STretch Bruyn

A Stevie Wonder Tribute" featuring Kirsten Joyner on vocals.

Our show is a tribute to Stevie Wonder, an American singer, composer, instrumentalist, performer, and humanitarian. Stevie has had a unique career, spanning six decades, and has influenced musicians across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. Stevie, one of those rare musical geniuses of our time, has released a striking array of innovative music. The 2-hour show unfolds in chronological order, showcasing Stevie’s growth as an artist. STretch provides “patter” in between the songs to tell the story. The show primarily focuses on Stevie Wonder’s Classic Period (1972 - 1976); however, there are a few songs from the early years and later years – all of which are some of his most influential tunes.

STretch Bruyn on piano and keyboards: Richard "STretch" Bruyn has been active in the St Pete/Tampa Bay music scene since arriving from NY state in 2003. A native Floridian from Miami, STretch studied with Vince Maggio at the University of Miami and later with David Baker while attending Indiana University. He has shared the stage with many local jazz greats and national acts.

Featuring Kirsten Joyer on vocals. “Kirstie” is a sultry singer with a wide vocal range and eclectic repertoire. Her musical diversity allows her to sing music from any genre from Billie Holiday to Journey. A Kansas native, Kirsten grew up in a musical family. It wasn't unusual for her family to circle around the family piano while Dave Brubeck or Ramsey Lewis entertained them. A retired middle school principal and published author, Kirsten is now living her dream of singing professionally and has been the lead vocalist for a number of bands in the Tampa Bay area.

Doors open at 6:30 for dinner and drinks. (Not included in Ticket Price)

Peformance starts at 7:30.

Jeremy Carter Quartet

Coltrane at 100

OIn the 2019 Sarasota Jazz Festival The Jeremy Carter Quartet wowed audiences on the festival's contemporary jazz stage. Widely believe to be the next "hot rising jazz artist" to emerge from the St. Petersburg scene, Jeremy plays a lyrical and soulful saxophone which runs the full range from a straight-ahead classical style to a more progressive vibe and contemporary flavor. Jeremy has frequently performed throughout the bay area with Whitney James, Synia Carroll, James Suggs, Gumbi Ortiz and many more. We look forward to his heading his own quartet at the Monday Night Jazz Series.

If this is the first time you hear Jeremy, we promise you won't want it to be your last.

Doors open at 6:30 for dinner and drinks. (Not included in Ticket Price)

Peformance starts at 7:30.

Carl Fischer & Sunshine City Brass

Carl Fischer (fischmusic.com) represents the epitome of musical dedication and versatility that musicians aspire to. His approach combines a deep passion with humble expertise, making his craft not only a showcase but also a masterclass featured on a global stage. As a multi-instrumentalist on trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, and saxophones, Fischer’s ability and talent have established him as a dynamic and sought-after musician throughout the industry. “The crowd goes nuts… He’s just such a good musician. He just blows people away.” (Billy Joel/SiriusXM Radio Interview)

Carl Fischer’s musical journey, inspired by his father, began with the trumpet at age 5 and evolved through diverse experiences, from the bar band to the circus. His professional path saw significant milestones, including performances with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis and a transformative tenure with jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, where Fischer grew to become a featured soloist, musical director, and was even allowed to be the first trumpet player to open for Ferguson in his 40+ years of touring. Ferguson’s praise of Fischer as “one of the best jazz trumpeters of today” marked a high point in Fischer’s early career.

Since joining Billy Joel’s band in 2005, Carl Fischer has been part of an extraordinary journey marked by unmatched milestones in Joel’s career. This includes a decade-long, record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, standout performances at the 2024 Grammy Awards, platinum records and DVDs (Joel’s “Last Play at Shea”), and a consistent worldwide touring schedule. Fischer’s role in all of these has also been accentuated through celebrated collaborations with music icons such as Chick Corea, Paul Simon, and most recently Sting, showcasing his versatility and the high regard he garners in the music industry.

Rebecca Richardson Quartet

Ladies of Jazz: Diana Krall, Nancy Wilson, & Julie London

A native of Seattle, Rebecca grew up in a cultural hotbed of creativity and spirited collaboration. Earning All-State and All-Northwest honors in high school, she did two years of undergraduate study at the University of Washington. She found her first paying "gig"working on a local cruise ship, the Spirit of Puget Sound. There, she met wonderfully talented colleagues who directed her to the jazz program at Cornish College of the Arts where she ultimately earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Jazz Performance. Performance credits in Seattle include The Seattle Symphony, Civic Light Opera, Spirit Cruises, The Bill Nye Show, Tula's and mutiple other jazz venues.

In 2001 she made the move to New York City, working steadily with the Hank Lane Orchestra and at venues such as Cleopatra's Needle and Kavahaus. While there, she furthered her studies with two years of classical voice and piano masterclasses at the Juilliard School. She taught private voice for the Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College Center for Preparatory Studies in Music department. After the events of 9/11 she and her husband Dan spent the summer in Paris and Amsterdam finding calm and joy in playing jazz music abroad.

In 2005 Dan and Rebecca moved to Naples Florida and have been embraced by the wonderful artistic community there. Rebecca is regularly appearing at the Continental and The Club Room at Campiello with her jazz trio. Other Florida credits include Artis Naples and the Naples Philharmonic, Opera Naples, Arts Planet, Bayshore CAPA, The Art League of Marco Island, The Art League of Bonita Springs, The Ritz Carlton, Alto, and the Naples Botanical Gardens. Rebecca established the Naples Carolers in 2005, now a fixture of the Naples holiday season. She has served as head of Vocal Studies and Chorus at the Community School of Naples since 2010.