Musician Highlights

Ramsey Lewis Trio, July 8

Keyboardist Ramsey Lewis' career took off in 1965 with the release of The In Crowd and the subsequent radio hits The In Crowd, Hang On Sloopy and Wade In The Water . Since then, he has been awarded three Grammys and has hosted several radio programs, including his current show on WNUA, and the syndicated Legends of Jazz , which is broadcast on over 70 stations nationwide.

Lewis debuted on his Narada Jazz label in 1999 with the release of Appassionata and has gone on to contribute to three contemporary jazz projects for the label ( Urban Knights III, IV and V ), as well as duo projects with vocalist Nancy Wilson - Meant To Be and Simple Pleasures - for which he was awarded a 2004 NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Jazz Artist). Additionally, the Chicago native is active in community service, acting as artistic director of the Ravinia Jazz Festival and organizing that festival's ongoing Jazz Mentor Program.

Jeff Kashiwa and the Coastal Access Band, July 15

Many smooth jazz fans were taken by surprise in early 1999, when Jeff Kashiwa left the Rippingtons after ten years to devote more time to develop his career as a solo artist. In truth, the popular saxophonist has always had his eye on striking out on his own. Before joining the Ripps in 1989, he led various ensembles at clubs throughout Orange County , CA , and he spent much of his down time from the Ripps' hectic touring and recording schedule leading his own band, Coastal Access. His two previous solo albums, Remember Catalina (1995) and Walk a Mile (1997) were critically and commercially acclaimed and laid a perfect foundation for his Native Language debut, Another Door Opens - in many ways his first major entry into the smooth jazz marketplace.

Kashiwa 's talent, charisma and musicianship are only a few reasons that fans, radio programmers, critics and promoters can't get enough of him. His music reaches fans across the spectrum, and his on-stage abilities further enhance the connection the audience has with him.

Alexander Zonjic and Friends, July 22

In a career that spans three decades, flutist Alexander Zonjic has dabbled - and excelled - in everything from jazz to classical to rock to instrumental pop. Originally an aspiring rock guitarist in his hometown of Windsor , Ontario , Zonjic changed direction at age 21 when a stranger on the street offered him a flute for $50. Zonjic bought it for $9 and immediately committed himself to mastering it. After several years of classical training - financed by numerous rock guitar and jazz flute gigs - Zonjic landed a decade-long international touring gig with Bob James that led to a solo recording career in the early '90s.

Since those early days, Zonjic has joined an elite group of flutists who have dedicated their careers to pushing the instrument beyond its traditional context in classical music into the realm of jazz. But "musician" is only one of Zonjic's many professional titles. He produces concerts and music festivals as President of Hi-Falutin' Music and serves as the morning air personality on Detroit 's Smooth Jazz V98.7.

Pieces of a Dream, July 29

Pieces of a Dream emerged out of Philadelphia 's music scene in 1976. The group based their name on Pieces of Dreams , a cover tune the group performed by Stanley Turrentine. The late saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., who called Philadelphia home, helped Pieces of a Dream become the internationally known stars they are today.

The group marked its 25 th anniversary in 2001 with their best album in years, Acquainted with the Night , which generated two top five singles on R&R's NAC chart. Their follow up album, Love's Silhouette , also scored top radio chart positioning and Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart Top 10 status. Pieces of a Dream's April 2004 release, No Assembly Required , is shaping up as another hit album in the group's long and illustrious career.