The Luminessence Trio

The LUMINESSENCE TRIO is a modern jazz and funk group based out of the twin cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. The trio formed in January 2006 with the idea of performing original and upbeat jazz, post-bop, funk, and latin music that was infused with energy, groove, and soul. The group has been met with rave enthusiasm from audiences which are thrilled by the fresh, yet classic perspective on jazz that the Luminessence Trio brings to the stage. In its short existence, the group has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the twin cities, including The Dakota Jazz Club and more.

Zacc Harris has been performing guitar professionally for nearly a decade. While based out of Illinois, Harris fronted a variety of acts in the genres of jazz, rock, funk, experimental, latin, newgrass and more. He toured the U.S. for more than three years and has been featured on nearly a dozen albums. Now a resident of Minnepolis, Harris has formed the Luminessence Trio as his primary outlet, while performing with jazz/rock/hip hop act Junkyard Empire, and as a sideman to a number of other acts, including R&B artist John Starkey. In 2007, he is slated to tour South America with L.A. saxophonist Todd Rewoldt. In 2005, Harris earned a BA in Music from Southern Illinois University and has studied with guitarists Clay Moore and Fareed Haque.

Liz Draper has been a professional gigging jazz bassist since age 16, performing regularly in the big band and jazz combo circuit around the twin cities at such venues as The Dakota, The Times, Jitters, Loring Pasta Bar, First Avenue, Clown Lounge, Varsity Theater, and the Fitzgerald Theater. She has toured the U.S. with Vaudeville act Jack Norton and indie band While They Slept. Her improvising has led her to The School For Improvised Music in New York and a European tour with Ireland�s Nick Roth. She is a staple in the local hip hop scene as the house bassist for the Minnesota Spoken Word Association. Elizabeth Draper received a Bachelors of Music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Minnesota in 2004, and has studied with Ray Brown and Edgar Meyer.

Will Kemperman has been a professionally performing freelance percussionist in the twin cities for several years and teaches percussion at Hamline and St. Thomas Universities. He has studied percussion all over the world and toured the U.S. for many years. Kemperman has performed in many genres, including jazz, rock, funk, latin, and African ensembles. Will earned a Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2001 and a Bachelor�s in Music from Macalester College in 1994. His drum set teachers include Curly Martin, Gordy Knutson, and Dave King.