Justin Stanton

From Tennessee to Texas to New York, Justin Stanton has allowed the infinite opportunities found in the world of music to lead him across the globe. As a trumpet player, keyboardist, and composer, Justin has developed a reputation as a multi-faceted musician who can serve an essential role to whichever artist he is contributing, both onstage and in the studio.

Justin attended the prestigious University of North Texas, where he performed for two years in the One O’Clock Lab Band, recording three albums as well as performing at major festivals throughout Europe. While at North Texas, Justin joined Snarky Puppy and, since then, has recorded eight albums with the group and has appeared on the majority of their numerous live recordings.

In addition to maintaining a very active schedule with Snarky Puppy, Justin maintains an active schedule performing, recording, and writing with a variety of original artists and groups, including Banda Magda, whose debut album, “Amour T’es La,” was featured in NPR’s top ten list of “World Music” albums of 2013. Justin appears on recordings with artists as diverse as David Crosby, Donald Fagen, Harry Shearer/Derek Smalls, Larry Carlton, Robert Glasper, Trombone Shorty, Musiq Soulchild, Kirk Franklin, Laura Mvula, and Salif Keita. He has also shared the stage with Joe Walsh, Derek Trucks, Terence Blanchard, Chris Potter, Eric Harland, and Fatoumata Diawara, to name a few.

Justin resides in Brooklyn, New York, and is in constant demand for his ability as a multi-instrumentalist, knowledge of synthesis and sound design, familiarity with a broad spectrum of musical realms, and abundant creative energy. He is slated to release a debut solo record of all new original material in early 2019.

Justin endorses Sequential (formerly Dave Smith Instruments), Yamaha trumpets, and Donat mouthpieces.

Michael League

Michael League is a 5-time Grammy Award-winning musician based in Catalonia, Spain. He is the creator and bandleader of instrumental music ensemble Snarky Puppy and blues/world group Bokanté, founder of the record label and music curation source GroundUP Music, and co-founder/artistic director of the GroundUP Music Festival.

Michael attended the University of North Texas’ jazz studies program for 4 years, then moved to nearby Dallas for another 3 years, where he worked with some of the most influential figures in modern gospel, R&B, and soul music, and was mentored by legendary keyboardist Bernard Wright (Miles Davis, Chaka Khan) before moving to Brooklyn, New York, in 2009, where he spent 9 years before relocating to his current home of Catalonia, Spain. As an instrumentalist and producer, he has worked with a diverse range of artists in gospel (Kirk Franklin, Walter Hawkins, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton), jazz (Terence Blanchard, Esperanza Spalding, Joshua Redman, Eric Harland, Chris Potter), pop (Silvana Estrada, Julian Lennon, Laura Mvula, Joe Walsh, Michael McDonald), folk (David Crosby, Chris Thile, Becca Stevens, Lau Noah, Silvia Pérez-Cruz), and world music (Youssou Ndour, Gilberto Gil, Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club, Fatoumata Diawara, Bassekou Kouyate, Kardeş Türküler), earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations for his work with Afro-Peruvian legend, Susana Baca, on Palabras Urgentes and the Venezuelan group, C4 Trio, on Back to Four.

As a sophomore in college, Michael formed the instrumental ensemble Snarky Puppy. As producer, primary composer and bandleader for the group over the last two decades, he has earned five Grammy awards and played over 1500 concerts on six continents. In 2016, he formed the band Bokanté, receiving three Grammy nominations for their second and third albums, What Heat and History, respectively. In 2021, Michael released his debut solo album, So Many Me, acting as sole composer, arranger, and performer. In 2023, he and English pianist Bill Laurance released their first duo album, Where You Wish You Were, which was followed in 2024 by the release of their second album, Keeping Company, on which Michael plays oud and acoustic guitar bass. In 2024, he formally launched the collaborative project, Elipsis, with co-leaders Pedrito Martinez and Antonio Sánchez, and joined by guest keyboardist and vocalist, Glenda Del E, with the objective of creating a fresh and explorative context for Cuba’s musical Yoruba tradition.

