The Joe Lorenz Jazz Machine is a dynamic ensemble rooted in hard bop and driving swing. Led by senior IU jazz drummer Joe Lorenz, who studies with Professor Sean Dobbins and has performed with April Varner, Luke Gillespie, Tom Walsh, and Mark Buselli, the band features Lucas Hendershot on trumpet, Holland Majors on keys, Nolan Philips on bass, and Dawson Kerchief on tenor saxophone. Joe has performed at venues including The Jazz Kitchen, Meriam's Playhouse, and Lucille's Jazz Club.

Drawing inspiration from Freddie Hubbard, Ray Brown, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, and Gregory Hutchinson, respectively, the group brings together a wide range of influences while honoring the energy and tradition of jazz.

John Raymond is one of the most defining jazz trumpet voices of his generation. With a singular voice as a genre-bending player and composer, Raymond is “steering jazz in the right direction” (DownBeat Magazine) by pushing its boundaries, seamlessly incorporating indie-rock, folk and electronic influences into his music. As Something Else reviews stated, “This is jazz, yes, but jazz with an open mind’.

Tenor saxophonist Sophie Faught is an improviser, composer, bandleader, and teacher. Raised up by some of Indiana’s great jazz musicians and educators – Harry Miedema, Brent Walarab, Claude Sifferlen, Mark Buselli, and David Baker – Sophie speaks the jazz language with creativity, wit, passion, depth, and soul. Sophie’s music is mindful of tradition, without being held captive by it. Sophie has performed in venues across the country and world, including Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam.

Tonight’s performance will feature new original compositions of Raymond’s that bring a fresh approach to the classic jazz quintet sound. The band will include saxophonist Sophie Faught, pianist Luke Gillespie, bassist Jeremy Allen, and drummer Tate Sherman.