DIAL 251 – 9PM & 11PM

Dial 251 embodies the vibrance of DC’s extraordinary jazz community. The sextet inherits DNA from Dizzy and Bird (which accounts for the band’s name) and restless inventiveness from Miles and Trane. The band’s signature sound melds bold trumpet and tenor lines (à la Jazz Messengers) with rich textures from a rhythm section featuring guitar, piano, upright bass, and percussion. According to Matt Goldberg, a frequent contributor to Just Jazz Guitar magazine, “Dial 251 has rapidly emerged as one of the best new jazz groups in the region.” The sextet returns to Twins with a fresh take on jazz standards, proven Dial 251 audience favorites, and propulsive originals.

The sextet:

Bryan McEntire (saxophone) played at major jazz festivals in the United States and Europe, holds an undergraduate degree in music and graduate degree in jazz studies, and is recognized as one of DC’s best sax players.

Mark Johnson (guitar) has performed in the DC area for 20 years; in the 1970s and 1980s, he studied and performed music in Texas.

Matthew Leonhardt (piano) served as pianist and arranger for the Marine Forces Pacific Band (based in Hawaii); he holds a university degree in music composition and currently directs a community big band on Capitol Hill.

Ethan Philion (bass), a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, is one of the most exciting and in-demand bassists in the DC area.

Kelton Norris (drums) is a music educator and holds a graduate degree in jazz studies; he recently moved to the DC area and has quickly become recognized as a ‘young lion’ in the jazz community.

Charles Whalen (trumpet) founded Dial 251 and performs with five other bands in the DC area.