A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute Matinee

Cliff Habian (piano) began piano lessons at nine and was composing music just a few years later. With both classical and jazz being strong influences, he de- cided early on to integrate the two genres into his own unique style. After attending the Cleveland Institute of Music as a composition major, Cliff accepted a position as Director of American Music and Department Head of Keyboard Studies at the Cleveland Music School Settlement, a post he held for 13 years. Cliff has worked with such greats as Joe Lovano, Freddy Cole, Frank Morgan, Jane Ira Bloom, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Dion, Jamey Haddad , Wayne Newton, Bobby Vinton, Eliot Zigmund, Ernie Krivda, and Dominick Farinacci. His recording debut was on Milestone/Fantasy Records with two landmark recordings, “Tonal Paintings” and “Manhattan Bridge”. Cliff then released two albums on the Azica record label “Havana Sunset” and “Originals” which garnered critical acclaim. Recently, Cliff became an internationally published author with his book “Jazz Piano Essentials”, published by Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc. Locally, Cliff has regularly performed at Nighttown, Johnny’s Downtown, Taza, Hyde Park Grill, and Blu Jazz. Internationally, Cliff has performed in Thailand, Panama, Russia. Cliff currently teaches at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby.

Jeff Slater (bass) earned his Bachelor of Music in music theory and french horn at Baldwin Wallace and did master’s work in classical and jazz music theory at the University of Wisconsin. Jeff plays both electric and upright bass and is well versed in all styles of jazz, R&B, rock, and world music. Jeff performs in the Firelands Trio, Cliff Habian Trio and with vocalist Carol Leslie.

Eric Everett (drums) has four decades of drumming experience, studying privately at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and performing in Case Western Reserve University’s small group Jazz and Big Band ensembles. Since 2012, Eric Everett Jazz Productions is a recognized brand for delivering high quality musical entertainment and has performed at numerous popular venues in Cleveland and Akron. Eric leads the “Firelands Trio” and “Elation” R&B band, and performs as a sideman with the Cliff Habian Trio and George Foley Quartet. Eric has performed at Nighttown, Bop Stop, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and more.