Shack

"Shack" is a rhythm-based standards (call it a non-genre-impaired cover band) quartet started in January 2009. Anticipate plenty of creative mischief and crossing of genre borderlines with this co-operative ensemble, featuring Stephen Haynes on trumpet,
Adam Kubota on acoustic bass, and Kevin O'Neil on electric guitar.

Artists interpreted by "Shack" include Thelonious Monk, James Brown, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, The Meters, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Prince, and Nirvana.

Hartford-area performances included a 2010 residency at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art as part of their Summer Film Program (which featured the best in independent and art films, productions from the international scene and cinema classics). Other performances have included Tisane Euro Asian Cafe, Black-Eyed Sally's, the Knox Parks Greenhouse, La Paloma Sabanera Coffee House, Szechuan Tokyo Restaurant, and The Uncertainty Music Series at Never Ending Books in New Haven.

Warren Byrd, Margaux Hayes, Richard A. McGhee III, Kevin Barry-Dutro, Josh Evan, and Mark Crino have made special guest appearances with "Shack".

The Merry Monks

Andy Chatfield began his association with New York-based singer/songwriter Johanna while they were both studying classical music at Syracuse University, appearing together on her album Conversations with Luna (1999) as well as Six String Circus (Syracuse University Recordings, 1999). Johanna's adept pop sensibility fuses eclectic pop, folk, and rock.

In March 2011, the two started a new collaborative group with bassist Mark Crino. Focused on improvised original tunes, the group is currently named "The Merry Monks". Look for more announcements soon.

Stanley Maxwell

• Winner - Best Jazz Band (2010,2009,2007) in Hartford Advocate Grand Band Slam Readers' Poll (2008 Nominations for Best Jazz and Best Funk/Fusion; 2003 Nomination for Best R&B)
• "Best Jazz Song" in the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards (December 2007)
• Winner of Relix Magazine "JamOff" Contest for Unsigned Artists (November 2007)

Lady Luck

Female vocal trio specializing in swing, jazz and cabaret-style standards. Intricate vocal arrangements and flawless blend in an authentic style.