The Thomas Tran Quartet comes together to tell a story on the bandstand. Consisting of saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums, the quartet’s music features almost entirely original compositions and arrangements from its band members. Comprised of students and alumni of the Michigan State University and Western Michigan University Jazz Studies Programs, the quartet brings influences from many genres. From traditional Swing to Hip-Hop, the band approaches these genres with love and understanding, while also shaping the music in their voices.
Band leader, Thomas Tran, approaches music with strong roots of swing and blues while incorporating personal elements of story telling and his Asian American culture. The first in his family to study music, Thomas has acquired recognition in the form of multiple soloist awards from top universities in the state of Michigan. Two time winner of the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra Soloist Competition and the West Michigan Jazz Society Scholarship, Tran has been awarded several scholarships from competitions outside of the collegiate field.
Using his community to create performance opportunities, Thomas engages with and is an active member of the jazz scene in Michigan. His performances have taken place at venues such as Blue Llama, Michigan Jazz Festival, The Stray, Millennium Park, etc., as a part of various sized ensembles from the Tom Allport Big Band, Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, to the University of Michigan Ambassadors sextet.
Thomas is currently studying at Michigan State University under the world-renowned Rodney Whitaker. He has also learnt from many others such as Max Colley III, Marcus Printup, Ingrid Jensen, Alphonso Horne, Markus Howell, and Jordan Vanhemert. Thomas wishes to continue building his artistry and career while making an impact with his voice and culture.
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The Stray is a music and arts cafe located in Grand Rapids, MI. In addition to our craft beer, coffee and wine selection, our kitchen will be open serving our full dinner menu until 9pm! Get here early to snag your favorite seat and grab a bite to eat before the show begins. This show is free to attend, but you can support artists through tips.
The Stray curates a listening room style venue, where performers are front and center, not background entertainment. We frequently ask attendees to silence their phones and keep conversations low out of respect to performers and other audience members.
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