The Library's Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 6 to October 25. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 20, the Joshua White Trio will be performing the Music of Johnny Mercer. Joshua White is one of the music scene’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists. Praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock as having “immense talent” and lauded for his “daring and courageous approach to improvisation … on the cutting edge of innovation”, Joshua has distinguished himself as a formidable leader of distinct voice among his peers. Born and raised in Southern California, Joshua received early training at the piano and developed rapidly through rigorous study of both Western European Classical literature and the Black American Music traditions. Shortly after placing in the top two as a finalist of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, Joshua began concertizing as a soloist and musical collaborator all over the world -- and continues to maintain an active touring schedule throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Joshua White can most often be heard with his critically-acclaimed TRIO (featuring Karl McComas-Reichl, bass & Tyler Kreutel, drums), as well as these musical ensembles: The Mark Dresser Quintet, Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble, The Daniel Rosenboom Quartet, Steph Richards & Super Sense, and LANCASTER (featuring Eric Revis, bass; Jeff Parker, guitar; & Guillermo Brown, drums). Jazz bassist Rob Thorsen maintains a diverse and busy schedule in Southern California as a performer, educator, clinician and composer. He has found his true voice in the upright bass and performs regularly as a leader with artists including the Mike Wofford/Holly Hofmann Quartet, Gilbert Castellanos, Charles McPherson, Steph Johnson and a host of others. Rob has released six recordings as a leader, “Bass is the Space - Solos and Duos” featuring an array of jazz talents including Joshua White, Steph Johnson, Gilbert Castellanos and Marshall Hawkins in duo and solo performances. His most recent release is "So In Love" — a 10-track album with his wife/lead vocalist Steph Johnson featuring songs from Cole Porter, Joni Mitchell, and others. Tyler Kreutel is a drummer/percussionist based in the Southern California area. Born and raised in San Diego, California, he took up the drums at the age of 12 in his middle school jazz band and hasn’t looked back since. Tyler graduated from The San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts in 2012 and went on to receive his Bachelors in Music Performance at California State University Long Beach. While in college Tyler began playing professionally in both the San Diego and Los Angeles area and has been doing so ever since. Tyler has had the great fortune of playing with many outstanding musicians including Gilbert Castellanos, Charles McPherson, Henry Franklin, Joshua White, Marshall Hawkins, Steve Cotter and is one of the most in demand drummers in Southern California. He has taught at both The Orange County School of the Arts and Downey High School and is currently teaching at YLJC.
