Portland vocalist Benjamin Estrada has become a standout presence in the city’s music scene, known as the frontman and driving creative force behind the indie R&B project BendreTheGiant. The band has earned recognition from the PNW Music Awards, along with coverage from several West Coast publications and international attention through NPR’s Top Shelf Radio Show.

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Estrada grew up immersed in music, learning from his jazz-trained parents and later studying vocals with the late Seattle jazz educator Frank DeMiero. Today, he works full-time as both a performing artist and a music educator in the Portland area, continuing to shape and contribute to the local music community.

A mainstay of the Portland music scene, Ian Michael Lindsay brings a deep-seated groove and seasoned musicianship to each performance. Originally from Forest Grove, Oregon, Ian has spent their career cultivating a signature sound that bridges the worlds of jazz, soul, folk, bluegrass, gospel and rock.

With almost 20 years of experience, they are known for their melodic precision and ability to lock in the pocket for any genre. Whether in the studio or performing live, Ian’s soulful approach and reliable rhythm remain a heavy foundation of every ensemble they join.

Nik Barber is a highly versatile drummer and performer based in the Portland metropolitan area, recognized for his fluency across a wide range of musical styles including jazz, rock, funk, soul, and contemporary genres. Originally from Vancouver, Washington, he holds a Master’s degree in Drum Set Performance from the University of Oregon. Barber has toured nationally with the platinum-selling Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and performed internationally with the Oregon Jazz Ensemble at festivals such as Montreux and Umbria. He remains an active performer with diverse projects including Poikilo, Laundry, and other genre-spanning ensembles.

Eduardo Arce is a saxophonist, pianist, composer, audio engineer, and music producer. He graduated from the prestigious Horne School of Music, where he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commercial Music with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies and Musical Production—currently working towards his Master's Degree in Jazz Performance at Youngstown State University.

He has had the opportunity to play alongside masters of jazz music such as Eric Marienthal, Chase Baird, Philip Kuehn, Carl Allen, US Jazz Ambassadors, Oscar D' Stagnaro, John Fedchock, and more. Winner of the 2023 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival as principal saxophonist of the Horne School of Jazz Orchestra, in addition to participating in the Berklee Latino circuit sponsored by Berklee College of Music in 2017.

Jens Blades is a trombonist and educator based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is active as a performer and teacher, working with students and performing in jazz and commercial settings. Jens recently earned his bachelor’s degree and completed his teaching licensure, preparing to teach in public schools. He has accepted an offer to attend Louisiana State University, where he will pursue a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies with full tuition support. Drawing from a range of musical influences, Jens is dedicated to growing as a musician while helping others develop their own musical voice.

Jordan Rosen is an emerging talent in the jazz world. Originally from South Jordan, Utah, he has performed internationally with the Crescent Super Band, appearing at renowned festivals including the Vienne Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. Known for his versatility and strong musical presence, Jordan continues to develop his craft while studying music at Snow College.

Ben has lead a multifaceted career in live music, recording and musical theater. He has performed professionally as a singer for over 18 years and is also an accomplished songwriter. He’s toured across the United States and Canada for the last decade performing both original music and tributes to the great musical icons Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and more. 

He has worked with Broadway royalty Andrew Lloyd Weber, Hal Prince and the original creative team from Phantom of the Opera. He has worked Grammy award winning producers Mark Neill and Vance Powell and with Chuck Mead and producer Mark Rubel.

Select credits Include Phantom of the Opera-Las Vegas (Raoul U/S, Swing), Million Dollar Quarter-Las Vegas, Tuacahn, Hale Center Theater Orem and Sandy (Johnny Cash), Ring of Fire- Syracuse and Vero Beach (Johnny Cash/Man 2), backup singer for Kristen Chenoweth on the American Country Awards, opener for Idina Menzel at Utah Stars, opener for Diamond Rio and Blizentrapper.