Mike Dana - Guitar
Mike’s journey as a guitarist began in a neighborhood garage band during his middle school years—but everything changed when, at age 14, he discovered guitarist Wes Montgomery. That pivotal moment sparked a lifelong passion for jazz. Mike went on to study with jazz guitar legend Joe Pass, attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and earned a master’s degree in music composition.
Following graduation, Mike immersed himself in the music scene—performing regularly in local clubs, teaching private lessons, recording in studio sessions, and honing a distinct voice on the jazz guitar. He also developed and taught classical guitar programs in high schools before joining Fresno City College in 1990 as Director of Jazz Studies.
Throughout his career, Mike has performed with many of jazz’s most respected artists, including Cannonball Adderley, Gary Burton, Peter Erskine, Ingrid Jensen, Eric Marienthal, Allison Miller, Bob Mintzer, and Clark Terry, among others. His published compositions for jazz ensemble are performed worldwide, and he has been commissioned to write original music for ensembles such as the Tokyo Big Band, Taipei Jazz Orchestra, and numerous universities across the U.S.
Mike’s work as a composer and educator has earned national recognition. He is a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award, was named Jazz Educator of the Year by the California Music Educators Association, and is an inductee of the California Alliance for Jazz Hall of Fame.
Today, Mike maintains an active and diverse schedule as a:
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Artist-in-residence at universities across the U.S.
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Artist/Faculty at the Yosemite and Central Coast Jazz Guitar Workshops
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Guest faculty member at international jazz workshops (Thailand, Lebanon, Cyprus, China, Hong Kong)
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Conductor for statewide and regional honor jazz ensembles
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Composer for leading publishers including Kendor, Alfred, UNC Jazz Press, JazzLines, and iJazz Music
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Performer with the New Organ Trio (N.O.T.) and the Jazz Composers Orchestra, a 20-piece ensemble he founded in 2004
A dedicated guitarist, composer, and educator, Mike continues to inspire audiences and students alike through his performances, compositions, and teaching.
Marshall Gentry - Organ
From Fresno, California, Marshall Gentry began his musical journey playing drums in the Fresno City College Jazz Band during Mike Dana’s inaugural year of teaching. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Fresno State, he performed throughout Southern California while completing a Master’s degree in Music Performance at UC Irvine.
Marshall has performed with renowned artists including Billy Taylor, Ernie Watts, Kei Akagi, Marvin Stamm, and Bob Mintzer. From the Monterey Jazz Festival to Tokyo’s Budokan, he has toured extensively across the West Coast and Midwest, as well as internationally throughout Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, and the Middle East during his 21-year tenure with the United States Air Force Bands, where he served as an organist, pianist, and drummer.
Gary Newmark - Drums
Gary Newmark is a versatile and accomplished drummer based in Central California and the Central Coast. Known for his powerful groove, musical sensitivity, and deep pocket, Gary has built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected and in-demand players.
Over the years, Gary has toured throughout the United States and England, performing with many major jazz artists and contributing his dynamic style to concerts, nightclubs, and recording sessions. Comfortable in all musical settings, he brings energy and authenticity to every performance — whether it’s straight-ahead jazz, blues, funk, Latin, or fusion.
Gary is currently a member of The New Organ Trio, where his creative drumming drives the group’s soulful, modern sound. His passion for rhythm and dedication to the art of jazz continue to inspire audiences and musicians everywhere he plays.