Celebrated by The New York Times as "a gifted vocalist" and by The Los Angeles Times as "one of the important and original new jazz singers of the decade," Filipino-American recording artist and cultural trailblazer Charmaine Clamor has earned her Queen of Jazzipino crown.
Charmaine's musical journey began at age 3, entertaining passengers -- whether they liked it or not! -- in the back of buses traveling to Manila. Originally from the provincial town of Subic-Zambales, Philippines, young Charmaine provided piano accompaniment while her mother sang kundiman (Filipino torch songs) and English-language classics. These childhood memories inspired Charmaine's enduring love of American music.
In 2011, while making her sixth-straight appearance at the Philippines International Jazz Festival, Charmaine gave a command performance at Manila's Malacanang Palace for United States Ambassador Harry Thomas and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, President of the Philippines. President Aquino joined Charmaine onstage for a once-in-a-lifetime duet and declared her "a genuine source of Pilipino pride."
Creating, developing and mastering one musical genre has never been enough for the brilliantly eclectic Clamor [pronounced clah-MORE; rhymes with amour]. Her global recognition reached new heights in 2010 when Charmaine was the only Filipina to appear on the David Byrne/Fatboy Slim concept album, "Here Lies Love" (Nonesuch), about the life of Imelda Marcos. Charmaine was joined on the recording by luminaries such as Cyndi Lauper, Tori Amos, and Natalie Merchant.
We are delighted to have nine time Grammy Award winner, Cheryl Bentyne as part of our roster! When Cheryl Bentyne joined The Manhattan Transfer in 1979, everything became “just right.” It has been with her that the group has attained its status as the most successful harmony group of all time – each part coming together with an unmistakable chemistry that not only nurtures the group as a whole, but also lets the individual contributions of each partner come through. Cheryl’s are obvious: From her memorable solo in “Meet Benny Bailey” to her portrayal of Lucy in the “Blee Blop Blues” video to her exquisite voicing of Django Reinhardt’s guitar solo on “Clouds” (adapted from Nuages) on SWING, as well as the most recent critically acclaimed Miles Davis solo on TUTU, from Vibrate. Her talents are much of what is The Manhattan Transfer.
So how did it all get started?
In June of 1979, after having already paid plenty of dues, Cheryl was coming out of The Baked Potato, a small jazz club in LA, when her manager asked her if she would like to audition for a spot in The Manhattan Transfer. This was the chance she had been waiting for in her career. She remembers being ecstatic and says that her scream of excitement could be heard for blocks. She was even more excited when she later nailed the audition, and became a member of The Manhattan Transfer.
Cheryl’s energy and style turned out to be the perfect compliment to the group’s already dynamic image. Her debut album with the group was Extensions, which was a landmark album for the group. Cheryl has expanded her talent beyond singing to include composing and vocal arranging. She won a Grammy Award in 1985 with Bobby McFerrin for their vocal arrangement of “Another Night In Tunisia,” from Vocalese. She also co-wrote the lyrics to “Sassy,” from Offbeat of Avenues.
Today, Cheryl not only logs over 200 live performances per year with The Manhattan Transfer, but also wows listeners with her exquisite solo performances, as evidenced on her most recent solo release, The Gershwin Songbook (ArtistShare).
According to Christopher Loudon of Jazztimes:
“Tempting as it is to number Cheryl Bentyne’s The Gershwin Songbook among the most satisfying vocal albums of 2010, such praise is unfairly limiting. Instead it must be lauded as one of the year’s most accomplished albums, period.”
Similarly, jazz critic Don Heckman, in the International Review of Music described one of Cheryl’s recent solo performances, in support of The Gershwin Songbook, this way:
“Dynamic. Enchanting. High spirited. Entertaining. Hard swinging. Those were just a few of the words that came to mind during Cheryl Bentyne’s appearance at Vitello’s on Thursday night. And none of them were really adequate to describe her utterly mesmerizing performance….
Everyone knows Bentyne from her long tenure with the Manhattan Transfer, of course. But, like her other partners in that remarkable quartet, she is less familiar as a solo artist. Which is regrettable. Because Bentyne uses all the sophisticated dramatic artistry she has developed in her decades with the Transfer as the foundation from which to build her unique presentations in the spotlight.”
This wasn’t the first time Don Heckman sang Cheryl’s praises as a live performer. Writing for the Los Angeles Times several years ago, Heckman had this to say about a local performance by Cheryl:
“[T]he evening also included other, more personal facets of Bentyne’s considerable performing talents, particularly evident in ballad numbers such as “Everything Happens to Me,” “Little Girl Blue,” “Sophisticated Lady” and “Black Coffee.” It was in songs such as these that her very real skills as a solo artist were most apparent. Beautifully shaping her melodic lines, finding the inherent drama in harmonic progressions and, above all, singing the lyrics with a clear understanding of their storytelling nuances, Bentyne became much more than a member of a well-known vocal quartet.”
