Welcome
Thanks for visiting my website. It was designed by Charley Clinkenbeard. It has my biography, discography, mp3's, an extensive photo gallery, clinic/lesson information and a series of articles that I've written on Freddie Hubbard, Booker Little, Freddie Webster, 50 Essential Jazz Trumpet Recordings, 50 Essential Big Band Recordings and a Complete Jazz Trumpet History. I will be updating the site frequently with new articles and transcriptions. Thanks.

**Scroll Down for Calendar**

Private instruction is availiable on an appointment basis.

e-mail: dan@danmillerjazz.com




News 2021

2021 - 2022 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2021 - May 2022
After the great success of the last eleven sold out seasons, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Sextet) returns for it's twelfth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Subscription Information for The Naples Philaharmonic Jazz Orchestra's All That Jazz Series

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.27.21 Violinist Benjamin Schmid
Tickets and Info for Benjamin Schmid @ ARTIS - Naples

12.15.21 Vocalist Kenny Washington
Tickets and Info for Kenny Washington @ ARTIS - Naples

1.12.22 Saxophonist Charles McPherson
Tickets and Info for Charles McPherson @ ARTIS - Naples

2.16.22 Trombonist Paul McKee
Tickets and Info for Paul McKee @ ARTIS - Naples

3.16.22 Trumpeter Leroy Jones
Tickets and Info for Leroy Jones @ ARTIS - Naples

4.06.22 NPJO Plays the Music of Thelonious Monk
Tickets and Info for the NPJO Plays the Music of Thelonious Monk @ ARTIS - Naples

4.27.22 Saxophonist Dick Oatts
Tickets and Info for Dick Oatts @ ARTIS - Naples

5.18.22 Vibraphonist Warren Wolf
Tickets and Info for Warren Wolf @ ARTIS - Naples






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet at The Barrel Room in Downtown Fort Myers
Every Thursday Night starting June 10, 2021
We have returned to The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro in Downtown Fort Myers every Thursday night from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Lew Del Gatto and I have been leading a quartet at The Barrel Room at The Twisted Vine Bistro on Bay Street Thursday nights in Downtown Fort Myers since June 2016. Steve and Denise Hollister have built a beautiful music venue next to their Twisted Vine Bistro that features blues music on Fridays and Saturdays and jazz music on Thursdays.

The group features Lew and I with the great drummer from Philadelphia Tony Vigilante and the wonderfully swinging bassist Brandon Robertson, professor of jazz studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Here's a link to great article about our June 17th gig by Ken Franckling. Ken is a world-class jazz journalist and photographer who contributes regularly to Jazz Times and has recently published a beautiful collection of his photographs entitled Jazz in the Key of Light featuring Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins.

Ken Franckling's article on the June 17, 2021 performance of the Dan Miller Quartet at The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro






Calendar 2021 - 2022


May 2021

5.05.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Musical Director)
Rehearsal #9: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Signature Event Space (SES) 2nd Floor
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.12.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Musical Director)
Rehearsal #10: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Signature Event Space (SES) 2nd Floor
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.12.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist vocalist DENISE DONATELLI
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Denise Donatelli @ ARTIS - Naples

5.15.21 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective
The Music of Cannonball and Nat Adderley
Paul Gavin (leader & drums)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Gerald Augustin (alto saxophone)
Stu Shelton (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
Music and Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 277-1700
Tickets and Info for the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective Plays the Music of Cannonball and Nat Adderley

5.16.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Spring Concert
Dan Miller (Musical Director)
Concert: 4:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Hayes Hall
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage



June 2021

6.04.21 International Trumpet Guild (ITG) Virtual Conference
The Seventh Scale and the Blues: Dan Miller (Clinician)
I will discuss the "Seventh Scale" also known as the Dominant Seventh Scale and it's use on the Blues utilizing chromatic passing tones and the improvisational techniques of Barry Harris and David Baker inspired by the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. These concepts also apply to any ii-V7 or V7 chord. Barry's philosophy is to simplify any ii-V7 to V7. This lecture demonstrates Barry's Half-Step Scale Model and the concepts of Extending the Dominant Seventh Line, Chromatic Enclosure, Chord Building and combining these ideas to create our own lines on the Blues.
Clinic Time: 3:00 p.m.
International Trumpet Guild Virtual Conference 2021

6.04.21 - 6.05.21 Dan Miller with the Pete Ellman Big Band
7th Annual Naperville Jazz Festival
Clinics and Concerts
Guest Clinicians:
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Denis DiBlasio (baritone saxophone and flute)
Tommy Igoe (drums)
Pete Ellman Big Band w/Roger Ingram (lead trumpet)
Naperville Community Concert Center
55 Concert Lane
Naperville, IL 60540
The Naperville Jazz Festival website
**Thanks To The Yamaha Band and Orchestra Corporation For Their Support**

6.10.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

6.14.21 - 6.17.21 The Village School Jazz Camp Week One
Big bands, Improvisation and Instrumental Master Classes
Clinicians include Jeff Rupert, Lew Del Gatto, Brandon Robertson and Dan Miller
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Village School
6000 Goodlette Road
Naples, FL 34109
For more information contact Steve DeLadurantey at 239-593-7600 ext 209
e-mail for Director Steve Deladurantey: sdel@nnchurch.org

6.17.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

6.21.21 - 6.24.21 The Village School Jazz Camp Week Two
Big bands, Improvisation and Instrumental Master Classes
Clinicians include Jeff Rupert, Lew Del Gatto, Brandon Robertson and Dan Miller
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Village School
6000 Goodlette Road
Naples, FL 34109
For more information contact Steve DeLadurantey at 239-593-7600 ext 209
e-mail for Director Steve Deladurantey: sdel@nnchurch.org

6.24.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

6.28.21 - 6.30.21 The Artis-Naples Music Makers Jazz Camp
Small Group Ensembles, Improvisation and Instrumental Master Classes
Faculty: Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone) and Jerry Stawski (piano)
Jazz Camp runs Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Concert Friday @ 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Kimberly K. Querry and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Artis-Naples Music Makers Jazz Camp Website

If you have questions, please contact Katie Moilanen, Youth Ensembles Coordinator at kmoilanen@artisnaples.org or by calling 239-254-2672



July 2021

7.01.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

7.01.21 - 7.02.21 The Artis-Naples Music Makers Jazz Camp
Small Group Ensembles, Improvisation and Instrumental Master Classes
Faculty: Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone) and Jerry Stawski (piano)
Jazz Camp runs Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Concert Friday @ 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Kimberly K. Querry and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Artis-Naples Music Makers Jazz Camp Website

If you have questions, please contact Katie Moilanen, Youth Ensembles Coordinator at kmoilanen@artisnaples.org or by calling 239-254-2672

7.08.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

7.15.21 Lew Del Gatto Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Roberston (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

7.22.21 Lew Del Gatto Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
James Kerwin (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

7.29.21 Lew Del Gatto Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro



August 2021

8.05.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

8.12.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

8.19.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

8.26.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

8.27.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #1
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

8.28.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida HS All-State Jazz Preparation
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website



September 2021

9.02.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

9.03.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #2
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

9.10.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #3
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

9.16.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

9.17.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #4
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

9.23.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
David Pruyn (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

9.24.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #5
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

9.29.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Auditions: By Video Submission
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

9.30.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
David Pruyn (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro



October 2021

10.01.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #6
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

10.06.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #1: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

10.07.21 The Brandon Robertson Quartet
**I have broken my foot and will return to the Barrel Room ASAP**
Dave Pruyn (trumpet)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

10.08.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #7
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

10.13.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #2: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

10.14.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

10.15.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #7
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

10.20.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #3: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

10.21.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

10.22.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #8
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

10.22.21 The Dan Miller - Dan Heck Quartet
Saint John The Evangelist Catholic Church Concert Series
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
7:00 p.m.
$30.00
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church
625 111th Avenue North
Naples, FL 34108
239-566-8740
SJECC Concerts: Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Event Brite Tickets for 10/22 Concert: Event Brite Tickets

10.27.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #4: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

10.27.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist violinist BENJAMIN SCHMID
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Benjamin Schmid @ ARTIS - Naples

10.28.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

10.29.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #9
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website


November 2021

11.03.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #5: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

11.04.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

11.05.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #10
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

11.10.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #6: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

11.11.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

11.12.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #11
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

11.14.21 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #1
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

11.17.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #7: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

11.18.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

11.19.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #12
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

11.26.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #13
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website



December 2021

12.01.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #8: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

12.02.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

12.03.21 Dan Miller with the Al Hamme Octet
37th Annual Sanibel Luminary Festival
Al Hamme, Karl Hamme, Kross Torregrossa (saxophones)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dante Luciani (trombone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
Bailey's General Store
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
2477 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1516
The Sanibel Luminary Info

12.03.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Week #14
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

12.08.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #9: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

12.09.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

12.09.21 - 12.10.21 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Fall 2021 Jazz Juries
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

12.11.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest soloist trombonist CONRAD HERWIG
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #12: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Open Public Clinic: 1:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

12.12.21 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #2
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

12.12.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Fall Concert
Featuring guest soloist trombonist CONRAD HERWIG
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
NPYJO Winter Concert info

12.15.21 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist vocalist KENNY WASHINGTON
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Kenny Washington @ ARTIS - Naples

12.16.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

12.23.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

12.30.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro



January 2022

1.05.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #1: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

1.06.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

1.07.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Jazz Club of Sarasota: Jazz at Two Series
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota
2:00 p.m.
3975 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-366-1552
The Jazz Club of Sarasota website

1.09.22 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #3
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

1.10.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet
Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
The Charlotte County Jazz Society
Jazz Society Artist Series
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Roy Gerson (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Cultural Center of Charlotte County
William H. Wakeman III Theater
7:00 p.m.
2280 Aaron Street
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-766-9422
Charlotte County Jazz Society website

1.12.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #2: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

1.12.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist alto saxophonist CHARLES MCPHERSON
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Charles McPherson @ ARTIS - Naples

1.13.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

1.14.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #1
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

1.15.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet featuring Glenn Basham
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Roy Gerson (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Unity of Naples Church
7:00 p.m.
2000 Unity Way
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 775-3009
Unity of Naples Church website

1.19.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #3: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

1.20.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

1.21.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #2
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

1.26.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #3: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Recording
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

1.27.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

1.28.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #3
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website



February 2022

2.02.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #5: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

2.03.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

2.04.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #4
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

2.06.22 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #4
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

2.09.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #5: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

2.10.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

2.11.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #5
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

2.11.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring the sensational New Orleans jazz trumpeter/vocalist JEREMY DAVENPORT
Jeremy Davenport (trumpet and vocals)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Roy Gerson (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Cocktails: 6:30 p.m.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933
SBDAC website with Ticket and Venue Information

2.16.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #6: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

2.16.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist trombonist PAUL MCKEE
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Paul McKee @ ARTIS - Naples

2.17.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

2.18.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #6
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

2.21.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Jazz Club of Sarasota: Monday Night Jazz Caberet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Florida Studio Theater
7:30 p.m.
1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
Box Office (941) 366-9000
The Jazz Club of Sarasota website
Florida Studio Theater Tickets

2.23.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #7: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

2.24.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

2.25.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida 2020 UCF Jazz Festival
University of Central Florida
Concerts, Adjudications and Clinics
Guest Artists: TBA
Concerts 8:00 p.m.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
University of Central Florida Jazz Festival Friday February 25th

2.26.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida 2020 UCF Jazz Festival
University of Central Florida
Concerts, Adjudications and Clinics
Guest Artists: TBA
Concert 8:00 p.m.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
University of Central Florida Jazz Festival Saturday 26th

2.28.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Big Band Spectacular
Dan Miller (Musical Director and trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206
The NNUMC website



March 2022

3.02.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #8: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

3.03.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

3.04.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #8
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

3.06.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
Naples United Church of Christ
5200 Crayton Road
Naples, FL 34103
239-261-5469
Naples United Church of Christ Concert Series Information

3.09.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #9: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

3.10.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

3.13.22 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #5
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

3.16.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring guest artist trumpeter LEROY JONES
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Leroy Jones @ ARTIS - Naples

3.17.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

3.18.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #10
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

3.20.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All-Stars
Swing In The Afternoon
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Concert: 4:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206
For tickets, visit The NNUMC website

3.23.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #1: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

3.24.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

3.25.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #11
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

3.27.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet featuring 15 year-old jazz piano sensation BRANDON GOLDBERG
Brandon Goldberg (piano)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Chuck Bergeron (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
Naples United Church of Christ
5200 Crayton Road
Naples, FL 34103
239-261-5469
Naples United Church of Christ Concert Series Information

3.28.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Winter Concert
Dan Miller (Musical Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

3.30.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #2: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

3.31.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro



April 2022

4.01.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #12
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

4.06.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #3: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

4.06.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
The NPJO Plays the Music of THELONIOUS MONK
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for the NPJO Plays the Music of Thelonious Monk @ ARTIS - Naples

4.07.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

4.08.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #13
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

4.10.22 Dan Miller with The Gulf Coast Big Band
The Gulf Coast Big Band: Concert #6
Dan Miller (Musical Director and Conductor)
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cambier Park
Park Street
Naples, FL 34102
The Cambier Park website

4.13.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #4: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

4.14.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

4.15.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #14
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

4.20.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #5: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

4.21.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

4.22.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Week #15
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

4.21.22 - 4.23.22 Dan Miller with Chris Mccourry and the Hillsdale College Jazz Ensemble
Clinics and Concerts
April 21: Clinics and Rehearsal
April 22: Concert 8:00 p.m.
April 23: Concert 3:00 p.m.
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Hillsdale College
Chris Mccourry (Director)
Howard Music Hall
79 E College Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
The Hillsdale College School of Music website

4.26.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Comprehensive Juries
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

4.27.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #6: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

4.27.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring special guest alto saxophonist DICK OATTS
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Dick Oatts @ ARTIS - Naples

4.28.22 Dan Miller - University of Central Florida (UCF) Spring 2022 Jazz Juries
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website



May 2022

5.04.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #7: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.05.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

5.11.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #8: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.12.22 - 5.14.22 Dan Miller Clinic and Jazz Concert
A Special Night of Jazz
Uvalde High School (SW of San Antonio, TX)
Darren McCarty (director and saxophone)
Dan Miller and Dennis Dotson (trumpets)
Russell Haight (tenor saxophone)
Gil Garza (trombone)
Wally Minko (piano)
Tom Bethke (guitar)
Dave Zarlenga (drums)
Jim Kalson (bass)
Deena Russo (vocals)
May 12: Clinics
May 13: Clinics
May 14: Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
Uvalde High School
1 Coyote Trail
Uvalde, TX 78801
(830) 591-2950

5.18.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dan Miller (Director)
Rehearsal #9: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.18.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Featuring special guest vibraphonist Warren Wolf
Glenn Basham (violin)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples
(The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Tickets and Info for Warren Wolf @ ARTIS - Naples

5.19.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

5.22.22 Dan Miller with The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra
Spring Concert
Dan Miller (Musical Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra webpage

5.26.22 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro




Dan Miller News 2006 - 2020

The COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 12, 2020 as we prepared to step on the stage at The Barrel Room for our weekly Thursday night hit, I received a text message that the Sarasota Jazz Festival had been cancelled 30 minutes before the first act was about to perform. I was scheduled to work that Saturday at the Festival with Randy Sandke in a two-trumpet group. After we finished at the Barrel Room, Lew and I went down to the Sidney Berne Davis Art Center to hear the end of the Terell Stafford - Tim Warfield concert. We all ended up hanging LATE and that was the beginning of the shutdown for us.

In the next few weeks, all of my concerts, regular gigs and collge/high school clinics for Yamaha were cancelled, including the remainder of our season at Artis-Naples. At the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, we immediately transitioned to remote/online instruction and taught our lessons and classes via ZOOM through the end of the semester.

The summer has seen all of the jazz workshops, music camps and tours that I was scheduled to work at cancelled. I have continued to teach privately online throughout the summer and I will teach remotely at UCF this year.

I am teaching my students, classes and masterclasses at UCF remotely. We returned to ARTIS-Naples with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra on October 14th in the 1,600-seat Hayes Hall with 250-plus attendees following social distancing protocols.

I look forward to returning to playing and teaching music with my friends, colleagues and students in person as soon as it is safe to do so including my regualr weekly gigs at the Barrel Room and the Roadhouse Cafe..






2020 - 2021 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2020 - May 2021
After the great success of the last ten sold out seasons, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Sextet) returns for it's eleventh season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
In years past, we have performed in the intimate setting of the 275-seat Daniels Pavilion. In order to allow for social distancing and proper safety protocols to be observed, we are moving to the 1,600-seat Hayes Hall, home of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, but set up for 250 or so patrons. Please visit the Artis-Naples website for information on the safety protocols. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Subscription Information for The Naples Philaharmonic Jazz Orchestra's All That Jazz Series

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.14.20 NPJO Plays the Music of George Gershwin
Tickets and Info for NPJO Plays George Gershwin @ ARTIS - Naples

11.04.20 Vocalist Kenny Washington
Tickets and Info for Kenny Washington @ ARTIS - Naples

12.16.20 Trumpeter Randy Sandke
Tickets and Info for Guest Artist Randy Sandke @ ARTIS - Naples

1.20.21 Alto Saxophonist Vince Herring
Tickets and Info for Vince Herring @ ARTIS - Naples

2.10.21 Guitarist Pasquale Grasso
Tickets and Info for Pasquale Grasso @ ARTIS - Naples

3.03.21 NPJO Plays the Music of Charlie Parker
Tickets and Info for The Music of Charlie Parker @ ARTIS - Naples

3.31.21 Trumpeter Russell Gunn
Tickets and Info for Russell Gunn @ ARTIS - Naples

5.12.21 Vocalist Denise Donatelli
Tickets and Info for Denise Donatelli @ ARTIS - Naples







The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring New Orleans Trumpeter & Vocalist WENDELL BRUNIOUS
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
February 12, 2021 (Friday)
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) in Downtown Fort Myers is proud to welcome the legendary New Orleans trumpeter & vocalist Wendell Brunious for a special evening of music with the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet. Brunious is a member of one of the great royal families of New Orleans music, spanning generations. He came to international fame as a member and band leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, touring the world for over 20 years. He honors the spirit of the great Louis Armstrong every time he plays and sings. If you have never heard this legendary master of New Orleans music play the trumpet & sing before, get ready for a jaw dropping experience. This man is a must-see.

Wendell will be joined by the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet. NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including great tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2006 & Frank Sinatra), the spectacular pianist from NYC Roy Gerson, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer Tony Vigilante.

Trumpeter and vocalist Wendell Brunious boasts a towering musical family tree primarily flowered with trumpets. He is the son of trumpet master John "Picket" (or "Picky") Brunious Sr. and Nazimova "Chinee" Santiago, the niece of guitarist/banjoist Willie Santiago.

