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In 1985, he earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging. While at Berklee, Chestnut was awarded the Eubie Blake Fellowship, the Oscar Peterson, Quincy Jones, and Count Basie awards for exceptional performance standards at the college. After Berklee, Cyrus began further honing his craft as a sideman with some of the legendary and leading musicians in the business. Some of these great people include; Jon Hendricks, Michael Carvin, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Regina Cater, Chick Corea, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Joe Williams, Isaac Hayes, Kathleen Battle, Betty Carter, and Dizzy Gillespie just to name a few. His association with Betty Carter, which began in 1991 significantly affected his outlook and approach to music, confirming his already iconoclastic instincts. Carter advised him to “take chances” and play things I’ve never heard,” Chestnut says. As Cyrus was absorbing experiences as a sideman, he was also developing as a leader, recording and playing live around the world. There’s a Brighter Day Coming was his first self-released album, followed by The Nutman Speaks (1992), The Nutman Speaks Again (1992), Another Direction (1993). The records received the prestigious Gold Disk award from Japan’s leading jazz publication, Swing Journal. In the summer of 1993, Chestnut signed with Atlantic Records, releasing the critically acclaimed Revelation (1994), followed by The Dark Before The Dawn (1995), EarthStories (1996), Blessed Quietness (1996), and Cyrus Chestnut (which featured Anita Baker, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Ron Carter, Billy Higgins, and Lewis Nash, 1998). In 2000, Cyrus was given a great honor to pay tribute to his favorite cartoonist, CharlesSchulz and first jazz influence, Vince Guaraldi in his interpretation of the classic Charlie Brown Christmas, which celebrated Mr. Schulz’s 50th year of writing the saga of Charlie Brown. Vanessa Williams, Brian McKnight, The Manhattan Transfer and the Boys Choir of Harlem were a few of the participants on this star-studded record. In 2001, he released Soul Food, featuring bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, and special guest soloists including James Carter, Stefon Harris, Wycliffe Gordon, and Marcus Printup. This acclaimed record was included in Down Beat’s list of the best records of 2001 and ascended to the “Top 10” on the Jazz charts. In 2005, Cyrus recorded "You Are My Sunshine” on the Warner Jazz label. This record was and still is a hit with jazz and gospel lovers alike. It featured Neal Smith on drums and Michael Hawkins on bass. In 2006, Chestnut made his Telarc debut with the release of Genuine Chestnut. The album is a carefully balanced mix of original material with some well-known pop melodies from the past several decades—all driven by Chestnut’s eclectic yet unmistakable jazz sensibility. In addition to his regular backup unit of bassist Michael Hawkins and drummer Neal Smith, guitarist Russell Malone and percussionist Steve Kroon join Chestnut. The synergy between the regular trio lineup and the two guest players was a natural fit. "When you have that caliber of musicianship in the studio, getting comfortable is not a difficult task," says Chestnut. "I encouraged everyone to just be themselves. I brought Russell Malone into the studio to be Russell Malone. I brought Steve Kroon into the studio to be Steve Kroon. Likewise, Neal Smith and Michael Hawkins are there to do what they do best." Cyrus has been featured on film playing a Count Basie inspired character in the Robert Altman film, Kansas City. His leadership and prowess as a soloist has also led him to be a first call for the piano chair in many big bands including the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All Star Big Band, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded with the people before mentioned and including Bette Midler, Freddy Cole, and many others too numerous to name. Chestnut continually tours with his trio, playing live at jazz festivals around the world as well as clubs and concert halls. With his hectic schedule, Cyrus has also found the time to get into jazz education, doing seminars worldwide and also, on occasion, educating students in jazz at Middlebury College in Vermont during the winter months. Joined by bassist Dezron Douglass and drummer Neal Smith, he continually uses the trio format to extend, elaborate, and refine the basic conception of the jazz rhythm section. In his own words, "This country and this art form are founded on the basic principles of freedom, whereby a person is able to think, say, or play what he or she chooses. Throughout the years as I look at history, all of my predecessors, regardless of what environment was, shared freely their thoughts and feelings in a swinging, musical way on the bandstand.They swung hard and made the listeners feel better leaving than when they arrived. This is the tradition I intend to preserve." The future is bright with great possibilities for Cyrus. Expect once again this year to hear a unique and unforgettable recording that only can come from someone like Cyrus Chestnut.

