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 Brazilian Jazz Night | Malone & Friends! Michael Malone - Saxophone Sander Pinheiro - Guitar James Sutter - Acoustic Bass Michael Longoria - Drums – with special guest Sofia Kriger Michael Malone, a Cleveland, Ohio native, is a world-renowned saxophonist and composer. Michael's resume includes a five-year stint touring with legendary jazz organist Jimmy Smith, as well as dates with Cindy Blackmon, guitarist Mark Whitfield, and steel drummer Othello Molineaux. In addition to touring Europe and Asia with his own group Just Released, Michael was also a member and composer in the award-winning Austin-based group Blaze. A Resident of Austin, Texas, he leads The Michael Malone Quintet, works extensively with jazz organist extraordinaire Red Young, and plays frequently with Austin vocalist Pamela Hart. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Telesmar Sanchez Quartet! Telesmar Sanchez - Guitar Milo Hehmsoth - Piano Sam Pankey - Bass Adam Jackson - Drums Telesmar Sanchez is a jazz guitarist from Austin, Texas, currently based in Manhattan, NYC. He began his studies in jazz guitar at the University of Texas at Austin under Bruce Saunders, performing regularly with some of Austin’s top jazz musicians including James Suter, Adam Jackson, Cameron Riggs, and Lincoln Center Orchestra alum Andre Hayward. In 2022, Telesmar went on to earn his MFA in Jazz Guitar from CalArts in Los Angeles, where he studied under the renowned guitarist Larry Koonse. During his time in LA, he collaborated with local standouts such as Izaak Weatherwax, Peter Gemus, Weldon Scott, and Joshua Childs. Since relocating to New York City in 2024, Telesmar has quickly become part of the vibrant NYC jazz community, performing with rising talents like Aleksi Heinola, Quintin Harris, Clayton Thompson, Miles Wick, and Eloise Carter Walne. “At a moment in which young artists struggle to find their place and identity in the “jazz world”, Telesmar Sanchez unashamedly embraces all of the traditional aspects of being in the center of a groove and telling a heartfelt melodic story. Those homespun qualities that combine the folk roots of the music with the artistic re-invention of harmony and melody come together in one satisfying whole in his hands. Telesmar is a brilliant guitarist that plays with his gut instincts, intellect, and heart.” -Larry Koonse 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Lex Chabraja Quartet! Lex Chabraja - Piano Valentino Maltos - Alto Saxophone Braedan Connolly - Bass Nicolas Chacon - Drums and Cymbals Lex Chabraja is a pianist and improviser living in Austin. His music is informed by experimental harmonic and rhythmic processes, while still honoring the influences of Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. He has worked as a sideman for a number of artists and groups including Cosmic Intuition, Jeff Lofton, Nané, ATXFLOWDOWN, Milan Moorman and Ed Sherry. His newly formed quartet, featuring Nicolas Chacon, Braedan Connolly and Valentino Maltos performs unique arrangements of jazz standards that highlight the unit’s spontaneity and dialogue. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Eddy Hobizal Trio! Eddy Hobizal - Piano Sam Pankey - Bass Kyle Thompson - Drums Born in Houston, TX, Eddy Hobizal started classical piano studies at the age of five. From 1987 to 1991, while attending the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, he won several awards and much national recognition, including Third Place at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition in 1989, as well as an appearance on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club Show that same year. After studying at New York University, Eddy began performing in Houston, New York, and beyond, working with such Texas talents as Sebastian Whittaker and the Creators. In 1999, he moved to Austin, and has since had the opportunity to perform and record with Christopher Cross, Sara Hickman, Eliza Gilkyson, Slaid Cleaves, Shawn Colvin, La Tribu, Will Taylor and Strings Attached, Tina Marsh and CO2, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, and many other local and national artists. Eddy’s producing and recording career has blossomed over the past several years. He has produced critically-acclaimed albums for Sara Hickman, David Pulkingham (featuring Patty Griffin and Lloyd Maines), Elias Haslanger (featuring Dr. James Polk, former music director for Ray Charles), and many other artists and bands of varying genres. He has also produced two albums of original music, Anamnesis and Kinetic, currently for sale on iTunes. Eddy collaborates with several Austin recording studios on his projects, and has just finished building a new recording and teaching facility, Treehouse Recording Studio, where he continues to produce and teach. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Michael Hale Trio feat. Mac McIntosh! Michael Hale - Drums/Vocals Jimmy Blazer - Upright & Electric Bass Marcell Coleman - Keyboards Mac Mcintosh - Vocals Austin blues and jazz legends, the Michael Hale Trio featuring Mac Mcintosh bring the great American songbook live to their weekly residences at Half Step and the King Bee Lounge. Celebrating 10 years at their Half Step residency, catch them every Tuesday at 9:30pm showtime. Sundays at 9pm on historic blues 12th Street the Michael Hale Trio featuring Mac Mcintosh have been playing at King Bee for 8 years. Austinite Mac Mcintosh sings lead vocals hitting the high notes. Michael Hale, recently named Austin's Best Jazz Performer by the Austin Chronicle, heads up the trio on the drums with Jimmy Blazer on the stand up bass and Marcell Coleman on keys. Come see why these legends have a multi-award winning short film written about them.