Legends in Time: 100 Years of Iconic

Sam Bruton has enjoyed a diverse and accomplished career as a professional musician for over forty years. A highly skilled jazz pianist and composer, he has performed in a wide variety of musical settings, bringing a unique voice and refined artistry to every project. In addition to his work on stage, Bruton has an impressive portfolio as a commercial composer, having written and produced music for major national brands such as McDonald’s, Zatarain’s, the U.S. Open (PGA), and RJ Reynolds. His compositions combine musical sophistication with broad audience appeal. Since relocating to Mississippi, Bruton has continued to make his mark on the local music scene, performing with the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and sharing the stage with notable artists including Delfeayo Marsalis, Vasti Jackson, and is a founding member of the Latin Quarter Jazz Project.

David Pellow fills each note with his 50 years of experience as a musician, bassist, educator, and producer. At Duquesne University where he earned his MM degree, Dave was mentored by noted jazz arranger and educator, John H. Wilson. This led to a position at Carnegie Mellon University as an Artist Lecturer, Teaching professor, and Director of Jazz Studies from 1992-2009. He later earned the Ph.D in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2019. He continues teaching and performing throughout the Southeast. His current research combines neuroscience, physiology, health and wellness in a holistic approach to music performance training.

He has performed with a diverse list of jazz greats that includes Billy Eckstein, Dakota Staton, Kenny Rankin, Chris Conner, Dianne Schuur, Joe Harris, Roger Humphries, T.S. Monk, David Amram, Louis Bellson, Mose Allison, Steve Allen, Jimmy Ponder, Bucky Pizzarelli, 'The Great Guitars' of Tal Farlow, Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd, Byron Stripling, Warren Vaché, Benny Benack, John Faddis, James Moody, David Leibman and more.  Pellow is the first-call jazz bassist for Southeast region music presenters, including the Gulf Coast Symphony, Meridian Symphony, Festival South, and Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.  As a Mellon Jazz Master, he mentors young musicians at the University of Southern Mississippi and various Hattiesburg music venues, helping to pass the music to future generations.

Larry Panella is the Director of Jazz Studies at Southern Miss and has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, and Natalie Cole. His recordings include Larry Panella: The Gestures Project, Larry Panella: Under the Influence, and albums with The Collection Jazz Orchestra, The Ashley Alexander Big Band, The Phil Collins Big Band, The Michael Waldrop Big Band, The John Mahoney Big Band and Chris Cortez. He earned degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of North Texas where he performed with the famed 1 O'Clock Jazz Lab Band. Mr. Panella is an artist/clinician for Cannonball Musical Instruments.

Nathan Sanders performs in a wide range of genres from orchestras to jazz groups. During his tenure at NIU, he held down the drum chair for the prestigious Northern Illinois Jazz Orchestra and Jazztet, as well as performed with the Reggie Thomas Organ Trio. He is currently a D.M.A. candidate in Percussion Performance at USM where he continues honing his skills as a multi-faceted musician and educator who specializes in rudimentary drumming and improvisatory and contemporary music.

During his time in Mississippi, he has perform with the Larry Panella Quartet, the Latin Quarter Jazz Project, the Red Organ trio and many more.

Ashlin Parker: Grammy-winning trumpeter Ashlin Parker is a North Carolina native and graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Shenandoah Conservatory, and the University of New Orleans. A longtime member of the Grammy Award-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, he has performed with artists including Aretha Franklin, Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Anthony Hamilton, Delfeayo Marsalis, Herlin Riley, and Kermit Ruffins.

A versatile performer and bandleader, Ashlin has led groups such as Trumpet Mafia and the Ashlin Parker Quartet, appearing at premier New Orleans venues including Snug Harbor and Jazz Playhouse. His touring and recording credits span major festivals and international stages, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and performances throughout Europe and Africa.