GroundUP Music, formed in 2013, has expanded from independent record label (home to albums by David Crosby, Charlie Hunter, Becca Stevens, Cory Henry, Taylor Eigsti, Varijashree Venugopal, Brian Blade, and many more) to live event curation, launching the annual GroundUP Music Festival in 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. It has played host to artists like Béla Fleck, Lalah Hathaway, Andrew Bird, The Wood Brothers, Robert Glasper, Concha Buika, Terence Blanchard, Joshua Redman, Jacob Collier, Madison Cunningham, Tank and the Bangas, Chris Thile, Louis Cole’s Huge Band, and Michael McDonald, among many others.

Michael is passionately committed to music education and outreach, having given clinics and masterclasses at over 200 schools around the world. In 2020, Michael and GroundUP Music Festival director Paul Lehr launched the GroundUP Music Foundation, dedicated to community enrichment through the arts.

Jason “JT” Thomas

JT is a multi- Grammy Award winning drummer hailing from Weatherford Tx. Known for his ability to authentically adapt to whatever genre/style of music he’s put in, JT has become highly sought after by an array of different artists such as Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Marcus Miller, Mark Lettieri, FORQ, & Phillip Phillips to name a few. His high level of preparation for each artist he works with, along with being a consummate professional on and off stage, is what continues to keep him busy performing on stages and in studios all over the world. JT is proudly endorsed/sponsored by Yamaha Drums, Meinl Cymbals and Percussion, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, and MatTea Inc. Vocal Luxury.

Nate Werth

Mark Lettieri

Mark Lettieri is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. He creates acclaimed guitar-based instrumental music, and is a member of leading instrumental bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. As a session musician proficient in a multitude of styles, he has recorded and performed in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists.

Lettieri has released nine albums as a leader: Knows (2011), Futurefun (2013), Spark and Echo (2016) Deep: The Baritone Sessions in (2019), Things of That Nature (2019),  Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2 (2021), Fly Through It (EP, 2022), Out by Midnight: Live at the Iridium (2023) and most recently, Can I Tell You Something? (2024). Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2 earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, giving Lettieri his first nomination as a solo artist. He tours this material around the globe with his quartet, the Mark Lettieri Group.

Playing in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex gospel and R&B scene led Lettieri to join Snarky Puppy in 2008, and he remains active with the band as a writer, arranger, session player, and touring member. His work with the group has resulted in five GRAMMY Awards: Best R&B Performance for “Something” feat. Lalah Hathaway in 2014, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (Sylva in 2016, Culcha Vulcha in 2017, Live at the Royal Albert Hall in 2021, and Empire Central in 2023).

In 2018, Lettieri helped form The Fearless Flyers, with Cory Wong, Nate Smith, and Joe Dart. The Vulfpeck-adjacent quartet has five releases to date: The Fearless Flyers (2018), The Fearless Flyers II (2019), Tailwinds (2020), Live at Madison Square Garden (2021), The Fearless Flyers III (2022), and The Fearless Flyers IV (2024). The band is a regular presence on the jazz and jam-band festival scene.

As a sideman, Lettieri has performed and/or recorded with a myriad of artists including Erykah Badu, David Crosby, Kirk Franklin, The Jacksons, Fred Hammond, Tori Kelly, 50 Cent, Ledisi, Tamela Mann, Lecrae, Lupe Fiasco, Keyshia Cole, Xzibit, Anthony Evans, Phillip Phillips, Nelly, Chrisette Michele, Myron Butler, and even alongside comedians Dave Chappelle and Harry Shearer. For a sizable sampling of Lettieri’s session work, visit this Spotify playlist.

In addition to his recording and performing career, Lettieri is involved with the development and demonstration of various musical equipment with a number of brands. In recent years, he has teamed up with Paul Reed Smith Guitars to create his signature model Fiore electric guitar, the MeLody overdrive pedal with J. Rockett Audio Designs, and the NewWave chorus pedal with Jackson Audio. Lettieri has also collaborated with Apple, Inc. to create a package of downloadable guitar loops for the digital audio workstations Logic Pro and Garageband.

As an instructor, Lettieri has released online guitar instructional courses through outlets such as JamPlay, Brett Papa, Guitareo, and Soundslice, as well as print lessons available from Premier Guitar Magazine.