Brunious believes what's considered the "Brunious sound" all began with his father's influence. "When my father first started to develop as a trumpet player was in an era before amplification, so you had to play loud enough to hear yourself and to be heard in the band. I kind of think that's where what some people call the Brunious sound kind of started. That 'sound' is being able to interpret ballads when you are also trying to hear the actual words coming out of the end of the trumpet. What was important was the tone, playing in tune, and being able to play nice ballads-not just fast stuff. My daddy used to say this: 'If you don't know the melody, you don't know the song. 'Bourbon Street Parade,' 'Paul Barbarin's Second Line,' 'Hold that Tiger' and a million other songs have the same form but what segregates the tunes is the melody."

The talented and dedicated Wendell Brunious credits some of his early development to having worked with the Olympia Brass Band under the direction of his cousin, bandleader/saxophonist Harold Dejan. Extremely knowledgeable in the music's tradition and history, Brunious enjoys sprinkling his conversation with advisory quotes from his father and other artists who have crossed his musical path through his decades-long career.

Brunious sang in Chief John and the Mahogany Hall Stompers in the 1960s, a group in which his father was also a member. He began on trumpet at age 11 and played at Paul Barbarin's funeral. He studied at Southern University (where he played with Danny Barker) and played dance music in clubs on Bourbon Street in the middle of the 1970s.

In 1976, Brunious substituted for his father in Albert "Papa" French's band for Mardi Gras, and by 1979 was playing regularly at Preservation Hall with Kid Thomas Valentine. He was named leader of the group upon Valentine's death in 1987. He also played with the Eureka Brass Band (1980), Lionel Hampton (1981), Linda Hopkins (1984), and Sammy Rimington (1984). He played with Louis Nelson in 1986-89, and did recordings with the Caledonia Jazz Band of Norway in 1986 and 1987. His first record as a leader came in 1986, which featured Nelson, Rimington, and Barry Martyn as sidemen. He later played with Michael White, Chris Barber, Papa Don Vappie, Bob Wilber, and the Pfister Sisters. He has remained a regular performer at Preservation Hall to this day.

Here's a clip of Wendell Brunious Performing Seven Days Of Satch:

Wendell Brunious Performs Seven Days Of Satch

2.12.21 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring New Orleans Trumpeter & Vocalist WENDELL BRUNIOUS
Wendell Brunious (trumpet & vocals)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Roy Gerson (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933
SBDAC website with Ticket and Venue Information






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet in the Fort Myers News-Press
Thanks to Charles Runnells and the Fort Myers News-Press for this cover story on Lew Del Gatto and I in the September 7th, 2018 edition of the News-Press Gulf Coasting weekend supplement. I couldn't be more appreciative of their support for the arts. Thank you Charles. Also thanks to Brandon Robertson, Gerald Augustin and Tony Vigilante for swinging with authority each and every Thursday night. Also thanks to Steve Hollister and Denise Hollister for creating a place for creative music at the Barrel Room in Downtown Fort Myers.

Article in the 9.07.18 Fort Myers News-Press Gulf Coasting






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet on Lee Pitts Live FOX 4 TV
In case you missed our appearance on Lee Pitts Live on FOX 4 TV, which was broadcast on November 5th 2017, here is a Youtube link to the entire program. Thanks to Lee for inviting Lew Del Gatto, Brandon Robertson and myself to appear on his show. We had a great time!

Lee Pitts Live FOX 4 TV Broadcast 11.05.17






The Dan Miller Quartet featuring Jerry Stawski at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night
We look forward to returning to The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers every Tuesday night after we can safely do so. We have played at the Roadhouse since September 2012 and will be playing there every Tuesday night this upcoming season. The group features Jerry Stawski (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Tony Vigilante (drums). Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club that features the cooking of Chef Bryan Baker and a great, full bar. Sheri and Lynda's father was the wonderful jazz trumpeter Lou Columbo and they love and support jazz music, featuring live music seven nights a week. It is a great place for music and it will be swinging!

The Roadhouse Cafe
Every Tuesday
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
15660 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 36
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-415-4375






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet at The Barrel Room in Downtown Fort Myers
Every Thursday Night
We look forward to returning to The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro in Downtown Fort Myers every Thursday night after we can safely do so. Lew Del Gatto and I have been leading a quartet at The Barrel Room at The Twisted Vine Bistro on Bay Street Thursday nights from 7-10 pm in Downtown Fort Myers since June 2016. Steve and Denise Hollister have built a beautiful music venue next to their Twisted Vine Bistro that features blues music on Fridays and Saturdays and jazz music on Thursdays.

The group features Lew and I with the great drummer from Philadelphia Tony Vigilante and the wonderfully swinging bassist Brandon Robertson, professor of jazz studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Here's a link to great article about our July 21st gig by Ken Franckling. Ken is a world-class jazz journalist and photographer who contributes regularly to Jazz Times and has recently published a beautiful collection of his photographs entitled Jazz in the Key of Light featuring Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins.

Ken Franckling's article on the July 21, 2016 performance of the Dan Miller Quartet at The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro

The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-2225
The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro






2019 - 2020 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2019 - May 2020
After the great success of the last nine sold out seasons, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Sextet) returns for it's tenth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Sextet) headlines this series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.30.19 Trombonist Michael Dease

11.20.19 Vocalist Carla Cook

12.18.19 Guitarist Peter Bernstein

1.15.20 Tenor Saxophonist Jerry Weldon

2.12.20 Vibraphonist Stefon Harris

3.04.20 Trumpeter Terrell Stafford

4.22.20 Alto Saxophonist Charles McPherson

5.13.20 The Music of Thelonious Monk






The Dan Miller - Randy Sandke Quintet
Play the Music of George Gershwin
Featuring Jazz Master Drummer MARTY MORELL
East Naples United Methodist Church
November 10, 2019 (Sunday)
Join trumpeters Dan Miller and Randy Sandke as they celebrate the genius and music of George Gershwin. The music that Gershwin composed for the Broadway Stage and the Hollywood Screen became an integral part of the Great American Songbook, loved by musicians, singers and audiences alike. The program will include such favorites as Embraceable You, Oh Lady Be Good, I Got Rhythm, Summertime, S'Wonderful, Our Love Is Here To Stay, Love Walked In, Strike Up The Band, Soon, The Man I Love, But Not For Me and They Can't Take That Away from Me.

Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and Tom Jones. Randy Sandke is one of the world's greatest jazz trumpeters and has recorded with many of the legends of this music including Benny Goodman, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Brecker and Dick Hyman. For this concert, they bring together a tremendous group of musicians for an afternoon of hard swinging, acoustic jazz music including pianist Roy Gerson, bassist Don Mopsick and the great master drummer Marty Morell (member of the Bill Evans Trio for six years 1968 -1974).

11.10.19 The Dan Miller - Randy Sandke Quintet Featuring Marty Morell
Plays the Music of George Gershwin
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Randy Sandke (trumpet)
Roy Gerson (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
3:00 p.m.
FREE Admission
East Naples United Methodist Church
2701 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34112
239-775-0745






Dan Miller - Dan Heck Quintet
Saint John the Evangelist Concert Series
May 9, 2019 (Thursday)
I'm bringing together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Naples including guitarist Dan Heck, tenor saxophonist Gerald Augustin, bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer Paul Gavin. We had a tremendous concert there in 2018 and look forward to playing for this great audience. We will play a program of music that celebrates the Great American Songbook (George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter) as well as jazz music's greatest composers (Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie). This is a group of musicians that play with passion and fire and whose goal is to swing with authority. Join us for a night of standards, ballads and blues.

5.09.19 The Dan Miller - Dan Heck Quintet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Gerald Augustin (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church
$25.00
6:30 p.m.
625 111th Avenue North
Naples, FL 34108
239-566-8740
Saint John the Evangelist website






THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA @ ARTIS - Naples
Season Four: 2018 - 2019
After a highly successful first three seasons, the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra (of which I am the director) returns for it's fourth season, set to run from September 2018 to May 2019. This mirrors the year-long schedule of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Chorus and Youth Symphonia. The founding producer of the "All That Jazz" series at Artis-Naples, Luciano Morello, always envisioned a jazz education program to accompany the concert series. That vision was realized with the launching of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra starting January 20th, 2016.

In the first season, the Youth Jazz Orchestra rehearsals focused on learning the repertoire and small group arrangements of the great jazz masters including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The first season dealt exclusively with improvisation and small group playing, but the second season incorporated large ensemble playing with a traditional big band (four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, clarinet, piano, bass, vibraphone, guitar and drums). This allows the students to play and study the music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The rehearsals also include the study of music theory and jazz improvisation taught by myself and Lew Del Gatto. Group members will rehearse the original arrangements of the jazz masters off of the original recordings and study the original recordings to master the style.

The students will practice and rehearse for two hours each Wednesday and play concerts throughout the season.

I look forward to an exciting fourth season which will include four concerts (including December 16th featuring an internationally acclaimed jazz artist BYRON STRIPLING) and participation in Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Program.

Thanks to CEO and President Kathleen Van Bergen, Vice President of Artistic Operations David Filner, Director of Education and Community Partnerships Bonnie Thayer and Youth Ensembles Coordinator Katie Moilanen for all they do for youth education.

12.16.18 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Winter Concert with guest artist trumpeter BYRON STRIPLING
Dan Miller (Director)
Featuring guest soloist trumpeter BYRON STRIPLING
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

3.03.19 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra NUCC Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
Naples United Church of Christ
5200 Crayton Road
Naples, FL 34103
239-261-5469

5.08.19 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra CAPA Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
The Wang Opera Center
2408 Linwood Ave
Naples, FL 34112
239-963-9050

5.22.19 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra End of Season Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

A video chronicling the 12/8/17 rehearsal with the NPYJO and guest artist Bobby Shew

An Article on the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra from the April 28, 2018 edition of the Naples Daily News Page 1

An Article on the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra from the April 28, 2018 edition of the Naples Daily News Page 2

An Article on the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra from the ARTIS - Naples program

The NPYJO webpage on the ARTIS - Naples website

The ARTIS - Naples website with Ticket Information






2018 - 2019 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2018 - May 2019
After the great success of the last eight seasons sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's ninth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.31.18 Vibraphonist Joe Locke

11.28.18 Guitarist Romero Lubambo

12.12.18 Alto Saxophonist Vince Herring

1.16.19 Tenor Saxophonist Harry Allen

2.06.19 Trombonist Andy Martin

2.27.19 Trumpeter Chuck Findley

4.24.19 Vocalist Veronica Swift

5.15.19 The Music of Cannonball and Nat Adderley






Dan Miller Jazz Seminars at The University of Central Florida
2018 - 2019 will mark my fifth year as an Artist-in-Residence for the UCF School of Music and the Jazz Department under the directon of Jeff Rupert. I look forward to working with new students as well as building on all the work the students accomplished over the last three years.

Fall Semester 2018 - Spring Semester 2019
I am pleased to announce that I will once again be doing a series of seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando for the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters. I look forward to working with the students and the world-class faculty including Jeff Rupert, Marty Morell, Richard Drexler, Per Danielsson, Bobby Koelble, Luis Fred and Luis Miguel Araya.

• Freshman Jazz Lines Seminar: The concepts of Barry Harris (utilizing the 7th scale) and learning to improvise through the study of the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
  


• Working with the Jazz Trumpet Majors on Styles and Analysis
  


• UCF Flying Horse Big Band Trumpet Sectional
  

Fall Semester 2018
August 24th, August 25th (Florida HS All-State Preparation Clinic), September 28th, October 19th, November 16th

Spring Semester 2019
January 25th, February 22nd, March 8th, March 22nd - 23rd (UCF Jazz Festival), April 5th

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website






The Gulf Coast Big Band
The 2018-2019 season will be my seventh as the Musical Director and Conductor for the Gulf Coast Big Band. The Gulf Coast Big Band is a community group and a non-profit organization that not only plays jazz music and provides free monthly concerts to the music fans of Naples and Collier County, but for over the last twenty years has raised and awarded over $80,000.00 in youth music scholarships to benefit student musicians of Collier County.

We will have six swinging Sunday afternoon concerts, each held at 2:00 p.m. in Cambier Park which is located in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

November 4, 2018
December 9, 2018
January 13, 2019
February 17, 2019
March 17, 2019
April 7, 2019

We will be playing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Tadd Dameron and all of the great bands.






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet Plays Naples "Stay In May" Festival
Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Collier County Library South Regional Branch April 26, 2019 (Friday)
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Duke Ellington is one of the most towering figures in the history of jazz, writing and composing his own sophisticated, swinging music and leading his own orchestra for over fifty years. The music Ellington and Strayhorn composed is an integral part of the Great American Songbook and forms the backbone of jazz repertoire. The program will include such favorites as Take The A Train, Satin Doll, In A Mellowtone, Caravan, Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me, Perdido, Mood Indigo, Just Squeeze Me, In A Sentimental Mood, The Happy-Go Lucky Local and Cottontail.


4.26.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
6:00 p.m.
Collier County Library
South Regional Branch
8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy
Naples, FL 34113
888-613-8488






The Dan Miller - Jeff Rupert Quintet Plays the North Naples Music Festival
History of Jazz Concert from Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane
North Naples United Methodist Church
March 30, 2019 (Saturday)

Join trumpeter Dan Miller and saxophonist Jeff Rupert as they celebrate the exciting and swinging history of jazz music from New Orleans to New York. Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and Tom Jones. Jeff Rupert has been the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida in Orlando for over 20 years and has toured and recorded with Maynard Ferguson, Mel Torme and Benny Carter. Dan and Jeff have known each other for over 25 years first meeting in NYC and more recently as colleagues at UCF where Dan has been an Artist-in-Residence since 2014.

You are invited on a musical journey that spans over fifty years of jazz music. We begin in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans with the genius who created it all, Louis Armstrong. From there we will hear the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. A free-wheeling excursion from traditional New Orleans jazz to swing to bebop and beyond!

For this concert, Dan and Jeff bring together a tremendous group of musicians for an afternoon of hard swinging, acoustic jazz music including pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer Tony Vigilante

3.30.19 The Dan Miller - Jeff Rupert Quintet
History of Jazz Concert from Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jeff Rupert (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Two Shows: 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet Plays the Music of Horace Silver
The Art League of Bonita Springs
March 2, 2019 (Saturday)
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the legacy and music of pianist Horace Silver. Horace Silver was one of the most important composers and band-leaders in the history of jazz music. Leading his own groups for 50 years, he contributed some of the most beloved compositions in all of jazz and his groups included some of the greatest figures in jazz music including Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley, Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook, Woody Shaw and Joe Henderson. Horace brought together the modern sounds of Charlie Parker's Bebop and fused it with the music of the gospel church creating his own brand of funky, blues-infused, soulful jazz music. The program will feature some of Silver's greatest tunes including: Song For My Father, Strollin', Peace, Nica's Dream, The Preacher, Juicy Lucy, Barbara, Nutville, Split Kick, Filthy McNasty and Senor Blues.

Trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), Miami pianist Brian Murphy (Tito Puente & Ira Sullivan), Miami bassist Chuck Bergeron (Buddy Rich) and the legendary drummer Marty Morell (Bill Evans Trio 1968 - 1974).

3.02.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet Plays the Music of Horace Silver
The Art League of Bonita Springs
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brian Murphy (piano)
Chuck Bergeron (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Concert 7:30 p.m.
MOE Auditorium
10150 Bonita Beach Road SE
The corner of Bonita Beach Road and Vermont Street
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239-495-8989
Tickets: $29




The Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring Dan Miller
South Florida State College Performing Arts Jazz Series
March 1, 2019 (Friday)
Lew Del Gatto brings a wonderful group to the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park, FL for the South Florida State College Performing Arts Jazz Series. This is a stunningly beautiful theater that will be filled with the swing stylings of Lew Del Gatto, Dan Miller, Richard Drexler, Don Mopsick and Patricia Dean. The evening will also feature the swinging vocal stylings of the very talented Patricia Dean who brings the influence of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson to every one of her performances.

3.01.19 The Lew Del Gatto Quintet with Dan Miller
South Florida State College Performing Arts Jazz Series
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
South Florida State College
Highlands Campus
Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
600 W. College Drive
Avon Park, FL 33825
863-784-7178



The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Plays The Music of Irving Berlin
Wang Opera Center for CAPA
February 15, 2019 (Friday)
Join trumpeter Dan Miller and saxophonist Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of Irving Berlin. The music that Berlin composed for the Broadway Stage and the Hollywood Screen became an integral part of the Great American Songbook, loved by musicians, singers and audiences alike. He wrote over 1,500 tunes including God Bless America and White Christmas. Jerome Kern said, "Irving Berlin has no place in American music-he is American music."

The program will include such favorites as How Deep Is The Ocean, Let's Face The Music and Dance, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Always, Blue Skies, Coquette, Falling In Love Is Wonderful, If I Had You, Change Partners, Cheek To Cheek and Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better).

2.15.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Plays The Music of Irving Berlin
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
7:30 p.m.
The Wang Opera Center
2408 Linwood Ave
Naples, FL 34112
239-775-2800






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Jazz at Two Series
The Jazz Club of Sarasota
January 4, 2019 (Friday)
The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet has been playing hard swinging, straight ahead jazz music Thursday nights at The Barrel Room in Downtown Fort Myers since June 2016. The piano-less group features Brandon Robertson on bass and Tony Vigilante on drums and they play standards, bebop, ballads and blues including the music of Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Horace Silver, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.

We look forward to returning to Sarasota and playing for the members of the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

1.04.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quartet
Jazz Club of Sarasota: Jazz at Two Series
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
3975 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-366-1552
The Jazz Club of Sarasota website







Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring the Sensational GRAMMY Nominated Jazz Vocalist CARLA COOK
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
January 18, 2019 (Friday)
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is proud to welcome GRAMMY nominated NYC jazz vocalist Carla Cook for a special evening of music on Friday January 18, 2019. Carla Cook is daring. She is a jazz singer/songwriter who sings standards beautifully -- but she doesn't stop there. Cook is willing to put a jazz spin on songs not written by traditional jazz composers. Songs that, until you hear her sing them, you'd never imagine could be interpreted as jazz. This native Detroiter, who grew up in a musically rich and diverse environment, brings all her influences to bear within her repertoire. In her songbook you'll find elements of R&B, European classical, Motown, Blues and Gospel. Cook has always eschewed labels, and refuses to become a jazz purist or snob. That willingness to simply sing what she loves, bringing an earthy sophistication to every song, is what gives Cook her signature style.

She will be joined by the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet. NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including legendary NYC tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), the spectacular pianist Richard Drexler, bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer Tony Vigilante.

Dan Miller says, "I have known Carla for over 25 years and we used to work with the great Frank Foster in NYC. Carla is so swinging and soulful. If you love jazz vocals you won't want to miss her performance."

