Greg, after playing with Ray Charles in California, and Diamond, after playing lead reed with the Frank Sinatra Jr. Orchestra, connected about 30 years ago while playing in the Duke Bellaire’s Jazz Orchestra. Quickly becoming friends, Greg told Diamond about his recurring dreams of lizards playing saxophones and did he think the two of them should form a duo. The Lizzardo Brothers was born! 

EPSG:4326

The Lizzardo Brothers

The Center at Eastman

(Saxophonist /Bassist/Percussionist / Educator / Private Instructor / Ethnomusicologist)

(Bachelor of Science in Music - Tennessee State University, Music Production & Engineering Studies -Berklee College of Music, Ethnomusicology Studies - Dartmouth College, Semi-Finalist for Grammy Award Teacher of the Year. John Pflug Teaching Fellow Recipient, Chairman of The Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Good Mu Society.)

Ronald R. Smith

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Ronald currently hails from Northampton, MA and is the director of Music Programs at Northfield Mount Hermon School. 

Ron has been in the New England Area since 1988 performing and developing music programs in public and private schools. During his career, Ron has performed with such artists as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Billy Taylor,Nat Adderley, Wynton Marselis, B.B. King, Paul Winter, Samirah Evans, and Evelyn Harris to name a few. You can follow Ron on facebook with his newly formed trio “ THE G NOTES “ - a Soulful Jazz Trio based in the Western New England.

Jason Palmer

Alto saxophonist Cercie Miller has been a dynamic presence on Boston’s jazz scene since 1986, when she founded the Cercie Miller Jazz Quartet and the avant-garde jazz collective, Your Neighborhood Saxophone Quartet. 

Cercie Miller & Dominique Eade

Donna Byrne is a jazz singer at the top of her game, a true entertainer whose music is fiery or tender by turns. Her powerful voice, energetic persona, and ability to convey a sense of her life experience gives her music a spiritual feel that captivates jazz fans and leading artists alike. 

Donna Bryne

"...Billy Holiday in bell bottoms…" - Summit Daily News
 "...Her voice will knock you off your chair!…" - Charlotte Observer

In her early years, with influences like Billy Holiday, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington, Mary traveled much of the U.S., soaking up diverse musical styles all along the way. From New York to California, to Texas and New Orleans, she developed a style that is both gritty and pure. 

Mary Fagan

Local music legend, Bill Wightman, pianist/vocalist and JOSA director and founder, has gathered veteran musicians from his rich musical past to assemble a 6-piece group.

Back Bay Transit

Greg gives credit to two key turning points in his career - playing lead alto saxophone with the Ray Charles Orchestra in the mid 70’s, and a collaboration with the great Phil Woods as my guest on 2 recordings. However, it was a trip to Montreal from Boston in a blizzard that catapulted his early career, when one of only 7 people in the club that night opened opportuntities to NYC, producers at Candid Records, and his eventual recording at Birdland with James Williams, Rufus Reid, and Kenny Washington.

Greg Abate

“This lady is a study in jazz's cool, its phrasing, its nuance, and its sophistication. Kelly has wowed em all over the world with her classic swing and elegance. Many call themselves jazz singers, but Nancy Kelly is the real deal.” RIJF

"Nancy is one of the premiere female jazz vocalist of our times" Jim Clark Jazz Nightly

Nancy Kelly

“I want to paint the air with my colorful tone. Choices between long or short strokes, quick or slow, high in the canvas or low, brighter color or darker, with a fat brush or a pen. Paint the air one note at a time.” says Tiger of his playing and of his captivation with the playing of Louis Armstrong.

Josa Jazz

Dec 8, 2024

Christine Fawson

Dec 22, 2024

Ron Smith

Jan 5, 2025

Giacomo Gates

Jan 19, 2025

Amanda Carr

Feb 2, 2025

Greg Abate

Apr 7, 2024

The Lizzardo Brothers

Mar 24, 2024

Ronald R. Smith

Josa Jazz