Dave Koz & Friends

Dave Koz is a celebrated American saxophonist, composer, and radio host, widely recognized for his contributions to smooth jazz. Born in 1963 in Encino, California, he began playing the saxophone in his youth and quickly rose to prominence in the late 1980s, touring with artists like Bobby Caldwell and Richard Marx.

His solo career took off with his 1990 debut album and has since led to numerous chart-topping albums, Grammy nominations, and collaborations with icons such as Celine Dion, Stevie Nicks, and Barry Manilow.

Koz's engaging stage presence and musical versatility have made him a staple in contemporary jazz, while his popular syndicated radio show and annual **Dave Koz & Friends At Sea** cruises have expanded his influence beyond music. With a legacy built on innovation, collaboration, and a passion for performance, Dave Koz remains one of jazz’s most enduring and influential figures.

Marcus Anderson is a Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated saxophonist, composer, and producer from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Born into a musically gifted family, he began performing in church at a young age and later studied jazz at North Carolina Central University under Dr. Ira Wiggins, Branford Marsalis, and Donald Hayes. With 18 studio albums, Anderson's music blends jazz, R&B, pop, rock, and funk, earning him five Billboard No. 1 hits. He has performed with Prince, Stevie Wonder, and CeeLo Green, and appeared on major shows like The Tonight Show. Beyond music, he owns "AND Coffee" and hosts the annual Jazz and Coffee Festival in Asheville, NC.

Jeff Bradshaw is a Philadelphia-born trombonist renowned for his fusion of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Raised in a musically rich environment by his father, a minister and musician, Bradshaw chose the trombone in high school with the aim of bringing the instrument into contemporary music. His 2003 debut album, Bone Deep, showcased his unique sound. Over his career, he has collaborated with Michael Jackson, The Roots, and Erykah Badu, and remains a key figure in the Philadelphia neo-soul movement. In 2023, he released Jeff Bradshaw 20, marking two decades as a solo artist.

Evan Taylor is a versatile trumpet artist from Ludington, Michigan, whose journey began in church and expanded into jazz, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop. He studied under Etienne Charles at Michigan State University and Kris Johnson at the University of Utah. Taylor has performed with Gloria Estefan, Dave Koz, and The Righteous Brothers, and contributed to projects for Netflix, HGTV, and BET. Currently based in Bloomington, Indiana, he serves as an Assistant Instructor for the Indiana University Soul Revue while pursuing a doctoral degree in jazz studies.

Marcel Anderson is a neo-soul and contemporary gospel artist from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Raised in a musically rich family, he began singing at eight and later formed the award-winning group Three Part Harmony. His debut album, Still Living, was released alongside a memoir chronicling his survival of a violent home invasion and his journey toward healing. Marcel is also the founder of Accelerating Men Inc., a nonprofit mentoring organization.