LAO TIZER

Colorado-bred, LA-based keyboardist Lao Tizer embodies what it means to be a 21st-century musician inhabiting the jazz sphere ⎯ that being one who embraces musical diversity and has no fear of crossing boundaries.

The band attracted many top players to its ranks ⎯ GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea), Emmy-winning guitarist Chieli Minucci (Special EFX), Senegalese bassist Cheikh N'Doye (Baaba Maal), violinist extraordinaire Karen Briggs (Stanley Clarke), GRAMMY-winning drum phenom Gene Coye (Hiromi) and legendary GRAMMY-winning percussionist Munyungo Jackson (Stevie Wonder) ⎯ and became a steady presence at LA hotspots like The Baked Potato as well as entertaining audiences at premier jazz festivals around the world. Milestones among these were The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, Cape Town Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, and Atlanta Jazz Festival.

The six albums he has released as a leader have seen Tizer steadily grow while constantly defining (and redefining) who he is as a keyboardist, composer, and bandleader.

With eyes set on the future and a willingness to keep exploring, Tizer’s simplest ethos perhaps sums it up best: “I say forget the boundaries. Just make good music and try to connect with as many listeners as you can.”

Karen Briggs

Currently regarded by many as one of the most legendary violinists of our time, Karen Briggs has developed an impressive career as an early elite in the evolution of the contemporary violin. Some would describe her concerts as "an experience!"

Karen has performed and/or recorded with: Soul ll Soul, Loose Ends, Patrice Rushen, Stanley Clarke, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Annie Lennox, RZA & the Wu-Tang Clan, Idan Raichel (Israel), Joan Sebastian (Mexico), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Chaka Khan, En Vogue, Wynton Marsalis, Keb Mo, Orquesta Aragon (Cuba) and many others!

Her signature approach to the violin demonstrates a skillful and unique swagger that has been featured in concerts taking place at historic venues in fifty countries!