Core Faculty Full Line-up
These are the folks that you'll be working with both days at JazzWire Saxophone & Improvisation Summit. They will be teaching the small combos, electives, and masterclasses.
Jeff Antoniuk
Saxophone/Artistic Director
Born in Edmonton Canada, and having lived in Nigeria as a child, saxophonist and educator Jeff Antoniuk has defined his musical life by creating and expanding communities, whether improvising a solo, connecting with a festival audience, or in his numerous workshops and master classes. Heralded for his “considerable chops” (Jazz Times Magazine) and “a creative spark that never lets up,” (Rochester City Paper) Antoniuk is a force to be reckoned with on the horn, and a master educator
renowned around the world. His “Digging Deeper” jazz education videos on Your Tube and Facebook have been watched over 3 million times.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
Adi Yeshaya
Piano
Over the course of a music career that is approaching its 40-year mark, Adi Yeshaya has earned international recognition as an arranger, composer and orchestrator. He has collaborated with renowned artists, including Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Doc Severinsen and Burt Bacharach. In addition, he has been arranging music for NBC The Voice.
As a resident of the Twin Cities, Adi has served as a pianist and musical director for the late world-class jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan. He also performed with countless Twin Cities vocalists such as Dennis Spears, Ginger Commodore, Gwen Matthews, Bruce Henry, Prudence Johnson, and many others. He has been commissioned by many organizations, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Guthrie Theater and Doc Severinsen Big Band.
In 2023 he revitalized his old 12-piece big band and it’s currently known as the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra - featuring Jennifer Grimm. The ensemble performs semi-regularly at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley and at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. Recently, the band appeared at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club, in New York City.
Adi has been active as an educator, as well. He taught at Berklee College of Music, the University of Minnesota and McNally Smith College of Music (St. Paul, MN) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
As a resident of the Twin Cities, Adi has served as a pianist and musical director for the late world-class jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan. He also performed with countless Twin Cities vocalists such as Dennis Spears, Ginger Commodore, Gwen Matthews, Bruce Henry, Prudence Johnson, and many others. He has been commissioned by many organizations, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Guthrie Theater and Doc Severinsen Big Band.
In 2023 he revitalized his old 12-piece big band and it’s currently known as the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra - featuring Jennifer Grimm. The ensemble performs semi-regularly at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley and at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. Recently, the band appeared at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club, in New York City.
Adi has been active as an educator, as well. He taught at Berklee College of Music, the University of Minnesota and McNally Smith College of Music (St. Paul, MN) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Chris Bates
Bass
Chris Bates is an accomplished bassist recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz. Bates is a key member of the Atlantis Quartet, where his dynamic and inventive bass lines contribute to the ensemble’s distinctive sound.
With a career spanning decades, he has become a sought after collaborator, known for his deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Beyond his work with the Atlantis Quartet, Bates has lent his talent to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative bassist within the vibrant Twin Cities music scene and beyond.
Chris is the founder of North Star Jazz Workshops in Minneapolis, MN. is an accomplished bassist recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz. Bates is a key member of the Atlantis Quartet, where his dynamic and inventive bass lines contribute to the ensemble’s distinctive sound.
With a career spanning decades, he has become a sought after collaborator, known for his deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Beyond his work with the Atlantis Quartet, Bates has lent his talent to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative bassist within the vibrant Twin Cities music scene and beyond.
Chris is the founder of North Star Jazz Workshops in Minneapolis, MN.
With a career spanning decades, he has become a sought after collaborator, known for his deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Beyond his work with the Atlantis Quartet, Bates has lent his talent to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative bassist within the vibrant Twin Cities music scene and beyond.
Chris is the founder of North Star Jazz Workshops in Minneapolis, MN. is an accomplished bassist recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz. Bates is a key member of the Atlantis Quartet, where his dynamic and inventive bass lines contribute to the ensemble’s distinctive sound.
With a career spanning decades, he has become a sought after collaborator, known for his deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Beyond his work with the Atlantis Quartet, Bates has lent his talent to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative bassist within the vibrant Twin Cities music scene and beyond.
Chris is the founder of North Star Jazz Workshops in Minneapolis, MN.
Elaine Burt
Trumpet
Elaine Burt is a highly sought-after trumpet player, performer, teacher, guest artist, conductor and clinician.
Elaine's dedication to her craft led her to the world-renowned School of Music at the University of North Texas where she studied under esteemed professors John Haynie and Dr. Leonard Candelaria as well as brass guru Don "Jake" Jacoby. She earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Jazz Studies. As a graduate student, Elaine was awarded a teaching fellowship allowing her to lead two of the university's performing jazz bands.
Elaine's career has taken her across the globe performing with various bands and artists. During her twenty-three years in New York City, she performed in over twenty Broadway shows, appeared on national television programs, participated in studio recording sessions and played with premier jazz orchestras including the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Ed Palermo Big Band. She has shared the stage with renowned artists like Reba McEntire, Idina Menzel and Audra McDonald as well as jazz greats such as Bob Mintzer, Clark Terry, Byron Stripling and John Pizzarelli.
Elaine has toured extensively with Paul Anka and is a proud member of the band for the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR. Most recently, she had the honor of teaching students at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Academy in New York City. Elaine enjoys bringing her joy for music to students of all ages while guiding them on their journey of musical exploration.
Elaine's dedication to her craft led her to the world-renowned School of Music at the University of North Texas where she studied under esteemed professors John Haynie and Dr. Leonard Candelaria as well as brass guru Don "Jake" Jacoby. She earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Jazz Studies. As a graduate student, Elaine was awarded a teaching fellowship allowing her to lead two of the university's performing jazz bands.
Elaine's career has taken her across the globe performing with various bands and artists. During her twenty-three years in New York City, she performed in over twenty Broadway shows, appeared on national television programs, participated in studio recording sessions and played with premier jazz orchestras including the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Ed Palermo Big Band. She has shared the stage with renowned artists like Reba McEntire, Idina Menzel and Audra McDonald as well as jazz greats such as Bob Mintzer, Clark Terry, Byron Stripling and John Pizzarelli.
Elaine has toured extensively with Paul Anka and is a proud member of the band for the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR. Most recently, she had the honor of teaching students at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Academy in New York City. Elaine enjoys bringing her joy for music to students of all ages while guiding them on their journey of musical exploration.
The Summit reserves the right to change or substitute faculty at any time