Cheryl enjoys her “underrated” status as a solo musician and performer; it allows her the freedom to focus on her craft as an art form. Recent evidence of such work includes not only her remarkably nuanced interpretations of Gershwin compositions on her latest album, but also a series of vocal delightful collaborations with Mark Winkler in their acclaimed live “West Coast Cool” shows. The San Francisco Bay Times’ 2010 year-end issue called the “West Coast Cool” show among the very top performances of the year by a duo in the Bay Area, adding: “These two blend beautifully & are among the finest in the art of West Coast Cool jazz.”
Cheryl has also added her vocal talent to other artist’s recordings. She appeared on bassist Rob Wasserman’s highly acclaimed Duets album in 1989. Her voice can also be heard on the score of 1991′s hit film, “Mortal Thoughts.”
Cheryl is currently beginning her career as a radio personality on an international Internet radio station, “The Jazz Groove,” which will debut in June of 2011. The Cheryl Bentyne Show will feature jazz vocals as well as instrumentals. Cheryl loves her work on the show thus far and hopes to keep great music alive via Internet radio.
Cheryl was recently elected to the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (the organization that brings you the GRAMMY Awards each year).
Touring regularly with The Manhattan Transfer provides Cheryl with a unique opportunity to teach master classes all over the world. She even takes on private coaching, when time permits.
The Elliot Deutsch Big Band is the youngest, boldest, and hardest swinging big band in Los Angeles. Featuring all original compositions and 17 of the hottest young professionals in jazz, the Elliot Deutsch Big Band has a unique and exciting sound all its own.
Every Elliot Deutsch Big Band performance is an exclusive ticket to the newest live jazz on the scene. Formed in 2007, the group plays with a slick and contemporary style builton a solid foundation of hard swing. With tunes written to be both accessible and complex, the music impresses casual listeners and jazz experts alike. While many big bands are limited by playing only classic material, the Elliot Deutsch Big Band prides itself on playing only original charts and daring new arrangements penned by Deutsch and contributing band members.
All the players are up-and-coming young musicians, who take pride and ownership in their distinctive big band sound. That means louder fortes, riskier solos, and a high energy that won't quit.
A Southern California native, Elliot Deutsch is quickly making a name for himself on theL.A. jazz scene as a bandleader, composer, and trumpeter. Since March 2007, Deutsch has led the 17-piece Elliot Deutsch Big Band, acting as its director, primary composer, and featured soloist.
Fresh into the jazz market, Deutsch is already an accomplished young trumpeter of diverse experience. He has toured internationally with Solomon Burke of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and played extensively with The Mutaytor, the Bobby Rodriguez Latin Jazz Orchestra, Pato Banton and the Mystic Roots, and the L.A. Jewish Symphony. Elliot has also worked withrespected musicians including B.B. King, Lalo Schifrin, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Hubert Laws, Jon Faddis, and Jason Mraz.
As a composer, Deutsch is using his big band to showcase his own original charts and inspired new arrangements of fondly remembered classics. Outside the band, Deutsch has held staff positions in the Caltech Music Department, directing the Caltech Monday Jazz Band and teaching jazz improvisation.
The band's debut album, Weeknight Music, was released in May 2009 and features 11original tracks including a playful reinvention of “Cheek to Cheek,” the lush ballad, “Coffee Time,” and the hard driving blues, “The Jury’s Out.”
For more information on The Elliot Deutsch Big Band click here” His website is www.edbigband.com.
The Hollywood Beetles' tribute is regarded by many as the finest and most exciting Beatles tribute band to hit the scene in a long time. The group provides the most accurate representation you can get with four dedicated band members emulating their characters both vocally and visually with complete accuracy.
The group uses authentic Vox amplifiers and original instruments as they walk their audience through the Beatles "eras" with period costume changes.
The band reproduce all their songs with astounding accuracy to the point where it becomes impossible to distinguish the sound from the original recordings. As an added bonus, the mannerisms and the on stage humor make the experience eerily believable and is positively an experience that no Beatle fan would want to miss.
From Performing Art Centers to clubs to corporate and private events.The Hollywood Beetles are able to do several different sizes of shows to cater to each venue's specific needs. The Hollywood Beetles provide authentic Beatle entertainment for all ages!
