Guitarist and vocalist Owen James has appeared extensively throughout the U.S., sharing the stage with many jazz luminaries, at venues such as The Grand Hotel, Indianapolis’s Jazz Kitchen, and Portland, Oregon’s Mount Good Jazz Festival. He performs regularly throughout Northern Michigan as a soloist and bandleader.
Owen James
Howard Richards
Howard Richards has been a music educator and performing artist in Northern Michigan for 35 years. Born and raised in Chicago, Howard began his musical studies at age 5 and found his way to Tucson where he attended the University of Arizona. He pursued jazz studies under Michael Greco, veteran of the Wood Herman Orchestra. Upon moving to Michigan, he continued his studies at Bay View Conservatory. Howard pursued his graduate studies at the U of A in 1997 studying music history and pipe organ performance under Dr. Roy Johnson. His composition, "Waltz in the Park" received an award in the 2008 Billboard World Song Contest and is featured in film and television worldwide. His original music can be seen on YouTube, and his trio and jazz ensembles have performed nationwide and received airplay on WCMU public radio.
Andrew attended the Berklee School of Music and subsequently gigged around in the Midwest. Andrew is one of the early members of the Atwood Green Band and currently resides in Petoskey. Andrew is an accomplished percussionists, singer, electronic music innovator, and audio engineer. He is currently employed as an anesthesia computer specialist and technician and works with local hospitals and medical clinics.
Andrew Ellison
Petoskey Jazz Collaborative 