Photo by June Yun
Kanoa Mendenhall -bass
Kalia Vandever -trombone
Micah Thomas -piano
Craig Weinrib -drums
Kanoa Mendenhall is a bassist living in New York City. Kanoa was born in Yokohama, Japan, but grew up mostly near Monterey, California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Raised in a musical household, she listened to many different forms of music from an early age. Inspired by bassists who played both cello and bass such as Oscar Pettiford and Ron Carter, she started learning the cello at age 9 and the bass at age 11. Kanoa moved to New York City in 2015 and graduated from Columbia University in 2019. Since graduation, she has been a member of vibraphonist Joel Ross’ group “Good Vibes”, and has been fortunate to perform with Ross at venues and festivals around the world such as the Village Vanguard, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and more. Kanoa can be heard on Ross’ album Who Are You released on Blue Note Records, as well as saxophonist Maria Grand’s album Reciprocity on Biophilia Records. She has also performed in groups led by inspiring artists such as Aaron Parks, Dayna Stephens, Johnathan Blake, David Bryant, Micah Thomas, and Kalia Vandever.
This show will be Kanoa’s first time leading a group. She is grateful to be joined by some of her favorite musicians, and thankful to The Jazz Gallery for the opportunity.
SPONSORSHIP
The Jazz Gallery is a not-for-profit arts organization presenting emerging artists who challenge convention, take creative risks, and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. We provide a platform for artists to discover their unique voice and a home for established musicians to continue to experiment and grow. At The Jazz Gallery, artists and audiences come together from around the world to explore new creative ideas, collaborate and celebrate jazz as a dynamic art form that reflects our ever-changing world.
We rely on the generosity of our members and community to keep the music playing, thank you for your continued and much appreciated support! If you would like to sponsor a Livestream Concert, please use the links above or be in touch with our Executive Director, Janet Luhrs, here.