From Rob Dixon:

“The music of Rob Dixon is both respectful of tradition and free with expression and truly shows the musical diversity that is within Rob’s creative mind. After matriculating from Hampton University and Indiana University’s School of Music (considered the Julliard and Berklee of the Midwest), Rob moved to the top of the music world in New York City playing with legendary and popular artists such as the Count Basie Band, Tony Bennett, The Ellington Band, Slide Hampton, Dakota Stanton, The Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Rufus Reid, Akira Tana, the Maria Schnieder Orchestra, Jonah Jones as well as Bill Lee (composer and father of Spike Lee), Weldon Irving, Producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad (DJ of Tribe called Quest) The Skatellites, The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and guitarist Melvin Sparks.”

From the band’s website:

“Afrobeat cannot stand still. As the genre’s tempting sounds continue a resurgence across the globe, Chicago Afrobeat Project (CAbP) remains true to its original vision of breathing the intensity of Chicago’s rich music scene into the infectious sounds of afrobeat. Rather than become caricatures of the genre, CAbP slips a reverent nod to the tradition while delivering an energized originality different from any other band on the afrobeat scene today. At each of its 100+ live performances a year, the group’s frenzied songs hit audiences with a big enough one-two punch to tirelessly knock them onto the dance floor time and time again.”

Ball State University’s Dimensions in Jazz: “The concert marked the second in the twenty-fifth season of the series which began in 1986. The concerts are now presented in Muncie and ‘on the road’ in Indiana schools. The series is designed to promote jazz within Indiana and present internationally known artists in both educational and professional settings.”

Friday night before the Ball State University Dimensions in Jazz concert, the judges met at Motini’s in Muncie for a jam session and breakfast. The Judges Jam features Kenny Phelps, Frank Smith, Steven Jones, John Vander Gheynst, Mark Buselli, Vivek Hadley, and Jackie Allen.

“Our jazz program has one big band and two combos (intermediate and advanced). Our band is a busy working band playing some 25 different arrangements each semester and giving 4-5 performances in various settings. Our combo is a working combo, playing gigs on campus and for social events in the community.”

“The Twin Cats have been crushing dance floors with their distinct approach to fusion music since finalizing the lineup in 2004. Taking influence from funk, prog rock, jazz, and electronica, The Twin Cats’ sound is responsible for inducing spontaneous dance parties all across the Midwest.”

“Premium Blend was formed in the summer of 2004 by saxophonist Jared Thompson. The group’s sound pays homage to the music of Blue Note, gospel blues, and more current music innovators like The Roots.”

“The evolution of sound is inevitable. Psychedelphia is a collective of open minds that has adopted this law. Drawing influence from their multi-cultural upbringings, the combination of music, spirituality, nature, physics and mathematics have proven to be the major catalysts for developing their sound. Psychedelphia’s dynamic live performances cover an array of soundscapes. Their ability to connect with audiences on a relentless touring schedule has created a buzz everywhere from internet social networks to old-school word of mouth.”