2013
Michael
Borowski
Jason
Rafalak
Mike Borowski is a guitarist, composer, arranger, collaborator, and educator. He has developed a wide-ranging vocabulary that can be heard in his playing and compositions. As an active performer, Mike is a founding member of Pittsburgh’s premier tango ensemble, Cuidado, as well as Choro E Vinho, Pittsburgh’s only Brazilian choro group. He also plays with Dazzletine, a high-energy glam rock band, and Kinetic, a soul-full afro-pop group specializing in Afro-Cuban music. Mike attended Duquesne University where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in guitar performance. He has studied with many incredible musicians including Joe Negri, Tom Kikta, Sean Jones, Mike Tomaro, Ken Karsh, and Mark Koch.
Sample Mike's music and learn more
Jason Rafalak is a musician and music therapist working at Friendship Academy with students with emotional/behavioral issues. He has played upright bass for fourteen years and electric bass for nineteen years with a variety of artists, in styles ranging from jazz to folk to hip-hop. Originally from Albany, NY, he attended Nazareth College in Rochester for music therapy, studying jazz and classical upright bass while working in schools and psychiatric settings. He moved to Pittsburgh in 2006. Jason uses his skills as a musician and educator to teach students about music history (including jazz), music technology and production, and instrumental instruction. While not working as a music therapist, he is actively performing and recording music with artists such as Anqwenique Wingfield, Joy Ike, Joe Sheehan, and Brad Yoder.
Sample Jason's music and learn more
Want to hear Mike and Jason LIVE and up close? Of course you do! Check out our Events page for their list of upcoming gigs.
2012
Anqwenique
Wingfield
Joseph Sheehan
Anqwenique Wingfield,
vocals
A native of
Pittsburgh, Anqwenique began her music studies at the Afro-American Music
Institute where she now teaches voice and piano. She also teaches at East
Liberty Presbyterian’s Hope Academy. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in
Vocal Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2009. She has
recently entered the jazz scene performing with some of Pittsburgh’s greatest
jazz musicians. Her unique style consists of jazz standards, neo soul, and a
bit of gospel in a beautifully controlled and soulful sound. In addition to
growing as an artist, her goal this year is to record an album.
Joseph Sheehan, piano
Joe grew up near Pittsburgh and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in
Music Technology (Composition). During graduate studies at Indiana University
(Bloomington, IN), he studied piano, took classes with David Baker, and played
in two funk bands. His "classical" compositions won several national awards and
performances throughout the East Coast and at Aspen, CO. In 2008, he finished a
Doctorate of Music in composition, and then spent six months in Ghana, West
Africa to study traditional music, dance, and culture. Back in Pittsburgh since
2009, he now teaches music at Duquesne University and CCAC Boyce, and plays
gigs all over town. One goal he has this year is to build support for his two
new ensembles: TRIO+ and KINETIC.
Listen to Joe's music clip:
"Free" (Willams)
Get Involved
Calling all emerging jazz artists of Pittsburgh! Click 'Apply' below to learn more about the application process.
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