John Michaels

Jazz Guitarist John Michaels has performed in the Western Massachusetts area since the early 1990’s. During that time, with both the Interplay Jazz Band and the Valley Jazz Ensemble he has played at some of the region's top clubs and festivals. Originally from Syracuse, New York, John has studied with some of that region's top instructors including Rick Balestra (SUNY Oswego, Hamilton College, Stanley Turrentine) and Joe Jewell (Cal State Fullerton Professor). Since relocating to Western Massachusetts John has also studied with Steve Cardenas (Paul Motian's Electric Be-Bop Band, Joey Baron, Les McCann) and has studied as well as performed with Trombonist Ed Byrne Currently, he has just recorded his first CD as well as starting a non-profit organization that will attempt to enhance the visibility of Jazz musicians on both the regional and national level.

Mark Dunlap

Bassist Mark Dunlap, from Holyoke, MA, studies bass with accomplished NYC Bassists, Santi DeBriano and Joe Fonda, and composition with long-time mentor, Ed Byrne. He is a founding member and serves on the board of the Western New England Double Bass Society, a group of 200 performing double bassists that sponsors bass workshops and concerts in New England. Mark serves as the Chairman for the Holyoke Cultural Council under the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Mark co-leads The Interplay Jazz Band and Frain/Dunlap Jazz Trip and performs in New England and New York. He co-owns the independent recording label and publishing company Simmer Music and recently released a CD with guitarist David Frain entitled "Pull The Shades."

Rick Tutunjian

Rick Tutunjian is a tenor saxophonist/composer based in Western MA. He studied saxophone and improvisational theory with NYC saxophonist Adam Kolker until 2001. In 2002 he began working with guitarist Ryan Jalbert, a band w/ bassist Paul Chase and drummer Bill Chapman spanning two years and eventually a quartet with altoist Bryan McNamara. He also plays with the Jason Schwartz Project. Rick now co-leads the band Reincarnation with Dia Silverstein and also works as a freelance improviser with the bands Outer Orbits, Iron City, The Caravan w/organist Rob Shelton, vocalist Leah Rondazzo, and drummer Josh Korr, the Prescription, and the Joe Green Ensemble.

Jon Fisher

Jon is a drummer from Connecticut currently residing in Greenfield, Massachusetts. From 2004 to 2007, he was playing drums on cruise ships and seeing a whole lot of the world as a result. He went to UMASS in Amherst MA from 2000-2003 where he studied drumset with Bob Gullotti and Winard Harper. He's shared the stage with many great musicians including, but not limited to David Berkman, Erik Lawrence, Dave Shapiro, Ernie Watts, Rich Perry, Dave Wertman, Adam Kolker, Jeff Holmes, Evelyn Harris, Vishnu Wood, Geoff Vidal, Miro Sprague, Brian McNamara and Eugene Uman.

Denny Ray Pelletier

Denny Ray Pelletier, drums, developed strong roots in jazz early on, and his American Indian background and spiritually-centered approach to rhythm help to forge the musical identity of the group. The son of a jazz trumpeter, Pelletier began performing as a drummer in many local social events, dances, and talent shows. He studied with Les Harris Sr., then head of percussion at Boston’s Berklee School of Music, which led to freelance opportunities on the Boston circuit. Years of experience have found Pelletier in a wide variety of musical situations, performing with J.J. Johnson, Ronnie Laws, Michael Omartian, and Anthony Cox. He also has backed Cleo Laine, Peggy Lee, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt with orchestras for musical theatre performances. Pelletier’s recording credits include dozens of radio and national albums, and several children’s television shows including “Zoom” and “Sesame Street.”