Kaleb Smith, from Plymouth, Michigan, began his artistic journey at a young age through poetry, viola, and music performance. His writing was published in Young American Poetry Digest in 2013, and he has performed as a violist with both a symphony and a concert orchestra, experiences that shaped his musical foundation.

Piano and performance have become an outlet an extension through which he expresses emotion, story, and connection. Kaleb has fully produced, recorded, mixed, and released original music on streaming platforms and has hosted and performed at music and cultural events across Michigan and in Zhengzhou, China, including the Live Literature Festival at Michigan State University. Through this performance, he invites the audience to experience music as a reflection of the heart. 

Nessia Brooks is a piano performance student at Michigan State University (MSU) in Michigan who offers private piano lessons in the East Lansing/Okemos area, teaching both classical and jazz, and is known as a concert/collaborative pianist with years of experience, focusing on making jazz accessible.

She runs “The Brooks Piano Studio” and uses innovative methods to teach jazz improvisation, planning an online course to share her techniques. Background: Piano Performance major at Michigan State University with 15 years of playing experience.Teaching Focus: Classical and Jazz piano, including a special method for jazz improvisation using patterns.Services: Offers private lessons and is developing an online jazz piano course.Studio Name: The Brooks Piano

Nick Palise, a former Huron Valley School band director and professional musician, plays in several local professional jazz, blues, and big band groups.  Nick has been a part of the following bands… Dr. Pocket 10-piece R&B Blues Band, the Regular Boys 10-piece Blues Jump Band, All Directions Jazz Band, and the Oakland Community College (O.C.C) Jazz Band. He is currently with the Big Band Express, Premier Big Band, and the dynamic Swing Syndicate Big Band. 

Nick leads the Sovereign Blues Band as well as the Sovereign Saxes quartet.  Program selections will include the music of some of your old favorites and some specialty songs that focus on solo specials by members of the band.  

Nick shares “We focus on a variety of our music enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Besides being entertaining, our performances display the musicianship, talent, of each band member. We love to interact and communicate with the audience. Our music spans many years both past and current. Our audience will recognize some of the music created by well known entertainers, and be introduced to some new tunes.”

“We look forward to performing tonight and want everyone to sit back, relax and enjoy.”