Dena DeRose: With a sexy joie de vivre that surpasses the quaint delivery of other jazz divas, Dena DeRose not only croons like an angel but tickles the ivories with inspired abandon.	Kenny Wheeler: Still a master of beauty, Kenny Wheeler's performance with the Maritime Jazz Orchestra was a highlight of this year's festivities.
Dennis Mackrel: In large ensembles and big band formats, Dennis Mackrel exceeds at interpreting the charts while adding the proper fireworks that boot along a soloist.	David Murray: A lesser saxophonist would be swallowed up by the intense rhythmic propulsions of the African GWO KA Masters, but it's just the right place for David Murray to engage in his most heated statements.
Moody, et. al.: James Moody, Antonio Hart, and Frank Wess carry on the Dizzy Gillespie tradition, but were just three of the jazz greats to make the scene with this alumni ensemble.	Jaribu Shahid: As striking in dress as in his musical performance, bassist Jaribu Shahid anchored the ensemble for David Murray in his collaboration with the GWO KA Masters.
Bill Watrous: Still a technically gifted performer of merit, Bill Watrous made a guest appearance with Slide Hampton's World of Trombones and the camaraderie was clearly evident.	Nancy Wilson: Bringing the audience to its feet, Nancy Wilson fronted the Gillespie Alumni Big Band and belted out a few choice numbers.
Matt Wilson: Easily the most visible musician throughout this year's convention, drummer Matt Wilson's variegated approach seemed to suit the different roles he served depending on each leader's style	Michael Ricci: With Jim Eigo (Jazz Promo) looking on in the background, AAJ's own Michael Ricci fields an audience question regarding jazz marketing on the Internet.