FRIDAY MARCH 22 – MECADON MCCUNE TRIO

Mecadon McCune is a talented young jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader. He grew up surrounded by music, as his father, Brandon McCune, is a renowned jazz pianist, and his mother, Christine McCune, is an opera singer. Mecadon initially studied classical piano but later transitioned to drums, where he found his true passion.

He has been recognized for his exceptional skills, winning awards like the James Moody Jazz Scholarship and the Outstanding Soloist Award at the Mingus Competition. Mecadon is currently studying Jazz Performance at Montclair State University and is actively performing as a bandleader and sideman in the jazz community.

Ben Siegel

Ben Collins-Siegel is a talented young jazz pianist from Maplewood, New Jersey. Born in 2007, he began playing piano at the age of four, initially focusing on classical music before transitioning to jazz. He honed his skills through the Jazz House Kids program and has studied with renowned musicians like Julius Tolentino and Bob Himmelberger.

Ben has performed at prestigious venues such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Steinway Hall. He has also played alongside celebrated jazz artists like Christian McBride and John Pizzarelli. His accolades include being named a 2023 YoungArts finalist and receiving the Steinway & Sons Jazz Piano Award in 2023. He is also a member of The Baker Street Trio, a jazz group that has performed at various notable events.

Sam Konin

am Konin is a talented young bassist from New Jersey, skilled in both electric and upright bass. At just 15 years old, he has already performed with notable jazz musicians like Johnathan Blake, Dayna Stephens, and Gilad Hekselman. He is also a member of the jazz group Quintessential, which features other rising stars in the jazz world. Sam has been recognized for his artistry, including being named a 2024 YoungArts award winner in the jazz discipline.