!!Now on Feb 29th!! Stephane Clement and his quartet at Kọ Cafe!

Hey folks, if you were looking for 🧋Kọ Cafe🧋! in the New Year, we're back and we’ve got you covered! We got a super exciting Groupmuse concert coming up at the fabulous Kọ Cafe!! And not only that, 🎊it’s Kọ Cafe!’s one year anniversary🎊!

Come on over to experience even more of your fave talented musicians at a cozy café with our beloved JC community – a recipe for an unforgettable night! Because, at Groupmuse, we’re all about sharing experiences through the power of chamber music.

Music ain't just somethin' you listen to – you feel it deep in your soul. And sharing that feeling with others? It’s nothing but pure magic!

Join us and let's celebrate the joy of chamber music together!

Beverages and refreshments are available for purchase. (The coffee is divine)

☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

Stéphane Clément was born in Miami, Florida, on October 25, 2000. Consecutively, in 2018 and 2019, he was awarded YoungArts prizes in Jazz Trumpet. Also in 2018 and 2019, he embarked on two of the Herbie Hancock Institute National Peer-to-Peer tours, comprising of six of the most impressive high school musicians in the country, and called to perform at the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition Finals & All-Star Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. At 18, he accepted a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Manhattan School of Music. While in Manhattan, Stéphane was under the tutelage of renowned artists Ambrose Akinmusire, Nadia Noordhuis, and Jon Faddis. Stéphane’s experience includes learning from legendary artists who have become leading names on the international scene. In 2020 he was also called to be a part of Ambrose Akinmusire’s large ensemble ‘Banyan’. Most recently, Stéphane identifies as an artist, designer, producer, trumpeter, and composer. He has helped to create various critically acclaimed albums with artists such as Jahari Stampley, Derrick Hodge, Dion Kerr, and many more. Stéphane’s current goal is to connect as many bridges between art and life as possible, whilst exploring and experimenting with creators across different art forms and passions.

Emmanuel Michael, a first-generation Ugandan and Southern Sudanese born and raised in South Dakota, is a NYC-based artist emphasizing self-reflection and empathy as the foundation of truthful artistry. His recent achievements include leading The Emmanuel Michael Group on a Swiss tour, recording albums, and performing at renowned NYC venues. Accepted into the Manhattan School of Music, Emmanuel collaborates with artists like Billy Drummond and Aaron Parks, exploring truth and honesty in his artistic journey. The Emmanuel Michael Group's double guitar quartet, investigated artistically with Tim Watson, aims to convey a spiritual message through heartfelt compositions, promoting empathy for a freer life. Emmanuel, a world-traveling guitarist/composer, gained attention in 8th grade, joining prestigious jazz ensembles and touring internationally. He believes that questioning the roots of love leads to empathy and self-understanding.

Dion Kerr, a visionary artist between Miami and New York City, boasts a multi-faceted creative spirit. His artistry seamlessly weaves together a diverse array of influences and artistic mediums. Kerr has performed with groups like the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, Ignacio Berroa Trio, Godwin Louis’ Global, Jean Caze’s Amede, Emmet Cohen Trio, and Tal Cohen Trio, and alongside artists like Justin Brown, Tivon Pennicott, Chantae Cann and many others. He recently got off a tour of European festivals with Marcus Strickland’s Twi-Life in Switzerland and London and is set to join the group again on March 24' for another European residency in Germany, Greece, and Poland. Dion also co-founded the band The Smoogies, who released their debut album, Planet Smoogies, featuring trumpeter Nicholas Payton, in 2020 and their sophomore release, People Music, in 2022. They are set to release their next record, a live album, in 2024. Dion was also the guitarist, lead engineer, and co-producer of Seafoam Walls record XVI, released on Thurston Moore and Eva Printz's label Ecstatic Peace Library. They recently supported Unknown Mortal Orchestra on a nationwide tour and have secured a sponsorship with Fender. Dion also proudly endorses Benevolent Basses, Marino Custom Cables, and Fender Guitars.

Jongkuk Kim is an award-winning Billboard nominated drummer, improviser, composer, and electronic musician from Incheon, Korea who has become an integral voice in the contemporary jazz and improvised music scene in his home city and a rising star in the worldwide jazz community. He is undoubtedly one of very few jazz drummers in recent years who has been recognized so highly on the international jazz scene. He has distinguished himself as one of the leading voices of his generation and is now one of the most sought-after jazz drummers in the world today with his name appearing in major publications such as Billboard, Grammy and Vogue magazines.

Jongkuk Kim brings his adventurous spirit, eclectic palette and gift for spontaneous invention to a staggering range of styles. Equally virtuosic playing acoustic jazz, boundary-stretching electronic music, or next-level rock, he has become a key collaborator with such original sonic thinkers as Aaron Parks, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dayna Stephens, Eric Nam, So!YoON! and megastar K-pop bands, BTS and RM of BTS.

Jongkuk’s unique approach to music, combining influences from different cultures, including Korean culture, together with a deep knowledge of a wide range of musical genres have led him to be an artist who “displays an incredible sense of creativity, time feel, and technical prowess. In fact he quickly became one of my favorite drummers. I learned from watching him as well!” - NEA Jazz Master and three-time GRAMMY® award-winning drummer, producer and educator, Terri Lyne Carrington.

What's the music?

Stephane Clement (he/him) Trumpet, Live Production (Mac Book Pro)

Jungkuk Kim Drums

Dion Kerr Bass

Emmanuel Michael Guitar

Attendees

Shana C.

Qualia H.

Amanda S.

+1

Staci L.

Lydia M.

Gena H.

Celina G.

Elle G.

+2

Salka'Tuwa B.

+3

Michelle S.

Dahnay B.

+1

Ray C.