Carla Cook website

Here's a clip of Carla singing The Way You Look Tonight:

CARLA COOK: The Way You Look Tonight

1.18.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring guest vocalist CARLA COOK
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
Carla Cook (vocals)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All Stars
Swing In The Afternoon
North Naples United Methodist Church
January 27, 2019 (Sunday)
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto are joined by an All-Star group of friends for a special afternon of swinging jazz music on Sunday January 27th at the North Naples United Methodist Church including Violinist Glenn Basham (Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic), Kevin Mauldin (Principal Bassist of the Naples Philharmonic), the spectacular trombonist Herb Bruce (Nashville Brass and The Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band), Jerry Stawski (Co-Leader of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra) and the incredibly swinging drummer and vocalist Patricia Dean.

1.27.19 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All-Stars
Swing In The Afternoon
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Showtime: 4:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Big Band Holiday Spectacular
Plays the Music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington
North Naples United Methodist Church
December 3, 2018 (Monday)
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto bring together an All-Star Big Band for a special evening of swinging music on Monday December 3rd at the North Naples United Methodist Church. They will be playing a holiday-themed concert featuring the music of the Duke Ellington & Count Basie Orchestras. The second half of the concert will be a Jazz at the Philharmonic-style jam session featuring many of the world-class soloists from the Big Band. This group with feature some of the finest jazz musicians from all over Florida including musicians from Miami, Tampa, Orlando and SW Florida.

12.03.18 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Big Band Holiday Spectacular
Dan Miller (Musical Director and trumpet)
Jeff Rupert (alto saxophone)
Craig Christman (alto saxophone and clarinet)
Lew Del Gatto and George Weremchuk (tenor saxophones)
Mike Brignola (baritone saxophone)
Jack Wengrosky, Mike Santiago, Ryan Chapman, Dan Miller and Steve DeLadurantey (trumpets)
Herb Bruce, Dante Luciani, Jeremiah St.John, Adren Hance (trombones)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206







The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
The Music of Blue Note Records
The Charlotte County Jazz Society
December 10, 2018 (Monday)
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto bring a hard swinging outfit to the Charlotte County Jazz Society to perform the music of Blue Note Records. The evening will feature the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Kenny Dorham and Joe Henderson. Blue Note Records and the musicians that recorded for the label defined the music of the 1950's and 1960's. Unrelenting swing combined with intensity at the highest level. Some of the compositions included will be Moanin', Song For My Father, Along Came Betty, Blue Bossa, Are You Real, Una Mas, Recordame, Strollin', Peace and Ceora.

Dan and Lew are joined by the swinging pianist John O'Leary and the burning tandem of bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer Tony Vigilante.

12.10.18 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
The Charlotte County Jazz Society
The Music of Blue Note Records
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
John O'Leary (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
Cultural Center of Charlotte County
William H. Wakeman III Theater
7:00 p.m.
2280 Aaron Street
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-766-9422
Charlotte County Jazz Society website







The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Play the Music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Featuring Jazz Master MARTY MORELL on Drums and 12-year old Piano Sensation BRANDON GOLDBERG
East Naples United Methodist Church
November 11, 2018 (Sunday)
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they as they celebrate the legacy and music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers featuring the legendary drummer Marty Morell (member of the Bill Evans Trio 1968 - 1974), 12-year old jazz piano sensation Brandon Goldberg (as seen on the Harry Connick Jr. Show and Steve Harvey's Little Big Shots on NBC) and bassist Richard Drexler (Bob Mintzer & Jeff Berlin).

Art Blakey was one of the most dynamic musicians and leaders in the history of jazz music. His energy and swing were unparalleled as he lifted the bandstand each and every night. His bands were filled with some of the greatest improvisers and composers who then went on to lead their own groups. The program will feature many of the songs that are identified with Art Blakey including compositions by Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard.

11.11.18 The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring Brandon Goldberg and Marty Morell
Plays the Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Brandon Goldberg (piano)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Richard Drexler (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
3:00 p.m.
FREE Admission
East Naples United Methodist Church
2701 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34112
239-775-0745






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring master drummer Marty Morell
Kaleidoscope of the Arts: Turning Broken Lives Around
A Storyteller Creative Arts BenefitG
Naples Hilton
November 15, 2018 (Thursday)

Join Lew Del Gatto and I on Thursday November 15th, as we lead an All-Star Quintet at the Naples Hilton as part of the benefit fundraiser for a wonderful organization, Storytellers Creative Arts. The group features Lew and myself along with the legendary drummer Marty Morell (a member of the Bill Evans Trio 1968 - 1974), Dan Heck on guitar and Brandon Robertson on bass. This will be a great night of music and art featuring one of the world's foremost chocolatiers Paul Joachim "The Chocolate Genius" and Stacy Deffenbaugh of NBC 2. My friend William Barnett is the chairman and host of this event. It is an incredibly worthy cause and I hope you can join us for a beautiful evening to help Storytellers Creative Arts.

Bill Barnett (host)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
Hilton Naples
5:30 p.m.
5111 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34103
239-591-6649
Storytellers Creative Arts website






2017 - 2018 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2017 - May 2018
After the great success of the last seven seasons sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's eighth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.25.17 Guitarist Russell Malone

11.15.17 Tenor Saxophonist Grant Stewart

12.13.17 Vocalist Carmen Bradford

2.14.18 Alto Saxophonist Steve Wilson

3.14.18 Trombonist Steve Davis

3.28.18 Vibraphonist Warren Wolf

4.18.18 Trumpeter Randy Brecker

5.16.18 The Music of Miles Davis 1958-1959






Dan Miller - Dan Heck Quartet
Saint John the Evangelist Concert Series
April 12, 2018 (Thursday)
I'm bringing together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Naples including guitarist Dan Heck, bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer Paul Gavin. They will play a program of music that celebrates the Great American Songbook (George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter) as well as jazz music's greatest composers (Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie). This is a group of musicians that play with passion and fire and whose goal is to swing with authority. Join us for a night of standards, ballads and blues.

The Dan Miller - Dan Heck Quartet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Paul Gavin (drums)
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church
FREE ADMISSION
7:00 p.m.
625 111th Avenue North
Naples, FL 34108
239-566-8740
Saint John the Evangelist website






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet Play the Music of Art Blakey
Featuring Marty Morell, Jeff Rupert and Richard Drexler
Center For The Arts Bonita Springs
April 27, 2018 (Friday)
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they as they celebrate the legacy and music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers featuring the legendary drummer Marty Morell (member of the Bill Evans Trio 1968 - 1974). Art Blakey was one of the most dynamic musicians and leaders in the history of jazz music. His energy and swing were unparalleled as he lifted the bandstand each and every night. His bands were filled with some of the greatest improvisers and composers who then went on to lead their own groups. The program will feature many of the songs that are identified with Art Blakey including compositions by Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard. Trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), tenor saxophonist Jeff Rupert (Maynard Ferguson & Mel Torme), pianist Richard Drexler (Bob Mintzer & Jeff Berlin), bassist Brandon Robertson (Count Basie) and the legendary drummer Marty Morell (Bill Evans Trio 1968 - 1974).

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jeff Rupert (tenor saxophone)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
8:00 p.m.
Center For The Arts Bonita Springs
Hinman Auditorium
10150 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239-495-8989






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet Plays Naples "Stay In May" Festival
Jazz from New Orleans To New York
Collier County Library South Regional Branch
May 4, 2018 (Friday)
You are invited on a musical journey that spans over fifty years of jazz music. We begin in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans with the genius who created it all, Louis Armstrong. From there we will hear the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. A free-wheeling excursion from traditional New Orleans jazz to swing to bebop and beyond!

The evening will also feature the swinging vocal stylings of the very talented Patricia Dean who brings the influence of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson to every one of her performances.

For this concert, Dan brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging, acoustic jazz music including pianist Joe Delaney, bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer-vocalist Patricia Dean.


The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Brandon Robertson (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
6:00 p.m.
Collier County Library
South Regional Branch
8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy
Naples, FL 34113
888-613-8488






THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA @ ARTIS - Naples
Season Three: 2017 - 2018
After a highly successful first two seasons, the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra (of which I am the director) returns for it's third season, set to run from September 2017 to May 2018. This mirrors the year-long schedule of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Chorus and Youth Symphonia. The founding producer of the "All That Jazz" series at Artis-Naples, Luciano Morello, always envisioned a jazz education program to accompany the concert series. That vision was realized with the launching of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra starting January 20th, 2016.

In the first season, the Youth Jazz Orchestra rehearsals focused on learning the repertoire and small group arrangements of the great jazz masters including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The first season dealt exclusively with improvisation and small group playing, but the second season incorporated large ensemble playing and the third season will follow suit. This allows the students to play and study the music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The rehearsals also include the study of music theory and jazz improvisation taught by myself, as well as small group arranging techniques taught by Lew Del Gatto. Group members will rehearse the original arrangements of the jazz masters off of the original recordings and study the original recordings to master the style.

The students will practice and rehearse two hours each week and play concerts throughout the season.

I look forward to an exciting third season which will include three concerts (including December 9th featuring guest artist and internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter and educator Bobby Shew) and participation in Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Program as well as Carnegie Hall's "Link Up" Program in performance with the Naples Philharmonic.

Thanks to CEO and President Kathleen Van Bergen, Vice President of Artistic Operations David Filner, Director of Education and Community Partnerships Bonnie Thayer and Youth Ensembles Coordinator Johnathan McCann for all they do for youth education.

12.09.17 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Winter Concert with BOBBY SHEW
Dan Miller (Director)
Featuring guest soloist Bobby Shew (trumpet))
Clinic: 1:00 p.m.
Concert: 4:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

2.11.18 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra NUCC Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
Naples United Church of Christ
5200 Crayton Road
Naples, FL 34103
239-261-5469

5.02.18 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra CAPA Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 7:30 p.m.
The Wang Opera Center
2408 Linwood Ave
Naples, FL 34112
239-775-2800

5.07.18 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Spring Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

A video chronicling the 12/8/17 rehearsal with the NPYJO and guest artist Bobby Shew

An Article on the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra from the ARTIS - Naples program

The NPYJO webpage on the ARTIS - Naples website

The ARTIS - Naples website with Ticket Information






2017 - 2018 Dan Miller College and HS Clinics
I have been affiliated with the Yamaha Band and Orchestra Corporation as a Performing Artist and Clinician since 1991. I have been doing clinics, workshops and concerts with high school and college bands nation-wide since 1989 and enjoy working with students on a wide variety of topics including embouchure building for brass players, improvisation and jazz ensemble styles and techniques for small groups and big bands.

Thank you to the YAMAHA Band and Orchestra Corporation for their dynamic support of music education

10.30.17 - 10.31.17 Dan Miller with Bill Sears @ The Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen, MI

11.02.17 - 11.03.17 Dan Miller with Chris McCourry and the Hillsdale College Jazz Ensemble
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI

2.02.18 - 2.03.18 Dan Miller with the North Hennepin Community College Jazz Ensemble
North Hennepin CC Jazz Festival
Minneapolis, MN

2.26.18 - 2.27.18 Dan Miller with the Lake Highland Prep HS Jazz Ensemble
Lake Highland Prep Jazz Night
Orlando, FL

3.13.18 - 3.15.18 Dan Miller with the Lee County (FL) All-County Jazz Band
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
North Fort Myers, FL

4.16.18 - 4.17.18 Dan Miller with the Abilene Christian University Jazz Ensemble
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX

4.30.18 Dan Miller Improvisation Clinic at Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK

4.30.18 Dan Miller Improvisation Clinic at the University of Central Oklahoma
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmund, OK

5.18.18 Dan Miller at the West Virginia Strawberry Festival
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, WV
with Jeff Rupert and Richard Drexler






Dan Miller Jazz Seminars at The University of Central Florida
2017 - 2018 will mark my fourth year as an Artist-in-Residence for the UCF School of Music and the Jazz Department under the directon of Jeff Rupert. I look forward to working with new students as well as building on all the work the students accomplished over the last three years.

Fall Semester 2017 - Spring Semester 2018
I am pleased to announce that I will once again be doing a series of seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters. I look forward to working with the students and the world-class faculty including Jeff Rupert, Marty Morell, Richard Drexler, Per Danielsson, Bobby Koelble, Luis Fred and Luis Miguel Araya.

• Freshman Jazz Lines Seminar: The concepts of Barry Harris (utilizing the 7th scale) and learning to improvise through the study of the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
  


• Working with the Jazz Trumpet Majors on Styles and Analysis
  


• UCF Flying Horse Big Band Trumpet Sectional
  

Fall Semester 2017
August 25th, August 26th (Florida HS All-State Preparation Clinic), September 22nd, October 13th, November 17th

Spring Semester 2018
February 16th, March 9th, March 23rd - 24th (UCF Jazz Festival), March 30th, April 20th

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website






The Gulf Coast Big Band
The 2017-2018 season will be my sixth as the Musical Director and Conductor for the Gulf Coast Big Band. The Gulf Coast Big Band is a community group and a non-profit organization that not only plays jazz music and provides free monthly concerts to the music fans of Naples and Collier County, but for over the last twenty years has raised and awarded over $80,000.00 in youth music scholarships to benefit student musicians of Collier County.

We will have six swinging Sunday afternoon concerts, each held at 2:00 p.m. in Cambier Park which is located in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

November 5, 2017
December 10, 2017
January 21, 2018
February 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
April 8, 2018

We will be playing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Tadd Dameron and all of the great bands.




Dan Miller @ WARB-A-PALOOZA
Terry Warburton's New Factory Grand Opening Concert 2018
February 22, 2018 (Thursday)
Join us at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 at Astronaut High School, for the Grand Opening Celebration of our new factory in Titusville, Florida! Our Grand Opening Concert will feature music of all styles, performed by Warburton Artists from all over the country. This fun-filled, family event will have something for everyone!

Grand Opening Factory Tours and Open House will begin at our new factory on Friday, February 23 from 12-6 p.m.

Artists Include: Demondrae Thurman, Carl Fischer, Dan Miller, Dave Steinmeyer, JB Scott, Nicole Sasser, Ryan Sorenson, Aaron Romm, Lisa Kelly and The Brass Band of Central Florida
Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
Astronaut High School
800 War Eagle Blvd
Titusville, Florida 32796
407-366-1991
Warburton webpage

General Admission: $10 and Students (with ID or under 12): $7






Dan Miller with the Jeff Rupert Quintet featuring NYC Vocalist T-Bone Gerard
Jazz on the Green at Six Bends
March 10, 2018 (Saturday)
Jazz on the Green makes it's return to SW Florida and will be held at Six Bends on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 5-9 p.m. The festival will present three notable music ensembles, the Jeff Rupert Quintet, The Brandon Robertson Quartet and the Fort Myers HS Jazz Ensemble to raise money for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida! Presented by Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, Jazz on the Green at Six Bends brings more than music. Guests may enjoy gourmet food, drinks, giveaways and dancing on the lawn for this all-white-attire event. The fundraising goal for this concert is to enable one wish each to be granted through the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to two local children with critical illnesses.

The Jeff Rupert Sextet
Jeff Rupert (saxophone)
Jeff "T-Bone" Gerard (vocals and trombone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Richard Drexler (piano)
Ben Kramer (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Six Bends
9510 Thunder Road
Fort Myers, FL 33913
239-261-5469





The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Plays The Music of George and Ira Gershwin
Wang Opera Center for CAPA
January 19, 2018 (Friday)
Join trumpeter Dan Miller and saxophonist Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of George Gershwin. The music that Gershwin composed for the Broadway Stage and the Hollywood Screen became an integral part of the Great American Songbook, loved by musicians, singers and audiences alike. The program will include such favorites as Embraceable You, Oh Lady Be Good, I Got Rhythm, Summertime, S'Wonderful, Our Love Is Here To Stay, Love Walked In, Strike Up The Band, Soon, The Man I Love, But Not For Me and They Can't Take That Away from Me.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
7:30 p.m.
The Wang Opera Center
2408 Linwood Ave
Naples, FL 34112
239-775-2800






Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring the Sensational Jazz Vocalist Kenny Washington
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
January 27, 2018 (Saturday)
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is proud to welcome one of the brightest stars in jazz, vocalist Kenny Washington, for a special evening of music on Saturday January 27th, 2018. Recently dubbed "the Superman of the Bay Area jazz scene" by the San Francisco Chronicle, Kenny Washington is a jazz virtuoso who thrills audiences with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting. Ravi Coltrane has declared Kenny his favorite male vocalist, and Mark Murphy said in a Jazz Times interview that Kenny was the only contemporary male vocalist carrying on the tradition. This year, Kenny has thrilled audiences in NYC performing with Wynton Marsalis as a featured guest at Jazz at Lincoln Center's celebration of Ella Fitzgerald's 100th Birthday. Kenny swings hard in the tradition of the great vocalist Joe Williams, featured for many years with Count Basie.

Kenny will be joined by the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet. NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. Tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto spent 30 years as a member of the Saturday Night Live Band (1975-2006) and toured and recorded with Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and the Tonight Show Orchestra. They bring together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including pianist Joe Delaney, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer Tony Vigilante.

Kenny Washington, a native of New Orleans developed a deep love for music at a very young age. Kenny grew up singing and performing gospel in church. He began performing with the school band, playing saxophone and singing. After graduating from high school Kenny continued his studies in music at Xavier University. While at Xavier, he studied various styles of music ranging from traditional and contemporary jazz, to classical, rhythm and blues and pop.

Joining the honorary U.S. Navy Band in 1986, Kenny performed and toured nationally and internationally throughout the U.S., Asia, Russia, and Australia. After nine years as a musician in the U.S. Navy, Kenny made his home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you have never heard this New Orleans native sing before, get ready for a jaw dropping experience. Kenny is a jazz vocalist virtuoso. Emulating the classic styles of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan and infusing colors of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Kenny's free, playful approach, with over a four-octave range is awe inspiring. His tone on ballads is liquid, his scat is so rapid-fire, passionate, melodious and inventive that subsequent saxophone solos often pale, and his intonation is so precise that it becomes noticeable if the piano wasn't tuned that day. His range seems limitless. With a childhood background singing in gospel, Kenny is at home with the Blues as well as Jazz. This man is a must-see.

