Carsten Rubeling – Musical Director, Keys, Trombone

Carsten Rubeling is one of Canada’s most active and dynamic trombonists and composers. Originally from Rocky Mountain House Alberta, Carsten performs a wide array of styles from jazz and classical music to salsa, hip-hop and nearly everything in between. His recorded works as a leader include VOLK//PEOPLE (2019) and Headwaters (2022), both on Inner Ocean Records. After last year’s Nervous Systems, this is Carsten’s second outing working as the composer and musical director at DJD. Carsten has performed and/or recorded with such artists as Sean Jones, Ingrid Jensen, Seamus Blake, Gil Goldstein, Brian Lynch, Brad Turner, David Braid, Nick Fraser, Laila Biali, Jens Lindemann, the Foothills Brass, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Jan Arden and Weird Al.

Jeff Gammon – Bass 

Jeff Gammon is a Canadian bassist, composer and educator. He was a sought-after musician in the Vancouver music scene for over 10 years, playing with well-known creatives such as Dave Sikula, Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Paul Pigat, The Sojourners and Hugh Fraser among others. Jeff has also been the recipient of many awards including Most Improved Musician at Mount Royal University, and the Linton Garner and MusiCounts Scholarships while completing his BMus at Capilano University. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta and is a member of Only A Visitor, Last Ark Out, Salience Network and the Itamar Erez Group.

Luis ‘El Pana’ Tovar – Percussion

Venezuelan musician Luis Tovar, a Juno Award nominee, has left a mark on Alberta’s music scene for over 18 years. Whether leading “Distrito Salsa” or collaborating with other international artists, he infuses the stage with a unique combination of energy and positive dynamics. With 25 years of experience, he’s a force in local groups such as Esteban Herrera Quintet, Montuno West, Perpie Nwa Olisa, and DJD. Currently recording Latin and Venezuelan Caribbean jazz albums, he aims not only to entertain but also to unify communities through his music. Collaborating with international artists like Oscar D León, Tovar epitomizes versatility and dedication to musical exploration while mentoring the next generation of musicians.

André Wickenheiser – Trumpet

André Wickenheiser began his musical studies at Mount Royal University where he completed an Artist Diploma in jazz performance. From there, he went on to finish both a Bachelors Degree, and Masters Degree in jazz performance at McGill University in Montreal. André is a busy educator, composer/arranger, and freelance musician performing regularly in many local groups. He is on the music faculty at Ambrose University, the Mount Royal Conservatory, and the University of Calgary. André has performed with artists and groups including Laila Biali, Jens Lindemann, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra.