Nicholas Payton and Bill Stewart

Born in New Orleans, Nicholas Payton is a celebrated trumpeter known for his vibrant post-bop jazz infused with genres like funk, R&B, and hip-hop. He gained recognition in the '90s, touring with Elvin Jones and Marcus Roberts. Payton won a Grammy for his 1997 collaboration with Doc Cheatham and coined the term “Black American Music.” His notable albums include Gumbo Nouveau, Sonic Trance, and Afro-Caribbean Mixtape. He has collaborated with artists like Wynton Marsalis and Joshua Redman and showcased at venues like New York's Smoke Jazz & Supper Club.

Drummer Bill Stewart, known for jazz, debuted as a leader in 1995 with "Snide Remarks", featuring John Scofield & Joe Lovano. Studied at William Patterson College, played with Maceo Parker, and notably in Scofield’s band.