Kevin Karagozian

Kevin Karagozian is a bassist, educator, and composer from Southern California. Drawn to music at a young age, he eventually took a serious interest in jazz and the bass in high school. Eventually, he had the honor to study under legendary Jazz pianist/Grammy award winner Bill Cunliffe at California State University Fullerton along with former Gene Harris/Horace silver Bassist, Luther Hughes. Kevin is currently an active sideman performing all across the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, Including at venues such as The Mint and Sam First. He has performed and continues to perform alongside musicians including Sam Hirsh, Bill Cunliffe, Rodolfo Zuniga and Kevin Kanner among others.

Hime Ikehara

Born in Kobe, Japan, pianist and composer Hime Ikehara began her musical journey from a very young age of 3 under the Yamaha Music Education System. Majority of her musical upbringing was spent training in Classical piano. Growing up in a creative household, she was exposed to various styles of music, which helped develop her wide-range artistry. 

Hime came to the US to continue her musical studies at Orange Coast College where she began to dive into jazz and creative improvisation, as well as commercial music under the guidance of Dr. Brian Gould and Paul Navidad. She later transferred to University of California, Irvine, where she graduated cum laude from, with a Bachelor of Music degree. During her time at UC Irvine, she had the privilege of studying under Kei Akagi, as well as Darek Oles and Michael Dessen.

Hime’s inspiration for her unique sound is far-reaching—notable Jazz legends such as Ari Hoenig, Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, as well as the great J.S. Bach and Claude Debussy, all mixing with her Japanese heritage as well. 

She currently performs all across the LA and OC area, including venues such as the Mint and the Coach House. As a sideman, she has recorded with Lowden Harrell Organ-ization and Victor Gonzalez Quartet. As a bandleader, she and her jazz trio will be opening for Jane Monheit at the Coach House in 2024, and they are currently working on their first album, featuring her original compositions.

Michael Choi

Michael Choi is a versatile trumpet player with experience across various genres. He began his career as a music educator before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps as a trumpet instrumentalist. Stationed with the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Michael spent the next four years performing nationwide for diverse audiences, from political ceremonies to the live stages of the Country Music Awards. His performances ranged from playing with the ceremonial band and jazz combo to the brass band and as a solo bugler.

After completing his honorable service, Michael remained in New Orleans, where he had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned local musicians, including the Marsalis Family and Ashlin Parker. During the pandemic, he pivoted his career path, relocating to California to complete his degree. Michael earned a Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies from Cal State Fullerton, where he was also awarded the Music Performance Scholarship. Today, you can catch him performing on various stages throughout the Orange County area.

Bradley Harris

Brad Harris is currently working on his Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Brad is a freelance musician who plays for weddings, parties, corporate events, studio recordings, and he is a private drum instructor and coach. He is the drummer of the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra (FJO) and Vocal Jazz Ensemble at CSUF, and has recently been the drummer in a production of Kurt Weill’s modern opera, Street Scene. Brad has played at notable venues such as The Mint in L.A., The Muckenthaler, The Coach House Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. He is a fine musician who has studied classical percussion and has performed with professional orchestras and choirs. Brad has toured to New Zealand in 2024 with FJO and is the recipient of the Johnny Carson Scholarship for Jazz.