The Music of Art Blakey with an Opening set by Ross Clowser Quartet

Headliner : The Music of Art Blakey

Riley Helgeson – trumpet

Stephanie Wieseler – saxophones

Matthew Echols – trombone

Ted Godbout – piano

Dan Carpel – Bass

Mac Santiago – drums

The Music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers! Playing some of the hits and some deep cuts! The tune list for the evening has been compiled by pianist Ted Godbout and trumpeter Riley Helgeson.

Ted Godbout is a pianist, composer, and educator based in Minneapolis. He has performed with such notable artists and groups as Art Webb, Mark Colby, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Ted maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule in the Twin Cities area. In addition to leading his own groups he appears regularly with PaviElle, Leslie Vincent, Pavel Jany, the Explosion Big Band, and the Bill Simenson Orchestra.

Riley Helgeson is a freelance trumpet player and composer based in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN. Helgeson has toured North America and Europe with Sonny Knight and the Lakers, Friendly Fires (UK), and McNasty Brass Band. He has also performed on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” with Minneapolis-based McNasty Brass Band. His performances have been broadcast on MPR, The Current, and “The Lowertown Line” at Twin Cities PBS. He has had the honor to perform with O.A.R., PJ Morton, Marie Osmond, Stokely, Fred Wesley(James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic) and John “Jabo” Starks(Bobby Bland, James Brown).

Opening Set : Ross Clowser Quartet

Ross Clowser – Guitar/Compositions

Joe Strachan – Piano

Josh Granowski – Bass

Ben Erlich – Drums

A newcomer to the Twin Cities music scene, Ross Clowser has been performing his original music throughout the Midwest for the last decade, sharing stages with Ohad Talmor, Melvin Butler, and opening for the likes of Chad Taylor, Joshua Abrams, and more. His music reflects his interest in music scholarship and draws on different musical influences from all over the world; from Jeff Parker and David Bowie to Pauline Oliveros and Fela Kuti.