Camomilla PanJazz Quintet

Emily Lanxner (aka “Camomilla”) - has been performing on the steeldrums for over twenty-five years. While earning her degree in multi-cultural studies and music from Burlington College, she made several extended trips to Trinidad, where she studied arranging with the legendary Clive Bradley, and performed with many of the top steelbands in the country. Her jazz performing history began in New Orleans in 1992, where she formed a jazz quartet with local musicians, and was a member of the Brasilian folkloric group, Banda Logun. Her collaboration with band leader Angela Patua led to duo performances from Brasil to northern Vermont. She founded PanAshé Steelband in 1992, and more recently, the Camomilla PanJazz Quintet. Camomilla recently released her debut CD, entitled "Anomali", a self-produced project which features performances by many highly acclaimed musicians, including John LaRouche, Gabe Halberg, Lloyd Knibb, Phil Carr, Jon Hart, and Marcus Copening, as well as the PanAshe Steelband. In addition to performing, she directs the Jeudevine Music School, located in Hardwick, Vermont.

Kenneth Joseph - recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a masters degree in steelpan performance and wind band conducting. As a graduate assistant, he taught steelpan lessons and co-directed NIU’s internationally acclaimed All University Steelband. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Joseph received his BA degree in music from the University of the West Indies, and taught high school music theory, history, and steelband. As a performer, Joseph took part in steelpan festival competitions in Trinidad, where he was a winner in the duet category, and placed second in the solo and quartet category. In 2006, he assisted Dr. Patricia Bishop in developing the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra. As an arranger, he has worked for one of Trinidad’s highest ranked steelbands, Exodus Steel Orchestra, most recently in the 2007 Pan in the 21st century competition, in which they placed second. Joseph currently resides in New Haven, Connnecticut, where he teaches music programs at Highville Charter School and directs steel ensembles in the New Haven area.

Furness Norton – was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and moved to Brooklyn, New York as a young child. As a teenager, he joined the Harmony Melody Makers Steel Orchestra, and was soon leading the tenor section in performances at venues such as Avery Fischer Music Hall, and New York City Veteran’s Parade. In 2008, he became a founding member of the Renaissance Steel Chamber Ensemble, a highly unique and sought after group in the New York metropolitan area. In 2009, Norton joined Brooklyn Panorama champions Pan Sonatas Steel Orchestra. While in his senior year at East New York High School of Transit Technology, Norton was featured as a soloist with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” on the tenor pan. He met Emily Lanxner in 2008, when she came to perform with his group in the Brooklyn Panorama competition. He has since joined her in performances with PanAshe Steelband, and other freelance gigs.

Allan Mednard - Allan Mednard - was born and raised in Queens Village, New York. He began to play the drums at the age of 13. His early musical experiences involved New York City's All-City High School Music Program, Bayside High School's Academy of Music, and Queens College's Preparatory Studies in Music Program. He recently graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance at The City College of New York. There he studied with Carl Allen, Ray Gallon, Dan Carrillo, Mike Holober, Scott Reeves, and John Patitucci. He has played on the stages of The Blue Note, Joe's Pub, Lennox Lounge, St. Nick's Pub, Southpaw, and many other venues. His performance credits include several tours through the U.S., Japan, Haiti, and Europe. In NYC, he has collaborated with numerous musicians, in styles ranging from free improvisation to world music. His collaboration with Emily Lanxner began in 2010, with a trio performance in Brooklyn.

Jon Hart - grew up in Harlem NY. His first professional gig was in Bermuda, with Al Foster, a drummer who later went on to play for Miles Davis. Hart studied privately with jazz bassists Henry Grimes and Cecil McBee. In 1963, Hart joined Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, recording several albums and touring internationally for over thirty years. From 1965 to 1969, Hart also toured with latin-jazz legend, percussionist Willie Bobo, recording the albums “Uno, Dos, Tres”, and “Feeling So Good”, which are now considered classics in the genre. His composer and guitarist buddy Sonny Henry (author of the Santana hit “Evil Ways”), also a member of the Bobo group, went on with him to join Mongo Santamaria’s band, recording “Mongo 70” and touring for one year. From 1972 to 1974, Hart toured extensively with the legendary Roberta Flack, including an orchestral performance conducted by Quincy Jones. In 1978, Hart