TICKETS are $10 General/$5 Student. End time is estimate.

Concerts and events made possible, in part, with support from the Wells Philanthropic Services provided by grants from the John, Anna, and Martha Jane Fields Memorial Trust Foundation and the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust, The Esther and George Jaruga Charitable Foundation, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County's ArtsEverywhere initiative, and the Arts Project Support Grant and Arts Recovery Grant through the Indiana Arts Commission.

Links: www.evandrybread.com (official website which includes links to videos)

Evan Drybread - saxophone

Christopher Pitts - piano

Chelsea Hughey - drums and percussion

Scott Pazera - bass

This performance will feature music from saxophonist Evan Drybread’s debut album Tiger Tail which was released earlier this year. It features all original compositions by himself and pianist Christopher Pitts. Tiger Tail has been praised for its “left-turns and genre permutations” (Mike Greenblatt - Goldmine Magazine) and “hot stuff” by a saxophonist who “plays it like he feels it” (Chris Spector - Midwest Record). Deeply rooted in the traditions of the 60’s hard bop and 70’s fusion eras, the tracks are “both innovative and enjoyable” (Dee Dee McNeil). Tiger Tail opens with “a most joyous swing number that just rolls off the soul” with Drybread’s hard bop “Blackball” (Anne Carlini - Exclusive Magazine). Later comes The Queen of Cups, a “mystery wrapped in an enigma” (Mike Greenblatt - Goldmine Magazine) which will “carry you along on its own interesting journey, without imposing your expectations on where it should lead” (Michael Doherty). Other highlights include the Coltrane-esque title track which “moves with a powerful energy and sense of purpose” and pianist Christopher Pitts’ “beautiful and contemplative” “Atlantic Mirror” that includes “moments when the saxophone reaches some magnificent heights” (Michael Doherty). Tiger Tail has received international radio play and made multiple jazz charts including peaking at #49 on the JazzWeek Jazz Chart, #11 on the NACC Top 30 Jazz Chart, and placing in the top 10 on several Roots Music Report charts (#6 Jazz Album, #2 Contemporary Jazz Album, and #1 Indiana Album).

Evan Drybread is a freelance saxophonist and composer who has performed with The Temptations, Josh Kaufman, Emmet Cohen, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He frequently performs at the Jazz Kitchen, Chatterbox Jazz Club, and many other events in the Indianapolis area including Indy Jazz Fest and Concerts on the Canal with the finest musicians in the Midwest.

The Indianapolis based saxophonist frequently performs as a sideman on all saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute with many of the area's finest groups such as Roy Geesa's Cool City Band and the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble. Although performing mostly in Central Indiana, Evan has performed around the globe including time as a showband musician for Royal Caribbean International. Evan graduated from Ball State University where he studied improvisation and arranging with Mark Buselli. As a graduate student at Purdue University, he served as the Jazz Program Assistant Director and was the jazz saxophone instructor at nearby Wabash College. Evan continues to teach locally.

Art & Soul 2021 Featured Artist and Gritty Vibes 2021 Top 30 Black Creative to watch, pianist Christopher Pitts, brings everything from hard-bop to soul-bop referencing some of the greatest pianist and composers like Horace Silver, Buddy Montgomery, Cedar Walton, Carl Perkins, Bobby Timmons and so much more! Known for his energetic performances and willingness to take chances, this Atlanta transplant has planted deep musical roots as co-founder of First Fridays at McGowan Hall, keyboardist/composer for Clint Breeze and The Groove and frequent guest artist in Sean Imboden Large Ensemble.

Based in Indianapolis, Chelsea Hughey is a jazz drummer and percussionist. She holds a BA in Music from Butler University, a MM in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University, and will finish her MBA in Music Business this summer. Of her many influences, Tim Horner, Mark Sherman, Walt Weiskopf, Allen Farnham, and Bill Kirchner were incredible resources, guides, and mentors as she worked toward her MM in Jazz. From 2013 to 2020, Chelsea worked as a freelance drummer in northern New Jersey, New York City, and the surrounding areas. Since returning to Indianapolis in 2021, Chelsea has continued her freelance work as a member of the house band for a weekly jam session on the southside of Indy and performing at the local Indy club The Chatterbox. In addition to this, she has also continued working as a musical theater drummer playing for area high school productions as well as the long-standing Beef and Boards Dinner Theater.

Bassist Scott Pazera has been playing for over 30 years and is a motivated instructor, small business owner and spirited performer. Scott has been the Jazz Ensemble Director at Wabash College since 2012 and worked for several years in conjunction with Purdue University’s jazz programs. He also serves as the Artistic Director and President of the Jazz Club in Lafayette, IN. Whether teaching or performing, Scott’s passion for creating and sharing the art form always shines through. Scott performs publicly with his own groups and often works as a sideman to some of the top performers throughout the Midwest.