Gilmore Piano Festival: Bill Cessna Trio at the Kalamazoo State Theatre

This is a FREE event!
Outdoor patio with bar and Youz Guys Dogz
Live music from Bill Cessna Trio
Patio Opens: 5:00pm

“Throughout the year we present concerts and programs that put the spotlight on events that foster a spirit of community and inclusiveness. We are proud to present many of these events in partnership with community organizations and other key supporters.” – Gilmore Piano Festival

About Bill Cessna Trio
Bill Cessna (piano) leads his own trio through the Midwest. As a Jazz pianist/multi-instrumentalist with a mission to create and present musical experiences that preserve and celebrate Black American Music and the genius of jazz music and improvisation, he began his studies for jazz piano on scholarship at Columbia College Chicago in 2009. During his undergraduate time, he has the opportunities to study under Peter Saxe, Dennis Luxion, Donald Neale, and Sebastian Huydts. He also had the opportunity to perform alongside acclaimed musicians such as Christina McBride, Benny Golson, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeremy Pelt, Davis Douglas and more. After graduating in 2013, Bill quickly became an in-demand sideman in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Currently, Bill is attending WMU on scholarship pursuing a graduate degree in jazz piano. He maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule in both the Chicago and Detroit areas.

Denis Shebukhov (bass) was born in Vyatskie Polyany, Russia on March 28, 1976. His first introduction to live music was through his father’s singing. At the age of 8 he started his music education at the local music school. His first instrument was a bayan (Russian form of accordion), but very soon he switched to the tuba. In 1993, he was accepted to Kirov College of Music where he studied tuba and electric bass. Soon after moving to Kirov, Denis got his first gig playing bass with the dance theatre Dimka. After winning a regional brass competition in Vladimir he was asked to continue his education in Glinka Conservatory in Nizhny Novgorod.

Drummer, composer, and educator Ethan Bouwsma (drums) has become one of the most in-demand drummers in the West Michigan music scene. Currently residing in Kalamazoo, MI, he has established himself as a versatile musician, playing with artists of varying genres all over the state. In addition to being involved with numerous jazz ensembles as a sideman, he also leads his own original-music jazz project, is the current drummer for Grand Rapids-based R&B/funk band The Hip Pocket, and is a member of Fake Baseball, an eclectic art-pop band based in Kalamazoo. As a drummer, Ethan has been influenced by the sensibilities of musicians like Elvin Jones, Brian Blade, and Billy Hart.

Presented in partnership with the Kalamazoo State Theatre, this free outdoor event is featured on the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo’s ArtHop.