Rio’s ‘Minguys’ Jazz Combo won at the Charles Mingus Festival

I’m thrilled and proud to announce that Rio’s ‘Minguys’ Jazz Combo was the winner at yesterday’s Charles Mingus Festival, held at NYC’s Manhattan School of Music!

The Minguys were selected as finalists from a national pool of applicants, and chosen as the Festival’s best combo in an awards ceremony last night.

Congratulations to Mr. Kiesner, who is in NYC with the group right now, and to the members of the group- Emery Mesich, Taylor Mesich, Andrew Stephens, Harrison Smith, Joey Cozza, Henry Lunetta, Jeric Rocamora and Paul Slater.

 

In addition, three of the members won individual awards, and were asked to perform with the Mingus Big Band last night-

Here’s a link to the video about the Minguys produced by Rebecca Leroux at SJUSD:

And a link to a NYC area web story about the Festival (pre-results):

Please join me in saluting the hard work and determination of these amazingly talented and dedicated kids.