Mike Longo
In 1966, Dizzy Gillespie first heard Mike Longo at the piano, and the next day hired him as the pianist for the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet. Mike began writing material for the group, and Dizzy eventually appointed Mike as his musical director. Mike was commissioned by Gillespie in 1986 to compose a piece for a full symphony orchestra which was performed by Gillespie in 1993. Since that time, Mike has recorded several albums and CD’s with some 45 recordings with various artists including Gillespie.

At present, Mike has 19 solo albums to his credit. Performing with Mike are Jimmy Owens, trumpet master, Paul West, bass, and Charli Persip, drums. Appearing as a professional jazz musician for over 50 years, jazz bassist Paul West played with Dizzy Gillespie and has also performed and recorded with artists including Ray Charles, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday. Drummer Charli Persip toured and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie's big and small bands. He continues to record as a leader and a sideman with today's most prominent figures in jazz and has been one of the most in-demand drummers in all of jazz.

Jimmy Owens
Special guest at the South Carolina Jazz Festival will be trumpet master Jimmy Owens. With over 35 years of experience as a jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, lecturer, and music education consultant, Jimmy’s expertise covers a wide range of international musical achievement. This includes extensive work as a studio musician, soloist, bandleader, and composer of orchestral compositions, movie scores, and ballets. Jimmy has been a sideman with Lionel Hampton, Herbie Mann and Duke Ellington. For over 30 years, Jimmy has dedicated himself to teaching students the concepts of great Jazz artists and their thought process regarding performance and practice skills.

Jon Faddis
Early in his career, Jon Faddis earned accolades from his close friend and mentor John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, who declared of Faddis, “He's the best ever, including me!” Born in 1953, Faddis began playing at age eight, inspired by an appearance by Louis Armstrong on television. Meeting Dizzy Gillespie at 15 proved to be a pivotal beginning of a unique friendship that spanned over three decades. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Faddis joined Lionel Hampton's band, and he directed numerous orchestras including the Dizzy Gillespie 70th Birthday Big Band when he was in his early 30’s. Now director of the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra (2003-present), the Chicago Jazz Ensemble recently named Faddis as its Artistic Director.

Kat Williams
The unmistakable voice of Kat Williams will conjure feelings of hope, love, and passion and will leave a tremendous impression on your heart. Kat was born to a 14 year old mother she met once. Four days after Kat's 17th birthday, her foster mother died. When her foster father died that same year, Kat found herself homeless. In 1997, Kat began to turn her life toward music. Filled with a passion for song, and a spirited sense of humor, Kat takes the stage and makes magic happen.

Ben Tucker
Ben has performed with music history’s top musicians including Herbie Mann, Quincy Jones, Ellis Marsalis and Sam Cook. During his career, he has written over 300 musical compositions including “Sunny” and the hit tune “Comin’ Home Baby.” Ben is the recipient of the prestigious Clio Award, and he has performed for both national and international audiences.

Beth Chorneau
Beth started singing in her father’s band at age 13 in the club circuit around the Los Angeles area. A student of voice, guitar, and ballet, she was on an early quest to find her place in the world of music and expression. As life would have it, Beth found herself leaving southern California, bound for the east coast where she finally settled in North Carolina. A place so far removed from anything she was used to, yet the art scene was vibrant, and it wasn't long before the music scene welcomed her with open arms. With a full career playing jazz festivals across the country, Beth's voice is infectious to people from eight to eighty.