Rob Barics – Clarinet & Saxophones

With his style deeply rooted in the traditions of New Orleans jazz, Rob Barics brings a unique approach to the 8 Legged Monster. Fluid in jazz styles of all eras, Barics has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Marcus Roberts, Nicholas Payton, Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Clint Baker’s New Orleans Jazz Band and vocalist Faye Carol. Co-founder of the Eaton-Barics Quintet and founder of the Rob Barics Quintet, he has been a fixture on the San Francisco jazz scene for over 15 years. His recording credits include the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra’s “The Lights”, “Port Chicago Suite” and “Bound for the Promised Land, Harriet Tubman”.

Mike Irwin Johnson – Guitar & 6-string Banjo

Mike began studying classical theory and composition at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music at the early age of 14. His teachers included the world-renowned composer Laura Schwendinger and guitar masters David Tannenbaum and Scott Camille. Mike took up the study of jazz in 1999 while attending San Francisco State University. He has shared the stage with jazz greats such as Jim Hall, John Handy, Branford Marsalis, Stephan Harris, Bill Frissel, Melvin Sparks and many more.

“King” Jaz Sawyer – Drums

Jaz Sawyer was born and raised in San Francisco Bay Area. He began playing drums at the age of 2. He also learned to play the trumpet and the bass before starting his serious pursuit of music studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music/Preparatory Division at the age of 15. Mr. Sawyer was a member of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra for two years before graduating from the San Francisco School of the Arts. He has toured and performed in numerous venues across the world. Including The Blue Note, The Village Vanguard, Carnegie Hall (NY), Davies Symphony Hall (S.F), The New Morning (Paris) The Concertgebow (Germany), Red Sea Festival (Israel), and North Sea Jazz Festival (Cape Town). Mr. Sawyer has worked with Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Santana, The Grateful Dead, The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Bobby Hutcherson, Jacky Terrasson, Irvin Mayfield, Abbey Lincoln, and many others. Now 28, he holds a B.F.A. degree from the Mannes Jazz & Contemporary Music Program and a Master of Public Administration degree from the Metropolitan College of New York.

Mr. Sawyer is versatile in performing and producing different genres of music including Jazz, Classical, and Afro–Cuban-Caribbean to Soul and well studied in various percussion instruments. He is currently CEO of Pursuance Records for which he constantly composes and produces creative projects and events. More Information: http://www.myspace.com/pursuancerecords

Mike “Kid” Olmos – Trumpet

Mike Olmos has become one of the most in demand jazz trumpet players since his arrival in the San Francisco Bay Area 10 years ago. Over his 10 year tenure here, he has been has performed with local favorites such as the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Realistic Orchestra & and Brass Mafia. He has performed and recorded with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Mary Stallings, Lavay Smith, Marcus Shelby, Cachao, John Calloway, Jesus Diaz y Su QBA, Pete Escovedo, Josh Jones, Thomas Dolby, Lyrics Born, Michael Feinstein, Realistic Orchestra, Brass Mafia, Akira Tana, Zigaboo Modeliste, Will Bernard, Andrew Speight, Jeff Chambers, Dave Eshelman’s Jazz Garden Big Band, The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Evan Francis, Howard Wiley, Dayna Stephens, Noel Jewkes, Mel Martin, Michael Brecker, Madeline Eastman, Howard Tate, The Bjorkestra and The Glide Ensemble.

More Information: http://www.myspace.com/themikeolmos

Danny Grewen – Trombone

Danny Grewen is one of the Bay Area’s most sought after Trombonists, as well as an arranger and vocalist. He has worked and recorded with many greats on the San Francisco jazz scene, including The Collective Jazz West Orchestra, Jaz Sawyer & The Pursuers, Realistic Orchestra and Brass Mafia. Grewen starred as Frank Sinatra in “The Rat Pack Is Back!” and continues to channel Ol’ Blue Eyes both in his live performances, and on his album “First Pitch Swinging” (Pursuance Records/The Orchard). Grewen is an integral part of the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, having been with the band from it’s inception.

More Information: http://www.myspace.com/dannygrewen