimate thought, I did have a moment listening to the rough mixes where I heard myself and felt like I was playing like I’d like to hear someone playing. That may sound silly (and all self-criticism is still close to the surface!), but it’s a wonderful feeling to step into a world and feel like you can do just what you wanted to do within it.
