:: 2012 :: Into their sixth year of performing together, Layers—the band formed by current faculty members teaching at Lansing Community College—brings the smooth, traditional jazz sound to center stage. Mike Daniels provides rhythm on drums, Ed Fedewa adds depth on bass, Dennis Therrian moves the melodies on keyboard, and Jonathon Gewirtz sails through notes on saxophone. Although their passion is in live performance and the music they teach to students, these musicians were excited to release their first CD this year, titled No Vacancy, a recording of their own original compositions.

At JazzFest, Koke McKesson will add her unique and powerful vocals. A Lansing native, and winner of jazz competitions in the Jackson/Ann Arbor music scene, McKesson has opened for Cab Calloway, The Modern Jazz Quartert and Ray Charles.  A professional for over three decades, her album Koke McKesson was released in 2003. “She simply deals some exuberant music that includes an even mixture of soul and jazz, and style that can best be described as flashy, while allowing room for a whole lot of Koke McKesson.” Michael G. Nastos, WEMU 89.1 FM

Performer website