stephen martin

Stephen Martin has established himself as a uniquely gifted, and intensely spirited jazz saxophonist. Born in Champaign, IL and raised in St. Louis, MO, Martin began playing the saxophone at age 10 and thrived in a community with a musically rich tradition, particularly in jazz. He has been recognized early and often in his career for his excellence in music, most recently being named a finalist for the 2018 Carinthian International Jazz Award.

Martin studied music under Grammy-Nominated jazz legend Bobby Watson, and world-renowned classical saxophonist Tim Timmons. He also often cites St. Louis underground sax legend Dave Stone as having had a substantial influence on his early development.

Martin has developed a personal sound on saxophone characterized by a relentless energy and particularly adventurous ideas. He is a highly emotional player, and the vibe of his music ranges widely from sensitive and inviting to thunderous and enraged - inspired by perhaps his deepest musical influence, John Coltrane. Martin's debut album, Vision, was released under his independent artist label SubtleStreet Records on July 27th, 2018. It debuted in the top 40 of the iTunes Jazz Charts, and as an Amazon best-seller. He is currently working on his second album set to be released mid-late 2020.

​​Currently based in Kansas City, Martin maintains a regular performance schedule, and is on faculty at The Conservatory of Music & Dance at The University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC). He contributes to a thriving, exceptional local music scene as well as performing throughout the country and abroad. Check below for upcoming performances.

ida mcbeth

There’s a quiet storm in Kansas City. And it swirls around the captivating, elegant, mystifying and delightful music of singer Ida McBeth.

Ida’s musical style is so unique that it is hard to classify. Over the years, her repertoire has included pop-style ballads, jazz and blues, show tunes, funk, R&B, gospel and well known standards.

Critics have described her as “a jazz singer,” “a blues singer,” “a pop singer” and “a cabaret singer.” Still others have referred to her as “a story teller,” “a professor emeritus of body language,” “a consummate actress” and “the complete entertainer.” A song stylist is the title Ida prefers.

By the age of five, Ida McBeth knew she wanted to be a singer. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Ida was provided early exposure to a variety of talented vocalists by her mother. These singers included such greats as Nancy Wilson, Arthur Prysock, Nat King Cole, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and Sarah Vaughan.

Matt villinger

Matt Villinger is 30 and born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. From there he received his Undergraduate and Masters in Jazz performance from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. He has got to work with greats, such as Bobby Watson, Reggie Thomas, Peter Martin, Glenn Zaleski, Ryan J Lee, Peter Schlamb, Logan Richardson and others. Villinger currently resides in Kansas City leading his own groups, as well as playing in Electric Tinks and other sideman projects. He is one of the most in demand piano players in Kansas City. In 2013, Villinger recorded his first album as a leader called “All Night” which featured Peter Schlamb and Hermon Mehari. His newest album “All Day” also features Peter Schlamb and Hermon Mehari and has a similar vibe as All Night. The compositions are heavily influenced by different types of groove music. Influences include Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Drake, Frank LoCrasto, Peter Schlamb and others.