Charles Owens - saxophone and piano
Deau Eyes - vocals
John Bradberry - guitar
Andrew Carper - bass
Kofi Shepsu - drums
Charles Owens is an internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist, pianist, composer, bandleader, recording artist, and educator whose creative journey has spanned over 35 years. A master improviser and deeply expressive musician, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of musical excellence and to sharing joy, peace, and connection through sound.
After studying at The New School and immersing himself in the vibrant New York City jazz scene from 1992 to 2004, Charles returned to his roots and now resides in Richmond, Virginia. There, and in nearby Charlottesville, he plays a vital role in the thriving local music community. He continues to maintain deep ties to New York, performing regularly with his trio at iconic venues such as Smoke Jazz Club, Smalls, The Django, and others.
As a leader, Charles has released 13 albums to date and appears on a multitude of recordings as a sought-after soloist. Throughout his career, he has performed with some of the most celebrated voices in jazz, including Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Omer Avital, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brian Blade, Peter Bernstein, Ari Hoenig, Alexander Claffy, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Joel Frahm, among many others.
Whether through the voice of his saxophone, the keys of a piano, or the pen of a composer, Charles Owens continues to shape a sound world that is deep, richly nuanced, and soulful
Deau Eyes is a storyteller at heart, finding deep connection through songwriting, music, and performance. A firm believer in collaboration, she surrounds herself with a rotating band of artists, always serving the song and elevating the moment. Her 2022 album Legacies resonated widely, earning the Newlin Music Prize and landing her on NPR’s Slingshot Artists to Watch list. Named Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40, she is deeply rooted in her creative community, constantly learning, working, and growing alongside fellow artists. Through Deau Studio, she shares her passion for music with over 25 students, fostering a space where storytelling and song go hand in hand.
John Bradberry is an active and versatile Richmond guitarist and multi-instrumentalist known for playing with such acts as FACESHIP, JB3, Jackass Flats, Mackenzie Roark, Ben Butterworth and many other bands and songwriters, as well as fronting his own projects featuring original music and arrangements as the John Bradberry Trio, Bradberry & Company, etc. With a deep roster of collaborators, a diverse book of songs across styles and eras and a unique compositional voice, John has an expansive approach to the guitar with a love for color, harmony, and spirited improvisation.