On a personal note, Lettieri was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, and came to Texas via Texas Christian University (TCU). There, he matriculated in advertising and public relations, competed in track and field, and began dipping his toes in the local music scene. A passionate guitarist since middle school, he began his music career upon graduating from TCU. An avid lover of food, travel, and doing his best to keep an active lifestyle, he resides with his wife, daughter, three cats, and a hamster.

Becca Stevens

Twice GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Becca Stevens has forged a unique career, blending pop, jazz, indie-rock, folk, and world music with her classical and Appalachian roots. Known for her versatile vocals and mastery of multiple string instruments, Stevens’ work transcends genres through intricate rhythms and harmonies.

Since founding the Becca Stevens Band in 2006, she has toured internationally and become a sought-after collaborator, working with David Crosby, Jacob Collier, Michael League of Snarky Puppy, and Taylor Eigsti. She’s also partnered with the Secret Trio and Attacca Quartet, earning a 2023 GRAMMY nomination with violist Nathan Schram. Her collaborations extend further, with artists like Brad Mehldau, Chris Thile, Laura Mvula, Michael McDonald, Antonio Sánchez, Gretchen Parlato, and Ambrose Akinmusire.

Her latest release, Maple to Paper (GroundUP, 2024), is a deeply personal work reflecting themes of grief and transcendence. Stripped to the essentials, the album showcases her guitar and vocal performance recorded live without overdubs, with mixing by longtime collaborator Nic Hard. The emotional force of Maple to Paper highlights her ability to connect deeply with listeners.

In Summer 2024, Stevens made her Broadway debut in ILLINOISE, a musical based on Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois. Currently, she is on tour, performing Maple to Paper across Asia, Europe, and the US, continuing her journey as a boundary-pushing artist and storyteller.

Charlie Hunter

Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer, and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to the instrument. He gained widespread recognition for his pioneering technique on an eight-string guitar, which he custom-designed to simultaneously play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Currently, he performs on 6- and 7-string guitars built by Hybrid Guitars Co., a company he co-founded in 2015 with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to create fanned-fret instruments tailored to his specifications.

Hunter’s eclectic style seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, blues, and rock, creating a distinct sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. His mastery of rhythm, tone, and improvisation has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Over the course of his thirty five year career, he has released numerous albums and collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from jazz legends to contemporary innovators.

A defining force in contemporary jazz, funk, and blues, Hunter has established himself as a versatile collaborator, producer and bandleader. His work with SuperBlue, alongside vocalist Kurt Elling, has received critical praise for its electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, and groove-driven improvisation. In recent years, Hunter has been touring extensively, with notable appearances at major international festivals, venues and performing arts centers.

In 2024, he continued to work with artists including Victoria Victoria, Butcher Brown, Jubu Smith & Calvin Napper, Sam Fribush, Maritzaida, and Candice Ivory. Hunter appeared on Tiny Desk alongside Carrtoons, Kiefer, and Nate Smith, further showcasing his ability to fuse genres and push musical boundaries.

Beyond performing, Hunter is also deeply involved in music production and education. During the 2019 pandemic, he launched Wheelhouse Beats, a revolutionary metronome app featuring some of today’s top drummers. He also founded SideHustle Records, a label and artist development house dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and ensuring artists retain control over their creative output.

Since 2022, Hunter has immersed himself in the music of Arthur “Blind” Blake, sharing his discoveries and interpretations on his Patreon page.

With an ever-evolving sound and a relentless drive to explore new musical territories, Charlie Hunter remains one of the most forward-thinking and influential guitarists of his generation.

Bob Reynolds

Los Angeles-based saxophonist Bob Reynolds is a Grammy-winning member of the instrumental group Snarky Puppy, an award-winning composer, and a prolific recording artist with 10 top-selling solo albums to his credit.

Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer, he’s been a featured soloist with Grammy-winning instrumentalists like Larry Carlton, Chris Botti, and Jeff Lorber and worked with a host of pop artists including Michael Bublé, Idina Menzel, Josh Groban, The 1975, and USHER.

The New York Times called him “a self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer,” and his solo albums showcase his melodic improvisational style, tuneful songwriting, and, as the LA Times put it: “hip-swiveling” grooves. His Guitar Band album, filmed live in concert, has over 4 million views on YouTube.

