Jim Gasior – Piano

Jim is a sought-after pianist and keyboardist who has performed with international pop stars like Ricky Martin and Kelly Clarkson, as well as jazz legends including Benny Golson and Freddie Hubbard. He is an Associate Professor of Jazz and Instrumental Studies at New World School of the Arts in Miami, directing the High School Jazz Ensemble to national recognition. Jim holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Jazz from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and regularly performs in South Florida with various ensembles.

Vince DuPont -Bass

Vince, a New Hampshire native, entered the New York jazz scene through William Paterson University’s Jazz Studies program. Starting electric bass in his teens and double bass in high school, he was the full-time bassist for Winard Harper’s Jeli Posse at nineteen and later joined Russell Malone’s Quartet. A 2016 participant in Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and Ravinia Steans Music Institute, Vince has performed at renowned venues and festivals, collaborating with artists like Harold Mabern, George Coleman, and Slide Hampton. He recently won 1st place in the International Society of Bassists’ Scott LaFaro Jazz Competition.

John Yarling -Drums

John Yarling is a versatile drummer and educator who studied classical percussion at Florida State University and jazz performance at the University of Miami. He has taught general music and percussion at North Broward Preparatory Schools and founded the percussion program at the Florida Youth Conservatory. Currently, he teaches at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in both the Studio Music and Jazz and Contemporary Departments. John is a sought-after drummer in South Florida, performing with artists such as Ira Sullivan, South Florida Jazz Orchestra, and the Brian Murphy Trio. His extensive experience spans Modern Jazz, Blues, Funk, and Rock, having played with legends like Mose Allison, Sonny Stitt, and Mick Taylor, and recorded with notable musicians including Ira Sullivan and Pink.

Dante Luciani -Trombone

Dante Luciani is Program Director of Instrumental Jazz Studies and Jazz Trombone professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He led the Frost Concert Jazz Band from 2001 to 2014, earning multiple Downbeat awards and a 2002 Grammy for a collaboration with Maria Schneider. Dante has performed with top ensembles including the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band, Arturo Sandoval Big Band, and artists like Frank Sinatra and Gloria Estefan. As a soloist, he tours internationally with his Jazz Quintet and is a member of Ira Sullivan’s Inter-outer Continental Quintet. His recordings have won Latin Grammy and Grammy awards. Dante is also a regular clinician and performer at jazz festivals and workshops in Poland and the U.S.

Mark Smalls -Clarinet/ Sax

Mark Small is a Miami-based saxophonist, composer, and educator known as a leading figure in the Miami music scene. He built his reputation in NYC, performing at iconic clubs like the Blue Note and Village Vanguard with artists such as Darcy James Argue and the Vanguard Orchestra. His style reflects jazz greats like Lester Young, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins, blended with contemporary influences. Mark has recorded with the Grammy-nominated band Secret Society and released his debut album “One Day” with longtime collaborators. He co-leads the group Bronze, which also released a debut album. His diverse work includes performances in the Broadway musical “Chicago,” appearances on Louis C.K.’s show “Louie,” and collaborations with artists like Aretha Franklin. Touring with Michael Bublé, Mark played worldwide, featured in major TV shows and Grammy-winning live DVDs, contributing as a performer, arranger, and composer. He has earned top honors in prestigious competitions, including the East Coast Jazz Festival and Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition. Mark is Director of Jazz Studies at Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson campus and has taught at the University of Miami and other programs, actively shaping the next generation of jazz musicians.