As an educator, she has collaborated with After School Activities Partnership, East Park Revitalization Alliance, Philadelphia Clef Club of Performing Arts, Raise It Up! Youth Arts and Awareness, Flint Youth Theatre, Mural Arts of Philadelphia, Young Audiences of New Jersey, Queens College, Long Island University, Ping Chong and Company, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and was an artist in residence at the Carol Morgan School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Apollo Theater Education with Wadleigh High School in Harlem, NYC. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Queens College and Long Island University. Internationally, Ali has traveled and performed in countries such as France, Germany, China, and Brazil. She also traveled with a team of tap dancers to Russia for a tour in five cities working with the U.S. Embassy for its cultural exchange program celebrating National Tap Dance Day. Her broadway and off-broadway experience has gained her positions as assistant dance captain for “Shuffle Along: the 1921 Sensation And All That Followed” choreographed by Savion Glover and directed by George C.Wolfe, company member of NY and Touring cast of STOMP, special feature in the “Cotton Club Parade,” which later became “After Midnight'' under the musical direction of Wynton Marsalis, New York City Center Off -Center production of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” directed and choreographed by Savion Glover and was apart of a two week tour in Italy celebrating Ella Fitzergerald’s centennial. As a playwright and songwriter she has also created an award winning work such as Best Short Play at the Downtown Urban Theater Festival for her one woman show “Steps” and the Vox Populi Independence Music Award for “Destination Forever: Vol.1 EP.” Currently she is a lecturer at Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory, co-creator with trumpeter Sean Jones called “Dizzy Spellz”, band member of the Baltimore Jazz Collective, and cultural ambassador for diplomacy with Next Level-USA in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Education and Cultural Affairs, the Univerisity of North Carolina, and the Meridian International Center. Ali is also a National Dance Projects Grant recipient for a new work in progress archival performative process called the “Baby Laurence Legacy Project.”

Sharing stages, LIVE and/or in studio with a plethora of artists; Pastor Shirley Caesar, Pastor Timothy Wright, Pastor Kim Burrell, Tyler Perry, Mary Mary, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Jon Batiste, Michael Olatuja, Emily King, Cory Henry, Cyrus Chestnut,  Sieda Garrett, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill,  Patti LaBelle, Stormzy, LaChanze, Diane Reeves,  Wynton Marsalis, The Gorillaz, Angelique kidjo, Alicia Olatuja, Josh Groban, Andra Day, Cyndi Lauper, Lyle Lovett, Alicia Keys & Fantasia to name a few. Today, Rasul is the President of BGV Music, Inc. a small business he founded in 2006 where he provides an array of musical services with a focus on arranging, producing, contracting and managing BackGroundVocalists & solo artists alike.

