Mike Shanks

Michael Shanks, a native of the Kansas City area, was first influenced in music by his father, Charles, a music educator and performer. As a young drummer, Michael received instruction from band director and percussionist Gary McCarty. He went on later to study drum set with world renowned drummers Todd Strait and Doug Auwarter.

Throughout his 15 years in the Kansas City music scene, Michael has performed with a veritable who's who of musicians like The Dan Thomas Quintet, The Chris Burnett Quartet, and Rich Hill and the Riffs. In addition to teaching private percussion lessons, Mike is a permanent fixture around town and the United States with The Everette DeVan Quartet

A seasoned and giving player, Michael keeps his family’s tradition alive. His playing has been described as a juxtaposition of controlled timing and creative phrasing.

Matt Hopper

25 Year old guitarist Matt Hopper hales from Shawnee, KS. He has been playing guitar since the age of 12 and performing live since 17. As a high school student Matt was apart of the jazz program at Shawnee Mission North West under the direction of Doug Talley. There he studied college level music theory and jazz theory. After high school, Matt attended the UMKC Conservatory of Music under the direction of the legendary Bobby Watson. He also studied privately with guitarist Danny Embrey, Rod Fleeman, Steve Cardenas, and studied two years of classical guitar with the famous Doug Neids.

Over the years Matt has preformed with the likes of Houston Person, Gary Foster, Bobby Watson, Kevin Mahogany, Curtis Lunde, Paquito D'Rivera. His soulful style and sense for groove got him a write-up in Jam Magazine as “Young Lion” in the June/ July issue of 2005.

He continues to play the tradition of organ jazz with the Everette DeVan Quartet. His influences include George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Grant Green and Rodney Jones.

"I play for God and to make people feel good." Matt

Matt Carrillo

Matt Carrillo is only twenty-one years old, but you’d think that he’s been on the scene for years, as he has been a frequent visitor to the local jam sessions since he was fourteen and fifteen. Or maybe it’s his no-nonsense classic tenor style that is rooted in the masters from generations ago.

At the tender age of four, Matt got into music following in his older brother’s footsteps. He tool piano lessons till he was eight, violin and trumpet during elementary school, and got his first taste of jazz in junior high school in an after school jazz band where he played the alto sax. During high school at Shawnee Mission North, and due to the absence of a tenor sax player, Matt found his instrument. For about a year each, Matt studied with Hal Melia and Kerry Strayer but did most of shedding by listening to recordings and playing along trying to figure out what they were doing. He did a semester at UMKC under the direction of Bobby Watson when he was introduced to Everette DeVan.

Soon, Matt became Everette DeVan’s permanent sax player with his quartet. Musically, Matt is old, way beyond his years. He’ll tell you he’s an “old soul.” Despite the youth, there aren’t any situations that he can’t handle. He reads, writes charts, and of course plays. And he’s not easily intimidated. When tenor giant Houston Person joined the DeVan band one weekend at Bobby’s Hangout, the only players that Houston would allow to sit in were Bobby Watson and Matt Carrillo. Everette calls Matt “Cool Breeze” because he’ll take in what’s going on, join in, and tear it up!

Christy Meinhardt

A native of Kansas City, Missouri; Christy attended UMKC Conservatory of Music studying under Martha Longmire. She was also involved with the UMKC Civic Chorus for three years, and has worked with Kansas City's esteemed jazz vocalist, and educator Carol Comer. She currently performs with Everette DeVan, internationally recognized jazz organist, as well as other well-known musicians. Her repertoire includes standards, swing, blues, Latin jazz and soulful ballads in a variety of settings from duos to big band.

The historical Drum Room in the Hilton President Hotel, Melbee's Bar & Restaurant, Jardine's Restaurant & Jazz Club, the Blue Room, Phoenix Bar & Grill, 1924 Main Cellar Gallery & Lounge, Cascone's North Restaurant, Harlings Up Stairs, and Jake Edwards Bar-B-Que are among the venues at which she performs. Christy has been featured at the Rhythm & Ribs at 18th & Vine, Swope Health Services Indoor Jazz Festival, Coleman Hawkins Heritage Festival in Topeka, Kansas, St. Joseph Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival, the Summit Blues & Jazz Festival in Lee's Summit, MO, and the Jazz Psalm Sunday at Community Christian Church on the Country Club Plaza.

She also contributes her talents to several charities, including the Hope House Annual Blues & Jazz Festival for battered women, John Knox Village Care Center, Garden Villa Retirement Center, Liberty Terrace Nursing Home and Holmesdale Nursing Home.

You can contact Christy at: songstress4u05@yahoo.com or edevan@earthlink.net

Eboni Fondren

Wow, it seems like just yesterday I walked into Jilly’s on Broadway and introduced myself to Everette DeVan. So much has happened these past few years that I would need pages to explain my emotions. Just know that I am having the time of my life!

I can remember a recent Monday night at the Blue Room when I was feeling really down and sad. It was a Jam Session with Everette, the quartet, and I. After talking a little to the audience I knew I needed something to shake me loose so I decided to sing Lena Horne’s “Stormy Weather”. During the song I was literally fighting back the tears welling up in my eyes and the rush of release that was swelling in my throat. My eyes were closed and I was in another world. In that moment I realized that it was more than what my singing did for others, but also what it did for me. I knew I was changing, I was become a true musician. Singing is pure joy; my outlet and escape from this world. My way of telling someone I love them without them knowing it, telling off that ex-boyfriend, or wanting and yearning for companionship and not being ashamed or afraid to say. Best of all, it is a chance to connect to other people through memories of rhythms and lyrics of life.

Since 2003 I have had the great opportunity to learn and grow so much from so many wonderful musicians. The list of opportunities I have had exceeds ten fingers, and I could not be more grateful.

Some of my most memorable performances include:

• The Peachtree Restaurant, Every Friday Night for the past 2 years
• Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival, Topeka, KS & St. Joe, MO
• Grand Opening of the Drum Room, The President Hotel
• 9th Annual Swope Health Benefit, Beaumont Club
• Channel 5 News, Swope Health Benefit Promo
• 2004 & 2005 Jazz Carol Fest, Community Christian Church
• Mama Ray’s Hope House Benefit, BB’s Lawnside BBQ,, Bogarts
• Hurricane Katrina Benefit, Knuckleheads & Starlight Amphitheatre
• Kansas City Star, Up & Coming Artist Interview
• National Anthem, Kauffman Stadium, July 2005
• The Mutual Musicians Foundation, I love Betty Crow!!!

With a great teacher, mentor and friends by my side guiding me along the way, I only know that the future holds more promising opportunities…

Everette DeVan

Everette grew up in Pueblo, Colorado where he attended the Colorado Conservatory of Music. He came to Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 18 and has made this his home ever since.

He has been a featured Jazz Organist, well known locally, nationally and internationally for his long-standing contributions to the Jazz tradition.

He serves as the Chairman of the Board at The Greater Kansas City Mutual Musician’s Foundation, The Entertainment Coordinator and a valued member of the board of directors at The Swope Parkway Comprehensive Health Center Jazz Outreach Program and is on staff at the Kansas City, Kansas Community College, teaching Music Theory and History and conducting classes dealing with the business side of the music industry.

Discography:

• East of the Sun
• The Real Thing
• 8th and Central (Jim Mair)
• Night Love
• This is ssSlick

Events

• Charles Earland Jazz Cruises
• Cultural Exchange: Madagascar, Africa "Madajazzcar"
• Dome Hotel, Tokyo