Jazz Concert with Flex: Featuring Art Lande, Dru Heller, and Gonzalo Teppa

Flex is a band formed in 2017 that embodies flexibility, flexion of muscle and mind, the reflex of heart and mood, and the inflection of a wide range of musical influences. Featuring pianist Art Lande, bassist Gonzalo Teppa, and drummer Dru Heller, the group embraces the myriad of possible textures and colors available to this time-honored instrumentation.

The bass takes over the theme in an arco fashion, a drum solo appears unexpectedly, forms are suspended or changed at will, and a quiet piece gets funky or becomes a 5/4 for salsa dance. Each band member is ready to bring his musical wishes to the table at any moment, and the group embraces and commits to the new direction. The band’s repertoire includes compositions from its members, arrangements of jazz standards, open improvisations, and tunes called out or arrived at that the ensemble has never played together before. So, there is an atmosphere of innovation and tradition.

Recordings:

• Resist the Eel Panda (Released in January 2020)
• Slate & Quartz (Release date: July 15, 2022)

Art Lande – Grammy-nominated Art Lande is an internationally known pianist, composer, improviser, drummer, and educator who has performed with a long list of the Who’s Who in jazz, including Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Steve Swallow, Charlie Haden, Kenny Wheeler, Sheila Jordan, Mark Isham, Paul McCandless, Jan Garbarek, and many others.

Gonzalo Teppa – Two-time Latin Grammy Nominee for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Latin Jazz Album”, for work on the recordings “Tiempo” by Linda Briceño; and “3rd Element” by Luisito Quintero.

Dru Heller – Dru Heller is an expressive, authentic, and joyful drummer, composer, and bandleader. His passionate playing and love for music have opened opportunities for him to perform and teach nationwide.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and light appetizers and wine will be served from 7 p.m. to 7 p.m. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 8 | 7 – 8:30 pm | $25