El Mantis emerged from Houston through a collaboration between drummer/vocalist Angel Garcia, saxophonist Danny Kamins and guitarist Andrew Martinez. Mixing many genres, with an emphasis on avant-garde jazz, El Mantis are quickly becoming known in the Houston experimental music scene for their inventive, passionate compositions. In 2022, they released their first CD independently (now sold out!) and performed live in cities all over Texas.
The Monica Shriver Trio is an experimental jazz ensemble led by Monica Shriver, featuring original compositions, arranged standards, and spontaneous improvisations. Monica has released two albums, Acceptance (2023) and Unfolding (2024), each featuring her original abstract paintings as the cover art.
J.W. Bird is a violinist, composer, and creative music promoter based in Nashville, TN. He is a prolific performer, collaborator, and recording artist, having released 10 full-length solo and collaborative albums on his independent label Sagittal Plane since 2022. He has also produced 2 releases for the old-time jazz and blues collective the Mudbug Stompers, with which he also performs. His performances involve original instrumental compositions, songs, spontaneous improvisational journeys with and without live electronics, and interpretations of traditional American melodic and lyrical material.