In the fall of 2019 he performed in the Metropolitan Opera’s season opening production of “Porgy and Bess” which historically became the only show to ever extend its run in the Met’s history. In the spring of 2019, he sang the role of The King (IL RE) in Boheme opera’s full production of Verdi’s Aida while In February 2019 he performed the role of Count Ceprano in Hudson Opera Company’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. In the fall of 2018 he performed the role of Sparafucile in Lighthouse Opera’s Rigoletto production as well as Elder Ott in their production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. In the Spring of 2018 he performed the role of Jimmy who later reveals himself as God in Kurt Weill’s Mahagonny Songspiel with Downtown Chamber Company in NYC. In 2017 he sang the role of  Sam in Trilogy Opera’s production of Nat Turner and Il Commendatore in Lighthouse Opera’s Don Giovanni and also in 2017 performed the roles of Pinellino/Guccio in Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance presentation of Gianni Schicchi. He has performed in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s critically acclaimed productions of  Showboat and Porgy and Bess. Charles appeared with Jessye Norman at Carnegie Hall for Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts. He appeared in an Emmy nominated broadcast of Porgy and Bess, Live from Lincoln Center conducted by John DeMain. Additionally, Charles has sung the roles of Parson Alltalk, Simon and Luddud in Scott Joplin's opera, Treemonisha. Other past engagements include Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca, Figaro in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and as the bass soloist for Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. He has also sung with numerous vocal ensembles in both the classical and gospel realm. A New York native who started his training in the church as well as the Harlem School of the Arts, Charles  continued his musical education at Morgan State University in Baltimore, where he studied voice with Betty Ridgeway and, under the guidance of the late Dr. Nathan Carter, performed with the world renowned Morgan State University Choir. His musical pursuits have taken him throughout the U.S., Czech Republic, France, Spain, Italy, The Caribbean, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Chile and Uruguay. Charles is a former print model who has made television appearances on the “Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Jimmy Kimmel, "David Letterman Show," "The Chris Rock Show," "New York Undercover," "Good Day New York" and also on The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television's  26th Annual Gemini Award show. A proud father of two, Charles was greatly influenced and encouraged by his mother who was a classically trained mezzo-soprano. He aspires to continue in traditions set before him, using his talents to promote cultural awareness and positive exposure to the arts.

Recent awards include the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others.  Wycliffe is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals.  He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music.  His arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe. In addition to a successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading the International All Stars performing at festivals and performing arts centers worldwide.  Gordon is also one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators and is highly sought after as a clinician and guest speaker. Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass. Visit www.wycliffegordon.com. 

She has worked with a wide variety of recording artists including Cory Henry, Cristina Aguilera, Wynton Marsalis, Angelique Kidjo, Ledisi,  and Gladys Knight, among others. Cassondra holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Drew University, and an MPhil in sociology from the Graduate Center, CUNY.  Her debut EP “Pieces” is available on all streaming services.

After a six-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis offered him a permanent position as lead trumpeter of the ensemble, a post he held from 2004 until 2010. In 2015, Mr. Jones was tapped to become a member of the SFJAZZ Collective. During this time, he has managed to keep a core group of talented musicians together under his leadership, forming the foundation for groups that have produced and released eight recordings on Mack Avenue Records. His most recent is the 2017 release Sean Jones: Live from Jazz at the Bistro. Mr. Jones has been prominently featured in recordings and performances with many major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson, and Marcus Miller. He was selected by Mr. Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter for their A Tribute to Miles tour in 2011. He has also performed with the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown symphony orchestras, as well as Soulful Symphony in Baltimore and a chamber group at the Salt Bay Chamberfest. Mr. Jones is an internationally recognized educator. He is president of the Jazz Education Network and holds the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. As well as artistic Director for the NYO JAZZ Program of Carnegie Hall. Previously, he served as chair of the Brass department at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In addition to core symphonic repertoire, he is known for the world premiere recordings of The Ballad of the Brown King, Credo, and Simon Bore the Cross by Margaret Bonds (AVIE Records) with The Dessoff Choirs and Orchestra. A frequent guest conductor, he has conducted the Choir of Trinity Wall Street and Novus Orchestra. Chineke! Orchestra, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Ensembles under his baton have performed at venues that include ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn Academy of Music Westminster Abbey, and at the Vatican before Pope Francis. At the invitation of Solange Knowles, he joined the interdisciplinary studio and creative agency, Saint Heron, for performances with Voices of Harlem and The Clark Sisters in Glory to Glory: A Revival of Devotional Art. Dr. Merriweather has earned degrees from Eastman, Manhattan School of Music, and Syracuse University and was a fellow at Tanglewood. He is on the faculty at Brooklyn College. Connect with him on Twitter and Instagram @maestroweather and at malcolmjmerrweather.com

Upon making her house debut at Switzerland's Grand Théätre de Genève, reviewers said Mari-Yan *... has a huge voice, which she used to wonderful dramatic effect." and possesses "...a solid and beautifully led instrument." Ms. Pringle premiered the role of Sojourner Truth in the American chamber opera, "Truth" retelling the life of the spirited Abolitionist and Suffragist by Paula Kimper.  "A convincing actress" (BSonarts.com), Time Out New York Magazine said, "the majestic Mari-Yan Pringle carries the show with grace and plenty of charisma, [with a] velvety soprano." She has also performed at the Teatro Regio Torino, The Royal Danish Opera, Teatro di San Carlo, Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, the Landestheater Linz Musiktheater in Austria and Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Mexico. To stay abreast of Ms. Pringle's upcoming performances, "like” her fan page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/MariYanPringleSoprano.

