The JAS Quintet is one of the longest running bands I have been blessed to be a part of. Check out their site, and the amazing musicians that are making original jazz music.

Xavier Pastrano is an incredible poet that is based in Sioux Falls. I’m fortunate to call him a friend and to have worked with him on occasion.

Mercedes Nelson. You have seen her work all through this website. Please check out all the excellent art she creates.

Anna Youngers in my humble opinion is one of the most talented painters I have met.

Chris Janzen has been a friend of mine since college. Though we don’t make music together anymore due to geography, he is the artist featured on the cover of my solo album, “Everything a Thousand Million Times”. One of my favorite painters and musicians I’ve known, check him out people!

The Fellowship Jazz Center is a non-profit org run by many of my friends. Its goal is to build a regional jazz community by introducing jazz to new audiences, education and live performances.

Jeff Paul. Not sure what to say except I’m honored to have been friends with this force of nature for so long, and to perform with him in many formats. Composer, arranger, multi instrumentalist and mad hatter!

Andrew Reinartz has been my friend and brother for decades. One of the most solid musicians I know, and a true ally to artists everywhere.

Dan Heier is another dear friend and member of the JAS quintet. He runs the Fellowship Jazz Center and is a supremely talented drummer and educator. We spend many mornings together driving to schools to help educate students about jazz.

Jim Speirs is my long time collaborator and friend. We have grown together musically and personally for decades and often times when I hear new music in my head he is there. Like a regional dialect we have developed our own way of playing together that is unique and subconscious.

Arts South Dakota is run by many friends of mine. Please check their website out. They are committed to helping artists in so many ways.

South Dakota Arts Council is a state org that provides grants and help to artists all over the state.

The Hegg Brothers band consists of two amazing musicians and friends John and Jeremy Hegg. Their music can relate to a wide variety of people. They are capable of about anything musically, and are two of the most fun and intelligent people I get to hang with on a regular.

Jon Bakken might be my spirit animal… His energy in life, art and music is contagious and addictive. I have only started to get to know Jon, and look forward to knowing him more.

John Kelly has been a friend and collaborator for a long time. His latest project is a unique musical take on the sermon of the mount.

Billy Yost. I met Billy through two of his excellently talented brothers Jesse and Danny. I’m so grateful to have been able to work on various projects with Billy. His music is SOOO COOOL and its inspiring every chance I get to make music with him.

Alex Massa is someone I recently became acquainted with and have been fortunate enough to perform with on a few occasions. His spirit on the bandstand was immediately contagious and I admire his unique artistic approach to improvised music. I’m looking forward to working with him more!

MORE TO COME.