Born in Pasadena, Michael Haggins began his musical journey at the tender age of eight-years-old. Today, he is a renowned recording and touring artist, bassist, and composer of the worldwide smash hit “Daybreak” featured in the hit NBC show Community. Michael has his own unique sound & style which The Los Angeles Times has referred to as being “a special brand of smooth funk.”

Violinist Susie Hansen and her musicians perform an infectious blend of salsa and Latin jazz that has the audiences smiling and dancing. A long time Pasadena and Los Angeles staple,, the Susie Hansen Latin Band mixes together infectious Latin rhythms with jazz improvising, vocals in both Spanish and English, recognizable standards and strong soloing from players.

Marcelo Bucater is a drummer/percussionist from Brazil based in Pasadena since 2013. The quartet plays Bucater’s compositions bringing a variety of Brazilian rhythms, Jazz, and odd meters. Currently, Marcelo is also part of the Drum Faculty at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) in Pasadena, teaching private and group lessons.

Kira Morrison first started playing jazz with her classmates at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) in Pasadena. Having previously studied jazz in classes at LACM with instructors such as Tierney Sutton (6-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist), Sara Leib, and Steve Billman (Grammy-winning bassist), she thought it was the perfect time to apply her performing skills out in Los Angeles. After Kira decided to form a jazz group, Kira & The Major 3 was born! This LA-based jazz quartet has a repertoire of over 40 standards from American jazz, Brazilian jazz, and Afro-Cuban music.

The Larry Muradian Quintet, formerly known as the Donavan/Muradian Quintet, has been a staple of the Pasadena jazz scene for over 30 years. With the relocation of drummer Jeff Donavan, bassist Larry Muradian has continued the legacy of straight-ahead jazz in the area. The quintet regularly performs at notable local venues, including the Playhouse Village Summer Jazz Series, the Pasadena Art Walk, the Pasadena Playhouse Theater, Boston Court, and the Pasadena Central Library. The band features Kye Palmer on trumpet, Chuck Manning on saxophone, Chad Edwards on piano, Larry Muradian on bass, and Jack Cook on drums.

Inspired by ’60’s “Blue Note” style jazz, as well as by the music of Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria, The Elliott Caine Quintet plays original compositions, as well as the works of Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, and more. Latin Beat Magazine describes Elliott Caine as “one of the West Coast’s finest trumpeters.” His original compositions have been heard on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Night with David Letterman. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Elliott Caine has had a parallel career as an optometrist with a practice in Highland Park.

Jenny and the Jazz Birds are a beloved homegrown group of South Pasadena musicians known for their classic jazz sound and musical flair. With over five years of experience performing in South Pasadena and the wider Pasadena area, they have captivated both the local community and visitors alike. The band features Jennifer Watts on piano, Riner Scivally on guitar, Sam Morgan on saxophone, and Shannon Cain on bass.

Pasadena native, bass player Michael Haggins returns for an encore performance, this time with his band Jasmine. Jasmine is an American instrumental contemporary jazz group, mainly relating to the genres smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz pop, and crossover jazz. The band is based in Los Angeles and performs at jazz festivals, summer concerts and many other venues throughout Southern California.

Little Brazil was born with the idea of revisiting the defining moments of Brazilian music from a contemporary perspective. Samba, Choro, Baião and Bossa Nova are addressed in an acoustic set with vocal, nylon guitar, drums and percussion led by the Brazilian musicians Natália Spadini and Marcelo Bucater. The arrangements are well crafted and modern, all played by Brazilian musicians who live in Pasadena, what makes the music stay true to its Brazilian identity.