NYTRO JAZZ

Booking Contact: Marshawn - (773) 593-1954

Nytro Jazz's number one goal is to please and entertain! After several years of working with different bands, we decided to team up in 2003 and provide music not only for your listening pleasure but also your grooving pleasure. Our versatility will deliver an awesome mix of instrumental colors and arrangements - Jazz, R&B, Disco & Motown. Our influences range all the way from Miles Davis to Aretha Franklin. Listed below are the talented individuals who make up Nytro Jazz:

Marshawn Smith aka "Shawn Juan"

Native Chicagoan, Marshawn Smith known as "Shawn Juan", is the founder of the band Nytro. Blinded through an unfortunate accident, Marshawn’s entrance into the music world is a story of perseverance and courage. He not only mastered the 4-string bass but went on to receive a B.A. in Business Administration. He has played with an an array of musical stars such as Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass and Gerald Levert and for the late, great, Mayor Harold Washington. He has performed at the Arie Crown Theater, Michael Jordan Foundation and a host of others.

Debra "Dee Baby" Burks

"Dee Baby" has enough energy to power a locomotive and her versatility and stage presence are second to none! Nobody enjoys herself more on stage than Nytro female vocalist, Dee Baby! She can serenade an audience with a ballad, swing a jazzy standard like nobody's business, disco like Donna Summers, belt out a blues like Koko Taylor or take you straight to Detroit to the Motown sound! Dee has performed in several theater productions and has performed at the Taste of Chicago, Jazz Bus Tour, private parties, casinos and various clubs around the Chicagoland area.

Andrea "Lady Keyz" DeMartra

"Lady Keyz" attends Chicago State University - (pending B.A. in Music Education). She also plays the piano/French Horn and plays all around Chicago in various situations with The Sounds of Ministry, Diane Ellis & the Jazzy Ladies, The KCR Jazz Ensemble, The Elements of Sound, Morris Ellis Big Band and more. She is nicknamed "Lady Keyz" because she glides over the keys effortlessly as you will see and hear!

Dave "the Fire" DeMartra

Dave "the Fire" DeMartra has played with the who's who of the music industry and is always in demand. He has traveled the world sharing his music. His brings the fire, color and intensity to Nytro Jazz.

Dee "Saxxy" Schafter

"Saxxy" Dee is an experienced saxophonist who is always in demand and a treat to hear and see! She has performed in Europe, Taste of Chicago, numerous Carribbean cruises, jazz festivals and with some of Chicagoland's talented bands.

Willie "Smoove" Fultz

"Smoove" as he is affectionately called is the master of the guitar. He is versatile, plays with great emotion and is very creative. He has played the guitar for over 20 years and with numerous Chicagoland bands.

Eddie "Stixx" Porche'

Stixx has been playing drums and singing lead/background vocals for 30 plus years. He has performed with various local artists and recording stars throughout the years such as Otis Clay, Syl Johnson and the late Tyrone Davis.