Featuring local Michiana saxophonist Seth Kalina, presenting his quintet for an evening of music composed mercury vs valkyries and performed by the legendary John Coltrane. Hailing from the prestigious jazz studies program at Michigan State University, under the mentorship of acclaimed, award-winning bassist Rodney Whitaker. Together, they will be exploring the spiritual and transformative repertoire of Coltrane, honoring modena - juve stabia his legacy through their own unique performance. (details provided by Merrimans)
Seth Kalina – saxophone
Jacob Tolentino – trumpet
Mick Hanson – piano
Charlie Snyder – bass
Sam Melkonian – drums
(program had also included Andrew Fisher – vocals, but technical problems while recording precluded inclusion of his songs. Also, owing to less-than-ideal seating for most of the filming of this, Sam the drummer is largely hidden behind one of the cymbals, Mick on piano is largely minimized and Charlie on bass is usually behind a player or a music stand. Otherwise..... Enjoy!)
Musician details:
--Seth Kalina is a jazz saxophonist from Michigan. He started playing the tenor saxophone at the age of 10 years old. Now studying at Michigan State University under the mentorship of Erena Terakubo, Randy Napolean, and Rodney Whitaker, with prior mentorship from saxophonist Walter Blanding. With a classical foundation developed through his previous studies with Leo Schlaifer, Seth brings a refined and versatile voice to jazz performance. He began performing professionally at age 14 and has since bolivia played with a wide variety of artists and ensembles, including the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, The Bergamot, the Andrew Fisher Quartet, Barry Clark and the Heavy Load, Terry and the Heartbeats, RSB Trio, Memphis Underground, Chateau Band Detroit, and Jazzmin II. His performances have taken him across Southwestern Lower Michigan (that would be "Michiana") and beyond (..but NOT to the Upper Peninsula, apparently), including notable appearances at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend and New York City's Carnegie Hall. He also leads this group, the Seth Kalina Quintet.
--Jazz Trumpeter and Educator, Jacob Tolentino, is currently completing his sophomore year at Michigan State University. Jacob currently studies under renowned trumpeter Anthony Stanco but has also been mentored by some of New York’s finest trumpeters, Kenny Rampton, Marcus Printup, Bruce Harris, Josh Evans, Jeremy Pelt, Ingrid Jensen, and Tatum Greenblatt. During his high school career, Jacob was featured in Jersey Jazz Society Magazine as a “New Jersey Rising Star” and served on the jazz faculty for the JTole Music Summer Academy. Jacob also participated and won the 2024 Essentially Ellington competition, receiving an Outstanding Soloist. Jacob has performed at some of New York’s finest jazz venues, including Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Brush Culture, and Zinc Bar. Jacob was also named a finalist for the 2026 National Trumpet Competition.
--Mick Hanson is a jazz pianist currently studying with Xavier Davis at Michigan State University. He has several years of performance experience, including appearances at the University of Michigan and Western Michigan Universities Jazz festivals, UrbanBeat, The Ark, North Star Lounge, Canterbury House, Bitter Jester Music Festival, and more. Over the years, Hanson has shared the stage with a range of artists, such as Vincent Chandler, Josef Deas, Nanami Haruta, and Tikimen of Berlin, and has contributed to numerous recordings and live performances. Known for a unique musical approach to playing the piano, Hanson blends bebop with the blues and numerous modern influences, like hip hop, rock and folk. Rooted in his love for music and deeply inspired by artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner, Hanson seeks to share his love for jazz with younger audiences and make meaningful art, drawn from his life experiences.
--Composer, arranger, and jazz bassist Charlie Snyder is from Oswego, Illinois, and is currently a sophomore at Michigan State University. He studies under renowned bassist and educator Rodney Whitaker and is double-majoring in jazz performance and music education. Charlie has performed throughout Chicago, Detroit, and New York, and has appeared with the Jazz Band of America. He has also participated in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington program and has been an active bandleader since the age of 16.
--Detroit-based drummer Sam Melkonian has honed his craft by being a part the city’s diverse musical tradition, having played with artists such as Wendell Harrison, Martha Reeves, Ralphe Armstrong, and Marcus Elliot. He is currently studying under Professor Rodney Whitaker and Professor Randy Gelispie at Michigan State University.
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