JAZXONIX – 8PM & 10PM

Jazxonix returns to Twins this March with its special mix of hard-bop jazz, tangos, and sambas.  The featured singer, Julian Hipkins, a master of swing repertoire, brings innovative interpretations to well-known jazz classics.  Simone Baron’s accordion provides the Brazilian and Argentine flavors with the sounds for tangos and sambas.  The signature feature of Jazxonix is rhythm.  Tangos, sambas, pulsating hard-bop tunes by the band as well as Ray Bryant or Hank Mobley, excite their audiences.

Julian Hipkins, the featured vocalist for Jazxonix, trained as a singer in the New York City area where he grew up.  While studying privately and at the Juilliard School of Music, Julian appeared in roles in dramas and musicals through the New York City area.  His baritone voice has thrilled audiences from around the world, with appearances in Japan, Paris, Russia and the Virgin Islands.  Now calling the DC area home, since moving here in 1980, appearances include BET Network, Twins, Wolf Trap, The Lyceum, The Smithsonian Institution, University of Maryland, American University, and The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  Julian appears on two CDs with the Tom Cunningham Orchestra, “One O’Clock Boogie, Two O’Clock Jump” and “All the Cats Join In.”

Simone Baron, a recent graduate of Oberlin’s Conservatory in classical piano performance and conducting, appears with Jazxonix as the featured soloist on accordion.  Simone has performed internationally throughout Europe as well as in Israel, and has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap and Strathmore.  She also has appeared in the New York performances of Schroedinger’s Cat, Truffles, and played with Orchestra Prazevica, the Cristian Perez quintet, and Ultrafaux.  Simone studied jazz improvisation with such luminaries as Jamey Haddad and Peter Dominguez.

Colton Hammond, piano, although a master jazz pianist, loves to play all genres of music.  Initially performing as a gifted classical pianist while growing up in the DC region, starting in his teenage years Colton turned his attention to working with jazz groups throughout the area.  Colton has been a featured solo pianist at the Congressional Country Club for nearly a decade, and plays with a Motown band and a wedding band in addition to his jazz gigs.

Winston Johnson, drums, graduated from Temple University with a music education degree with a concentration in jazz.   Having moved to the DC area five years ago, Winston has been teaching music in the Prince George’s school system while performing in numerous music venues including The Kimmel Center, Ortliebs Jazz Hause, Dahlak, Chris’s Jazz cafe, Jojo’s, and World Cafe Live.   In addition to his private studio, Winston teaches at 7DL drum studio in DC on weekends.

Craig Falk, bass, grew up in the New York City area where he studied bass with Lew Norton of the New York Philharmonic and David Walter of the Julliard School of Music.  While studying classically, Craig also played with jazz groups and major players, including the pianist John Mehegan.  Craig’s classical positions included some years with the Orquesta Municipal Sinfonica de Caracas, a 52-week orchestra performing opera and symphonic music.  Craig has appeared internationally in Italy as well as major US  venues, including Carnegie Hall.  Recently celebrating four years in the house band at Dahlak here in DC, Craig has gigged throughout the area with performances that ranged from guitar or piano duos to jazz dance bands.