To see, hear, and read more testimonials of the Hollywood Beetles visit their website at www.hollywoodbeetles.com
"This was a fantastic show!!!!! The band is very clever and brings great energy to the party. Everyone enjoyed the show immensely. It was amazing how many ex-hippies were in the audience. Most people even remembered the words to most of the songs, well at least 'Hey Jude'. All in all a great evening with a standing ovation after three encores!" ~ Golden Village Palms Resort
Mark Winkler comes by his affections for music honestly. His mom was a big-band singer, known as the Stardust Lady, who would sometimes travel to Panama singing on luxury liners, and even though she gave it up to raise a family, she never really abandoned her love for music or show business. Together, Mark and his mom would stay up all night watching old movies, telling him "behind the scenes" stories of the stars. They loved anything film noir. If it was black-and-white and the streets were wet and the women were bad but beautiful, they would watch. Filled with all the love she gave him for music he wrote a song called 'Son of the Stardust Lady'. Mark was also surrounded by the love of his father, who had the rugged good looks of a Tyrone Power, and the voice of an opera singer. He was a wonderful philosopher and through the years, his wonderful philosophies and love of song were passed on to Mark and his two older brothers. Consistent with the theatrical lifestyle of the family, Winkler senior sold jewelry to 20 th Century Fox and it's many stars. So as you can see, while growing up, Mark and his family were immersed in the Hollywood scene of the day. Being the youngest in a family where everyone sang around the family's piano, Mark jokes that he had to fight for his opportunity to sing. Now that he is all grown up, finally he doesn’t have to “fight” to sing anymore, he is actually asked.
Mark Winkler is a platinum award winning singer/lyricist who has had over 150 of his songs recorded and/or sung by such artists as Dianne Reeves, Randy Crawford, Liza Minnelli, Bob Dorough and Lea Salonga.
Mark has released 10 CDs in the US. His 11th CD (released August 2011) is entitled Sweet Spot and is the follow up to his 2009 release, Till I Get It Right which was chosen as one of the 10 Best Vocal CDs of that year by Jazz Times Magazine. Most recently, Mark got it right again with Sweet Spot finishing in the top ten of two renowned jazz charts: #5 Vocal Jazz CD of the Year, Chris Loudon- Jazz Times andTop 10 Jazz Cd of the Year Jonathan Widran- Jazziz. This album once again showcases Winkler’s skill as a consummate lyricist and singer, but this time features him on 4 standards including "On Broadway" and "But Not For Me", as well as Andre Previn’s "Like Young" and Bobby Troup’s "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring". The title cut is a Winkler original that is a duet between him and Vocalist Supreme Barbara Morrison, with a guitar solo by Grant Geissman. Always known for the company he keeps, this time Winkler ups the ante with such jazz stars as Billy Childs, Grant Geissman, Bob Sheppard, Greg Hutchinson and Anthony Wilson.
He has written lyrics for tunes by such esteemed composers as Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Joshua Redman and David Benoit. A composition he co-wrote with David Benoit, "Land of the Loving", is featured in all of the Philippine National Tourism Board's 2008/2009 TV commercials.
Mark is the co-writer of the hit Musical Review (now out on DVD as well) "Naked Boys Singing!" in its 11th year playing Off Broadway. He is the creator and co-writer of "Too Old for the Chorus" which has played successful engagements in Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego. He has won both L.A. Weekly and Backstage West awards for best score for "Naked Boys Singing!" He has also co-written songs for the musical revues "Bark!" and "Hangin' Out".
His jazz noir musical "Play it Cool" premiered in Los Angeles in 2007 and was honored with the distinction of "Critics Choice" by the Los Angeles Times. It was chosen to be part of the prestigious New York Musical Theatre Festival in September of 2008 where it sold out all performances and got excellent reviews. It was also nominated for Best Musical-Off Broadway by GLAAD. In September 2011 "Play It Cool" had a limited Off Broadway run at the Acorn Theatre on Theatre Row in New York City.
As an educator Mark has taught seminars in lyric writing at The Songwriters Guild and the Learning Annex, and he now teaches "Crafting Great Lyrics: A Songwriters Workshop" at UCLA Extension and several workshops on Jazz CD Production and Marketing.
TED HOWE was born in Boston, MA with a fascination for sound from the day he was born. A penchant for sound from a toddler may not always be a parent's dream. However, this love of sound grew as did that of the Red Sox from the attention he received from his Uncle Oly, who introduced him both to jazz and to baseball. Young TED listened to every jazz album he could find, attended many jazz concerts and quickly found his favorites amongst Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck and Bill Evans.
TED began studying piano in his tender teens with HARRY SMITH, one of the legendary founders of the BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. TED's natural persistence and relentless fascination of developing his craft dominated his life. He soon became not only a student at Berklee, but a professor of piano arranging, theory and improvisation -- all before reaching the age of 24.
After a two year stint as a pianist in the Army, TED took a gig at one of Boston's leading live entertainment venues, The Surf Supper Club where he soon became bandleader playing and conducting for some of the biggest acts of the time. It was at the Surf that HOWE honed his craft of arranging -- a strong point that to this day sets him aside from other gifted pianists.
