Dawn Clement https://www.dawnclement.com/
Pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement is a joyful and formidable force in the landscape of modern creative music. For over two decades, Clement has served as both a torchbearer of the jazz tradition and as a trailblazer in fresh sonic explorations. “In all this world of jazz, there are very few individual voices, no matter what the instrument, but Dawn has come up with a voice that’s unique...” says legendary jazz trombonist Julian Priester. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Denver, Colorado, and maintains strong ties to both the Seattle and Denver music communities. 

Clement shines as a collaborator and is highly in demand as a touring and recording artist. She has previously performed with jazz luminaries including Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, Matt Wilson, Rene Marie, and Julian Priester. Dawn recorded with säje on their GRAMMY-nominated debut album, and has toured with the ensemble in the U.S. and Japan. Clement has been busy recording of late with several exciting projects forthcoming, including: trio with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and bassist Jon Hamar (9/6/24), Esthesis Quartet with Bill Frisell (Spring 2025 *sunnyside), and a trio project with Buster Williams and Matt Wilson (Fall 2025).

Integral in Clement’s relationship with music is her role as an educator and mentor. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Area Coordinator of the Jazz and American Improvised Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition, Clement is a sought-after guest artist and clinician for jazz festivals. Most recently Clement was appointed the Artistic Director of the Centrum Jazz Workshop, taking over for the legendary bassist John Clayton.

Steve Kovalcheck https://www.kovalcheckmusic.com/
Guitarist and composer Steve Kovalcheck brings a distinctive voice to modern jazz, a sound rooted in the blues, rock, and country music of his Nashville upbringing and refined through decades of creative work. Now based in Colorado, he performs and records extensively across the United States and abroad, from The Hollywood Bowl to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center to the Jazz Cruise, the Vail Jazz Party, and concert stages throughout Europe and Asia. His playing reflects a deep understanding of the jazz tradition while always carrying the soulful, earthy inflections of the blues, an element that remains at the heart of his music.

Kovalcheck’s versatility, accompanimental approach, and expressive touch have made him a sought-after collaborator. He has performed and recorded with a range of artists, including Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Pat Bianchi, Terrell Stafford, René Marie, Bobby Floyd, Lewis Nash, Danny Gottlieb, Chris Potter, Nicholas Payton, and Howard Levy, among many others. His long association with legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton spans numerous projects, including the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio. Outside of the jazz world, Kovalcheck has also worked with artists and producers such as Robinella and the C.C. String Band, Carrie Rodriguez, Tommy Sims, Charles “Wigg” Walker, Russ Titelman, and Don Williams, reflecting a musical background that bridges jazz, rock, country, funk, and bluegrass.

In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Kovalcheck is the Professor of Jazz Guitar at the University of Northern Colorado, where he teaches jazz guitar and improvisation in the university’s internationally recognized jazz studies program.