Kenny Washington website

Here's a clip of Kenny Washington singing with the Joe Locke Group, NYC 2013:
Kenny Washington with the Joe Locke Group

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring guest vocalist Kenny Washington
Kenny Washington (vocals)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All Stars
Swing In The Afternoon
North Naples United Methodist Church
January 28, 2018 (Sunday)
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto are joined by an All-Star group of friends for a special afternon of swinging jazz music on Sunday January 28th at the North Naples United Methodist Church including Violinist Glenn Basham (Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic), Kevin Mauldin (Principal Bassist of the Naples Philharmonic), the spectacular trombonist Herb Bruce (Nashville Brass and The Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band), Jerry Stawski (Co-Leader of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra) and the incredibly swinging drummer and vocalist Patricia Dean.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All Stars
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Showtime: 4:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206
Tickets: $15.00






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Big Band Holiday Spectacular
Plays the Music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington
North Naples United Methodist Church
December 4, 2017 (Monday)
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto bring together an All-Star Big Band for a special evening of swinging music on Monday December 4th at the North Naples United Methodist Church. They will be playing a holiday-themed concert featuring the music of the Duke Ellington & Count Basie Orchestras. The second half of the concert will be a Jazz at the Philharmonic-style jam session featuring many of the world-class soloists from the Big Band. This group with feature some of the finest jazz musicians from all over Florida including musicians from Miami, Tampa, Orlando and SW Florida.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Dan Miller (Musical Director and trumpet)
Jeff Rupert (alto saxophone)
Craig Christman (alto saxophone and clarinet)
Lew Del Gatto and Gabe Wallace (tenor saxophones)
Jack Wengrosky, Mike Santiago, Mark Pettey, and Steve DeLadurantey (trumpets)
Herb Bruce, Dante Luciani, Jeremiah St.John, Adren Hance (trombones)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206

NNUMC website




2016 - 2017 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
November 2016 - May 2017
After the great success of the last six seasons sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's seventh season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (artistic director, co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website


Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

11.02.16 Trumpeter Wallace Roney

11.16.16 Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon

12.14.16 Vocalist Kenny Washington

1.04.17 Guitarist Martin Taylor

2.15.17 Alto Saxophonist George Young

3.08.17 Violinist Benjamin Schmid

4.05.17 Tenor Saxophonist Eric Alexander

4.26.17 The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim






The Dan Miller Quartet at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night starting October 11, 2016
We look forward to returning to The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers starting on October 11, 2016 after a summer hiatus. We have played there from September 2012 to April 2016 and will be playing there every Tuesday night this upcoming season. The group features Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Tony Vigilante (drums). Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club that features the cooking of Chef Bryan Baker and a great, full bar. Sheri and Lynda's father was the wonderful jazz trumpeter Lou Columbo and they love and support jazz music, featuring live music seven nights a week. It is a great place for music and it will be swinging!

The Roadhouse Cafe
Every Tuesday
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
15660 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 36
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-415-4375






THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC YOUTH JAZZ ORCHRSTRA @ ARTIS - Naples
September 7, 2016 - May 31, 2017
After a highly successful first season, which ran from January to May 2016, ARTIS - Naples has decided to expand the second season of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra (of which I am the director) to run from September 2016 to May 2017. This mirrors the year-long schedule of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Chorus and Youth Symphonia. The founding producer of the "All That Jazz" series at Artis-Naples, Luciano Morello, always envisioned a jazz education program to accompany the concert series. That vision was realized with the launching of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra starting January 20th, 2016.

The Youth Jazz Orchestra rehearsals focused on learning the repertoire and small group arrangements of the great jazz masters including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The first season dealt exclusively with improvisation and small group playing, but the second season will additionally incorporate large ensemble playing, This would allow the students to play and study the music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The rehearsals also include the study of music theory and jazz improvisation taught by myself, as well as small group arranging techniques taught by Lew Del Gatto. Group members will transcribe and rehearse the original arrangements of the jazz masters off of the original recordings and they would be encouraged to compose and arrange their own original jazz music.

The students will practice and rehearse two hours each week and play concerts throughout the season.

Thanks to CEO and President Kathleen Van Bergen, Vice President of Artistic Operations David Filner, Director of Education and Community Partnerships Bonnie Thayer and Youth Ensembles Coordinator Meagan McDevitt for all they do for youth education.

12.07.16 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Winter Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Featuring guest soloists Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone) and Glenn Basham (violin)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

2.12.17 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra NUCC Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Featuring guest soloists Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone) and Glenn Basham (violin)
Concert: 3:00 p.m.
Naples United Church of Christ
5200 Crayton Road
Naples, FL 34103

5.24.16 The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Spring Concert
Dan Miller (Director)
Featuring guest soloists Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone) and Glenn Basham (violin)
Concert: 7:00 p.m.
ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
Daniels Pavilion
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
239-415-4375

An Article on the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra from the ARTIS - Naples program

The NPYJO webpage on the ARTIS - Naples website

The ARTIS - Naples website with Ticket Information






Dan Miller Jazz Seminars at The University of Central Florida
2016 - 2017 will mark my third year as an Artist-in-Residence for the UCF School of Music and the Jazz Department under the directon of Jeff Rupert. I look forward to building on all the work the students accomplished the last two years.

Fall Semester 2016 - Spring Semester 2017
I am excited to announce that I will be doing a series of five (5) seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida this Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. I look forward to working with the students and the world-class faculty including Jeff Rupert, Marty Morell, Richard Drexler, Per Danielsson, Bobby Koelble, Michael Wilkinson and John Almeida.

• Freshman Jazz Lines Seminar: The concepts of Barry Harris (utilizing the 7th scale) and learning to improvise through the study of the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
  


• Working with the Jazz Trumpet Majors on Styles and Analysis
  


• UCF Flying Horse Big Band Trumpet Sectional
  

Fall Semester 2016
August 26th, August 27th (Florida HS All-State Preparation Clinic), September 16th, October 14th, November 18th

Spring Semester 2017
February 3rd, February 24th, March 3rd, March 25th (UCF Jazz Festival), March 31st

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Plays the Duke Ellington - Billy Strayhorn Arrangements of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite
North Naples United Methodist Church
December 5, 2016
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto bring together an All-Star Big Band for a special evening of swinging music on Monday December 5th at the North Naples United Methodist Church. They will be playing the music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite as arranged by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn and recorded by the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1960. This is a work of breathtaking scope and it is both highly nuanced and incredibly swinging. The second half of the concert will be a Jazz at the Philharmonic-style jam session featuring many of the world-class soloists from the Big Band. This group with feature some of the finest jazz musicians from all over Florida including saxophonists Lew Del Gatto, Jeff Rupert, Gerald Augustin, Craig Christman, trumpeters Dave Pruyn, Mike Santiago, Mark Pettey, trombonists Dante Luciani, Herb Bruce and a very swinging rhythm section of pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer Tony Vigilante.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Orchestra
Dan Miller (Musical Director and trumpet)
Jeff Rupert (alto saxophone)
Craig Christman (alto saxophone and clarinet)
Lew Del Gatto and Gerald Augustin (tenor saxophones)
Mike Santiago, Mark Pettey, Dave Pruyn and Steve DeLadurantey (trumpets)
Herb Bruce, Dante Luciani, Jeremiah St.John, Adren Hance (trombones)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Plays the Music of Harold Arlen
Art League of Bonita Springs
January 14, 2017
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of Harold Arlen. Harold Arlen was one of the greatest songwriters of the Twentieth Century. The music that he composed for the Broadway Stage and the Hollywood Screen (including The Wizard of Oz) became an integral part of the Great American Songbook, loved by musicians, singers and audiences alike. The music he wrote with lyricist Johnny Mercer was closely associated with Frank Sinatra. The program will include such favorites as Over The Rainbow, My Shining Hour, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Get Happy, Out Of This World, Let's Fall In Love, That Old Black Magic, Blues In The Night, Sleepin' Bee and This Time The Dream's On Me.

Trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including legendary tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), pianist Joe Delaney, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer-vocalist Patricia Dean.

Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Concert 8:00 p.m.
Hinman Auditorium
10150 Bonita Beach Road SE
The corner of Bonita Beach Road and Vermont Street
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
info & tickets call 239-495-8989
Tickets: $25 Member / $30 Non-Member / $35 Door







Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring the Sensational Jazz Vocalist Veronica Swift
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
January 27, 2017
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is proud to welcome one of the brightest new stars in jazz, NYC vocalist Veronica Swift, for a special evening of music on Friday January 27th, 2017. Veronica Swift, age 22, is now being recognized around the country as one of the top young jazz singers on the scene. In the fall of 2015, she won second place at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. Following that she was asked to do a concert of her own at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York City in March of 2016. In April of 2016, she was a guest artist with Michael Feinstein at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York with the Tedd Firth Big Band and Marilyn Maye and Freda Payne.

Veronica’s first appearance at Jazz at Lincoln Center was at age 11 for “Women in Jazz” series at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Veronica has been on tour with her parents, renowned jazz pianist Hod O’Brien and celebrated jazz singer and educator/author Stephanie Nakasian. She has appeared on stage with Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Bob Dorough, Kim Nazarian, Danilo Perez, and others. With her family she has appeared at The Great Waters Music Festival in NH, Blues Alley Jazz Club in DC, the Jazz Standard in NYC, the jazz cruise, and for the NJ and Hilton Head Jazz Societies.

Veronica will be joined by the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quinet. NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including legendary tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), pianist Joe Delaney, bassist Don Mopsick and drummer Tony Vigilante.

Dan Miller says, "I met Veronica Swift in 2014 when she and her parents, Hod O'Brien and Stephanie Nakasian, came down and played the whole night with my quartet at The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers and then again this year at the University of Central Florida's Jazz Festival in Orlando. Her performance was incendiary! I was stunned at the depth of swing and soulfulness she possesses. She is a wonderful new artist who brings her love of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Peggy Lee and Charlie Parker to the stage each and every night combined with her own unique style. She is poised to become one of the shining stars of this music. If you love jazz vocals you won't want to miss her performance."

Veronica Swift website

Here's a clip of Veronica Swift singing You Don't Know What Love Is:
Veronica Swift sings You Don't Know What Love Is

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring guest vocalist Veronica Swift
Veronica Swift (vocals)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Tony Vigilante (drums)
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All Stars
Swing In The Afternoon
North Naples United Methodist Church
January 29, 2017
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto are joined by an All-Star group of friends for a special afternon of swinging jazz music on Sunday January 29th at the North Naples United Methodist Church including Violinist Glenn Basham (Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic), Kevin Mauldin (Principal Bassist of the Naples Philharmonic), the spectacular trombonist Herb Bruce (Nashville Brass and The Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band), Jerry Stawski (Co-Leader of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra) and the incredibly swinging drummer and vocalist Patricia Dean.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto All Stars
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Herb Bruce (trombone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Showtime: 4:00 p.m.
North Naples United Methodist Church
6000 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples, FL 34109-7206






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Naples Botanical Gardens Jazz Series
Naples Botanical Gardens
March 12, 2017
The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto returns to the Naples Botanical Gardens for an afternoon concert in one of the most beautiful settings for music in Florida. This is a gorgeous place and truly one of Southwest Florida's great treasures.

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Don Mopsick (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)
Concert: 2:00 p.m.
Naples Botanical Gardens
4820 Bayshore Drive
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 643-7275
Naples Botanical Gardens website






2015 - 2016 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2015 - May 2016
After the great success of the last five season's sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's sixth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website


Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.28.15 Baritone Saxophonist Gary Smulyan

11.18.15 Vocalist Kenny Washington

12.16.15 Trombonist Robin Eubanks

1.06.16 Guitarist Joe Cohn

2.17.16 Vocalist Carmen Lundy

3.09.16 Flautist Hubert Laws

4.27.16 Cornetist Warren Vache

5.11.16 The Music of Horace Silver






The Dan Miller Quartet at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night starting October 20, 2015
We look forward to returning to The Roadhouse Cafe starting on October 21st 2015 after a summer hiatus. We have played there from September 2012 to May 2015. We will be playing every Tuesday night this season at The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers. The group features Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Tony Vigilante (drums). Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club that features the cooking of Chef Bryan Baker and a great, full bar. Sheri and Lynda's father was the wonderful jazz trumpeter Lou Columbo and they love and support jazz music, featuring live music seven nights a week. It is a great place for music and it will be swinging!

The Roadhouse Cafe
Every Tuesday
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
15660 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 36
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-415-4375






Dan Miller Jazz Seminars at The University of Central Florida
2015 - 2016 marks my second year as an Artist-in-Residence for the UCF School of Music and the Jazz Department under the directon of Jeff Rupert. I look forward to building on all the work the students accomplished last year.

Fall Semester 2015
I am excited to announce that I will be doing a series of five (5) seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida this Fall 2015 semester. I look forward to working with the students and the world-class faculty including Jeff Rupert, Marty Morell, Richard Drexler, Per Danielsson, Bobby Koelble, Michael Wilkinson and John Almeida.

Spring Semester 2016
I would like to announce that I will be returning to do a series of six (6) seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida this Spring 2016 semester.

• Freshman Jazz Lines Seminar: The concepts of Barry Harris (utilizing the 7th scale) and learning to improvise through the study of the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
  


• Working with the Jazz Trumpet Majors on Styles and Analysis
  


• UCF Flying Horse Big Band Trumpet Sectional
  

Fall Semester 2015
August 28th, September 16th, October 2nd, October 23rd and December 4th

Spring Semester 2016
January 22nd, February 12th, February 26th, March 18th, March 19th (UCF Jazz Festival), April 1st and April 22nd

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website






The Gulf Coast Big Band
The 2015-2016 season will be my fourth as the Musical Director and Conductor for the Gulf Coast Big Band. The Gulf Coast Big Band is a community group and a non-profit organization that not only plays jazz music, but for over the last twenty years has raised and awarded over $80,000.00 in youth music scholarships to benefit student musicians of Collier County.

We will have six swinging Sunday afternoon concerts, each held at 2:00 p.m. in Cambier Park which is located in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

November 15, 2015
December 13, 2015
January 24, 2016
February 14, 2016
March 13, 2016
April 17, 2016

We will be playing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Tadd Dameron and all of the great bands.




The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet at Mereday's Brasserie Bayfront
Formerly ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen
**Every Saturday Night NOW STARTING AT 8:00 p.m.
I am leading a group with Lew Del Gatto on Saturday nights at world-class Chef Charles Mereday's newly re-branded restaurant Mereday's Brasserie Bayfront (formerly ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen). Chef Mereday has brought together the best of his teams from Mereday's Fine Dining and Mereday's Brasserie at Coconut Point to create the team at Mereday's Brasserie Bayfront. Chef Mereday will be in the kitchen doing the cooking and directing the service personally. His passion and creativity is boundless and he is dedicated to bringing a unique dining and entertainment experience to Naples. The music will be starting later (8:00 to 11:00) in order to offer patrons the opportunity to enjoy the fine dining experience and quiet conversation during their dinner. Chef Mereday worked at Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia, a jazz club with fine dining, and always wanted to have a jazz club of his own with a menu that reflected the spirit of the music. We have a swinging quintet featuring Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Patricia Dean (drums). This is a beautiful, venue that is dedicated to the food and the music. It will be swinging!

Mereday's Brasserie Bayfront (formerly ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen)
Every Saturday
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
492 Bayfront Place
Naples, FL 34102
239-261-2586






2014 - 2015 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
October 2014 - May 2015
After the great success of the last four season's sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's fifth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

10.29.14 Vibraphonist Jason Marsalis

12.10.14 Pianist Uri Caine

1.07.15 Vocalist Kevin Mahogany

2.04.15 Guitarist Pat Martino


3.04.15 Saxophonist Jimmy Heath

4.01.15 Trumpeter Jon Faddis

4.22.15 Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon

5.13.15 The Music of Art Blakey featuring drummer Mike Harvey




The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet at ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen
Every Saturday Night
I am leading a group with Lew Del Gatto on Saturday nights at world-class Chef Charles Mereday's new restaurant ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen. Chef Mereday worked at Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia, a jazz club with fine dining, and always wanted to have a jazz club of his own with a menu that reflected the spirit of the music. After the tremendous success of Mereday's Fine Dining, Charles was able to make that dream a reality with the opening of ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for it's food, music and atmosphere. We have a swinging quintet featuring Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Patricia Dean (drums). This is a beautiful, new venue that is dedicated to the food and the music. It will be swinging!

ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen
Every Saturday
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
492 Bayfront Place
Naples, FL 34102
239-261-2586




The Dan Miller Quartet at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night
We will be playing every Tuesday night this season at The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers. We just celebrated our two year anniversary of straight ahead acoustic jazz music at the club, having played there weekly since September 2012. The group features Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Tony Vigilante (drums). Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club that features the cooking of Chef Bryan Baker and a great, full bar. Sheri and Lynda's father was the wonderful jazz trumpeter Lou Columbo and they love and support jazz music, featuring live music seven nights a week. It is a great place for music and it will be swinging!

The Roadhouse Cafe
Every Tuesday
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
15660 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 36
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-415-4375

The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
Featuring GRAMMY Nominated Special Guest Vocalist Carla Cook
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
3.20.15 (Friday)
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is proud to welcome GRAMMY nominated NYC jazz vocalist Carla Cook for a special evening of music on Friday March 20th.

Carla Cook is daring. She is a jazz singer/songwriter who sings standards beautifully -- but she doesn't stop there. Cook is willing to put a jazz spin on songs not written by traditional jazz composers. Songs that, until you hear her sing them, you'd never imagine could be interpreted as jazz. This native Detroiter, who grew up in a musically rich and diverse environment, brings all her influences to bear within her repertoire. In her songbook you'll find elements of R&B, European classical, Motown, Blues and Gospel. Cook has always eschewed labels, and refuses to become a jazz purist or snob. That willingness to simply sing what she loves, bringing an earthy sophistication to every song, is what gives Cook her signature style.

While some jazz vocalists limit their repertoire of popular music to the swing of the 20's and 30's, Tin Pan Alley composers and the bebop of the 40's, Cook goes beyond the American Jazz Standard Repertoire. She reinterprets songs from the rock and R&B worlds - giving a jazz flavor to such pop classics as Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair", Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues", Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe" and Neil Young's "Heart of Gold". She sings great songs, period, be they the standards that are the foundation of her recordings and live performances, her refreshing original compositions, or a smattering of popular songs that were childhood favorites.

In her native Detroit, Cook started singing when she was a young child. Growing up, the Midwesterner sang in the Methodist Church. The secular music that she enjoyed ranged from R&B, rock, country and European classical. Though jazz has always been Cook's primary focus, she has been quoted as saying that her favorite artists range from Miles Davis to Chaka Khan to Johann Sebastian Bach.

During her formative years, Cook studied privately voice, piano and string bass, the latter of which she played in her high school orchestra. After leaving the Motor City, Cook moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University and earned a degree in Speech Communication. While in Boston, she formed the first of several jazz ensembles and set about the business of her trade. Then in 1990, she moved to New York, where she became active on the Manhattan club scene but paid her bills with various "day gigs" that concluded with her teaching social studies in a junior high school. By the mid 90's, however, she was singing on a full-time basis and had given up her day gigs. It was in 1998 that Cook signed with MAXJAZZ, a small independent jazz label based in St. Louis that has a reputation for being singer-friendly. In 1999, Cook recorded her debut album; It's All About Love. The CD enjoyed favorable reviews and received a Grammy nomination in the Best Jazz Vocal Performance category and was awarded the AFIM Indie Award for Best Jazz Vocal in 2000. In 2000, Cook recorded her second album, Dem Bones and in 2002, she recorded Simply Natural, both for MAXJAZZ. Her albums continue to receive critical acclaim.


The group will feature Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone), Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)

Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center website




Dan Miller Jazz Seminars at The University of Central Florida

**I am pleased to announce that I have been named an Artist in Residence for the UCF School of Music Jazz Department for the school year 2014 - 2015.

