Yolonda Lavender is an international recording artist with the independent label Truth Tone Records. She is a singer/songwriter, curator, composer, arranger and performing artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan whose sound is soul-based with gospel, r&b, hip-hop, blues and jazz influences. Yolonda has showcased her artistry in artistic spaces around the country and shared stages with the likes of artists such as Erykah Badu, En Vogue, Keith Murray, The Spinners and more. Additionally, Yolonda is an advocate and activist who takes pride in using her artistry to spread the messages of peace and love and to promote social justice all in an effort to evoke change.
“I believe that the arts serve as a powerful catalyst to move the message of social justice. As an artist, I feel a responsibility to use my artistry to advance such messages.” – Yolonda Lavender
Based in Grand Rapids, Normal Mode is a dynamic group exploring their distinctive style of lo-fi space travel music. Consisting of Dutcher Snedeker (piano and keyboards), Ian Thompson (electric bass), Nathan Coles (drums), and Adam Marth (guitar) they showcase an impressive versatility in their musical exploration. Normal Mode’s performances are a testament to their eclectic style, seamlessly weaving together floating ethereal soundscapes and head-bobbing grooves. Their music incorporates a variety of genres, including jazz, electronic, rock, and funk, all while leaving ample room for improvisation.
Michigan Jazz Fusion pianist Brandon Fitzpatrick was born in Kalamazoo Michigan 1994. Fitzpatrick is a pianist, composer, producer, arranger, band leader and musical director. As a self taught pianist, he started playing keyboards when he was 4. Church was always the primary way of learning music. However Brandon had many other genre influences growing up. From old staples like Miles Davis, Fred Hammond, and Stevie Wonder, to new pioneers like Robert Glasper, Jacob Collier and Snarky Puppy, Fitzpatrick absorbed the style and language of everything he heard which is part of what sparked the love of Jazz Fusion in his playing and composing. Fitzpatrick Started the Jazz Fusion band “Minor Element” from 2012-2024. Now Embarking on his solo career, with new music and a fresh sound Brandon Fitzpatrick & The Element.