Sunday, November 29

"Ben Markley convincingly demonstrates his potential to impact the jazz scene in years to come" is how Markley was described in a review from Jazz Improv NY magazine. Markley is a jazz pianist rooted in the bebop tradition of Bud Powell, Barry Harris, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Oscar Peterson. He has performed with Brian Lynch, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Lenny Picket, Ron McClure and George Garzone at various New York Venues including the Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, and the Kitano Hotel. Markley's debut album entitled Spealio features tenor saxophone great George Garzone. Spealio features 10 original compositions and has been received well with release parties in New York and Kansas City.

Ben will be joined by Pete Zimmer on drums and Ben Leifer on bass.

Despite his musical upbringing, Markley did not decide to seriously pursue music at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS until his third year of college. Around this time he began listening to the Oscar Peterson record Night Train. C-Jam Blues inspired Markley to become a jazz pianist. Eventually, Markley earned bachelors degree from FHSU in piano performance. While attending FHSU, he had the opportunity to study with renowned pianist/composer/arranger Frank Mantooth. In the fall of 2005 Markley moved to the jazz capital of the world to pursue a masters degree in jazz studies at New York University. While in New York, he studied with Brian Lynch, David Hazeltine, George Garzone, John Scofield, and Joe Lovano. In the summer of 2005 Markley was part of a trio that won the Promising Artists of the Twenty-First Century competition at NYU. Ben worked at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City for artistic manager, record producer jazz icon Todd Barkan.

Friday, December 4

Cindy Novelo is a musician and singer/songwriter from Vinland, Kansas. Classically trained, Cindy was a long-standing member of the National Symphony of Costa Rica. She has performed across the U.S, in Europe and Latin America and frequently has been a supporting musician for many internationally acclaimed singer/songwriters, including Antje Duvekot, David LaMotte, Don Conoscenti and Johnsmith.

Novelo’s first solo album "Stone's Throw" blends her classical training with her deep love of folk music into haunting interpretations of traditional tunes and soulful original compositions. Her unique sound inspired producer Tom Prasada-Rao to coin a new term for her music – Appalachian Classical.

Praise for Stone’s Throw: "When Cindy's bow hits the strings I am captivated. Her tone is intoxicating, and her phrasing makes me weep." Tom Prasada-Rao, Producer and Singer/Songwriter - Dallas, Texa. “Cindy Novelo speaks through her viola, fiddle & guitar with passion, tenderness and magic. Her playing on The Water is Wide brings me to tears...” Kelley Hunt, Blues Musician, Composer and Singer/Songwriter - Lawrence, KS. “Cindy Novelo, a beautiful player on both viola and violin, has unwrapped further gifts for us all on her new CD, "Stone's Throw". This collection of songs blends Appalachian, classical, a bit of Celtic and old-time into a tuneful and tasteful collection to woo any heart.” Sharon Bousquet, Singer/Songwriter - Fairfield, Iowa. “Cindy, her music, and her presence envelope the earth like a warm wind - powerful, welcomed, refreshing, nurturing, and heartening.” Singer/Songwriter David Roth - Orleans, MA. “When Cindy plays her magical fiddle-ish - actually a little 5-string viola with a celestial and ancient tone - she is a symphony.” Singer/Songwriter Phyllis Tannerfrye - Myrtle Beach, SC.