In 1991, Mr. Printup's life would change when he met his mentor and friend-to-be, the great pianist Marcus Roberts. Mr. Roberts introduced him to world renowned trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis which in time led to the invitation to join the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993. Since then, Marcus has been in the trumpet section and contributes regularly to the orchestra as an arranger and composer. Among many others, Mr. Printup has performed/recorded with Betty Carter (an inductee into Ms. Carter's first Jazz Aheadclass in 1994), Dianne Reeves, Eric Reed, Cyrus Chestnut, Wycliffe Gordon, and Marcus Roberts.  Mr. Printup has led multiple recordings on several major record jazz labels: Blue Note Records: Song for the Beautiful Woman, Unveiled, Hub Songs; Nagel Heyer Records: The New Boogaloo; Steeplechase Records: Peace In The Abstract, Bird of Paradise, London Lullaby, Ballads All Night, A Time for Love, Homage, Desire, Lost, Young Bloods; and his latest, a collaboration with his wife Riza Printup: Gentle Rain. Mr. Printup is sought out internationally as an educator. He is involved with programs such as  JALC's Essentially Ellington Competition, The International Trumpet Guild, Montclair State University and Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center. In 2019 Marcus and Riza established RiMarcable Music For Arts & Education (a 501c3 non-profit organization) to enrich and educate young audiences through the music of jazz. Together, the Printups created RiMarcable Publications LLC through which they publish their children's books and arrangements for big band and jazz combos. Among many accolades, Mr. Printup is proud to have been granted a proclamation (2005) declaring August Twenty-Second as Marcus Printup Day in his home town of Conyers, Georgia.  

He has been heard on tenor sax with Buck Clayton, on alto clarinet with Paquito D’Rivera, on trumpet with Lionel Hampton, and on bass sax with the New York City Opera, along with performances alongside as diverse a group of artists as Anthony Braxton, Ruby Braff, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Elton John, Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Wess, Chet Baker, Maria Schneider and Roscoe Mitchell. Scott performed in eleven West African nations during an 8-week 2001 tour as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador, and he was a member of the Mingus Band for 30 years. Scott has been the winner of a number of Critics/Readers Polls and Jazz Journalists Association awards in recent years, and has been profiled in The Wall Street Journal, DownBeat magazine, The Encyclopedia of Jazz and many other publications.
As a composer, Scott has created large-scale multimedia works, solo performance pieces, jazz tunes and songs, and chamber pieces. Several of Scott’s large-scale works have been performed and recorded by the Gotham Wind Symphony, Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana and others, and his chamber works include the ongoing series Immensities for Large Instruments. In 2010, Scott formed ScienSonic Laboratories, an outlet for many exciting and far-reaching projects encompassing what he likes to call “Experiential Music for Adventurous Listeners.” This label has released more than a dozen collaborative efforts with Roscoe Mitchell, Marshall Allen, Henry Grimes, Milford Graves, and many others, as well as “Bronze Nemesis,” Scott’s suite of original compositions based on pulp adventure novels of the 1930s. Scott’s quartet album “Tenormore” with Helen Sung, Dennis Mackrel, and Martin Wind was crowned “Best New Release of 2019” in the JazzTimes Readers Poll, and was rated “Indispensable” by France’s Jazz Hot magazine. Scott is currently at work on his one-man improvised symphonic recording, Reach for Tomorrow. After nearly four years of daily work, approximately 9½ minutes of fully-mixed music for more than 130 instruments has been realized. This project will take an estimated 12-15 years to complete.