JVC Jazz Project

Jim Kanas is a jazz guitarist and roots musician/stylist and multi-instrumentalist. Jim's professional collaborations have included concerts, recordings and/or performances with other Midwest musicians including: Howard Levy, Johnny Frigo, Randy Sabien, Don Stiernberg, Larry Gray, Muriel Anderson, Fareed Haque, Rubén P. Alvarez and others.

Early on Jim was presented with outstanding Guitarist Award for two consecutive years at the Oak Lawn Jazz Festival, performed with Rich Matteson’s All-Star Big Band. At the age of seventeen as a student of jazz jim was in the company of personal influences including Pat Metheny and George Benson. He was the company guitarist for the Troupe of College Players, after which he studied classical guitar with Richard Pick (classical) and George Allen. He earned a degree in Contemporary guitars skills at Northern Illinois University where he studied with Frank Mantooth. 

The Chicago tribune calls Kanas " ...a master..."

"In Jim Kanas' playing Doc Watson peacefully coexists with Joe Pass." Pat Donahue, A Prairie Home Companion

"Jim Kanas has become his instrument." Corky Siegel

"Jim is a world class guitarist.... I knew right away he was a world class guitarist.” Victor Wooten

Jim Kanas was featured on WTTW11-PBS on "Arts Across Illinois"and now spends much time gigging and teaching in DeKalb. Jim worked for years as an artist-in-residence throughout Illinois with the Illinois Arts Council/Artstour.

Vuyani Wakaba is a rock solid supportive bassist in every performance situation and he prides himself on being reliable, trustworthy, and always prepared.

Chris Edwards is a dynamic, Chicago based drummer and percussionist. Well known for his artistry in Jazz, Blues, R&B and Gospel. He’s even been featured on a Reggae CD.

He’s had the opportunity to work with a wide range of fantastic musicians including Patti Labelle, Nora Jean Bruso, The Four Tops, Buddy Guy, Voices of Resurrection, Koko Taylor, Kid Ramos, Gloria Shannon, Shades of J, The Rebel Roots, Sing To Live, Donald Lawrence, Buddy Miles, Keith Pringle, Chainsaw DuPont and many others. Throughout the year, Edwards will also turn up as the principal percussionist of the Rising Star Theater group with whom he’s already done Nunsense, Hairspray, Legally Blonde and Oliver!