Results for "Phoenix"

Mark Mellis

Born: July 26, 1959

Mark Mellis is a composer, music editor, educator, saxophonist, pianist, pastoral musician, husband, father and grandfather. He received a Master of Music in saxophone performance from Northwestern University and a Bachelor degree in music education from Arizona State University. After serving as music editor for North American Liturgy Resources (NALR), he and his wife Carol founded the Phoenix Liturgical Arts Center (PLACe), a music academy and center for the liturgical arts. The PLACe offers customized worship resources for several parishes across the US and currently administrates the instrumental music programs at various Phoenix area schools

Walt Pitts

Born: October 22, 1960

Live Music Pro | Guitar Coach | Content Creator

Walt Pitts is a dynamic solo performer and guitar coach whose music captivates audiences through a blend of technical mastery, heartfelt performances, and a genuine passion for inspiring others. With an extensive repertoire spanning multiple genres, Walt brings versatility and energy to every stage and screen.

Known for his YouTube live performances, Walt delivers engaging musical experiences that combine live playing, storytelling, and interactive elements. His channel also features curated content for music enthusiasts, including guitar tips, performance highlights, and resources for aspiring musicians. Walt’s commitment to sharing his knowledge extends beyond performances, with personalized coaching and a growing online community.

Dave Ihlenfeld

Born: January 24, 1965

Dave Ihlenfeld grew up in St. Louis, where at age 3 he started picking out bass lines to Motown tunes on the family piano. Lessons followed, to be abandoned in favor of viola, euphonium, and finally the tuba, but a piano opening in his high school jazz band provided the musical outlet he was seeking. Gigs followed, but fame and fortune did not, so he attended DePauw and Indiana Universities, and then worked out of Indianapolis as a music teacher and performing musician. Since 1996 he has resided in Arizona, where he is in demand as a jazz pianist and tuba player. He also writes the odd tune, usually employing an odd time signature

Nicole Pesce

Born: April 1, 1982

Pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Nicole Pesce entertains audiences with her unique blend of virtuosity, humor and pizzazz. Nicole’s YouTube “Happy Birthday Variations” video currently has nearly 2 million views. Arizona Foothills Magazine honored Nicole with the “Best of 2015 Award” for Best Local Band/Musician. With a repertoire consisting of over 12,000 memorized songs; Nicole is often dubbed “the human iPod” and is recognized as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix” by the Arizona Republic. Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Bush, Sr., Waylon Jennings, Taylor Hicks, Janet Napolitano, Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmy Carter, Chris Rock, Steve Nash, The Gypsy Kings, Verne Troyer and Brian Setzer

Phoenix

Russell Schmidt

Mary Petrich

Born: April 17

Mary has received two degrees in saxophone performance, initially from Indiana University and subsequently an advanced degree from Arizona State. From a foundation in classical music, the freedom and creativity of jazz has emerged as the driving force in her musical career. Mary currently works with the Phoenix Symphony and is the leader of several smaller-format jazz projects featuring her original compositions. These include the quartet “OpenHand”, and also the Saxophone Quartet known as “The Prize-Fighting Kangaroos”. Mary has recently followed her eponymous 2013 CD with a second outing; “Murmuration” released in 2016.

Dom Moio

Dom started playing drums in the fifth grade. His first teacher Dick Demers started Dom on his way both as a player and teacher. In 1975 he went to New York to study with studio master Bernard Purdie. Then to Boston in 1976 to study with Jazz great Alan Dawson. Dom's first book Be Bop Phrasing for Drums was dedicated to Alan. Before leaving the East Coast Dom had the opportunity to play with Jazz greats Don Doane, Clark Terry, herb Pomeroy, Dave McKenna, and many other players from the New England area. in 1978 Dom left for Reno Nevada with guitar player brother Bill, where he soon started working the casino circuit

Vicki McDermitt

Born: May 30

I am a vocalist with a background in gospel, and classic jazz. My time is split between sacred and secular venues. I've worked in LA as a studio singer as well as traveled for years as a front band for several name jazz performers. I live in AZ and work with a ministry called Music Serving The Word. We perform in both secular and sacred venues. I have a gospel trio called Chirp that works in the gospel setting. I'm available for studio work as well as with a trio for jazz events.

Erik Teichmann

Born: April 10, 1982

Drummer out of Phoenix, AZ, performing in a wide variety of groups in the Phoenix Metro area. in a wide variety of groups in the Phoenix Metro area. Genres include Jazz, Latin, Funk, Blues, Rock, Pop, RnB, Experimental, Dixieland, Second Line, Electronic, Avante Garde, and Indie Rock.