Fall Semester 2014
I am excited to announce that I will be doing a series of five (5) seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida this Fall 2014 semester. I look forward to working with the students and the world-class faculty including Jeff Rupert, Marty Morell, Richard Drexler, Per Danielsson, Bobby Koelble, Michael Wilkinson and John Almeida.

Spring Semester 2015
I would like to announce that I will be returning to do a series of five (5) seminars and clinics at The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida this Spring 2015 semester.

• Freshman Jazz Lines Seminar: The concepts of Barry Harris (utilizing the 7th scale) and learning to improvise through the study of the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
  


• Working with the Jazz Trumpet Majors on Styles and Analysis
  


• UCF Flying Horse Big Band Trumpet Sectional
  

Fall Semester 2014
August 22nd, September 5th, September 26th, October 10th and November 14th

Spring Semester 2015
February 6th, February 20th, March 6th, April 3rd and April 24th

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website




NEW YEARS EVE @ ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen
Featuring the Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
12.31.14 (Wednesday)
Celebrate the New Year with jazz music and a fabulous 4-course dinner with a champagne toast at world-class Chef Charles Mereday's new restaurant ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen. Lew Del Gatto and I will be leading an incredibly swinging group featuring Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Paul Gavin (drums). It will be a great night.

ALTO Live Jazz Kitchen
9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
492 Bayfront Place
Naples, FL 34102
239-261-2586




The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet
Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
The Art League of Bonita Springs
1.02.15 (Friday)
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Duke Ellington is one of the most towering figures in the history of jazz, writing and composing his own sophisticated, swinging music and leading his own orchestra for over fifty years. The music Ellington and Strayhorn composed is an integral part of the Great American Songbook and forms the back bone of jazz repertoire. The program will include such favorites as Take The A Train, Satin Doll, In A Mellowtone, Caravan, Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me, Perdido, Mood Indigo, Just Squeeze Me, In A Sentimental Mood, Sophisticated Lady, Happy-Go Lucky Local and Cottontail.

The group will feature Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone), Herb Bruce (trombone), Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bass) and Patricia Dean (drums and vocals)

The Art League of Bonita Springs
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Concert 8:00 p.m.
Hinman Auditorium
10150 Bonita Beach Road SE
The corner of Bonita Beach Road and Vermont Street
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
info & tickets call 239-495-8989
Tickets: $25 Member / $30 Non-Member / $35 Door




2013 - 2014 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at ARTIS - Naples
November 2013 - June 2014
After the great success of the last three season's sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's fourth season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

Luciano Morello (Executive Producer)

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

ARTIS - Naples (The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts)
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900
ARTIS - Naples website

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

11.15.13 Vibraphonist Joe Locke

12.11.13 Tenor Saxophonist Benny Golson

1.08.14 Trumpeter Tom Harrell

2.19.14 Pianist Dick Hyman

3.19.14 Guitarist Peter Bernstein

4.16.14 Trombinist Conrad Herwig

5.21.14 Tribute to Charles Mingus Featuring Bassist Kevin Mauldin

6.11.14 The Complete History of Jazz In 75 Minutes






The Dan Miller Quartet at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night
I am pleased to announce that the group with Jerry Stawski, Don Mopsick, Patricia Dean and I will be appearing at The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers every Tuesday throughout the season. Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club and we look forward to great music there.

The Roadhouse Cafe
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
15660 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 36
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-415-4375






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet featuring Kenny Drew Jr. plays the Music of George Gershwin
April 3, 2014
Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of George Gershwin with the world-class NYC jazz pianist Kenny Drew Jr. The music Gershwin composed is an integral part of the Great American Songbook. The program will include such favorites as Embraceable You, Oh Lady Be Good, I Got Rhythm, Summertime, S'Wonderful, Our Love Is Here To Stay, Love Walked In, Strike Up The Band, Soon, The Man I Love, But Not For Me and They Can't Take That Away from Me.

Dan Miller built his reputation touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. He brings together a tremendous group of musicians for an evening of hard swinging acoustic jazz music including pianist Kenny Drew Jr. (who has recorded with Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Mingus Big Band), tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005 & Frank Sinatra), bassist Dan Heck and drummer Ron Hefner.

The Art League of Bonita Springs
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Kenny Drew Jr. (piano)
Dan Heck (bass)
Patricia Dean (drums)
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Hinman Auditorium
Concert 7:00 p.m.
10150 Bonita Beach Road SE
The corner of Bonita Beach Road and Vermont Street
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
info & tickets call 239-495-8989
Tickets $25 member / $30 non-member / $35 at the door






TENOR MADNESS: A NYC TENOR SAXOPHONE SUMMIT

April 12, 2014




Footsteps to the Future is proud to present their 5th Annual Benefit Jazz Concert, TENOR MADNESS: A NYC Tenor Saxophone Summit on Saturday April 12, 2014 at Hodges University in Naples, Florida

The concert, benefiting Footsteps to the Future, will feature three world-class New York City tenor saxophonists engaged in a classic musical battle royal in the spirit of Jazz at the Philharmonic or a late night jam session at a jazz club in the Village or Uptown.

The concert will benefit Footsteps to the Future, Inc., a unique mentoring program in Lee and Collier Counties and a model for change in Southwest Florida and the nation. Its goal is to empower young women in and aging out of foster care, to safely and successfully transition to living independently through programs such as evidence-based mentoring, self-sufficiency and advocacy. Celebrate with us as we promote our current pilot projects, the Academic Achievement and Tutoring Programs.

The featured artists are:

Jerry Weldon (Harry Connick Jr., Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Dr.Lonnie Smith)

Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band, Frank Sinatra, Phil Woods)

Jeff Rupert (Maynard Ferguson, Mel Torme, Sam Rivers)

As well as trumpeter Dan Miller (Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman)

"A thoughtful soloist whose subtle swing has plenty of fiber" is how Ira Gitler described tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz. A native New Yorker, the tenorman is a veteran of the New York Jazz Scene, his résumé reading like a virtual "Who's Who of Jazz. "After graduating from the Rutgers University Jazz Program under the direction of Paul Jeffrey in 1981, Jerry joined the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra, touring extensively in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Japan. Jerry continued his association as one of Hamp's favorite tenor soloists through the '90s and into the new millennium. Next came a long and rewarding tour of duty as a member of master organist Jack McDuff & his "Heatin' System," resulting in many fine recordings on the Concord label. In 1990, Jerry became a charter member and featured soloist with Harry Connick Jr.'s newly formed Big Band. Jerry has toured the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia and has also performed on many television shows worldwide with the Connick Orchestra. In 2001, Jerry was also part of Connick's Broadway musical production, "Thou Shalt Not" where he appeared on stage as well as in the orchestra. The '90s also found Jerry in another long and fruitful musical cooperative- the New York Hard Bop Quintet, along with trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, pianist Keith Saunders, bassist Bim Strasberg and drummer Clifford Barbaro, the unit toured throughout the U.S. & Europe while recording four stellar albums for the Swiss TCB label. Jer has worked and recorded with organists Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, Bobby Forrester, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Mel Rhyne, trombone great Al Grey, piano giants George Cables and Cedar Walton, drum legends Roy Haynes and Jimmy Cobb as well as guitarist/singer George Benson, guitarist Earl Klugh, bassist Keter Betts and singer Mel Tormé. In 2003 Jerry was involved in a very special musical project: "Jazz @ Lincoln Center Plays the Music of Dexter Gordon". Along with fellow tenorists Jimmy Greene and Wayne Escoffery and the George Cables Trio, the sextet performed at New York's Kaplan Penthouse and also toured the U.S. "That was really special to me" Jer said, "Dexter was one of my very favorite musicians. I was thrilled and honored to have been a part of it." Weldon is a bandleader in his own right, leading ensembles at many of New York's jazz clubs and at jazz festivals around the U.S. He has recorded several albums under his own name, among them, "Head To Head," a swinging two-tenor date with Michael Karn on the Criss Cross Jazz label "Midtown Blues," a rousing quintet with long time collaborator Joe Mags (Magnarelli) recorded live at Fat Tuesdays in NYC, and two hard-swinging dates with the late, great organist, Jerry's long-time pal, Bobby Forrester. "It was after working with Bobby all those years that made it easier to the go with Jack (McDuff), Jimmy (McGriff) and all the other cats" says Jer, "Bobby was truly a hero of mine." Jer continues to be extremely active on the New York scene- "I just want to keep it swinging. If I can do that, I'm happy."

Jeff Rupert is a Yamaha performing artist, a record producer, recording artist, freelance tenor saxophonist, full professor, and Director of Jazz Studies at UCF. Rupert has been a featured soloist on dozens of recordings with artists including Maynard Ferguson, Sam Rivers, Mel Tormé, Diane Schuur and Benny Carter. He played on Carter's Harlem Renaissance which won a Grammy. He played and arranged for the New Jersey-based Blues band The Fins. He has also performed with Kevin Mahogany, Ernestine Anderson, Joe Farnsworth, Ray Drummond, Harry Allen, pianist Benny Green, Kenny Drew jr, trumpeter Michael Philip Mossman, and pianist and singer Judy Carmichael. Rupert currently is the leader of The Jazz Professors, a sextet which had top JazzWeek charting hit albums in 2012 and 2013. "The Jazz Professors: Live at the UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival" (Flying Horse, 2011) which and peaked at #19 during its seventeen weeks on the JazzWeek charts. His third album, "From Memphis to Mobile", with Kenny Drew, Jr. Rupert joined Sam Rivers' band in 1996 and appeared in four recordings with the group. He has performed in hundreds of concerts with Rivers, including performances at Lincoln for Ed Bradley's Jazz from Lincoln Center (broadcast on NPR), the Vision Festival NYC and Columbia University. He has been a member of the Jaguar International Jazz Series alongside Joe LaBarbera, Tom Wharington, Larry Koonse, and John Fedchock.

Tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto has been a dynamic figure in the New York music scene for over 40 years. His versatility and knowledgeable comprehension of musical art-form was the basis for a stellar career. He has been involved with jingles, films, jazz and television. Lew was a saxophonist with the Saturday Night Live band from 1975-2005 and was also an arranger and contractor for the show. Del Gatto played with the Les Elgart Band, Sal Salvador and appeared with the world famous Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band. He played on such film soundtracks such as The Blues Brothers and The Naked Gun 2 ½ and has performed on the Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards on TV. He has recorded for such artists as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Harry Connick Jr and the Brecker Brothers. Lew has appeared with many giants in the music world, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minelli, Buddy Rich, Herbie Hancock, Phil Woods and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra. He is currently the co-bandleader and arranger for the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra.

Also featured is NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller, who toured and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Jones and Woody Herman. The world-class rhythm section features pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Paul Shewchuk and drummer Michael Piolet.

The Jazzin’ It Up concert will benefit Footsteps to the Future, Inc., a unique mentoring program in Lee and Collier Counties and a model for change in Southwest Florida and the nation. Its goal is to empower young women in and aging out of foster care, to safely and successfully transition to living independently through programs such as evidence-based mentoring, self-sufficiency and advocacy. Celebrate with us as we promote our current pilot projects, the Academic Achievement and Tutoring Programs.

The event will be held at Hodges University in North Naples off 1-75 exit 111. The Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the event also features a Silent Auction, a Mystery Box Raffle and a Decadent Dessert Raffle.

Jerry Weldon (tenor saxophone)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jeff Rupert (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Paul Shewchuk (bass)
Michael Piolet (drums)

Saturday April 12, 2014
6:00 p.m.

Hodges University
2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, FL 34119
Directly East of I-75 and Immokolee Road (Exit 111)

Tickets are $50.00 or two for $85.00

For Tables and info contact Judi Woods 239.281.7378

Footsteps to the Future, Inc. is a non-profit 501c (3). Sponsorship opportunities are available.






Dan Miller with the UCF Jazz Ensemble and the UCF Jazz Professors
October 25 - 26, 2013




I'm very excited be playing the Music of Tadd Dameron (On A Misty Night, Good Bait) and Dizzy Gillespie (Tin Tin Deo, Woody 'n You, Ray's Idea) with Jeff Rupert and the Univerity of Central Florida Jazz Ensemble on October 25th. I look forward to the clinic and concert as well as the opportunity to play with the UCF Jazz Professors featuring Jeff Rupert (tenor saxophone), Per Danielsson (piano), Richard Drexler (bass) and Marty Morell (drums).

This will be swinging!

Dan Miller with the UCF Jazz Ensemble and the UCF Jazz Professors
Jeff Rupert (Director and tenor saxophone)
Per Danielsson (piano)
Richard Drexler (bass)
Marty Morell (drums)
University of Central Florida
Communications Building
Concert 8:00 p.m.
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2869
Info: University of Central Florida Jazz website

Dan Miller is a YAMAHA Clinician and Performing Artist

Thanks to the YAMAHA Corporation for their assistance in making this event possible.






The Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Sextet featuring NYC bassist Ben Wolfe and pianist Kenny Drew Jr. at the Arts Garage
April 27, 2013
In what should prove to be an exciting evening of swinging music, I will be leading a group with Lew Del Gatto and the great bassist from NYC Ben Wolfe at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, FL on April 27, 2013. We will be joined by some wonderful musicians including the great pianist Kenny Drew Jr., guitarist Dan Heck and drummer Ron Hefner performing a program of Thelonious Monk's music as well as original music from Ben's forthcoming release on the Max Jazz label.




Dan Miller and Antonio Hart at the Southeastern University Jazz Festival
April 22 - 23, 2013
I'm excited to join the great alto saxophonist Antonio Hart for two days of clinics and concerts at Southeastern University for their Jazz Festival. We will be working and performing with the Southeastern University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of John Seybert as well as top area high school jazz bands.

Tickets and Information: Southeastern University Jazz Festival website




Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan
March 9, 2013
Benefit Concert: Footsteps to the Future Presents Jazzin’ It Up!
An Electrifying Evening with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan

Ira Sullivan (trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Chuck Bergeron (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)
Suzie Hulcher (vocals)

Hodges University
2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, FL 34119
Directly East of I-75 and Immokolee Road (Exit 111)
(239) 513-1122
Tickets available at the door the day of the concert
Saturday March 9, 2013 at 7:15 p.m.
The VIP Reception to meet musicians begins at 6:00 p.m.
General Admission at 6:45 p.m.

Footsteps to the Future presents Jazzin’ It Up! An Electrifying Evening with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan on Saturday March 9, 2013 at Hodges University in Naples, Florida. The concert, benefiting Footsteps to the Future, will feature Ira Sullivan along with some of the finest jazz musicians in Florida.

Mr. Sullivan, a five-time Grammy nominee, is a unique figure in jazz music as a multi-instrumentalist who is a master of the trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute. He has performed and recorded with some of the greatest figures in jazz history including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Red Rodney, Johnny Griffin and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Mr. Sullivan, originally from Chicago, was an integral part of that city’s vibrant jazz scene during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. He has lived in Miami since the early ‘60’s and continues to tour the world performing concerts and teaching clinics. Music education is a very important part of Ira’s life.

In addition to Sullivan, the concert also features tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto, who worked and recorded in NYC for over forty years and was a member of the Saturday Night Live Band from 1975 – 2005. Also featured is NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller, who toured and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Jones and Woody Herman. The world-class rhythm section features pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Chuck Bergeron and drummer Ron Hefner. Singer/songwriter Susie Hulcher will be featured vocalist at the VIP reception.

The Jazzin’ It Up concert will benefit Footsteps to the Future, Inc., a unique mentoring program in Lee and Collier Counties and a model for change in Southwest Florida and the nation. Its goal is to empower young women in and aging out of foster care, to safely and successfully transition to living independently through programs such as evidence-based mentoring, self-sufficiency and advocacy. Celebrate with us as we promote our current pilot projects, the Academic Achievement and Tutoring Programs.

The event will be held at Hodges University in North Naples off 1-75 exit 111. The VIP Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. General Admission doors open at 7:00 p.m. The event also features a Silent Auction, a Mystery Box Raffle and a Decadent Dessert Raffle.

VIP Tickets are $50, or two for $85 includes preferred seating, reception with a buffet featuring the culinary delights of Chef Brian Baker and Jayne Baker of the Roadhouse Cafe. Reserved VIP Tables …10 tops for $ 600 and 6 tops for $360 are available on a very limited basis General Admission Tickets are $25, or two for $45. Student Admission is $10. Tickets will go on sale Jan 1st 2013.


Footsteps to the Future, Inc. is a non-profit 501c (3). Sponsorship opportunities are available.




2012 - 2013 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at the NAPLES PHILHARMONIC
November 2012 - June 2013
After the great success of last two season's sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's third season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Eight exciting programs (16 concerts) showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

Luciano Morello (Executive Producer)

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER JAZZ: RUSSELL MALONE
November 26, 2012 (Monday)
Russell Malone's first guitar was a plastic green toy his mother bought him. Only four years old, Malone strummed the little guitar all day long for days on end trying to emulate the sounds he had heard from guitarists at church in Albany, Georgia. As a child, Malone developed an interest in blues and country music after seeing musicians on television like Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, Son Seals, and B.B. King. Then, at age 12, he saw George Benson perform with Benny Goodman on Soundstage. Malone has said, “I knew right then and there that I wanted to play this music.” A self-taught player, Malone progressed well enough to land a gig with master organist Jimmy Smith when he was 25. “It made me realize that I wasn't as good as I thought I was,” Malone recalls of his first on-stage jam with Smith. After two years with Smith, he went on to join Harry Connick Jr.'s orchestra, a position he held from 1990-94, appearing on three of Connick''s recordings. Malone also worked in a variety of contexts, performing with artists as diverse as Clarence Carter, Little Anthony, Peabo Bryson, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Roy Hargrove, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, The Winans, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Jack McDuff. Malone is one of the most commanding and versatile guitarists performing. He can move from blues to gospel to pop to R&B and jazz without hesitation, a rare facility that has prompted some of the highest profile artists in the world to call upon him: Diana Krall, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, Shirley Horn, Christina Aguilera, Harry Connick, Jr, Ron Carter, and Sonny Rollins.

DECEMBER JAZZ: STEVE TURRE
December 12, 2012 (Wednesday)
One of the world's preeminent jazz innovators, trombonist and seashellist Steve Turre, has consistently won both the Readers' and Critics' polls in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz for Best Trombone and for Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist (shells). Turre was born to Mexican-American parents and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area where he absorbed daily doses of mariachi, blues and jazz. While attending Sacramento State University, he joined the Escovedo Brothers salsa band, which began his career-long involvement with that genre. In 1972 Steve Turre's career picked up momentum when Ray Charles hired him to go on tour. A year later Turre's mentor Woody Shaw brought him into Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. After his tenure with Blakey, Turre went on to work with a diverse list of musicians from the jazz, Latin, and pop worlds, including Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Lester Bowie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Van Morrison, Pharoah Sanders, Horace Silver, Max Roach, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The latter introduced hum to the seashell as an instrument. Soon after that, while touring in Mexico City with Woody Shaw, Turre's relatives informed him that his ancestors similarly played the shells. Since then, Turre has incorporated seashells into his diverse musical style. In addition to performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live Band since 1984, Turre leads several different ensembles. Sanctified Shells utilizes the seashell in a larger context, transforming his horn section into a "shell choir". Turre's quartet and quintet provide a setting based in tradition and stretching the limits conceptually and stylistically. Steve Turre continually evolves as a musician and arranger. He has a strong command of all musical genres and when it comes to his distinct brand of jazz, he always keeps one foot in the past and one in the future.

