Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for AJS Presents: Darin Layne Quartet! Darin Layne - Guitar Eric Hargett - Saxophone Chris Maresh - Bass Rob Kazanel - Drums Darin Layne, an Austin-based guitarist and composer, is renowned for his exceptional skills in performance, composing, recording, producing. and teaching. His first release “The Fisherman” (2007) features Rob Kazanel and Chris Maresh and has been featured on “This American Life” with Ira Glass. Several of his compositions have been featured in film and television. His latest album, "Free Advice" (2024), showcases his mastery on the 7-string guitar. Rooted in Jazz, Darin’s influences of many genres are reflected in his collaborations and original compositions. This quartet offers a rich and diverse musical experience, blending Darin Layne's innovative guitar work with the dynamic contributions of Eric Hargett, Rob Kazanel, and Chris Maresh. Their collective talents promise an engaging performance that spans various genres and musical styles. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Daniel Sanchez Quintet! Gene Centeno - Saxophone Andre Hayward - Trombone Milo Hehmsoth - Piano Michael Stevens - Bass Daniel Sanchez - Drums Raised in Atlanta, GA and Lubbock, TX, Daniel Sanchez moved to Austin in 2009 after 10 years of living and performing in New York City. Musical versatility continues to provide him with opportunities to perform steadily here in Austin. He works with multiple musical production companies where he is sought after for corporate and private performances, original artists’ engagements, and guest artists. Additionally, Daniel has performed with Andre Hayward, Jeff Coffin, Wynton Marsalis, Ephraim Owens, Bobby Shew, Pam Hart, and many more. He serves in two music ministries in the Austin area and works closely with Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps based here in Austin. He holds a degree in music education from Texas Tech University. Danny lives in Round Rock with his amazing wife of 22 years, and their three cats. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the UT Jazz Faculty feat. Lewis Nash! Diego Rivera - Saxophone, Musical Director Mike Sailors - Trumpet Paul Deemer - Trombone Bruce Saunders - Guitar Ross Margitza - Piano John Fremgen - Bass Lewis Nash - Drums Universally recognized as one of the great drummers in jazz history, Lewis Nash has built an illustrious career that now spans over four decades. One of jazz’s most recorded musicians, Nash has appeared on over 500 recordings, including 10 Grammy winners and numerous Grammy nominees. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis first gained international recognition as a member of vocalist Betty Carter’s trio. In the years to follow, Nash toured, recorded, and performed with many of jazz’s most celebrated icons, and his resume reads like a “who’s who” of jazz royalty, including Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, JJ Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Gerry Mulligan, Hank Jones, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Heath, Randy Weston, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and many, many more. In 2012, The Nash, a jazz education center and performance venue named in Lewis’s honor, was established in his home town of Phoenix. It has been a focal point of the city’s jazz activity since it’s inception, and has been named consistently by Downbeat magazine as a top jazz venue. In 2017, Nash joined the jazz studies faculty at Arizona State University, where he was named the Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft Professor of Practice in Jazz. In early 2021, the Lewis Nash Scholarship Endowment was created by the university to be awarded annually to a deserving ASU undergraduate or graduate jazz performance student. The University of Texas Jazz Faculty Ensemble is a dynamic collective of world-class musicians and educators performing programs that span the full spectrum of jazz. Under the direction of Diego Rivera, Director of Jazz Studies at UT Austin, the ensemble showcases the exceptional talent and versatility of the university’s jazz faculty. Comprising seasoned professionals who are deeply committed to both performance and pedagogy, the ensemble performs a rich blend of original compositions, inventive arrangements, and timeless jazz standards. The ensemble offers a unique and vibrant sound, reflecting the individual voices of its accomplished members, each a respected performer and educator. While upholding the traditions of jazz, the group also pushes its boundaries, producing innovative music that exemplifies the excellence and forward-thinking spirit of the University of Texas jazz program. The ensemble’s performances are a testament to the faculty’s deep expertise, creative energy, and collaborative spirit. Each concert showcases the seamless intersection of artistry and education that defines the UT Austin jazz community. Regularly performing throughout the academic year, the University of Texas Jazz Faculty Ensemble remains a vital part of Austin’s rich cultural landscape, inspiring audiences with both technical brilliance and emotional depth. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Ryan Hagler Septet | Tribute to Roy Hargrove's the RH Factor! Ryan Hagler - Electric Bass Shelbi Alexandria - Vocals Evan Weiss - Trumpet Ben Bohorquez - Saxophone Brian Donohoe - Keys Carter Arrington - Guitar Daniel Watson - Drums Join us for a night of electrifying groove and soul at Monks Jazz Club as bassist Ryan Hagler leads an all-star band in celebration of Roy Hargrove’s legendary group, The RH Factor! Blending jazz, funk, hip-hop, and R&B, The RH Factor redefined modern jazz with its infectious rhythms and undeniable vibe. This special performance features top-tier musicians from Texas fusion crews Progger and The Funky Knuckles coming together to bring Hargrove’s visionary sound to life! 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Sarah Sharp Quintet! Sarah Sharp - Vocals Mitch Watkins, - Guitar Oliver Steck - Piano, Accordion, Cornet John Fremgen - Upright Bass Masumi Jones- Drums Enthusiastic accolades have followed Sarah Sharp throughout her career, including multiple awards for her singing and songwriting. A premier jazz artist and an award-winning singer/songwriter of international acclaim, Sarah won her third Austin Chronicle Austin Music Award for Best Jazz in 2024. “It’s so clear that the music you create is so inspired by your environment,” says NPR’s Michael Feinstein, who praised Sarah Sharp’s music for its timeless quality. Her ability to craft songs that feel both classic and relevant has earned her a dedicated following, as well as recognition from some of the industry’s most discerning ears. Whether performing on stage or in the studio, Sarah’s artistry is a seamless blend of technical mastery and raw emotional connection. A Houston native, Sarah grew up harmonizing with her family before studying at Berklee College of Music, where she found inspiration in Billie Holiday and Etta James. Blending jazz with Americana, pop, and old-school country, she brings an unmistakable authenticity to every performance. Her band—quintessential jazz musicians—adds an improvisational brilliance, ensuring no two shows are ever the same. Her self-produced album Phoebe’s Dream earned Top 5 placements across multiple Austin Music Awards categories and led to a feature on NPR. A two-time Sonic Guild recipient, she has collaborated with artists across genres and is now preparing to release a new collection of songs, ushering in the next era of Sarah Sharp.