Evan Polisar, Clarinet, Saxophone (General Manager)
Cesar Cartagena, Keyboard, Percussion, Winds
Henry Nam, Keyboard
Tom Whall, Percussion
Dan Avedikian, Keyboard, Guitar, Vocals
Ray Remesch, Bass
Influences
Buddy Rich
Michael Brecker
Paquito D'Rivera
Michel Camilo
David Sanbourn
Dave Holland
Spyro Gyra
Herbie Hancock
Chick Corea
Stan Kenton
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Count Baise
Duke Ellington
AWB
The Seatbelts
The Francis Bridge Jazz Group began as a student organized performing group, where students would play through a few songs before class every week, and then come back the next time and do it all again. No one, not even the members of the band, ever expected that the group would transform into a professional jazz ensemble in high demand.
Established in 2005, the band has quickly grown in popularity over the past few years, with repeated performances at the St. Mary’s River Concert Series, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Washington D.C. Downtown Holiday Market. The group has made appearances all over Maryland, at private parties, receptions, festivals and events. The group is one of two house bands at Chef’s American Bistro in Southern Maryland.
Offering a versatile sound, the band performs music ranging from swing to funk: from Sinatra to Spyro Gyra, from Benny Goodman to the Van Morrisen. Influenced by the jazz legends, but always on the cutting edge of a new sound, the Francis Bridge Jazz Group brings a new style of Old-School meets Nouveau live entertainment wherever they go.
The Group
Francis Bridge operates with a unique set up. The group functions as multiple performing ensembles, depending on the venue. If a show calls for a big sound, the band shows up in full, ready to transform any venue into an energized jazz club. For the more laid back venues looking for a quiet night by candlelight, the group shrinks down into cocktail jazz trio; charming, but not vying to be a main event feature.
The Francis Bridge Jazz Trio: Winds, Keyboard, Percussion
The Francis Bridge Jazz Quartet: Winds, Keyboard, Vocals/Guitar, Percussion
The Francis Bridge Jazz Quintet: Winds, Keyboard, Vocals/Guitar, Bass, Percussion
The Francis Bridge Jazz Group: 2 Winds, Keyboard, Bass, Percussion, Vocals
Some Past Performance Venues:
The National Cherry Blossom Festival
The D.C. Downtown Holiday Market
The St. Mary’s College River Concert Series
The Coffee Quarter
Vincenzo’s Mediterranean Grille
Chefs American Bistro Restaurant
Timpano Chophouse and Grille
Mayorga Coffehouse
Feel free to contact Evan, the band manager, at Enpolisar@gmail.com
Francis Bridge Jazz Quartet poses for a picture at the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival
Francis Bridge Jazz Quartet at Chefs American Bistro
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