TED moved his family to Atlanta where he continued performing, composing, arranging, producing and teaching. Again, HOWE shared the stage with many of the great jazz artists and entertainers of the day and he continued building relationships with performers who called on his services each time they came to town, such as MEL TORME -- who refused to sing with anyone else on his visits to Atlanta. HOWE also joined the faculty of GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY where he assisted in developing its first jazz education program. Click here to read complete biography
The Tom Daugherty Orchestra is a show and dance orchestra featuring an exciting and entertaining "Las Vegas" style show. The group performs a wide variety of music ranging from the original "Big Band" arrangements of the Swing Era, to the "Rock and Roll" of the 1950's, to the contemporary music of today. The orchestra is available for shows, concerts dances, cruises, wedding receptions, corporate events and theme parties.
The Tom Daugherty Ochestra, under the direction of Tom Daugherty Pfrogner, features The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band Tribute show . The 17 member “tribute” orchestra recreates the sound and the look of the original Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with the original music arrangements.
The 17 member “tribute” orchestra recreates the sound and the look of the original Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with the original music arrangements. In addition, The Sinatra Legacy lives on with this special tribute toFrank Sinatra’s music and style. Featuring the vocal stylings of Jarrod Harrah.
Finally, A Tribute to the “Big Band Era”featuring the original arrangements of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Harry James, Woody Herman, Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, and many other famous Big Bands.
For nearly 30 years, the George Shearing Quintet created a distinct jazz sound that defines a U.S. musical movement.
Today five master musicians – most of them members of the original quintet – are bringing back the magical sounds of the legendary jazz great. The ensemble, led by Charlie Shoemake on vibraphone, includes Joe Bagg on piano; Ron Anthony, guitar; Luther Hughes, bass; and Colin Bailey, drums.
Each of these top-level artists has recorded with, toured with or taught a Who’s Who list of successful performers. Their work has been heard on movie soundtracks, TV shows and a generation’s worth of recordings.
Catching these extraordinary jazz artists together in concert is like listening to a jazz hall of fame. You’ll experience the embodiment of smooth jazz as these talented musicians recreate the famous sound of the classic George Shearing Quintet.
In 1949 Red Norvo, one of the pioneers of Jazz vibraphone, put together an unusual trio consisting of vibraphone, guitar, and bass. Though the original reasoning was one of economics, this intimate and exciting sound turned out to be a great artistic and box office success. Though born two generations later vibist Charlie Shoemake admired and utilized this sound often in his recordings. Now Charlie has put together the defining tribute to this great sound and is touring to delighted audiences and packed houses.
Celebrated by The New York Times as "a gifted vocalist" and by The Los Angeles Times as "one of the important and original new jazz singers of the decade," Filipino-American recording artist and cultural trailblazer Charmaine Clamor has earned her Queen of Jazzipino crown.
We are delighted to have nine time Grammy Award winner, Cheryl Bentyne as part of our roster! When Cheryl Bentyne joined 
Fresh into the jazz market, Deutsch is already an accomplished young trumpeter of diverse experience. He has toured internationally with Solomon Burke of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and played extensively with The Mutaytor, the Bobby Rodriguez Latin Jazz Orchestra, Pato Banton and the Mystic Roots, and the L.A. Jewish Symphony. Elliot has also worked withrespected musicians including B.B. King, Lalo Schifrin, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Hubert Laws, Jon Faddis, and Jason Mraz. 
A tribute to The Beatles!
He has written lyrics for tunes by such esteemed composers as Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Joshua Redman and David Benoit. A composition he co-wrote with David Benoit, "Land of the Loving", is featured in all of the Philippine National Tourism Board's 2008/2009 TV commercials. 
TED HOWE was born in Boston, MA with a fascination for sound from the day he was born. A penchant for sound from a toddler may not always be a parent's dream. However, this love of sound grew as did that of the Red Sox from the attention he received from his Uncle Oly, who introduced him both to jazz and to baseball. Young TED listened to every jazz album he could find, attended many jazz concerts and quickly found his favorites amongst Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck and Bill Evans.
The Tom Daugherty Orchestra is a show and dance orchestra featuring an exciting and entertaining "Las Vegas" style show. The group performs a wide variety of music ranging from the original "Big Band" arrangements of the Swing Era, to the "Rock and Roll" of the 1950's, to the contemporary music of today. The orchestra is available for shows, concerts dances, cruises, wedding receptions, corporate events and theme parties.
The Tom Daugherty Ochestra, under the direction of Tom Daugherty Pfrogner, features The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band Tribute
with this special tribute toFrank Sinatra’s music and style. Featuring the vocal stylings of Jarrod Harrah. 
For nearly 30 years, the George Shearing Quintet created a distinct jazz sound that defines a U.S. musical movement.