Sara Gazarek

Sara Gazarek (voice), Larry Koonse (guitar), Richard Giddens (bass), Mark Ferber (drums) “…she may well turn out to be the next important jazz singer.” –DON HECKMAN, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES GRAMMY Award winning jazz vocalist, Sara Gazarek weaves a narrative of unparalleled musical integrity that is deeply-rooted in friendship with the critically acclaimed and deeply celebrated musicians that round out her quartet-- Larry Koonse, Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr and Mark Ferber. Larry Koonse, born into a musical family in Southern California, emerged as a guitar virtuoso from a young age. His journey from studying under the legendary Jimmy Wyble to becoming the inaugural recipient of a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from USC marked the inception of a remarkable career. With a discography spanning over 400 albums and collaborations with luminaries like Billy Childs and Luciana Souza, Koonse's versatility and brilliance stand as a testament to his rare talent. His leadership in the jazz community, evident in his nine recordings and his role as a faculty member at CalArts, solidify his status as a beacon of musical excellence. Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr., a product of Fresno's rich jazz heritage, embarked on a transformative journey from the East Coast to the West, honing his craft under the mentorship of icons like Reggie Workman and Charlie Haden. As a headlining act at international jazz festivals and a recording artist with Tzadik and Orenda Records, Giddens epitomizes the convergence of education and performance. His directorship of Jazz Studies at Fresno State and receipt of the California Arts Grant underscore his commitment to jazz education and innovation. Mark Ferber, a rhythmic maestro originally hailing from the Bay Area, navigates effortlessly between the worlds of performance and pedagogy. With over 200 recordings to his name and collaborations with jazz luminaries like Lee Konitz and Billy Childs, Ferber's drumming prowess reverberates across continents. As a professor of Drumset at Cal State University, Fresno, and a faculty member at esteemed institutions worldwide, Ferber's influence extends beyond the stage, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians. Sara Gazarek, a GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist raised in Seattle with over 20 years in Los Angeles, stands at the forefront of jazz innovation. With accolades for her solo work and as a co-founder of the vocal collective, säje, Gazarek's artistry transcends boundaries. Her role as an Associate Professor at the Eastman School of Music and her leadership within the Recording Academy exemplify her dedication to jazz education and advocacy. Gazarek's upcoming nonet project promises to further elevate her legacy as a pioneering voice in contemporary jazz. Together, Koonse, Giddens, Ferber, and Gazarek embody a rare confluence of talent, dedication, and friendship, enriching the jazz landscape with their collective brilliance. All shows at Sam First are 21+ (no one under the age of 21 will be permitted) Show Times: 7:30pm & 9:30pm, and a separate ticket is required for each show.