A Binghamton, NY, native, Dena began playing piano when she was three years old. She studied classical music into her teens but fell in love with jazz when she was in college. Her bourgeoning career as a pianist was halted when in the mid-1980s carpal tunnel syndrome required a series of hand surgeries. As a result, she discovered a new and unexpected talent: singing. After recovering two years later, she began to integrate her piano playing with her singing. She has never looked back. Her latest release, A Walk in the Park (MAXJAZZ) is her fifth as a leader; the title track is dedicated to the late James Williams, the Jazz Series' education program namesake. To say that Dena DeRose has been on our "short list" is an understatement.

"Jazz singer Dena DeRose has all the vocal skills needed to rise to the top level of her field.Singing beautifully, arching through fascinating alterations of melody.she is a fluent pianist with facile technique, an imaginative approach to improvisation and a jaunty sense of swing." - Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times

"The most creative and compelling singer-pianist since Shirley Horn...DeRose is a member of that exclusive company of musicians [notably Nat Cole, Blossom Dearie, and Horn] who sing and play the piano with equal distinction." - Joel E. Siegel, Washington City Paper

Matt Wilson, Photo by Andrea Canter

One of the finest drummers in jazz, Matt Wilson was recently nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association as Drummer of the Year after winning that award in 2003. For the second consecutive year, he was voted Rising Star Drummer of the Year in Downbeat’s 2004 Critics Poll and was also selected in these other poll categories – Drums, Rising Star Jazz Artist, Rising Star Composer and Rising Star Acoustic Jazz Group (for his Matt Wilson Quartet). Modern Drummer Magazine put him at #5 in their 2004 readers poll for best mainstream jazz drummer.

The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series was founded in 1995 and created with the intent to present, promote, foster and preserve the great American art form known as "jazz." The Jazz Series has grown steadily, initially beginning as a six-concert season. The Jazz Series remains Missouri's only out-state (non-urban), all-jazz, community-based project, one of fewer than a dozen such endeavors in the United States situated in a market its size - a 200,000 population within a 45-mile radius.

Currently, the Jazz Series offers a 10-concert season focusing on post-World War II era modern jazz, which runs from September to April. Season tickets are available for purchase as are various five-concert packages. Tickets to single shows, group sales of 20 or more tickets and student discount tickets are also available. Additional special performances and events augment the season, such as the Dr. Carlos Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert & Fund-raiser and the Downtown Columbia "Jazz, Wine & Beer" Pub Crawl.

For more info visit the website at www.wealwaysswing.org