Steely Dan…Bruno Mars…Meryl Streep…Ringo Starr…Karrin Allyson…These are just a few of the artists who’ve sought out Michael Leonhart for his exceptional skills as a composer, arranger, producer, and instrumentalist. But the project closest to his heart is the Michael Leonhart Orchestra, whose spectacular butterfly–inspired concept album, The Painted Lady Suite (Sunnyside), captures all the power and beauty of this 21–piece band. The MLO includes members of the Village Vanguard Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Dap–Kings, Menahan Street Band, and Antibalas. “Michael Leonhart’s The Painted Lady Suite is a testament to his glorious, unbridled ambition…Song titles like ‘The Experimental Forest, North Dakota,’ ‘The Arctic Circle’ and ‘1500 Feet Above The Sahara (Night)’ illustrate the depth of Leonhart’s research into the butterflies’ migration, while also nodding to the enormous scope of his sonic palette.” (Bobby Reed, Down Beat “Editors Picks,” August 2018) Come celebrate this holiday season with Michael Leonhart Orchestra's Holiday Show with Special Guest Steven Bernstein!
Michael Leonhart – trumpet, leader
Carolyn Leonhart, Jamie Leonhart – guest vocalists
Steven Bernstein – guest trumpeter
Tony Kadlack, Philip Dizack, Carter Yasutake, Jeff Pierce – trumpet
Ray Mayson – trombone
Charles Pillow – tenor saxophone, English Horn
Jason Marshall – baritone saxophone
Sara Schoenbeck – bassoon
Entcho Todorev – violin
Robbie Mangano, Al Street – guitar
Richie Goods – bass
Kevin Raczka – drums