Sheila E. and the E-Train at Indy Jazz Fest

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (KDTU) is a jazz/funk/rock group from San Diego, California. Members include Denson, Chris Littlefield, Brian Jordan, Ron Johnson, David Veith, and John Staten. Former artists also include Zak Najor (drums), Andy Cleaves (trumpet), Eric Boulovar (drums), Craig Dawson (drums), and Alton 'Brooks' Parker (visualist). About KDTU are best known for their infectious and energetic live performances, which led the group to find a niche of enthusiastic fans among those who celebrate jambands such as Phish and Widespread Panic as well as progressive jazz groups such as Soulive and Medeski, Martin, and Wood. Some members of the Tiny Universe are also involved in the funktronica/Nu jazz group 'BluSirkut', and also in the funky jazz band 'On The One'. KDTU are road warriors. They spend the majority of any given year touring the country, most frequently in the West and Northeast but usually hit most cities along the way. They can also be found performing at numerous music festivals including Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Berkshire Mountain, Austin City Limits, and the Yggdrasil Festival. In addition, KDTU has released two albums, a self-titled album in 1999 and The Bridge in 2002. Band Members Bandleader, saxophonist, and main vocalist Karl Denson recorded with rocker Lenny Kravitz on his first two albums, Let Love Rule and Mama Said. After numerous world tours with Lenny, he parted ways seeking to pursue his jazz roots. This included recording four jazz albums on the German Minor Music recording label in a variety of configurations from trios to sextets. In addition to touring as a member of Fred Wesley's band he founded the premier San Diego jazz/funk act The Greyboy Allstars. Notably, Karl Denson also appeared in the 1988 movie, Coming to America, starring Eddie Murphy, as the saxophone player in the fictional band Sexual Chocolate, which features Murphy as singer Randy Watson. Trumpet and Flugel Horn player, Chris Littlefield, is based out of Seattle and replaced Andy Cleves in 2001. As an established artist and composer, Chris has worked with recording artists such as R.E.M., Chuck D., and Lee Oscar and shared the stage with countless other well known artists. Chris incorporates heavy use of effect processing as a new aesthetic for his instrument. Reminescent of Miles Davis and Randy Brecker's (Brecker Brothers) electronic periods, Chris is able to create soundscapes and textures that emulate analogue synthesizers and other electric instruments such as guitar and bass, which he employs extensively in the group 'BluSirkut'. Guitar player, Brian Jordan, has been the guitar player for “Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe” (since 1999) and “Motherlode”, Brian has also performed in projects with Zigaboo Modeliste of the “The Meters”, Greg Errico and Cynthia Robinson of “Sly and the Family Stone” and Stephen Perkins of “Jane’s Addiction” to name a few. Brian has also shared the stage and swapped licks with many luminaries such as James Brown, Dave Mathews, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Weir, The Allman Brothers Band, Fred Wesley, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Bass player, Ron Johnson was first approached by Karl in 1997 before the Tiny Universe was born. However, he had to decline because of another project. Of course, when the phone rang again in 1999 Ron happily joined the group. Keyboard player David Veith has been with KDTU since it's inception in 1999. David has a studio in San Diego and has scored and produced several soundtracks for major films, most notably of which is his involvement with BluSirkut on the feature documentary 'Meeting David Wilson'. Drummer John Staten joined KDTU in 2002 and also tours with his own band, 'On the One'. External links Band Members * karldenson.com * Brian Jordan * Chris Littlefield * Ron Johnson Associated Bands * greyboyallstars.com * Karl Denson Trio * BluSirkut.com * ontheone.com

Dywane Eric Thomas Jr., professionally known as MonoNeon, is an American bassist, experimental musician, singer and songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee, raised in Orange Mound. His work spans multiple experimental projects and collaborations, including with American musician Prince. MonoNeon was the last bassist Prince hired before his death in 2016. He has since become known for his harmonized viral videos, and his compositions and playing style that utilize microtonality. MonoNeon has worked, performed and recorded with Pete Rock, Bon Iver, Ne-Yo, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Zedd, Mavis Staples, Jacob Collier, John Scofield and George Clinton. MonoNeon has also produced original music featuring Katt Williams. In 2021, MonoNeon won his first Grammy for his contribution on Nas album King's Disease as the bassist and additional producer on the song "All Bad".

Now together for over five years, having toured the world (and beyond), the Charlie Hunter Trio follows up 2003's Friends Seen and Unseen with Copperopolis. The album features the same three guys, but it's different in one big way: it rocks. Literally. "I was just feeling rocky, I guess," says the band leader. The addition of John Ellis' playing on both the Wurlitzer and the melodica opened up a lot of space for Charlie to simply shred. This is the album that fans (and ropeadope) have been calling on for years. Pop it in, turn it up, and rock it out. You shall see. http://www.charliehunter.com

Acknowledging that each of us has a priceless gift that we must harness and share with the world, Bashiri has come to define his sound as "Indy-Soul". From shoo-wop style singing groups and classical vocal training, to performances local and abroad, his vocal prowess has been growing into the soul-stirring entity it is known as today. The influences of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding echo in his performance, and those coupled with his own strength and passion have come together to create soul music. Seeking to join the ranks of other indie-soul artists looking to breathe new life into the scene, Bashiri has begun to make a name for himself not just in the Circle City, but around the country. Bashiri's infectious passion for the art of music and authenticity in performance is making him a familiar name on the independant music scene. Humble in his approach, relentless in his delivery, you have to experience it to truly understand.