Great Day is a multi-generational group of Cleveland jazz musicians who are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the composers and artists who defined American art music of the last hundred years. The ensemble is composed of brother guitarists Andy and John Karkosiak, Bill Nichols on bass, and Carmen Castaldi on drums.

Join us October 9th to celebrate of one of the most influential American Jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk.

Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire. Monk's compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists and are consistent with his unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched key releases, silences, and hesitations.

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Andrew Karkosiak is an up and coming guitarist from Cleveland, Ohio finding his place within the local jazz, free-jazz, and experimental music scenes in the area. Influenced by Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, Lee Konitz, Jakob Bro, and Thelonious Monk, Andrew always keeps the melody as the main focus for his improvisations and compositions. Andrew is a current member of the local Tri-C Jazz Workshop run by Cleveland legend Ernie Krivda, and has studied privately with Dan Wilson, Dan Bruce, and Brian Kozak.

John Karkosiak is an emerging artist on the NE Ohio Jazz and music scenes. He is a product of the Tri-C Jazz Studies program and recent graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music. John has performed in a wide variety of situations since returning home ranging from Jazz quartets to New Music festivals. He has studied privately with Dan Wilson, Richard Goldstein and Ernie Krivda, as well as Javon Jackson and Steve Davis.

Bill Nichols, who performs on double bass a product of the Tri-C jazz studies program in 1997. Then completing his studies at Bowling Green State University. Bill has shared the stage with notable musicians including Joe Lovano, Benny Golson, Stanley Cowell and Dan Wall.

Carmen Castaldi is a home town staple of the Cleveland jazz scene. Carmen has recently recorded his ECM debut “Trio Tapestry” with Joe Lovano featuring Marilyn Crispell. Carmen has enjoyed a rich musical career spanning the coasts as an in demand drummer.