Will Kjeer Trio - $25

BlueStem Presentation The late guitarist Russell Malone called Will “a pianist of exceptional heart.” With a Master’s degree from Juilliard under his belt—and as a current member of their Artist Diploma ambassador ensemble—Will is among the vanguard of his generation bringing the continuum of jazz to new audiences and stages across the globe. Raised in the midwest and having lived in Montreal, Los Angeles, and now New York City, with his diverse studies Will stands at the crossroads of jazz, folk, and classical music. He currently tours with legendary singer Judy Collins of the folk revival movement.His jazz credits include performing with globally acclaimed artists such as Dave King, Jerry Bergonzi, Adam Nussbaum, Sinne Eeg, Benny Benack III, Billy Peterson, and Karrin Allyson, and he is also a regular touring collaborator with the classically trained crossover cello duo Empire Wild. A prolific composer and bandleader, Will has performed his award-winning lyrical compositions across America at venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall in Chicago, and Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center. Will has won numerous awards as a performer/composer, including being selected by GRAMMY-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs as a winner of Ravinia’s Bridges Composition Competition. He is also a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, the Angel City Jazz Festival Young Artist Competition, and the Jazzfest Bonn International JazzBeet Competition. He is an alumni of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and the Steans Institute, and has performed for Herbie Hancock as a finalist for admission to the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.Will grew up performing in his hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and pursued jazz and classical music at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan before earning a B.F.A. at the California Institute of the Arts in 2019. He enjoyed a burgeoning career in Los Angeles before returning to Minnesota to weather the pandemic. In 2022 he moved to New York, having received an invitation to the Juilliard Jazz program. When he’s not on the road, Will is currently focused on producing and releasing his own music. His current projects include the Will Kjeer Trio, a jazz quintet with folk crossover; and a jazz/classical chamber ensemble featuring string quartet. He has collaborated for the past three years with Midwest folk icon Larry Long, often referred to as “the Pete Seeger of Minnesota.” Will is an active music educator and has been a clinician at Lincoln Center, California State University Fullerton, the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, and Shell Lake Arts Center, in addition to his private studio. He specializes in advanced jazz piano, as well as audition preparation lessons.Dave King studied piano and drums as a young person. Played in some amazing grade school, jr high school and high school bands and ensembles..............seriously ground breaking in approach and chart selection including a big band version of "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A" by John Mellancamp (formally known as John Cougar and John Cougar-Mellancamp).Moved out east for a moment in 1989 when NYC still had barrel fires burning in lots that now house the American Apparel flagship store next to a place you can get a $7.00 espresso.Moved to Los Angeles in 1991 to warm up a bit.Was a couple of miles from the epicenter of the 1994 L.A. earthquake.Decided that wasn't the place for me.Moved back to Minneapolis.Co founded Happy Apple.Co founded Love-Cars.Co founded Halloween, Alaska.Joined 12Rods.In 2000 co founded The Bad Plus in NYC.Co founded The Gang Font featuring Greg Norton of punk icons Husker Du.Have Performed music in 75 countries and 6 continents.Have appeared on over 50 recordings.Besides my working groups I have recorded and or performed with Bill Frisell, Joshua Redman, Dewey Redman. Jeff Beck. Tim Berne, Hank Roberts, Chris Speed, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Django Bates, Dead Prez, The Coup, Joe Lovano, Bill Carrothers, Anthony Cox, Chris Morrissey, Mason Jennings, Haley Bonar, Meat Beat Manifesto, Craig Taborn, Matt Mitchell, Matt Maneri, Benoit Delbeq, Craig Green, Jason Moran, Tchad Blake, David Torn, Donna Lewis, Atmosphere, and a few more great people.I have also worked extensively with The Mark Morris Dance Group and with acclaimed fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi on his fashion week music and TV show music.I have also recorded and composed for film including two films for animated film maker Tom Shroeder and 6 seconds of one of my drum beats is in the film "The Hot Chick" starring SNL icon Rob Schneider, believe it or not.Charlie Lincoln is a bassist living in Brooklyn, NY. He has performed with leading jazz musicians and improvisors including Tony Malaby, Kris Davis, Dave King, Vanisha Gould, Sarah Hanahan, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jerry Bergonzi, and Eric Kamau Gravatt. In addition to jazz, Charlie has leant his talents