Gregg Marquardt started vocal training in 1976, and now models his voice after Mel Tormé, Mark Murphy, and Kurt Elling. He has performed at The Dakota Jazz Club, The Times Bar & Cafe, the Artist’s Quarter, Yvette’s, The Luxx Café, and many other venues. His debut CD, Starting Point, has sold in the U.S., Switzerland and Italy. Gregg is well known for his work with the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, as well his solo work throughout the Twin Cities.

Reeves Cary has been a Twin Cities favorite for many years.  He is best known for his work with the Nostalgics Vocal Quartet, which is a part of Dan Odegaard’s Classic Big Band. Their CD brought rave reviews, with Reeve’s singing being called “the equal of the best of all the boy singers of the past” (George Aust). Reeves has also worked with the Big Stoop Big Band, in the 1940's vocal quartet, Track 29, and extensively with singer Paula Lammers, on the Minnesota Zephyr and in duo throughout the Twin Cities.

Dan Ristrom is an up-and-coming jazz vocalist who says “Music is my life’s passion.”  He grew up in a musical family, headed by his parents, guitarist Reuben and vocalist Diane Ristrom, and came up through the ranks playing bass and singing at a very early age.  His musical talent has taken him all over the world and, for this concert, joining forces with Reeves and Gregg was a natural fit.

In addition to the jazz vocalists of the 20th century noted above, the “Men With Mics” will also feature the songs of artists like Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and the 21st century’s acclaimed Kurt Elling, focusing on the male singers who brought a new sound to jazz vocals. It’s a celebration of the guys who crooned, scatted, innovated, and moved jazz vocals forward. It’s Men With Mics!

Tickets available the night of the concert at the Artists Quarter. The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St. Peter Street in the lower level of the Hamm Building in dowtown  Saint Paul. Ticket Price: $12.00; $10.00 for TCJS members; $5 for students with school ID.