This week 11.25.2024 Monday Jazz @ Brother Don’s showcases a unique blend of traditional-western Swing and Jazz with featured guest artists Jonathan Doyle on Sax & Clarinet along with Connor Forsyth on Piano.

Saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and arranger Jonathan Doyle lives in Port Townsend WA in the Pacific Northwest. Jonathan is committed to crafting original music as well studying the American musical traditions. He strives to organize and be a part of bands whose music is rooted, yet distinct. And to play for listeners and dancers anywhere they'll have him! Jonathan has had a career that has allowed him to perform professionally on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, at Preservation Hall, on Austin City Limits TV show, at Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night’s Swing, in the famous Spiegeltent, at Chichen Itza, and major festivals such as Chicago Jazz Fest, Chicago Blues Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, and many more.

After a classical music education that began at age six, pianist Connor Forsyth moved on to New Orleans, where he studied under jazz legend Ellis Marsalis at Loyola University. From there, he became a founding member of Austin-based Americana ensemble The Belleville Outfit. The group toured the U.S. from 2007–2011, during which time they released two critically acclaimed albums and played several major festivals, including Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and MerleFest. The band was nominated for Best New and Emerging Artist by the Americana Music Association in 2009.

When The Belleville Outfit disbanded in 2011, Connor continued to write, record, and tour with Phoebe Hunt and Ghosts Along the Brazos, amassing three more studio records between the two. After a stint touring with Country Music Hall-of-Famer Ray Price, Connor became a permanent member of 10-time Grammy winner Asleep at the Wheel, whom he toured the U.S. and Europe with from 2016–2022. During his time with The Wheel, he had the opportunity to play with several American music icons, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Bonnie Raitt.

When on the road, he taught himself lutherie and started his bespoke guitar–making business, Forsyth Instruments. He moved from Austin, Texas to Port Angeles, Washington in 2024.

Also in the band Osama Afifi on bass, Craig Cootsona on drums, and Chris Bickley on sax. Come enjoy great food, your favorite beverage, a kid friendly comfortable atmosphere, and World Class Jazz … Hope to see you!