A pioneer in online education, Bob has coached thousands of musicians since 2010 through his innovative Virtual Studio, and more than 76,000 people subscribe to Bob’s YouTube channel where he shares behind-the-scenes videos of what it’s like balancing his music career with raising a family.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1977, Reynolds grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he started playing saxophone at age 13. Although he listened to a range of music as a kid, by his late teens he was a dedicated jazz student. After high school he honed his skills at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where he mentored with George Garzone, Hal Crook, and others. Bob is a passionate educator and in-demand clinician. He co-founded an annual retreat for saxophonists and, through his Virtual Studio, he helps musicians become confident improvisers. Bob lives in Los Angeles and shares insights on balancing a music career with raising a family through his popular YouTube vlog.

Chris Bullock

Chris Bullock is a modern-day musical wanderer. After living in NYC for fourteen years, he can now be found chasing music and creativity all over the world.

For much of his career, he has been identified as a saxophonist who also specializes in flutes, clarinets, and keyboards. Over the years, he has added composer and producer to his musical identity, exploring recording and production to find an ever-evolving, unique, and personal sound.

Chris has been a member/composer of the band Snarky Puppy since 2005. With this genre-bending ensemble, he has received five Grammy Awards and frequently travels to perform at major concert halls and music festivals around the globe.

Chris’s musical journey started as a child when he discovered the Beach Boys, hip-hop, and four-track cassette recorders. This journey has led him to perform and record with a variety of artists, including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Robertinho Silva, Metropole Orkest, Phish, and Soulive.

In 2018, he released his debut solo album, “Boomtown,” which is a hybrid of improvisation, jazz, chamber music, electronic music, and hip-hop production elements. With his Boomtown band, he has toured across the US and Canada, bringing a groovy, synth-heavy ensemble that includes some of the musical leaders of his generation. Currently, he endorses Yamaha Saxophones and Boston Sax Shop reeds and accessories.

Jay Jennings

Jay Jennings is a multi Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter with Snarky Puppy. He grew up in the small town of Grapevine, TX. He was lucky to have a piano in the house growing up, which he considers his introduction to music education. Jennings started playing trumpet at age 11, and by 15, he was already playing professionally. In high school, he was selected to the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble both sophomore and senior years, and he was selected for the High School Grammy Jazz Ensemble, which performed at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, CA. Jennings auditioned as a college freshman and was selected for a jazz soloist chair in the world-renowned One O’clock Lab Band at UNT.

When he was 22, Jennings joined the Dallas-based, symphonic rock band The Polyphonic Spree. He recorded and toured with them until moving to Brooklyn, NY in 2009. He eventually began touring with Capitol Records artist Eli “Paperboy” Reed in 2010.

Over the course of his career, Jennings has backed up some of the world’s finest artists such as Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The O’Jays, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, The Four Tops, Broken Social Scene, Toby Keith and many more. Jennings lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Varijashree Venugopal

Varijashree Venugopal comes from a rich background of an intricate classical music discipline of Carnatic music, and is one of the pioneering artists in applying the techniques, fundamentals, and the sound and soul of Indian singing in the global music context. Varijashree was widely recognised as a child prodigy who could identify 100 Carnatic ragas at the tender age of 18 months, who began performing Carnatic concerts at the age of 4. She initially trained under her musician parents Vidwan H S Venugopal and Vidhushi T V Rama, Vidhushi H Geetha, Vidhushi Vasantha Srinivasan, Vidwan D S Srivatsa, and later under Ganakalanidhi Vidwan Salem P Sundaresan. Apart from being a singer, Varijashree is also a flautist, composer, a song writer, and a music educator. Varijashree is a Grammy nominated artiste, known for her unique capabilities of using her voice as an instrument and the blending of her singing with various music cultures using the Indian singing techniques, and has featured alongside and collaborated with few of the most notable musical personalities in the world such as Bobby McFerrin, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Victor Wooten, Béla Fleck, Hamilton de Holanda, Eddie Gomez, C4 trio, Trio Bobo, Anat Cohen, Jacob Collier, Praveen D Rao, Anoushka Shankar, EYM trio, and more.