Join us for a captivating night of original music as Jeffrey Cruz takes the stage, showcasing his original music alongside the dynamic sounds of the Chandler Carpenter Big Band. This special showcase features meticulously arranged pieces that blend rich orchestration with Jeffrey's heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Immerse yourself in an evening filled with innovative rhythms and unforgettable harmonies, as Jeffrey and the talented big band bring his music to life in a way you've never experienced before.

Tickets for tonight are $20 each. This event will also be livestreamed on BOP STOP's Youtube Channel at showtime. Accessing the stream is free but donations are encouraged and directly support the band.

Featuring:

Saxophones: Steve Kortyka, Ronell Regis, Garret Kuchmaner, Lucas Cielsielski, Mason Cielsielski
Trombones: Andrew Wegierski, Will Horner, Jason Smith, Amber Forrer
Trumpets: Scott McKee, Joe Badaczweski, Sammy Haig, Darren Thompson
Piano - Nate Yingling
Bass - Darren Frate
Drums - Zaire Darden
Percussion - Brian Randall

Vocalists:
Grace Blackford
Malik Montgomery

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Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Jeffrey Cruz is an artist leaning in on soul and pop-inspired melodies. With storytelling lyrics and vocals at the forefront, Jeffrey blends rhythmic and soothing grooves through his music. It’s a blend of nostalgic sounds with contemporary lyricism and harmony. It's a journey into the highs and lows of emotion, making you feel as though you're right there, in the middle of the exclusive rhythm and blues.

Chandler Carpenter is active as a freelance guitarist and composer. He performs regularly in jazz small groups, big bands, rock bands, R&B bands, and in musical theatre pit orchestras. He composes for small and large jazz ensembles, classical chamber groups, and wind ensemble.

Carpenter is an alumnus of Youngstown State University (‘23, MM - Jazz Studies) and The University of Akron (‘21, BM - Jazz Studies). He has studied composition and arranging under Dr. Dave Morgan, Jack Schantz, and Chris Coles. As a guitarist, he has studied under Dr. Francois Fowler and Dean Newton.

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Chandler Carpenter is a guitarist and composer currently based in Nutley, New Jersey. He performs regularly around the midwest playing with various jazz ensembles and pop bands. He composes for large and small jazz ensembles as well as orchestral and classical chamber ensembles. Carpenter is a graduate of Youngstown State University and The University of Akron.