JANUARY JAZZ: RANDY BRECKER
January 17, 2013 (Thursday)
Randy Brecker has been shaping the sound of Jazz, R&B and Rock for more than four decades. His trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament-Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Horace Silver and Frank Zappa. Randy's history is as varied as it is distinguished. Born (1945) in Philadelphia to a piano-playing father, Randy's musical talent was nurtured and encouraged from an early age. He began playing R&B and funk in local bar bands while in his teens, and developed an ear for Hard Bop through his father's record collection. "I'd listen to Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Miles' Quintets, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, the Clifford Brown/Max Roach group." Randy attended Indiana University from 1963-66 and moved to NYC in 1966. From the 1960's through today, Randy Brecker has been one of the most swinging and inventive jazz trumpet players in the world. He has recorded and performed with the Clark Terry's Big Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, the Duke Pearson Big Band, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Horace Silver and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. In 1972, Randy was back with Horace Silver, this time with brother Michael as the front line in Horace's quintet. By now, the two horn players had become two of the most in-demand studio musicians of the day and they recorded the now classic 'In Pursuit of the 27th Man' (Blue Note) with Horace. By 1975 they were ready to front their own band. The Brecker Brothers were to become a band of immeasurable influence and impact. Hailed by pop and jazz critics alike, their first album 'The Brecker Brothers' (Arista), which Randy produced, wrote, and arranged, was nominated for four Grammys. The Brecker Brothers went on to record a total of six albums and garner seven Grammy nominations between 1975 and 1981. The following years Randy found a balance between touring the world with his own bands and guesting onstage and in the studio with a wide array of artists including Charles Mingus, Joe Henderson and David Liebman. As a composer, performer and in-demand Yamaha clinician, Randy Brecker continues to influence and inspire young musicians around the world. He feels like he is just starting out!

FEBRUARY JAZZ: CARLA COOK
February 14, 2013 (Thursday)
Carla Cook is daring. She is a jazz singer/songwriter who sings standards beautifully -- but she doesn't stop there. Cook is willing to put a jazz spin on songs not written by traditional jazz composers. Songs that, until you hear her sing them, you'd never imagine could be interpreted as jazz. This native Detroiter, who grew up in a musically rich and diverse environment, brings all her influences to bear within her repertoire. In her songbook you'll find elements of R&B, European classical, Motown, Blues and Gospel. Cook has always eschewed labels, and refuses to become a jazz purist or snob. That willingness to simply sing what she loves, bringing an earthy sophistication to every song, is what gives Cook her signature style. In her native Detroit, Cook started singing when she was a young child. Growing up, the Midwesterner sang in the Methodist Church. The secular music that she enjoyed ranged from R&B, rock, country and European classical. Though jazz has always been Cook's primary focus, she has been quoted as saying that her favorite artists range from Miles Davis to Chaka Khan to Johann Sebastian Bach. During her formative years, Cook studied privately voice, piano and string bass, the latter of which she played in her high school orchestra. After leaving the Motor City, Cook moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University and earned a degree in Speech Communication. While in Boston, she formed the first of several jazz ensembles and set about the business of her trade. Then in 1990, she moved to New York, where she became active on the Manhattan club scene but paid her bills with various "day gigs" that concluded with her teaching social studies in a junior high school. By the mid 90's, however, she was singing on a full-time basis and had given up her day gigs. It was in 1998 that Cook signed with MAXJAZZ, a small independent jazz label based in St. Louis that has a reputation for being singer-friendly. In 1999, Cook recorded her debut album; It's All About Love. The CD enjoyed favorable reviews and received a Grammy nomination in the Best Jazz Vocal Performance category and was awarded the AFIM Indie Award for Best Jazz Vocal in 2000. In 2000, Cook recorded her second album, Dem Bones and in 2002, she recorded Simply Natural, both for MAXJAZZ. Her albums continue to receive critical acclaim.

MARCH JAZZ: DICK HYMAN
March 28, 2013 (Thursday)
Throughout a busy musical career that got underway in the early ‘50s, Dick Hyman has functioned as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and composer. His versatility in all of these areas has resulted in film scores, orchestral compositions, concert appearances and well over 100 albums recorded under his own name. While developing a masterful facility for improvisation in his own piano style, Mr. Hyman has also investigated ragtime and the earliest periods of jazz and has researched and recorded the piano music of Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Duke Ellington, and Fats Waller. Other solo piano albums include variations on the songs of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers. In addition to his activities in the jazz and concert worlds, Mr. Hyman has had a prolific career in New York as a studio musician and won seven Most Valuable Player Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He acted as music director for such television programs as Benny Goodman's final appearance (on PBS) and for In Performance at the White House. He received an Emmy for his original score for Sunshine's on the Way, a daytime drama, and another for musical direction of a PBS special on Eubie Blake. He is a member of the Jazz Hall of Fame of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and the New Jersey Jazz Society. In years past, Dick Hyman was music director for Arthur Godfrey and orchestrator of the hit musical Sugar Babies. He has served as composer/arranger/conductor/pianist for the Woody Allen films Zelig, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Broadway Danny Rose, Stardust Memories, Hannah and Her Sisters, Radio Days, Bullets Over Broadway, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone Says "I Love You", Sweet and Lowdown, The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion and Melinda and Melinda. Other scores have included Moonstruck, Scott Joplin-King of Ragtime, The Lemon Sisters, and Alan and Naomi. His music has also been heard in The Mask, Billy Bathgate, Two Weeks Notice, and other films.

APRIL JAZZ: THE NPJO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF JEROME KERN
FEATURING JERRY STAWSKI
April 25, 2013 (Thursday)

MAY JAZZ: ROMERO LUBAMBO
May 14, 2013 (Thursday)
In 1985, Romero Lubambo came to the United States, and brought with him a new sound in Brazilian jazz guitar. Romero's guitar playing unites the styles and rhythms of his native Brazilian musical heritage with his fluency in the American jazz tradition to form a distinctive new sound. From the cool, sophisticated rhythms of his native Brazil to hard bop, Romero is a guitarist who's comfortable in any musical setting. He is an uncommonly gifted soloist and musical improviser with a steady stream of unpredictably creative musical thoughts and the virtuosity to deliver them ever so tastefully. After arriving in New York City, Romero quickly established himself as a "first call" session and touring guitarist who was in demand not only for his authentic Brazilian sound, but also for his command with a variety of styles. Lubambo has performed and recorded with many outstanding artists, including Dianne Reeves, Michael Brecker, Yo-Yo Ma, Kathleen Battle, Diana Krall, Herbie Mann, Wynton Marsalis, Gal Costa, Kurt Elling, Kenny Barron, Luciana Souza, Cyro Baptista, Sergio and Odair Assad, Ivan Lins, Grover Washington Jr., Vernon Reid, Flora Purim and Airto, Paquito D'Rivera, Harry Belafonte, Larry Coryell, Gato Barbieri, Leny Andrade, James Carter, Paula Robison, Dave Weckl, Jason Miles, and Cesar Camargo Mariano... among many others. He has also established himself as a composer and performer on his own critically acclaimed recording projects as well as on those of Trio Da Paz, a Brazilian jazz trio Lubambo formed with Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca. Romero Lubambo is considered by critics to be "the best practitioner of his craft in the world today... the guitarist's facility, creativity and energy are in a class all their own."

JUNE JAZZ: THE NPJO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF DIZZY GILLESPIE
FEATURING DAN MILLER
June 13, 2012 (Thursday)

The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra will begin it's third season in November with an all-star lineup including Russell Malone (11/26), Steve Turre (12/12), Randy Brecker (1/17), Carla Cook (2/14), Dick Hyman (3/28), Jerry Stawski will be featured playing the Music of Jerome Kern (4/25), Romero Lubambo (5/14), and I will be featured playing the Music of Dizzy Gillespie (6/13). This series has been a tremendous success and we look forward to bringing world class jazz musicians to SW Florida.




The Dan Miller -Lew Del Gatto Quartet at The Roadhouse
Every Tuesday Night (September 2012 - June 2013)
I am pleased to announce that the group with Lew Del Gatto, Stu Shelton, Patricia Dean and I will be appearing at The Roadhouse Cafe in Fort Myers every Tuesday throughout the 2012 -2013 season starting September 18th. Marc and Sheri Neeley and Lynda Colombo have a beautiful restaurant and jazz club and we look forward to great music there.




The Gulf Coast Big Band
I am also happy to announce my being named as the Musical Director and Conductor for the Gulf Coast Big Band. This is an organization entering it's 20th year and I know we will have six swinging concerts in Cambier Park in Naples (11/18, 12/16, 1/27, 2/17, 3/10 and 4/7). We will be playing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and all the great bands.




Campiello with the Dan Heck and Rebecca Richarson Quartet
Every Saturday Night (November 2012 - May 2013)
Once again this season I will playing Saturday nights, starting November 17th, with the Dan Heck - Rebecca Richardson Quartet at Campiello in Naples. This is a wonderfully swinging group that features Rebecca's sophisticated vocals. The music, the excellent food at Richard D'Amico's Campiello and the atmosphere of 3rd Street in downtown Naples makes for a perfect combination.




New Years Eve at JD's Bistro
December 31, 2012
This New Years Eve I will be at JD's Bistroin Port Charlotte, Florida with an All-Star group featuring Lew Del Gatto (tenor), Doug Bickel (piano), Marty Morell (drums) and Richard Drexler (bass). This should be one of the highlights of the season musically.




Summer 2012
The summer of 2012 was a very busy one musically. I enjoyed participating and teaching at two jazz workshops, Steve DeLadurantey's at Gulf Coast High School in June and Benny Bolden's at Barron Collier High School in July. Lew Del Gatto, Stu Shelton, Patricia Dean and I played every Tuesday in downtown Fort Myers at Space 39 with the organ group for three months (May-July). It was great there and we look forward to returning there during the upcoming season. That particiular group (with Dan Heck on guitar) will be playing concerts in Sarasota, Naples and Bonita Springs this season as well.




Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Septet
Featuring special guests Glenn Basham, Dan Heck and Jerry Stawski
June 14, 2012

Benefit Concert: Footsteps to the Future Presents Jazzin’ It Up!
An Electrifying Evening of Jazz Music
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Glenn Basham (violin)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Paul Shewchuk (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)
Suzie Hulcher (vocals)

Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933
Thursday June 14, 2012 at 6:15 p.m.
The VIP Reception begins at 5:00 p.m.

Footsteps to the Future presents Jazzin’ It Up! An Electrifying Evening of Jazz Music on Thursday June 14, 2012 at the historic Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. The concert, benefiting Footsteps to the Future, will feature some of the finest jazz musicians in NYC and Florida.

This year’s concert will feature:

NYC tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto, who was a member of the Saturday Night Live Band from 1975 – 2005, has recorded for such artists as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, the Brecker Brothers and has performed with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock and Buddy Rich

NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller, who has toured and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Jones, Woody Herman and has performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Branford Marsalis, Lionel Hampton, Randy Brecker, Frank Foster and Jon Hendricks

Virtuoso violinist Glenn Basham, the concertmaster for the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and a member of the artist faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, also serves as the first violinist in the Bergonzi String Quartet and has frequently performed with jazz artist Ira Sullivan

Jazz guitarist Dan Heck, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music who made his mark on the jazz scenes of NYC and Seattle playing and recording with Joe Doria, Thomas Marriott and Jay Thomas

The world-class rhythm section features pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Paul Shewchuk and drummer Ron Hefner. The wonderfully swinging and talented jazz vocalist Susie Hulcher will be featured as well.

The Jazzin’ It Up concert will benefit Footsteps to the Future, Inc., a unique mentoring program in Lee and Collier Counties and a model for change in Southwest Florida and the nation. Its goal is to empower young women in and aging out of foster care, to safely and successfully transition to living independently through programs such as mentoring, transitional living and advocacy. Celebrate with us as we promote our current pilot projects, the Academic Achievement and Tutoring Programs.

The event will be held at the historic Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, on Thursday June 14, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. The VIP Reception begins at 5:00 p.m. General Admission doors open at 6:00 p.m. The event also features a Silent Auction, a Mystery Box Raffle and a Decadent Dessert Raffle.

VIP Tickets are $50, or two for $85 (includes preferred seating, reception with a buffet featuring the culinary delights of Chef Brian Baker and Jayne Baker of the Roadhouse Cafe). VIP Tables (8 seats with reserved seating) are available on a very limited basis for $400. General Admission Tickets are $25, or two for $45. Student Admission is $10. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, April 17th.

Tickets are available at www.sbdac.com (the Sidney Berne Davis Art Center website) or at www.footstepstothefuture.org (Footsteps to the Future website)

For VIP Tables, sponsorship opportunities or general information call Footsteps to the Future Founder and Executive Director Judi Woods at (239) 281-7378. Reserved seating is limited. Footsteps to the Future, Inc. is a non-profit 501c (3).

2011 - 2012 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at the NAPLES PHILHARMONIC
November 2011 - June 2012
After the great success of last season's sold out series, the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra returns for it's second season with an amazing lineup of internationally acclaimed guest stars.

INTRODUCING THE PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Six exciting programs showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator and violin)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

The Naples Philharmonic
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900

Each ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER JAZZ: DENNIS ROWLAND
November 16, 2011 (Wednesday)
Dennis Rowland was the featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra 1977 - 1983. Born and raised in Detroit, he was brought up listening to his parents’ jazz and gospel records while also immersing himself in the local Motown sound. Hearing Joe Williams at the age of five or six was the most formative influence of all for Rowland. Dream became reality when Rowland joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1977. He spent seven years with them, and shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Tony Bennett. He has also toured with Grover Washington, Jr. and played with the Ray Anthony Orchestra.

DECEMBER JAZZ: IRA SULLIVAN
December 28, 2011 (Wednesday)
Ira Sullivan, a five-time Grammy nominee, is a unique figure in jazz music as a multi-instrumentalist who is a master of the trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute. He has performed and recorded with some of the greatest figures in jazz history including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Red Rodney, Johnny Griffin and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Mr. Sullivan, originally from Chicago, was an integral part of that city’s vibrant jazz scene during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. He has lived in Miami since the early ‘60’s and continues to tour the world performing concerts and teaching clinics.

JANUARY JAZZ: MIKE MAINIERI
January 12, 2012 (Thursday)
Primarily recognized as an award-winning jazz vibraphonist, Mike Mainieri's equally remarkable talents as producer, performer, arranger, and composer have contributed to shaping the cutting edge in music. During the ‘50s and early ‘60s, he performed with such legendary artists as Buddy Rich, Billie Holliday, Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins and Wes Montgomery. At the age of 20, he won Downbeat's International Jazz Critic's Award. In the late 70s, Mike founded the pioneering jazz/fusion group Steps Ahead, which included previous cohorts Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Steve Gadd and Don Grolnick. Delving into contemporary sounds while maintaining experimental sounds and compositional integrity, Steps Ahead was and is a launching pad for young talent and new musical ideas.

FEBRUARY JAZZ: CHARLES MCPHERSON
February 16, 2012 (Thursday)
Charles McPherson has toured the US, Europe, Japan, Africa and South America with his own group, as well as with jazz greats Billy Eckstine, Lionel Hampton, Nat Adderly, Jay McShann and others. McPherson has recorded as guest artist with Charlie Mingus, Barry Harris, Art Farmer, Kenny Drew, Toshiko Akiyoshi, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. He has recorded as leader on Prestige, Fantasy, Mainstream, Discovery, Xanadu, and most recently Arabesque. His most recent recording is the highly acclaimed "Manhattan Nocturne". Charles was also the featured alto saxophonist in the Clint Eastwood film "Bird," a biography about Charlie Parker.

MARCH JAZZ: BOBBY SHEW
March 22, 2012 (Thursday)
Bobby Shew, a Los Angeles based jazz and lead trumpeter, has played and recorded with the small groups of Art Pepper, Bud Shank, The Horace Silver Quintet and Frank Strazzeri-Sam Most, as well as numerous big bands such as Buddy Rich, Tommy Dorsey, Bill Holman, Louie Bellson, Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin, Oliver Nelson, Bill Berry, Nat Pierce-Frank Capp Juggernaut, Ed Shaughnessy, Terry Gibbs, Benny Goodman, Maynard Ferguson, Neal Hefti, Don Menza, and Bob Florence. In addition to being a sideman, Bobby is also a leader, recording many of his own albums. Several of these received very high accolades from critics and high placement on the airplay charts. One of his albums, 'Outstanding In His Field' was nominated for a Grammy in 1980, while, 'Heavy Company' was awarded the Jazz Album Of The Year in 1983. He also spent many years in the Los Angeles recording studios working on countless TV shows, record albums and film soundtracks.

APRIL JAZZ: DANTE LUCIANI
April 19, 2012 (Thursday)
Dante Luciani, formerly the lead trombonist and soloist with the Woody Herman and Maynard Ferguson Orchestras, Luciani has performed with various artists, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Ben Vereen, Burt Bacharach, Natalie Cole, Anthony Newley, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, and Paquito D’Rivera. Dante Luciani is a lecturer in jazz trombone in the Department of Studio Music and Jazz at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where is coordinator of the Jazz Brass program, and conducts the award-winning Frost Concert Jazz Band (CJB).
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MAY JAZZ: THE NPJO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON
FEATURING GLENN BASHAM
May 10, 2012 (Thursday)
Violinist Glenn Basham possesses a magnificent tone, dazzling technique and brilliant musicianship which allows him to create joyous, soaring improvisations. Glenn is a dynamic soloist who will bring his own highly personal artistry to his interpretation of Ellington's music. He has a B.M. degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and an M.M. degree from Indiana University and is the concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a member of the artist faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami since 1992. He also serves as the first violinist in the Bergonzi String Quartet, which is the quartet-in-residence at the Frost School of Music. Basham, a native of Washington D.C., previously played with the Detroit Symphony under Antal Dorati and was a member of the Chester String Quartet.

JUNE JAZZ: THE NPJO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF COUNT BASIE
FEATURING LEW DEL GATTO
June 7, 2012 (Thursday)
Saxophonist Lew Del Gatto whose big, beautiful, warm sound and swinging style place him firmly in the tradition of the great Basie tenor men. Lew has been a dynamic figure in the music scene for over 40 years. His versatility and knowledgeable comprehension of musical art-form was the basis for a stellar career. He has been involved with jingles, films, jazz and television. He was a saxophonist with the Saturday Night Live band from 1975-2005. He has recorded for such artists as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Harry Connick Jr and the Brecker Brothers. Lew has appeared with many giants in the music world, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minelli, Buddy Rich, Herbie Hancock, Phil Woods and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra.




Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan
June 9, 2011
Benefit Concert: Footsteps to the Future Presents Jazzin’ It Up!
An Electrifying Evening with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan

Ira Sullivan (trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Scott Smith (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)
Suzie Hulcher (vocals)

**Post-concert note: We had an incredible night of jazz music with over 400 in attendance. Everyone played beautifully and Ira burned all night. The evening was a fabulous success for Footsteps To The Future.

Photos of the event are in the Gallery

Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-333-1933
Thursday June 9, 2011 at 6:15 p.m.
The VIP Reception to meet musicians begins at 5:15 p.m.

Footsteps to the Future presents Jazzin’ It Up! An Electrifying Evening with Jazz Legend Ira Sullivan on Thursday June 9, 2011 at the historic Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. The concert, benefiting Footsteps to the Future, will feature Ira Sullivan along with some of the finest jazz musicians in Florida.

Mr. Sullivan, a five-time Grammy nominee, is a unique figure in jazz music as a multi-instrumentalist who is a master of the trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute. He has performed and recorded with some of the greatest figures in jazz history including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Red Rodney, Johnny Griffin and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Mr. Sullivan, originally from Chicago, was an integral part of that city’s vibrant jazz scene during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. He has lived in Miami since the early ‘60’s and continues to tour the world performing concerts and teaching clinics. Music education is a very important part of Ira’s life.

In addition to Sullivan, the concert also features tenor saxophonist Lew Del Gatto, who worked and recorded in NYC for over forty years and was a member of the Saturday Night Live Band from 1975 – 2005. Also featured is NYC jazz trumpeter Dan Miller, who toured and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Jones and Woody Herman. The world-class rhythm section features pianist Jerry Stawski, bassist Scott Smith and drummer Ron Hefner. Singer/songwriter Susie Hulcher will be featured vocalist at the VIP reception.

The Jazzin’ It Up concert will benefit Footsteps to the Future, Inc, a unique mentoring and transitional living program in Lee and Collier Counties and a model for change in Southwest Florida and the nation. Its goal is to empower young women in and aging out of foster care, to safely and successfully transition to living independently through programs such as mentoring, transitional living and advocacy.

The event will be held at the historic Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, on Thursday June 9, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. The VIP Reception to meet musicians begins at 5:15 p.m. The event also features a Live and Silent Auction, a Fabulous Dessert Raffle.

VIP Tickets are $50, or two for $80 (includes reserved seating, reception featuring the culinary delights of Chef Brian Baker and time to mingle with the musicians). General Admission tickets are $25, or two for $45. Student Admission is $10. Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 1st.

For more info and to reserve your seats, visit www.footstepstothefuture.org or call Founder/Executive Director Judi Woods at 239 281-7378. Reserved seating is limited. Footsteps to the Future, Inc. is a non-profit 501c (3). Sponsorship opportunities are available.




2011 ALL THAT JAZZ SERIES at the NAPLES PHILHARMONIC
January - April 2011
INTRODUCING THE PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come hear the finest live jazz music in the region as the all-star Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra headlines this new series in the intimate setting of Daniels Pavilion. Each concert in All That Jazz will feature an esteemed special guest artist. Four exciting programs showcasing a variety of great jazz music!

The Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is:
Glenn Basham (coordinator, violin and harmonica)
Lew Del Gatto (co-bandleader and tenor saxophone)
Jerry Stawski (co-bandleader and piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
Kevin Mauldin (bass)
Dan Miller (trumpet)

The Naples Philharmonic
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900

Each Thursday evening ALL THAT JAZZ event will have two nightly shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

1. JANUARY JAZZ: RANDY BRECKER
January 6, 2011
The Grammy Award-winning trumpet and flugelhorn player joins the Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for this eclectic opening program. Brecker was an original member of Blood Sweat & Tears, and has performed with artists ranging from James Taylor to Bruce Springsteen to Frank Sinatra.

2. FEBRUARY JAZZ: WARREN CHAISSON
February 10, 2011
The pioneering vibraphonist has performed with George Shearing, Chet Baker, B.B. King and many others. He appeared with Benny Goodman in a historic From Spirituals to Swing concert at Carnegie Hall, filling in for Lionel Hampton. This program will feature a tribute to Hampton and more!

3. MARCH JAZZ: GENE BERTONCINI
March 10, 2011
Lyrical and versatile guitarist Gene Bertoncini has been called "the Segovia of jazz." One of the pre-eminent jazz guitarists of the past four decades, Bertoncini has played with Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Wayne Shorter, Vic Damone and many others.

4. APRIL JAZZ: BOB KELLER
April 28, 2011
In a career spanning 50 years, tenor saxophonist Bob Keller has played with the Buddy Rich Jazz Orchestra, Walt Levinskys Great American Swing Band, various New York City nightclub orchestras, Broadway pit orchestras and on numerous recordings.





Lee County (Florida) All-County Jazz Band
March 31, 2011
I'd like to acknowledge the acheivements of four of my private students who earned spots in the band this year through extremely hard work and diligent practice.

Matt DeVries (tenor saxophone)
Mike Yapello (tenor saxophone)
Christian Allmendinger (jazz trumpet)
Melody Cooke (piano)

The students worked extremely hard over two long days of rehearsals focusing on the original arrangements of the Buddy Rich Band, the Stan Kenton Orchestra and the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra.




Florida Music Educators Association Conference
January 13 - 14, 2011
I went to Tampa this January for the annual Florida Music Educators Association Conference (F.M.E.A.) which included rehearsals and a performance by the Florida All State Jazz Band. This year's band was directed by Scotty Barnhart, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Florida State University and featured soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra for nearly 20 years.

I'd like to acknowledge the acheivements of two of my private students, Matt DeVries (tenor saxophone) and Christian Allmendinger (trumpet) who earned spots in the band this year through extremely hard work and diligent practice.

I spent the day at the Yamaha booth in the exhibition hall talking trumpet and jazz with many old freinds and met many new ones. The Yamaha contingent was headed by the company's southeastern rep extrordinaire, Dino Ricco. Thanks for everything guys! I spent the evening listening to the band rehearse and it was cooking. Enrique Sanchez, the lead trumpet player from Orlando, was swinging and incredibly musical. Scotty selected a beautiful program of music by Duke Ellimgton, Thad Jones and Frank Foster. Matt and Christian played beautiful solos and I was proud of their performances.




Dan Miller - Jeff Phillips Organ Quintet
September 16, 2010
I'm very excited about this special concert. I'll be leading a powerfully swinging jazz quintet into the Center for the Arts. Playing a program of classic jazz music from the 1950s and 1960s, this group features world class jazz organist Jeff Phillips, guitarist Dan Heck, tenor saxophonist Gerald Augustin and drummer Ron Hefner.

The Art League of Bonita Springs Presents Live at The Promenade
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jeff Phillips (organ)
Dan Heck (guitar)
Gerald Augustin (tenor saxophone)
Ron Hefner (drums)

Concert 7:00 p.m.
Promenade at Bonita Bay
26831 South Bay Drive
The intersection of U.S. 41 and South Bay Drive approximately 1.5 miles north of Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
info & tickets call 239-495-8989




Dan Miller - Lew Del Gatto Quintet
June 10, 2010
Benefit Concert: Jazzin' it Up with Footsteps to the Future
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Joe Delaney (piano)
Doug Kirschner (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)
Suzie Hulcher (vocals)

We had an incredible concert at the beautiful Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on June 10th to benefit Footsteps to the Future. We drew a standing room only crowd of 350-plus and had a wonderful night of music.

event poster: Jazzin' it Up with Footsteps to the Future Poster

Photos of the event are in the Gallery





Cypress Lake Center for the Arts Jazz Night
April 29, 2010
CLCA plays the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock

Photos of the event are in the Gallery





Lee County (Florida) All-County Jazz Band
March 25, 2010

I had a beautiful time leading this year's All County High School Jazz Band for Lee County (Florida). The students worked extremely hard over two long days of rehearsals focusing on the original arrangements of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra.

They played an ambitious program which included Duke Ellington's Cottontail, Herbie Hancock's Chameleon, Sammy Nestico's Front Burner, Thad Jones' To You and Big Dipper. It was a tremendous concert and I'd like to acknowledge the acheivement of six of my private students who played wonderfully.

Dylan Taylor (alto saxophone)
Matt DeVries (tenor saxophone)
Steffanee Davis (lead trombone)
Christian Allmendinger (jazz trumpet)
Grant Hudson (guitar)
Melody Cooke (piano)





New Orleans Jazz Pianist & Vocalist Davell Crawford
February 4 - 6, 2010

Ellington's welcomes New Orleans Jazz Artist Davell Crawford. Davell is a world class pianist & vocalist in the great New Orleans piano tradition of Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr.John and Harry Connick Jr.

Davell Crawford (piano & vocals)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jay Heavilin (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)


Two Shows 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Ellington's Jazz Club & Restaurant
1244 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239.472.0494
239.337.JAZZ





Jazz Foundation of America's 18th Annual Jazz Loft Party in NYC
October 18, 2009

Photos from the event are in the Gallery

Danny and I are fortunate to be part of the Jazz Foundation of America's Loft Party once again this year.

The Danny Sinoff Quartet
Danny Sinoff (piano)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Neal Caine (bass)
Anthony Pinciotti (drums)
Lenox Lounge Loft
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

601 West 26th Street
13th Floor (between 11th & 12th Aves.)
New York City, NY
5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Featuring The Heath Brothers, Madeleine Peyroux, Stanley Jordan, Eric Lewis, Gloria Lynne, Mark Murphy, Buster Williams, Henry Butler, Sweet Georgia Brown, Harlem Blues & Jazz All Stars, the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans and many more legends...bands change every hour.

A traditional old-time "Rent Party" benefit for Jazz Foundation's Musicians' Emergency Fund.

For more information call 212.245.3999

This is NOT a public event. It is "invitation only." Space is limited. Reserve your tickets as soon as possible for $250.







Ellington's Jazz Club Grand Re-Opening
August 2009

Ellington's Jazz Club & Restaurant has re-opened at it's beautiful, new location on Sanibel Island. The new home of Elllington's is at 1244 Periwinkle Way, in the gorgeous building that was formerly La Dolce Vita. Ellington's is the only place in SW Florida that features live, acoustic jazz music seven nights a week.

The Danny Sinoff Quartet featuring Dan Miller
Fridays - Saturdays
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Danny Sinoff (piano & vocals)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jay Heavilin (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)

Ellington's Jazz Club & Restaurant
1244 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239.472.0494
239.337.JAZZ





Ellington's Final Night at the Sanibel Inn
June 27, 2009
Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant has been a mainstay on the Florda jazz scene since 2003. The club is moving to a new location on Sanibel Island and I wanted to do something special for the final night at the Sanibel Inn. I wrote a five-horn book featuring the music of Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, Horace Silver and some of my originals as well. To expand the regular quartet to an octet, I asked some of Florida's finest young jazz musicians to join us and it was truly a swinging affair. It was a wonderful evening of music with old friends and the club was really electrified by the beautiful playing of these fine young men. The band really burned on a program which included Let's Cool One, Move, Wee See, Tin Tin Deo, Ceora, Moment's Notice, Walkin' and Juicy Lucy.

Danny Sinoff (piano & vocals)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dylan Taylor (alto)
Gerald Augustin (tenor)
Sam Taylor (tenor)
Jeremiah St.John (trombone)
Jay Heavilin (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)

A photo of the group can be found in the Gallery

There have been some tremendous nights in the club over the last few years. Ellington's has featured the artistry some of jazz music's greatest stars including David 'Fathead' Newman, Jimmy McGriff, Bobby Watson, Freddie Cole, Jon Weber, Davell Crawford, the Brubeck Brothers (Chris, Darius and Dan), Doug Bickel, Curtis Lundy, Jimmy Norman, Mike DiMicco, Randy Napolean, Johnnie Mae Dunson, Cynthia Saunders and Mindi Abair.

Wendy Oxenhorn, the President of the Jazz Foundation of America, has been responsible for many an incredible night at the club. Over the past few years, she organized bi-annual JFA fundraising events at Ellington's which featured world class jazz and blues artists.

I'd also like to recognize some of the fine players who made up the roster of regular musicians I've had the pleasure of playing with in the club over the past few years:

Piano: Danny Sinoff, Don Coates, Stu Shelton, Skip Perry, Fred Wackenhut, Gary Goetz, Dan Tudor
Bass: Jay Heavilin, Doug Kirschner, Kenny Fitzgerald (RIP), Kevin Mauldin, Vince Evans, Alex Albanese, Aurora Wells
Drums: Ron Hefner, Tim Ruger, Darrell Nutt, Trimble McCollough
Guitar: Bryan Leitch

I'd also like to thank the owners of Ellington's, Jill Algrin and Sharon Wise, who have worked incredibly hard to bring acoustic jazz music to SW Florida. They have built a unique entity, not only for the Sanibel/Ft.Myers/Naples area, but for all of Florida--a nightclub which features live acoustic jazz music nightly and fine dining.

As previously mentioned, Ellington's is moving to an exciting, new location which will be announced shortly.






Naples Jazz Festival
April 17 - 18, 2009
High School & College Jazz Festival
with Clinics and Adjudications
Steve DeLadurantey, the Director of Bands at Golden Gate High School in Naples, organized the Second Annual Naples Jazz Festival. It featured two days of clinics and concerts by college and high school jazz bands from all over the state of Florida. The adjudicators/clinicians included some old friends including trombonist Dante Luciani, with whom I was on Maynard Ferguson's Band. We went all over the world with Maynard that year including Europe, Japan and India. Dante is currently the professor of jazz trombone at the University of Miami where he also conducts the UM Concert Jazz Band. He is burning as ever and often works with Ira Sullivan. The incredibly swinging drummer Leon Anderson, is the director of jazz studies at Florida State University in Talahassee, which features a world-class faculty including Marcus Roberts, Paul McKee and Scotty Barnhart. He's toured internationally and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Marcus Roberts and Victor Goines. Pianist Jeff Phillips is a staple of the Orlando scene and played beautifully. We worked with high school and college bands all day and heard some excellent bands from all over the state. The University of Miami brought it's top jazz ensemble (the CJB) and they burned the house down, especially on Woody Herman's Hallelujah Time. We closed the festival with a concert by the clinicians which was a swinging affair. We were joined by the tremendous bassist from Philadelphia, Doug Kirschner. This festival was a great success made so by the great efforts of the directors, band parents and students and they look to continue building the event in the future.

Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dante Luciani (trombone)
Leon Anderson (drums)
Jeff Phillips (piano)
Doug Kirschner (bass)

Photos of the event are in the Gallery

Lee County (Florida) All-County Jazz Band
April 2, 2009
Chris Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies/Professor of Saxophone at the University of Maryland and former featured soloist with Chuck Mangione, led this year's All County Jazz Band for Lee County (Florida). They played an ambitious program which included Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments and Thelonious Monk's Well You Needn't. It was a tremendous concert and I'd like to acknowledge the acheivement of eight of my students who played wonderfully.

Dylan Taylor (alto saxophone)
Matt DeVries (tenor saxophone)
Zach Charlebois (baritone saxophone)
Steffanee Davis (lead trombone)
Jeremiah St.John (jazz trombone)
Christian Allmendinger (lead trumpet)
Grant Hudson (bass)
Preeti Sareen (piano)

Photo: Christian Allmendinger, Dan, Jeremiah St.John and Dylan Taylor

David 'Fathead' Newman 1933 - 2009
February 24, 1933 - January 20, 2009
I spoke at length with David and Karen Newman on Christmas Day 2008. He talked of just finishing a new record and that he was getting ready to go to Chicago to play Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase for New Years Eve. I was hoping to see him and Karen again soon, so it was with great suprise and sadness that I heard of David's passing on January 21st. I was very fortunate to have met David Newman through an association with Wendy Oxenhorn and the Jazz Foundation of America. After a meeting him at a Jazz Foundation event, Jill Algrin and Sharon Wise (the owners of Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant) invited David to work the club in March 2006 and he started to come down every March and November.

David was a great artist who possessed an incredible spirit and a gentle soul. He descended from a long line of great Texas tenormen going back to Herschel Evans with Count Basie, Illinois Jacquet and Arnett Cobb with Lionel Hampton and his contemporaries like James Clay, Don Wilkerson and Booker Ervin. I loved listening to David tell stories about growing up and practicing Bird solos with Ornette Coleman in Fort Worth. He answered endless questions I had about the people he played with including James Clay, Tina Brooks, Phil Guilbeau, Marcus Belgrave, Wynton Kelly and Lee Morgan. He and his wife Karen were such a joy to be around. Every time they walked into the club, everyone's spririt was lifted. And when he put those horns together--pure electricity!

David's playing was so swinging. He also had a rare combination of beauty and intensity that made his improvisations incredibly elegant. Two of my favorite recordings of his are The Sound of the Wide Open Spaces with James Clay and Wynton Kelly on Riverside (1960) and Lee Morgan's Sonic Boom on Blue Note (1967). I was living in the Dallas area (Denton, TX) while attending North Texas State in the late 1980's and James Clay would be playing weekly at The Green Parrot in Oak Cliff. I came to love Clay's playing and this record with he and Fathead is just killing! The hookup between David and Lee Morgan on Sonic Boom is so groovy. They fit together hand in glove.

My thoughts go out to David's lovely wife Karen, an incredible woman of great strength and kindness.

David Newman was a wonderful man and musician whom I greatly miss.

Photo: David 'Fathead' Newman and Dan at Ellington's 2008

Florida Music Educators Association Conference
January 8 - 9, 2009
I went to Tampa this January for the annual Florida Music Educators Association Conference (F.M.E.A.) which included rehearsals and a performance by the Florida All State Jazz Band. This year's band was directed by J.B. Scott, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida (Jacksonville). I've known J.B. since 1991 and I was looking forward to hanging out with him again and hearing what he would do with this band. He does an excellent job with the top jazz ensemble at U.N.F. and I knew he'd have these young musicians hooked up in no time.

I'd like to acknowledge the acheivements of my students, Dylan Taylor (alto saxophone) and Matt DeVries (tenor saxophone) who earned spots in the band's saxophone section this year through extremely hard work and diligent practice. These young men are swinging! Another one of my students, Alex Ravitz, was a member of the Florida All-State Symphony Orchestra on bass clarinet.

I spent the day at the Yamaha booth in the exhibition hall talking trumpet and jazz with many old freinds and met many new ones. The Yamaha contingent was headed by Philadelphia's own Ed Boyer and the company's southeastern rep extrordinaire, Dino Ricco. Thanks for everything guys! I spent the evening listening to the band rehearse and it was cooking. Gilbert Paz, the lead trumpet player from Miami, was outstanding. J.B. selected a challenging program including Greg Hopkins' chart for Buddy's band on Horace Silver's Nutville, which the band tore up. Dylan and Matt played beautiful solos all night and I was proud of their performances.

