Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Eloise Carter Walne Quintet! Eloise Carter Walne - Vocals Gil Del Bosque - Tenor Saxophone Dan Redner - Piano James Suter - Bass Aaron Parks - Drums Growing up as the sole Ella Fitzgerald and Natalie Cole enthusiast in the household, Eloise’s passion for jazz blossomed naturally. She began voice lessons at age 13 at the San Fransisco Conservatory of Music. In high school, she shifted to an independent coach, oscillating her study between musical theater and jazz traditions. While studying Theater and Education Psychology at Sarah Lawrence College, Eloise’s step-father encouraged her desire to sing by producing a house concert series during her semester breaks from school. After receiving her bachelors degree, Eloise attended The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater, a two year acting conservatory in New York City. Her postgraduate pursuit of music began as side project with a friend as a way to feel invigorated while auditioning. A few gigs later, Eloise decided to investigate a career in music more seriously. Now she is fresh out of the Tribeca Jazz Institute’s Vocal Intensive, taught by Lucy Yegazarian. An emerging artist in both the acting and music fields, Eloise was recently in a short film premiering at the Austin Film Festival, is working on a Shakespeare adaptation entitled Gents Can’t Measure, writing her first short film script, and planning to release her debut EP in 2025. With deep Texas roots, she’s thrilled be back at Monks Jazz Club in Austin. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Elias Haslanger | Tribute to Stanley Turrentine! Elias Haslanger - Tenor Saxophone Tommy Howard - Guitar Eddy Hobizal - Piano Liam O’Dell - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Over the span of his 30-year music career, native Texan and Austin resident Elias Haslanger has carved a unique and distinguished place in jazz history as a saxophonist, composer, and band leader, whose playing and writing has drawn comparisons to John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, and Wayne Shorter. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many world-class artists including Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Christopher Cross, Charlie Hunter, Asleep at the Wheel, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow, Grupo Fantasma, Spoon, The Four Tops, and The Temptations, among many others. Mentored by the legendary saxophonists Harvey Pittel and Dick Oatts, Elias studied saxophone at the University of Texas and then at the Manhattan School of Music. His interest in writing music culminated in a Master’s Degree in Composition at Texas State University in San Marcos. Elias has performed around the United States and Europe at clubs like Snug Harbor in New Orleans, Jazz Alley in Seattle, The Elephant Room in Austin, and The Blue Note in New York. He has also served as a guest artist/lecturer at universities around the nation. Elias has 7 recordings as a leader all of which have been played on radio stations across the world. His 2014 recording LIVE at the Gallery, received 4.5 stars in Downbeat magazine and was listed as one of the best recordings of the year. "Haslanger's freewheeling licks roar with virtuosity and infectious joie de vivre." -Michael Jackson, DownBeat 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Chris Gebhard's Album Release Show! Chris Gebhard - Guitar Tom Raines - Drums Aaron Allen - Bass Chris Gebhard is graduate of MI Hollywood, with a BFA in jazz guitar studies from UW-Milwaukee - Upon moving to Austin TX in 2000, he began working as a sideman with a vast array of bands and projects - Fastball, Ian Moore, Nicole Atkins, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Cotton Mather, Rebecca Loebe, Suzanna Choffel, Future Clouds and Radar, and many others - 2000 saw the release of “Moonlanding”, and 2025 will bring 2 separate trio records , “Gone” and “Future Dreams”, and more performances with his trio, playing standards and originals. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Marcelo Boccato Quintet! Marcelo Boccato - Piano Tito Carrillo - Trumpet Diego Rivera - Saxophone Ryan Hagler - Bass Adam Jackson - Drums Originally from Campinas, Brazil, Marcelo Boccato is a pianist, scholar, and educator. His performance and scholarly work focuses on the music of the African diaspora, exploring the connections between jazz and different genres of Black popular music in the Americas. His work as a leader includes collaborations with musicians from São Paulo, New York, Chicago, including Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Geof Bradfield, Tito Carrillo, Diego Rivera, John Ellis, Jimmy Greene, Quincy Davis, Jay Sawyer, Diego Garbin, and Cleber Almeida. In addition, Marcelo Boccato has also performed with the University of Iowa’s Johnson County Landmark and the University of Illinois’ Concert Jazz Band, Alicia Olatuja, Jim Pugh, Chip McNeill, Larry Grey, Joel Spencer, and Rodrigo Ursaia. He has earned a DMA in Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently holds an appointment as Lecturer of Jazz Studies at Baylor University in Waco, TX. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Kelly Doyle Quartet! Kelly Doyle - Guitar Paulo Santos - Saxophone David Craig - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Kelly Doyle is a Houston-based guitarist known for seamlessly blending jazz, country and avant-garde influences into a singular sound. An expressive shapeshifter, Doyle is known for his playful exploration of the Telecaster and its sonic potential. Among his many recordings, he has been featured in Khruangbin's “Late Night Tales” and “Live at Stubbs” compilation albums. This new quartet with David Craig, Daniel Dufour, and Paulo Santos will debut original songs and standards through daring interpretations. