Welcome, and thank you for being here to celebrate the launch of Jazz Forward Dayton!

This evening is about more than launching a new nonprofit. It’s about celebrating the music, the musicians, and the community that have inspired me for many years.

Over the years, I’ve watched musicians of all ages and experience levels come together, learn from one another, take chances, and create something special.

That experience helped me realize just how much talent and passion exists in our community and how important it is to create opportunities for that talent to grow.

Jazz Forward Dayton was created to do just that. Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for musicians to learn, perform, and connect while bringing regional and national artists to Dayton, creating educational experiences, and inspiring the next generation to discover and carry jazz forward.

Tonight marks the beginning of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in this vision, from our musicians and volunteers to our board members, sponsors, donors, community partners, and all of you who chose to be here tonight. Your support makes this work possible.

So, let’s celebrate the music, enjoy the incredible artists on this stage, and look ahead to what we can build together.

Kelli Campbell, Founder & President

ADVISORY BOARD

LIBBY BALLENGEE

TERRANCE CAMPBELL

JORGE ERAZO

KEIGO HIRAKAWA

STEPHEN MABARAK

GARY ONADY

JENNA RAMIREZ

SHOHEI SHABATA

Ashlin Parker, a renowned jazz trumpeter based in New Orleans, is highly sought after for his performances with big bands, small ensembles, and as a solo artist. He has performed at jazz festivals and clubs across the globe, including in countries like Australia, Brazil, England, and more.

Musical Collaborations and Ensembles

Ashlin leads the Trumpet Mafia and regularly performs with New Orleans ensembles such as the Ellis Marsalis Quintet and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. He has collaborated with notable musicians like Ellis Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Dr. John, and Nicholas Payton, as well as vocalists Aretha Franklin and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Discography

He has contributed to over 30 albums, with featured solos on records such as the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s Songs: The Music of Allen Toussaint (2019) and Ellis Marsalis’ Ellis Marsalis Quintet plays Ellis Marsalis (2017).

Teaching and Education

Ashlin is dedicated to education, teaching private lessons, leading master classes, and working with young musicians at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music since 2015. He also served as a jazz trumpet instructor at the University of New Orleans and is a Professor of Practice at Tulane University.

Honors and Awards

His accolades include a shared Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble and the 2018 Spirit of Satchmo Award for his contributions to New Orleans music. Trumpet Mafia earned the 2017 Best of the Beat Award for Emerging Artist of the Year. Ashlin holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Jazz Studies from Shenandoah University Conservatory and the University of New Orleans, respectively.

The Dayton Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned big band that offers a traditional and contemporary experience combining the skill of interpreting challenging written music with the art of improvisation.

The ensemble performs at local and regional concerts, at high school and college jazz festivals, and other invited musical events, including the Ohio Music Education Association conference. DJE also performs frequently with local, regional and internationally known jazz artists.

