Spine Showcases w/ Peter Schlamb and Ryan J. Lee

Spine Showcases is looking to cool things off this hot summer with performances from Peter Schlamb and Ryan J. Lee! Spine Showcases is a monthly concert series featuring the best contemporary jazz artists in Kansas City for free. Curated by Kelley Gant, patrons can expect some of the freshest experiences that the Kansas City jazz scene has to offer. Featured artists for the next show on Thursday, July 25, 2019, are local staples Peter Schlamb and Ryan J. Lee!

The Spine Showcases are FREE and open to the public. Every show takes place at Capsule (located 1664 Broadway Blvd, KCMO). Spine Showcases occur on the third Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the performance begins at 8:00 PM.

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Peter Schlamb is a vibraphonist based in Kansas City, MO. He recently released his debut album “Tinks” and maintains a busy schedule performing locally, nationally and internationally. Peter spent several years in New York where he attended and graduated from New School University. During his time in New York, Peter recorded and performed with artists including David Binney, Mike Moreno, and Ben van Gelder. Peter currently leads the group Electric Tinks and is a member of the Ben van Gelder Quintet as well as frequently performing with several other ensembles.

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Few words describe the soaring talent of Ryan J. Lee. He’s young, vibrant, positive and one of the most versatile drummers living in Kansas City Missouri today. From jazz to gospel, drums to piano, drum instructor to drum manufacturer, Ryan has made an impact on the music scene locally, nationally and internationally. He is continuously performing with numerous well-known jazz and gospel artist today. Ryan attended the University of Missouri Kansas City where he studied jazz performance under the direction of Robert “Bobby” Watson. Ryan is well known for his affiliations with the young and talented jazz group Diverse. In 2008 Diverse won the Gene Harris Jazz Competition and was awarded a record deal with Origin Records. Since then Diverse has traveled worldwide sharing their music and gaining much in return from those experiences and opportunities. Ryan is known for his attributes to jazz in Kansas City but plays many other styles as well. Some of his shared stage appearances were with artists such as Sean Jones, Steve Cardenas, Wycliffe Gordon, Greg Gisbert, Lynda Randle, Debra Lee, Logan Richardson, Randy Brecker, Jaleel Shaw, the Kansas City Symphony and many more. In 2011 he was District Champion and competed at regionals in the Guitar Center Drum Off. Ryan is not only a great drummer, but also a composer with a great spirit. He takes pride and joy in helping others understand what it means to be a musician. It’s more than just his playing; it’s his character. Ryan stands firmly on that principle and is devoted to making that message sing through his music.

Ryan J. Lee is vibrant, fresh and unique. Known primarily as a drummer, Ryan recently founded the eclectic group, Mezzo String. Ryan attended the University of Missouri Kansas City studying jazz performance under saxophonist Bobby Watson. During his studies, he joined the award-winning group Diverse, which placed first at the 2008 Gene Harris Jazz competition. Diverse signed to Origin Records and began touring. Ryan was a participant in the 2014 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program under the direction of pianist Jason Moran. During his residency, he studied with world-renowned drummer Nate Smith.

Ryan has shared the stage with artists such as José James, Logan Richardson, A Bu, Hermon Mehari, Gerald Clayton and many more in performances across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He recently received the 2017 Alaadeen Achievement of Excellence Award for his work as a performing artist. Ryan prefers not to be bound to an instrument or genre. To him, music is the message of a more positive and progressive humanity. If the instrument or style helps in conveying his ideal through music, then he’s down for the cause.