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Nick Clark N'em! Nick Clark - Bass Brian Donohoe - Saxophone Matthew Muehling - Guitar Dayne Reliford - Piano Adam Jackson - Drums Nicholas Clark is a producer, musical director, and bassist from Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to his music career, he was a student-athlete who excelled in college football at Texas State University, where he also achieved a Masters in Physics. After graduate school, he worked as a Semiconductor Engineer at Samsung Austin Semiconductor while integrating himself into the Austin,Texas music scene. After five years as a professional engineer, he decided to fully immerse himself into the Austin music scene and has since worked alongside monumental artists across multiple genres of music. His credits include Jon Batiste, Kanye West, Usher, SF Symphony Orchestra, HER, Demi Lovato, Keyon Harold, Janelle Monae, Cory Henry and many others. Nick has played integral roles in producing and programming shows for Coachella, YEEZY SZN 8 Paris Release, SXSW, ACL, nationally-broadcast award ceremonies, late-night television, and continues to collaborate with top artists in the industry. Now based in Los Angeles, Nick’s versatility and joy he brings to music propels him to many stages and musical endeavors across the world. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Diego Rivera | "West Circle" Album Release! Diego Rivera - Saxophones Ross Margitza - Piano John Fremgen - Bass Gerry Gibbs - Drums & Cymbals Diego Rivera is a world-class musician, composer, arranger, and educator who has entertained audiences for over twenty years. Known for his muscular tone and unique blend of straight-ahead jazz and music inspired by his Latino background and heritage, he is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at the Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin. Rivera is a Vandoren Performing Artist. With West Circle, saxophonist Diego Rivera delivers a powerful and deeply personal statement, channeling his emotions into a poignant new quartet recording on Posi-Tone Records. Rivera crafts a stirringly introspective musical narrative that speaks of his own spiritual transformation after the tragic events at Michigan State University, his alma mater and former place of employment in his East Lansing hometown. West Circle blends resilience, reflection, and raw emotion into a compelling modern jazz journey. This album is not just a tribute—it’s a testament to the healing power of music. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Bidwell/Marshall Quintet! Erik Telford - Trumpet Elias Haslanger - Saxophone Jaron Marshall - Piano Sam Pankey - Bass Stephen Bidwell - Drums Stephen Bidwell and Jaron Marshall have been anchoring the rhythm section of Austin’s Grammy-nominated psychedelic-soul juggernaut Black Pumas since the band’s meteoric rise in 2019. Outside the Pumas' world tour circuit, the two have long bonded over a mutual love of hard bop and funky early-'60s Blue Note cuts: music that grooves as hard as it swings. When their schedules align, they call up a few trusted, top players in town and put together a setlist that leans into the soulful side of the jazz canon. This project is a nod to their roots and a chance to stretch in a different direction with deep pocket, deep cuts, and no filler. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Marwan Ghonima Quartet! Marwan Ghonima – Acoustic and Electric Bass Leo Sandoval – Guitar and Vocals Kodey Saldaña – Alto Saxophone Gio Suarez – Drums Bassist Marwan Ghonima is quickly emerging as a compelling new voice in jazz. A Houston native and proud alumnus of the renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—whose alumni include Robert Glasper, Jason Moran, and Kendrick Scott—Marwan is part of a vibrant lineage of musicians shaped by that legacy. It was through this creative network that he connected with the members of his current ensemble: Leo Sandoval (guitar, vocals), Gio Suarez (drums), and Kodey Saldaña (alto saxophone)—musical collaborators who share a deep artistic chemistry. In 2022, he was selected for the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors program (formerly the Brubeck Institute), where he performed and studied under luminaries such as Marquis Hill, Elena Pinderhughes, Eric Reed, and Stefon Harris. Most recently, he recorded an album featuring legendary drummer Lewis Nash. Marwan’s performances have brought him to celebrated stages including Black Cat (San Francisco), Jazz, TX (San Antonio), and international festivals like Jazz in Marciac (France) and Jazzaldia (Spain). Drawing on Black American music, global folk traditions, and electronic influences, Marwan shapes a sound that’s both rooted and forward-thinking. This ensemble reflects that eclectic spirit—united by a shared curiosity and reverence for the music. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Charlie Christians | Birthday Tribute Show! JD Pendley – Guitar Lindsay Greene – Guitar Lauryn Gould – Flute/Sax Josh Hoag – Bass Jason Baczynski – Drums Championing the sound of the all-time great guitarist, Charlie Christian, is Austin, Texas’ aptly named “The Charlie Christians.” Born out of the Monday night swing music scene of recent years at the Sahara Lounge is this group who pays homage to, but without strictly replicating, the sound of the famous late 30s - early 40s Benny Goodman Sextet, which featured Christian on guitar, as well as Lionel Hampton on vibes. Utilizing two electric guitars (JD Pendley and Lindsay Greene), flute and saxophone (Lauryn Gould), string bass (Joshua Hoag), and drum set (Jason Baczynski), they adopt many iconic moments contained in the sextet’s original recordings, often harmonizing riffs and solos that showcase the genius that was Charlie Christian as well as the unique swing styles of this current “C.C.’s” lineup. Their music is inventive, accessible, in the pocket, and great for dancing and listening. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for AJS Presents: Julie Slim & RendezVous! Julie Slim - Vocals Shawn Ellison - Piano Tommy Howard - Guitar Phil Spencer - Bass Joe McCreary - Drums Julie Slim is an Austin-based Lebanese-Palestinian-American world jazz vocalist and actress, who has been in the Austin theater and music scene since 1996, when she was nominated for an I.B. Payne Acting Award for her work in the original children’s show, Deep in the Heart of Texas. In 1999, Julie created a duet Cabaret Act, Cabarageous, with friend and vocalist Donna Lipman, which was featured in the summer Zach Scott Cabaret Series. In 2009, Julie also formed the Arabic band, Layalina in collaboration with Sari Andoni (oud), specializing in classical and folk Arabic music, which was featured in a SXSW World Music showcase in 2010. Julie has been a lead vocalist and clinician for the Austin Jazz Workshop since 2001, spreading the love of jazz to children in elementary schools in and around Austin. She is a member of the Austin Threshold Choir, thresholdchoir.org, an international organization that provides comfort during life transitions through song. Beginning in November 2023, Julie has been a lead vocalist with the Viva Palestina Orchestra, featuring Palestinian music, raising awareness of Palestinian culture. On March 27, 2025, Viva Palestina Orchestra received a music proclamation declaring this day to be Viva Palestina Orchestra Day, during which the VPO performed one of our songs in the City Council Chambers. Since 2013, Julie and her band, Julie Slim & RendezVous, have been performing in and around Austin, creating community and bridging cultures while uplifting and touching audiences wherever they perform. The band specializes in reviving international jazz and pop standards from the early 20th century as well as featuring original songs composed by Shawn Ellison and Julie Slim. Julie Slim & RendezVous has held residencies at Skylark, Shore ATX, and Parker Jazz Club. Additionally, Julie Slim Duo with Shawn Ellison have a residency at Plate by Dzintra that is ongoing for over 4 years. Julie has self-produced several albums with RendezVous under the name Julie Slim, streaming wherever music lives. “Singing is musical storytelling that heals while opening the heart to new possibilities.” 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Ross Margitza Quartet feat. Joel Frahm! Ross Margitza - Piano Joel Frahm - Saxophone Ryan Hagler - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Dr. Ross Margitza is a distinguished pianist, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator. He resides in Austin, TX where he serves as a Lecturer in Jazz Studies/Jazz Piano at the University of Texas at Austin. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, he began his musical journey under the guidance of his father and grandfather, both professional pianists. He started playing piano at age six and trumpet at age ten. Inspired by Oscar Peterson's recording of “West Side Story,” Ross pursued a career in jazz. An award-winning pianist, Dr. Margitza clinched first place in the 2024 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and second place in the 2009 Phillips Jazz Piano Competition. He has performed alongside acclaimed musicians such as Russell Malone, Jon Faddis, Phil Woods, Patti Austin, Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson, Roy McCurdy, Antonio Hart, Lynn Roberts, and Christian McBride. His credits also include performances with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Detroit Jazz Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Internationally, Ross has performed in Japan, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Canada, as well as major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York. As an educator, his previous appointments include serving as the Director of Instrumental Music at both Flintridge Preparatory School near Los Angeles and also St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Austin. In 2023, he taught collegiately as the Jazz Piano Instructor at Huston-Tillotson University. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Michigan State University, a Master of Music from Northern Illinois University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Sofia Kriger Quartet! Sofia Kriger - Voice Sander Pinheiro - Guitar James Sutter - Acoustic Bass Michael Longoria - Drums Sofia Kriger is a singer, songwriter and improviser. She was born and raised in Brazil. At the age of 16, she decided to move to NYC to study music and pursue a career. She graduated from the New England Conservatory with a Bachelor's in Jazz Performance, and her music currently embraces a variety of styles and sounds, including Brazilian music, jazz and pop. Sofia has also lived in South Korea for a music residency before she moved to Austin in 2024. Throughout her career, she has performed in several renowned venues including Jordan Hall, The Velvet Note, High Museum of Art and The Museum of Fine Arts. In her past, she was the co-leader of the Mojubá Ensemble, a modern world-jazz quintet that explored the meeting points between Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music. She also led the Solos de Ave Ensemble, a group that explored and reconstructed music of renowned Brazilian composers. Sofia also co-leads the Sofia and Sander project, with Brazilian singer/guitarist Sander Pinheiro. This project emerged when Sofia and Sander started creating and performing their arrangements of different types of World music (in Portuguese, Spanish, and English), including Brazilian music, jazz and pop. Since then, they have been recording original compositions and arrangements, and performing in several venues around the US. Their Brazilian roots from the Southeast and Northeast along with their experiences in different genres is what characterizes Sofia and Sander.