Co-led by Ponder East (tenor sax) and Andre Hayward (trombone), the East/Hayward Sextet features music from the Hal Crook & Jerry Bergonzi album Conjunction, plus more Bergonzi originals, the Dexter Gordon albums Doin’ Allright, Go!, Gettin’ Around, and A Swingin’ Affair, with a touch of Barry Harris.
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Born in Las Vegas, Nevada and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, Ponder East grew up surrounded by music, art, and educators. Surrounded by college art and music professors since pre-K, East was afforded the opportunity to understand how the arts can impact people and communities.
East attended the University of North Texas College of Music as a saxophonist and music education student. Since 1998, he has taught in Texas public schools, both as a private lesson teacher and band director. He has performed with over 20 different music groups since graduating from college and has done studio work for over 10 albums. East has performed at SXSW, Utopia Music Festival, Steamboat Springs Music Festival, and Austin City Limits Music Festival.
East taught band at LBJ & LASA high schools from 2003-2021. In the summer of 2021, he continued with LASA HS as they moved into their own campus.
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Andre Hayward is a trombone player based in Austin, Texas. His sound and clarity are reminiscent of the late J.J. Johnson. Born in Houston in 1973, Hayward’s first exposure to music was through his parents, Melvin and Barbara Hayward. He began playing trombone and tuba at the age of 11. He attended HSPVA, and continued to hone his skills with Houston’s legendary educator Conrad O. Johnson. He has recorded or performed with Betty Carter, Joe Williams, John Lewis, Kirk Whalum, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and many others. Hayward toured as lead trombonist with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
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Ponder East - Tenor Saxophone
Andre Hayward - Trombone
Ari Carvajal - Guitar
Damian Garcia - Piano
Chris Jones - Double Bass
Adam Jackson - Drums
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Grab tickets at east-hayward-sextet-march-4th-tickets.eventbrite.com
Watch in HD at youtu.be/dshpR_V-m1c
