Band Bios:

Hilary Gardner (voice) has performed in many of New York’s top venues, such as Iridium, Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, the Jazz Standard, the Rainbow Room, the 92^nd St. Y, and the Allen Room at Lincoln Center.  Hilary regularly performs with the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble, an 18-piece big band led by Mike Longo, Dizzy Gillespie’s longtime pianist and musical director.  She appears on the band’s critically acclaimed third CD, Oasis.  Multi-platinum recording artist Moby features Hilary on his critically acclaimed 2009 release, Wait For Me. 

Frank Ponzio (piano) has performed at Birdland, Town Hall, and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with artists Ben Vereen, David Amram, Phil Donahue, Joe Beck, and Nancy Lamott.  He was music director for Jaques D’amBoise National Dance Institute and is now MD for Heidi Latsky Dance. Frank has written music for TV commercials, plays and film, including the feature film A Level Field.

Pete Donovan (bass) has played alongside a diverse array of artists.  In the world of rock music: Bono (U2), Quincy Jones, The Who, Cyndi Lauper and Bryan Adams. In the Jazz world: Eric Reed, Charles McPherson, Lou Marini and Fred Hersch. classical:  Joshua Bell, Jose Carreras, Marilyn Horne, Dawn Upshaw and The New York Philharmonic. In theater music: Marvin Hamlisch, Patti LuPone, Liza Minelli and Maureen McGovern.  He has also toured and recorded extensively with the legendary Barbara Cook.

Vito Lesczak (drums) has performed in many of the major jazz rooms and concert halls all over the world and toured extensively in North America, throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and Russia.  He has been a member of the Andy Bey trio since 1997 and played for the John Hendricks/ Annie Ross reunion tour in 2000.  Mr. Lesczak has performed and recorded with many jazz stars including Art Farmer, Clark Terry, Ernie Wilkins, Steve Grossman, Mark Murphy, Bob Cranshaw and Larry Goldings.