University of Dayton Performance

Members of the Ensemble

Saxophone

Alto

Miles de Keyser

Andrew Swislocki

Tenor

Adam Fournier

Ben Corrington

Baritone

Alex Reffner

Trumpets

Atticus Curry

Zade McIntosh

Anthony Spade

Lance Smith

Aiden Baer

Trombones

Parker Shurte

Duncan Messemer

Hezekiah Cox

Matthew Kolsti

Gabriel Uptegraft

Rhythm Section

Voice

Amelia Tortorici

Vibraphone

Luke Ledwon

Piano

Brendan Ash

Guitar/Piano

Moses Mabarak

Bass

Katie Sutton

Drums/Percussion

Grady Baumgartner

Payton Boerger

Dr. Willie L. Morris III is Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Dayton, where he has served on the music faculty since 1993. A saxophonist, jazz educator, conductor, clinician, and ensemble director, he oversees saxophone and jazz improvisation and directs the Dayton Jazz Ensemble and University of Dayton Flyer Pep Band. He has also coordinated jazz studies and coached saxophone chamber ensembles, including the First Flight Saxophone Quartet and University Saxophone Quartet. Morris earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, the Master of Music in Saxophone from Stephen F. Austin State University, and the Bachelor of Music Education from East Carolina University. Before joining Dayton, he taught for four years at the University of Alabama and for two years at Alcorn State University. As a concert saxophonist, Morris has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, and clinician in the United States and abroad. His work includes performances connected with World Saxophone Congresses in Valencia, Montreal, and Minneapolis; national and regional North American Saxophone Alliance conferences; and performance or teaching activity in South America, Japan, China, Canada, and Europe. He taught and presented clinics at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu and taught jazz history while performing in Paris jazz clubs. He has premiered numerous compositions, including works by African American composers, and has hosted NASA regional conferences at both Dayton and Alabama.

KEIGO HIRAKAWA - PIANO

Keigo Hirakawa is a jazz pianist with over 20 years of professional experience and seven full‑length album appearances, including three as a leader. Trained in New York City and at the New England Conservatory, he studied under many of the world’s leading jazz artists and has performed with an impressive roster of renowned musicians across the U.S. and abroad.

Known for his articulate harmonic and rhythmic approach, Hirakawa leads a widely respected Midwest piano trio celebrated for its spontaneity, original compositions, and fresh interpretations of jazz standards. His work spans clubs, concert halls, festivals, and educational settings, where he remains committed to mentoring emerging talent.

His discography includes the avant‑garde duo album Hessler‑Cabrillo Run Down (2010), the acclaimed trio record And Then There Were Three (2015), and his 2023 quintet release Pixel featuring jazz bass legend Robert Hurst. Hirakawa also appears as a sideman on multiple projects and serves on the faculty at the University of Dayton.

“Hirakawa has a distinctive pianistic voice, coming out of a broad stylistic background.” — Mark Sullivan, All About Jazz

GEORGE DELANCEY - BASS

A native of Cambridge, OH, and a student of such prestigious programs as the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Jazz Studies Program, where he studied under Rodney Whitaker. He toured nationally and internationally with the Larry Fuller Trio from 2017 to 2019, and has performed as a sideman with bandleaders including Wessell Anderson, Peter Bernstein, Bobby Broom, Tia Fuller, Philip and Winard Harper, Christian Howes, Willie Jones III, Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Russell Malone, Tomoko Omura, Johnny O'Neal, Houston Person, Ben Paterson, Jeremy Pelt, Bria Skonberg, as well as many others in New York and throughout the United States. He received a commission for a new composition for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, entitled "Charles," which was premiered on April 25, 2025 as part of JALC's "Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces" program. He is active nationally as a bandleader and educator, and has worked with programs including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People, the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, Christian Howes’ Creative Strings Workshop, and Keith Hall's Summer Drum Intensive.

"George DeLancey understands the entire scope and history of the bass, his playing reflects this and looks towards the future. As a composer, he is without a doubt, one of the most creative melodists of his generation."

- Todd Stoll, Jazz at Lincoln Center - Education, Vice President

REGGIE JACKSON - DRUMS

Reggie Jackson is a versatile drummer and Columbus, Ohio native, known for his dynamic musicianship across jazz, hip-hop, gospel, classical, and R&B. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies, Reggie began his professional journey during college, working with acclaimed recording artist Kim Pensyl. Shortly after graduation, he embarked on a 20-year tenure as drummer for two-time Grammy Award winner and jazz legend Diane Schuur. His career also includes a stint with Aftermath recording artist Truth Hurts and touring with six-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dr. John. Reggie has performed with a long list of distinguished artists, including Benny Golson, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, Anthony Hamilton, Terence Blanchard, Kirk Whalum, Nicholas Payton, Wycliffe Gordon, Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Lew Tabackin, Chuck Loeb, Nelson Rangell, Antonio Hart, and many more. His performances have taken him to over 25 countries and notable appearances include The Tonight Show. Known for his adaptability and deep musicality, Reggie currently serves as the Artistic and Musical Director for the Harmony Project, continuing to inspire through performance, leadership, and community engagement.

“Reggie Jackson is Dynamic on Drums”

Titans of Columbus Jazz, Peter Tonguette