FONT - Jonathan Finlayson - Robert Vega - Kanoa Mendenhall - Miguel Russell
Lineup
About the Event
Trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Jonathan Finlayson was born and raised in Oakland, California. After an invaluable mentorship with trumpeter and composer Robert Porter, Jonathan joined Steve Coleman's Five Elements. While recording and touring internationally with The Five Elements, he completed his BFA at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in 2005.
As a unique voice in the New York Creative Music Community, Finlayson went on to perform and record in a variety of ensembles led by Muhal Richard Abrams, Henry Threadgill, Craig Harris, Ravi Coltrane, Mary Halvorson, Steve Lehman, Vijay Iyer and Craig Taborn among others.
For his performance at the Festival of New Trumpet Music’s evening at Close Up on September 15, he’ll join forces with fellow trumpeter Robert Mac Vega, Kanoa Mendenhall on bass, and Miguel Russell on drums, in a night curated by Dave Adewumi.
Robert Mac Vega is a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader based in Brooklyn, New York. They have performed at venues including The Jazz Gallery, Dizzy’s Club, Roulette Intermedium, Ornithology, and Bar Bayeux, as well as venues around the world. They have collaborated with artists including Tony Malaby, Yosvanny Terry, Donald Harrison, Jason Linder, Nate Wood, Nasheet Waits, Jason Moran, Neta Raanan, and the late Ralph Peterson.
Leading ensembles ranging from duos and trios to large groups, Mac’s sound is shaped by their Cuban roots, Black American music, modern improvisation, and their upbringing in Miami. Their debut album is slated for release in early 2027, alongside a forthcoming project on Giant Step Arts.
This event is All Ages
Seating is first-come, first-served; the last 10 spots in the room are standing room. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMMODATE SWITCHING SETS OR DAYS.