Vanessa Finney

Born: May 22

Vanessa Finney grew up in southern California, where she worked as a radio DJ and attended UCLA. Now based in southern Oregon, she hosts two podcasts at Jefferson Public Radio: the pro-aging segment "My Better Half" and "The Creative Way," an artist profile series.

She performs at venues throughout Oregon's wine country and just released her first album, "Bésame Mucho," with arranger Mark Hamersly.

The Ostara Project

Active since: 2022

For Canadians, the arrival of spring is momentous: the air is fresh and full of possibility as tender green shoots reach up towards the light and the cycle of rebirth and renewal begins again. The Ostara Project, named for the Germanic goddess of the spring equinox, embodies hope and growth by showcasing the strength and creativity of Canadian women in jazz.

Ostara artists are all top-tier musicians, composers and bandleaders who reflect the geographical, cultural and creative diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. Lead by award-winning jazz musicians Jodi Proznick and Amanda Tosoff, The Ostara Project includes Rachel Therrien, Allison Au and Valérie Lacombe, with guest artists invited on a per-project basis. Individually, they are outstanding artists: collectively, they are a force.

Matt Jardim

Born: October 21, 1962

Matt Jardim is a guitarist with extensive experience and exceptional versatility. Matt has studied with Ted Dunbar, Kevin Eubanks, Eddie Berg, Dr. Ana Marie Rosado and earned a B.A. in Jazz performance from Rutgers University. He subsequently earned an M.A. in music education and after a long and storied career recently retired as a music educator with 32 years teaching in public schools. Matt's outstanding guitar ensembles from Elizabeth and Mountain Lakes High Schools garnered much praise and teen arts awards. As a performer, Matt continues to play with various bands such as Epic Soul, Yacht Rock Gold Experience, Random Acts of Soul and with his jazz trio or as a fingerstyle soloist.

Greg Oliva

Born: November 13, 1951