Photos:
Dylan Taylor and Matt DeVries
Dylan Taylor and J.B. Scott

Freddie Hubbard 1938 - 2008
April 7, 1938 - December 29, 2008
Freddie Hubbard: The Blue Note Years 1960-1965

New York City
September - October 2008
I spent September and October in New York City where I had a tremendous time hanging and playing with old friends and seeing family. I decided to drive up so I could remain mobile for my time in the city running between NYC, New Jersey, New Haven and Philly.

I was also re-united with my old running parnter from Texas, tenor saxophionist Tim McCall. Tim was at North Texas when I went there and we had a quintet together with pianist Steve Snyder. Tim was leading the Friday late night session at Smalls and he asked me to join him on the gig while in town. This was made extra special due to the fact that my old friend Spike Wilner was playing gorgeous piano (as always). I also had the pleasure of hearing Spike's group with Ryan Kisor and Joel Frahm play the music of Hampton Hawes, which was a gas.

Bobby Shew came to NYC on September 27th for the Yamaha Day of Jazz III which featured clinics by Bobby and trombonist Steve Turre at Yamaha Artist Services (689 5th Avenue). Keith Loftis (tenor saxophone) had his quartet there featuring the great Anthony Wonsey on piano and after the clinics, Bobby and Steve joined Keith's group for a beautiful concert. Afterwards we had a great dinner and hang with Bob Malone, Wayne Tanabe and Dave Lotozo of Yamaha. We then headed down to the Jazz Standard to hear the Tribute to Woody Shaw with Mulgrew Miller, Victor Lewis, Nick Roseboro, Enzana Edwards and Sean Jones. The event was part of Dave Douglas's Festival of New Trumpet Music and was organized by Woody's son, Woody III. We got to hang with the great George Cables most of he night as well. George was part of Bobby's quartet in California many years ago and they had a beautiful reunion. George led my small group for two years when I attended Bud Shank's Jazz Workshop in 1987 & 1988 (Bobby was teaching there as well) and it was so nice seeing him again. George is a phenomenal artist of great spirit and a true inspiration. I've known Bobby Shew for 25 years and not only is he one of the world's finest jazz trumpet players, he is my teacher, my mentor and my dear friend. What a tremendous evening!

Photo: Dan with Bobby Shew, Dave Lotozo & Bob Malone of Yamaha NYC October 2008

On October 2, Ned and I went up to New Haven to play at the Owl Room with Ben Wolfe. It's a beautiful cigar bar in the heart of New Haven on the Yale campus. Ned's son Charles played drums and he's incredibly groovy. Ben is the most swinging person on the planet. This trip is always a blast because the music is always hooked up and Ben and Ginger always take us on a New Haven pizza tour.

Owl Room Advertisement: Ben Wolfe Quartet October 2nd

Most Wednesday nights were spent up at Showman's Lounge on 125th Street with Jerry Weldon's organ trio featuring Kyle Kohler and Greg Bandy. This is always an extremely fun night as the music is burning (Jerry is absolutely crushing) and it seems like Lou Donaldson and Grady Tate are always making the hang.

New Content
September 2008
I have recently updated the Gallery with new photos from some recent events including E.W.U. Trumpet Madness. In the Articles section, I've added a list of Jazz Quotations, a brief overview on Embouchure Building and posted three solo transcriptions to the the article on Freddie Webster. I've also updated the discography and revised the article I wrote a few years ago on Freddie Hubbard's Blue Note Years. It was written for the now-defunct Jazz Trumpet Journal. The J.T.J. was a tremendous Los Angeles-based magazine in the 1990's and it's existence was a true labor of love by it's publisher/editor Albert Balderas. I've also developed a Student Resources page featuring articles, essays, interviews, recordings, tune study compilations and listings of historical, critical, biographaphical and instructional books.

Gallery

Jazz Quotations

Embouchure Building

Student Resources Archive

Freddie Hubbard: The Blue Note Years 1960-1965

Freddie Webster: The Best Sound On Trumpet Since Trumpet Was Invented

Eastern Washington University Trumpet Madness
May 7-10, 2008
I spent four days in Cheney, Washington participating in Eastern Washington University's annual Trumpet Madness event. The week featured clinics and concerts with myself, Vern Seilert and Byron Stripling. Andy Plamondon, EWU's trumpet professor, hosted an incredibly exciting and musical week. Vern Seilert, currently the professor of trumpet at the University of Idaho, and I attended North Texas State together and we were section mates in the Two O'Clock Lab Band under Jim Riggs. Vern's sound is gorgeous as ever and it was so much fun playing with him again. We both studied with the great Don Jacoby and traded some "Jake" stories while hanging out and catching up after the concert. Byron Stripling was a true inspiration. I first met Byron when he played lead for the Count Basie Orchestra. He always had time for young players with questions and he kindly and patiently answered every one until the bus was ready to depart. His fat sound and swinging musicality have been the hallmark of his playing for over 20 years. His motivational seminar was unlike any I've ever heard. His thoughts encompassed his outlook on life and the role of music in it. He focused on the level of dedication one must show in order to truly acheive our pursuits. His concert with the Spokane Jazz Orchestra was burning. He is in every sense of the word, an artist.

My time was filled with private lessons, clinics (trumpet, wedge and improvisation), rehearsals, trumpet sectionals and concerts with the big bands and small groups. I enjoyed playing a very swinging quartet gig with the EWU faculty rhythm section comprised of Don Goodwin (piano), Michael Waldrop (percussion) and Brian McCann (bass) in a local club. The downbeat was a mere ninety minutes after I got off of my cross country flight and playing with these wonderful musicians re-energized me. The highlight of the clinics, for me, is always meeting and working with the diverse cross section of highly motivated young players. I love talking with them about who they're listening to and what they're practicing. EWU has a wonderful group of musicians under the guidence of Andy Plamondon. Not only is Andy a dedicated teacher and excellent trumpet soloist in both jazz and classical styles, he truly cares for his students and really fosters a family-like atmosphere in the trumpet department. Andy and his students were a joy to be around and I look forward to returning in the future. Special thanks to Rob Tapper, the head of EWU's jazz department, for making me feel so welcome. Larry Chamberlain at Yamaha was instrumental in making this week a success and re-connecting with him after a few years was great. Larry is an excellent ambassador for Yamaha and his knowledge and love for music is what makes him the best in the business.

Photos from EWU Trumpet Madness can be found in the Gallery




David Miller Masters Recital at Rutgers University
April 22, 2008
My brother David completed his Masters Degree in Music at Rutgers University in May 2008. Dave assembled a group of old friends to perform at his recital and it was a wonderful weekend of music and fellowship. Dave wrote some great charts and the music was swinging tough! Dave completely burned. Playing with Ben and Ned is always a treat. Aaron's touch is so elegant and Rudy Royston swings like crazy. The post-concert party was a blast and was attended by family, friends and Dave's teachers including Stanley Cowell, Ralph Bowen and Conrad Herwig.

Congratulations Brother!

David Miller (trombone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Ned Goold (tenor saxophone)
Ben Wolfe (bass)
Aaron Weiman (piano)
Rudy Royston (drums)

Photos from the concert can be found in the Gallery




Naples Jazz Festival
February 15-16, 2008
High School & College Jazz Festival with Clinics and Adjudications
Steve DeLadurantey, the Director of Bands at Golden Gate High School in Naples, organized the First Annual Naples Jazz Festival. It featured two days of clinics and concerts by college and high school jazz bands from all over the state of Florida. The adjudicators/clinicians included some old friends including trombonist Dante Luciani, with whom I was on Maynard Ferguson's Band. We went all over the world with Maynard that year including Europe, Japan and India. Dante is currently the professor of jazz trombone at the University of Miami where he also conducts the UM Concert Jazz Band. He is buring as ever and often works with Ira Sullivan. The fine tenor saxophonist Jeff Rupert is the director of jazz studies at the University on Central Florida in Orlando, and he's built an excellent program by bringing in world-class faculty. He spent a number of years in New York City playing with Lionel Hampton and getting his degree at Rutgers. Organist Jeff Phillips is a staple of the Orlando scene and was smoking on the B-3 walking pedals. We worked with high school and college bands all day and heard some excellent bands from all over the state. UCF brought it's top jazz ensemble as well as it's faculty small group which featured Jeff Rupert, pianist Per Danielsson, bassist Richard Drexler and drummer Marty Morrell of Bill Evans Trio fame. We closed the festival with a two-hour concert by the clinicians which was a blast. Playing with Marty Morrell was a gas and he's so swinging! This festival was a great success made so by the great efforts of the directors, band parents and students who worked very hard to start a jazz festival from scratch.

Dan Miller (trumpet)
Dante Luciani (trombone)
Jeff Rupert (tenor saxophone)
Jeff Phillips (B-3 organ)
Marty Morrell (drums)




University of North Florida
October 30-31, 2007
Clincs and Dizzy Gillespie Tribute Concert
I've known jazz trumpet player J.B. Scott for over 15 years. He was a featured soloist with the Dukes of Dixieland for a number of years and was a homegrown UNF grad himself, studying with Bruce Silva. He is a wonderful musician who currently leads the top jazz ensemble and teaches jazz trumpet at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. We've talked about doing a clinic and concert at UNF for years and we finally found a date. I told J.B. that I wanted to do a concert of the music of Dizzy Gillespie. I've been playing many of the original Dizzy big band arrangements for years on clinics, but never an entire program. The top band at UNF was hot and featured a tremendous lead trumpeter in James Justice and an excellent tenor saxophone soloist in Chris Miller. J.B. arranged for a full Latin percussion rhythm section for Tin Tin Deo, Manteca and A Night In Tunisia.

The two days were filled with trumpet lessons and clinics on the wedge and improvisation. The musicians at UNF are swinging and get their motivation from a world class faculty anchored by J.B., the legendary alto saxophonist Bunky Green, pianist Lynne Arielle, guitarist Barry Green and bassist Dennis Marks. Dennis and I were on Maynard's Band together traveling to Japan, Europe and India. Dennis had been teaching at the University of Miami in recent years, while traveling with Arturo Sandoval's band. He recently joined the faculty at UNF and after a little cajoling, he agreed to do Dizzy's feature for Ray Brown, One Bass Hit, with me and the big band. Dennis killed it, just fantastic. The trumpet students were very responsive to the wedge and the concepts of "the breath". There was great dialouge about the trumpet and jazz music and it was very refreshing to work with such focused young players. The night of the concert, the band burned the place down in front of a packed house at UNF's Boathouse. J.B. joined me on Birk's Works and A Night In Tunisia and he played his tail off. What a sound! It was also a great honor to spend time talking music with Bunky Green. Bunky was a part of that great 1950's-1960's Chicago scene with Ira Sullivan, Paul Serrano, Johnny Griffin, Clifford Jordan, John Jenkins, John Gilmore, Von Freeman, Jodie Christian, Don Garrett and Wilbur Campbell. His talk of the scene at that time made history truly come alive. What a tremendous pleasure. I look forward to returning as soon as possible.




12th Annual Jazz on the Green
October 27, 2007
As part of an incredibly busy month, The Danny Sinoff Quartet performed at the 16th Annual Jazz on the Green. This weekend of music is not only the biggest jazz festival in SW Florida, but it's also a charity event which benefits The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. The 2007 edition featured performances by internationally popular stars Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, Jeff Golub, Walter Beasley and Acoustic Alchemy. The Danny Sinoff Quartet opened the Sunday concert before a festival sized crowd on an incredibly beautiful day. Special thanks to everyone involved with the production, especially the support staff and the sound crew who made the day very enjoyable. It was a pleasure to lend our music to this wonderful charity event.

The Danny Sinoff Quartet:
Danny Sinoff (piano and vocals)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jay Heavilin (bass)
Ron Hefner (drums)




Jazz Foundation of America 16th Annual Loft Party
October 14, 2007
New York City
I am honored to know Wendy Oxenhorn, the Director of the Jazz Foundation of America. She is selfless and has dedicated her life to tirelessly helping musicians and their families that are in need. The JFA has helped countless musicians and their families in need of medical assistance, housing assistance, legal aid and many other needs without reservation. Their work in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricaine Katrina, seemed overwhelming, but with Wendy at the helm, they helped hundreds find new housing, new instruments, new gigs in other cities and fufilled many needs. Wendy is an angel that walks among us and it's her boundless love and empathy for the artist and their plight, that drives her to achieve the goals of the JFA.

I have been participating in events for the JFA with Danny Sinoff for over three years now. The Loft Party is the second biggest event for the JFA annually after the "A Great Night In Harlem" Apollo Theater concert. The 2007 Loft Party was moving to a much larger space that would feature three separate stages: jazz, vocal and solo piano. Danny and I were to work in the "vocal" loft backing up a variety of great singers with two separate rhythm sections:

Dan Miller (trumpet)
Danny Sinoff and Jon Weber (piano)
Ben Wolfe and Carlo DeRosa (bass)
Chris Brown and E.J. Strickland (drums)

With such a stellar rhythm section line-up, this was guaranteed to swing like crazy. Playing with these guys was just beautiful. The featured vocalists included Danny Sinoff of course, also Gloria Lynne, Fay Victor, Jimmy Norman, Joe Lee Wilson, Stella Mars, and Pamela Luss. It was an incredible night of music, as between sets you could wander to the other rooms and hear Hank Jones, Jimmy Heath, Dr.Lonnie Smith, Randy Weston, Ben Riley, Benny Powell, Jason Moran, Eric Lewis, Bob Cranshaw and Davell Crawford in an endless parade of tremendous performances. It was a special night that I was proud to be a part of.




2007 Syracuse Jazz in the Square
July 26-28, 2007
I had an incredible week performing with Danny Sinoff at the 2007 Syracuse Jazz in the Square. The group featured Anthony Pinciotti on drums and Carlo DeRosa on bass, and they were swinging like crazy. We played with the Syracuse Symphony on Thursday and did a quartet set on Saturday. The festival was loaded with appearances by incredible musicians including Hubert Laws, Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, Billy Drummond, Ralph Pendland, Gerald Albright and Dave Budway. We led the jam session on Thursday night and played the session on Friday and Saturday, which stretched past 3:00 a.m. each night. During our time there, we played with some tremendous musicians based in Syracuse including Jeff Stockham and Jesse Collins. This festival is run by the tireless and thoroughly dedicated Larry Luttinger, an excellent drummer, and spearheaded by jazz fan and patron of the arts Senator John DeFrancisco. Thanks to both of them for making this a fantastic weekend.

The Danny Sinoff Quartet:
Danny Sinoff (piano and vocals)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Carlo DeRosa (bass)
Anthony Pinciotti (drums)

Photos from Jazz in the Square can be found in the Gallery courtesy of photographer John Herr.

Here are two reviews from the Syracuse Post-Dispatch:

Syracuse Post-Dispatch
Thursday July 26, 2007 performance with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra
Jazzing It Up Downtown
Friday, July 27, 2007
By Mark Bialczak
When a 25-year-old singer and pianist with worlds of potential brings his talented quartet to the forefront, that's a very good thing. Florida native Danny Sinoff showed the crowd that's he's an absolutely killer piano player, and his vocals are pretty darn hot, too. With the wonderful Danny Miller on trumpet, Anthony Pinciotti on drums and Carlo De Rosa on bass, Sinoff demonstrated chops and charisma with the ballad "I Wish You Love" and the swinging "On the Street Where You Live" from "My Fair Lady." Miller stood out with muted trumpet on the former and full-bore horn work on the latter. Then Sinoff said: "You guys like Cole Porter? Me, too." He showed it with a fine version of "Love for Sale."

Syracuse Post-Dispatch
Saturday July 28, 2007 performance with the Quartet
Allbright's Finale All Right: Sweet saxophone kisses Jazz in the Square good night
Sunday, July 29, 2007
By Mark Bialczak
Danny Sinoff and his band flipped through the pages of the Great American Songbook and found a wonderful ending. The 25-year-old vocalist and pianist earned two standing ovations. With Dan Miller on trumpet, Anthony Pinciotti on drums and Carlo De Rosa on bass backing him with style that screams big-time, Sinoff showed why he's earning comparisons with a guy from New Orleans who's pretty big in the pop singing biz. Yes, the young man from Florida sounds a lot like Harry Connick Jr. With a big voice, fast flurries on the piano and boyish charm, he won the crowd over with accessible versions of songs that have stood the test of time: "I Wish You Love," "Pennies from Heaven," "The Way You Look Tonight" and "September in the Rain" were bright and memorable. A good sign: Sinoff sounded just as good veering slightly from that well-traveled road with a quite lovely ballad "Stars Fell on Alabama" and sizzling, Sarah Vaughan-inspired "Teach Me Tonight."




New CD Release 7.2007
I'd like to announce the release of a new CD with Danny Sinoff. This is the third cd that I've done with Danny, an excellent young vocalist/pianist with whose group I've been working with since August 2005.

Ellington's Presents: The Danny Sinoff Quartet with special guest David 'Fathead' Newman was recorded in November 2006 and April 2007. This recording features the master of the Texas Tenor, David 'Fathead' Newman.

Discographical information: Ellington's Presents; The Danny Sinoff Quartet featuring David 'Fathead' Newman




Maynard Ferguson 1928-2006
I was shocked when Craig Johnson called to tell me of Maynard's sudden passing, as MF seemed completely invincible. I always pictured him like Zeus, sitting on top of a mountain throwing lightning bolts at down at us mere mortals. I was fortunate enough to travel the world with Maynard, and his energy and enthusiasm were boundless and infectious. Every single time he stepped on stage, Maynard was determined to deliver a performance that would be his best.

To me, Maynard was first a hero, then a mentor and then a friend. I will miss his spirit more than anything.




New CD Release 11.2006
I'd like to announce the release of a new CD with Danny Sinoff, an excellent young vocalist/pianist with whose group I've been working with since August 2005. The Danny Sinoff Quartet: Live at Ellington's Volume 2 was recorded live in May 2006 and features a special guest appearance by the incredibly soulful vocalist Jimmy Norman.

Liner notes and discographical information: The Danny Sinoff Quartet: Live at Ellington's Volume 2




New MP3 Content
There are many new MP3's on the site including a quartet recording featuring Ben Wolfe, Whitney Ashe and Anthony Pinciotti. I've also recently added music with Jon Weber, my brother Dave Miller's Sextet as well as excerpts from the new Danny Sinoff Quartet CD "Live At Ellington's: Volume 2". There are also excerpts of recordings with Wynton Marsalis, Tom Jones and Harry Connick Jr.




New Content
I have added a list of 200 Essential Small Group Jazz Recordings 1925-1975 to the articles section. I developed this list in response to numerous questions from students and teachers alike about what recordings to buy and how to start building a collection of great jazz records.