Protégé Wedding & Event Band

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.

Carl- Guitar/ Vocals

Carl is a journeyman guitarist, educator and performer. An Illinois boy born and raised, Carl moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music where he finished Summa Cum Laude. Having worked professionally in various arenas Carl has a wide scope of musical influences. With performances ranging from The Boston Pops to Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ledisi, Carl showcases a stylistic versatility and ability to play any genre. Carl is also a vocalist, composer, teacher songwriter, band leader, musical director and hip hop producer.

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.

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.