Spine Showcases w/ Shay Estes and Marcus Lewis

Shay Estes has been singing to Kansas City since the turn of the millennium, going back to her days in rock bands, such as the Von Hodads and the Silver Shore. In 2004, her music focus took a precipitous turn. She took a gig that required her to sing outside her comfort zone, which eventually led her into the world of jazz.

Since then Estes has performed with some of Kansas City’s best jazz ensembles and musicians. Among them: The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, the Barclay Martin Ensemble, Arara Azul, Fado Novato, Shay Estes and Trio ALL, the Brad Cox Ensemble, and the Matt Otto Sextet.

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Marcus holds a BM in jazz performance from Valdosta State Universi- ty and MM in trombone performance from the University of Nebras- ka at Omaha. Marcus currently lives in Kansas City, MO where he leads his own quintet, 18-piece big band and continues to tour with Grammy nominated vocalist, Janelle Monáe. Lewis also has a pas- sion for education, as he is the Founder and Artistic Director of Fu- ture Jazz, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz education. In addition to that, he is the Adjunct Jazz Trombone Professor at the University of Mis- souri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Marcus released his debut CD in 2012 entitled “Facing East” which features a world class line-up including Logan Richardson on Alto Sax, Adam Larson on Tenor Sax, Pablo Masis on Trumpet, Andrea Lewis on Vocals, Sam Harris on Piano, Aidan Carroll on Bass, and Tommy Crane on Drums. The album was featured in Vogue Maga- zine as being one the top albums on Janelle Monae’s 2012 Summer Playlist. Marcus Lewis’ most recent effort “Brass and Boujee” was released in August, 2018.

Marcus has performed at venues that include the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the Klaipeda Jazz Festival in 2003, and the Jimmy Carter Summer Concert Series in 2008. As a sideman, he has also performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, the 2010 New Or- leans Jazz Fest, the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the 2012 North Sea Jazz Festival, the Sydney Opera House, and for President Barack Obama at the White House in 2011 and 2012. Television shows include SNL, David Letterman, The To- day Show, Jools Holland, Arsenio Hall, and American Idol. Marcus was awarded the 2008 Betty Carter Jazz Residency and the 2003 Outstanding Soloist award at the Wichita Jazz Festival.

Some notable artists that Marcus has performed and/or recorded with are Aretha Franklin, Prince, Janelle Monáe, Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Jidenna, Musiqsoulchild, Avery Sunshine, The Barkays, Con- funkshun, Quincy Jones and Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players. Marcus is a B.A.C. artist/endorser, and plays their trombones exclusively. In ad- dition to an active touring and recording schedule, Marcus stays busy writing, arranging, teaching and leading clinics and master-classes worldwide.