Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

Guitarist Nate Najar is emerging as one of this decade’s finest modern jazz exponents. He is a player who uses a distinctive technique to convey his artistic prowess- not many artists play acoustic classical guitar with right hand classical technique, yet it is the perfect choice for Najar’s comprehensive approach. Not restricted to single notes or chords, Nate seamlessly weaves melody, harmony and rhythmic freedom. The result is music that is swinging, emotional, inventive and interesting. 2010 saw Najar release "Groove Me" on Woodward Avenue Records. A collaboration with Tony Award winning vocalist Melba Moore, "Groove Me" reached into the top 10 of the Billboard Jazz chart. A St. Petersburg, FL native who began playing guitar at age eight and considers Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Charlie Byrd his primary influences, Najar’s full length recordings on Candid Records – including 2012’s Blues For Night People: The Nate Najar Trio Remembers Charlie Byrd – earned him accolades from critics and influential jazz voices alike. Other recent recordings include 2014’s “Aquarela Do Brasil” and the swinging “This is Nate Najar” (2016). 2017’s “Christmas In December” marked Nate’s return to Woodward Avenue Records.

Phill Fest's background and training give his musicality a unique twist uncommon for his generation. He is a guitarist, vocalist, composer and instructor. Phill was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and currently resides in Florida. Phill grew up in a musical family. His father is a recording artist and his mother a composer and music instructor. Phill was exposed to Brazilian and American Jazz right from the start. "I remember hangin' with Sergio Mendez backstage many times as a kid." His father, Manfredo Fest, was the Keyboardist and Music Director for Bossa Rio, the opening act for Brasil '66 for three years. Phill started guitar at age 16. Having already studied clarinet and violin, the 'six string' came easy. Phill studied at Music Tech of Minneapolis in '89. "My training is a combination of school and self-taught techniques."

Nate Najar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8S5ACbzWN0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9jLfiRaJ0

Phill Fest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h5MpsgTHqY