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John & Leah
John
Leah & John
John
Jon
Leah
Jeff
Paul
Leah
John
Sturgis
| Biographies |
John- Lead Vocals
John hails from Brick, NJ. He began singing at age 11 as a child actor in musical theatre productions. He went on to perform in dozens of theatrical productions, eventually becoming the lead and background singer for a variety of cover bands, and most recently, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. John is also a talented multi instrumentalist and recording artist. His impeccable intonation and versatile range blend perfectly with Protege’s female vocalist, Leah.
Leah
Originally from the Boston area, vocalist and composer Leah is a naturally gifted performer with a soulful voice. Growing up in a family of musicians, she has well rounded knowledge of music, and began writing songs in high school thru which she released her first CD, “At the Root”, in 2007. To further her studies, Leah went to Hampshire College with a focus on music and sociology. She has toured nationally, winning “Best Jazz” three years in a row in western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley (Valley Advocate), the grand prize for music on OurStage.com, and a nomination for “Outstanding Jazz Act” in the Boston Music Awards. Working professionally in the industry for years, Leah has performed at such noted venues as the Regattabar, CBGB’s, Higher Ground, and the Blue Note NYC.
Will- Guitar & Vocals
Born and raised in small town Thomaston, GA, Will’s southern rock, blues and country influences can clearly be heard in his guitar playing and singing. He is a singer and writer, but a guitarist at heart. As a founding member of the rock/funk band the Dirty Sound Professors, Will had the opportunity to open for nationally renowned artists including the Werks, the Lee Boys, Corbette Jackson, and Colt Ford. After moving to Boston and studying at Berklee College of Music, Will now lives in Revere, MA with his wife and dog.
Jon
Jon is a saxophonist native to New England. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance at UMass Amherst, he moved to Boston to complete a Master’s Degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. Since receiving his Master’s, Jon has been very active in both the Boston and New York music scenes. He has gone on to tour with local and national acts. Jon is most actively playing with The Brighton Beat, an Afrobeat/Jazz group that he co-founded in 2010. He is also currently performing with the Mark Zaleski Band, The Omar Thomas Large Ensemble, in addition to freelancing with many other local acts.
Paul
Paul has been playing bass professionally and recording music years in every style such as funk, rock, pop, folk, country, blues, jazz, reggae, and bluegrass. He has toured the country with many bands such as Brotherhood of Groove and Delta Highway as well as performing the globe in places like Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Curacao, Canada, Mexico and Cuba. After growing up in central Massachusetts, Paul lived in New Orleans and Memphis immersing himself in the rich musical heritages these cities have to offer. Since moving to the Boston area he has continued to perform out and tour with local bands like Hey Mama, Gracie Curran and the High Falutin’ Band, Billy Wylder and Soul Box.
Jeff
Jeff is aBoston-based pianist, composer, and educator integrates his jazz, R&B, and Afro-Cuban influences to create a style all his own. He regularly performs with his own jazz trio. As a sought after accompanist, arranger, and producer, he has worked with legendary jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp, award winning hip-hop outfit Cold Duck Complex, gospel vocalist Evelyn Harris of Sweet Honey in the Rock, and folk composer/guitarist David “Goody” Goodrich. D’Antona’s wealth of performance experience has taken him to nationally recognized venues including the Blue Note NYC, the Regatta Bar, Higher Ground, and the Mullins Center. In 2012, Jeff graduated from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College with a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance.
Sturgis
Sturgis is a drummer and educator who began his professional career even as a teen. Since the nineties he has toured and performed extensively, playing world class venues in the U.S. and Europe with artists such as Peter Tork, Tim Eriksen, Martin Sexton, Jimmy Weider, Charles Neville, to name a few. Sturgis has also enjoyed a wide-ranging career in the recording studio, frequently sought after for album projects specifically for his personal touch, sensitivity and steadfast, lively feel. Being the consummate professional, he is just as often relied upon for his exacting craftsmanship on recorded music for television and film. Sturgis teaches privately in Western Massachusetts where he makes his home.