Augie Haas + 8
Augie Haas + 8 is the brainchild of trumpeter, composer, and entertainer Augie Haas — a Milwaukee native turned New York City staple who brings equal parts virtuosity and charisma to the stage. Known for his bright, fearless tone and a wry sense of humor that keeps audiences grinning between solos, Augie has carved out a place in the city’s jazz landscape as both a world-class musician and a natural frontman. His writing blends tradition and modern swagger, always aiming to make the music feel big, bold, and joyful.
The nonet — affectionately branded “Augie Haas + 8” — is built on Augie’s love for the large-ensemble sound: rich brass harmonies, sculpted horn lines, and the thrill of nine musicians firing at once. The band pairs top-tier improvisers with razor-sharp arrangements that still leave room for spontaneity. When Augie isn’t soaring over the ensemble with his unmistakable trumpet voice, he’s connecting with the crowd, cracking a joke, or coaxing the band into a musical dare that pays off in real time.
From Broadway pits and international tours to headlining nights in The Speakeasy on the Upper West Side, Augie’s resume spans iconic stages and eclectic collaborations. But it’s with Augie Haas + 8 that he taps into the full scale of his creative personality — the showmanship, the swing, the punch-you-in-the-chest horn power, and the genuine warmth that makes every concert feel like a celebration. This is jazz that doesn’t hold back — bold, cinematic, and unmistakably Augie.
Jacob Ben-Shmuel
Jacob Ben-Shmuel is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose presence can flip from disarmingly sincere to wildly charismatic in the span of a single verse. Best known for originating the role of Elder Price in the Australian production of The Book of Mormon, Jacob brings Broadway-caliber storytelling into the world of pop-driven original music. His voice — rich, flexible, and full of heart — carries the emotional weight of his writing, while his humor and personality keep the room light and deeply connected.
Onstage, Jacob radiates that rare blend of polished craft and unfiltered joy. His originals are full of clever turns of phrase, big melodic hooks, and moments that knock the wind out of you when you least expect it. When backed by a full band, he channels a high-energy indie-pop sound with plenty of rock edge; in intimate settings, he brings listeners in close, turning every song into a personal conversation. Wherever he’s performing, Jacob creates space where vulnerability feels like celebration.
Beyond the stage, Jacob’s work spans acting, comedy, and writing — a multi-hyphenate performer using every skill in his toolkit to tell stories that resonate. Whether belting for a sold-out crowd or delivering a quiet line that lands like a secret, he reminds audiences why live performance still matters. Jacob Ben-Shmuel is the kind of artist who leaves you buzzing on the walk home — smiling bigger and feeling a little more alive.
Peter Brainin
Peter Brainin is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose career spans some of the deepest currents in modern jazz. A fixture of the New York scene, he has brought his commanding sound to stages and studios alongside legends including Mongo Santamaría, Eddie Palmieri, and Hilton Ruiz — a résumé that reflects both his versatility and his unmistakable musical identity. Peter’s tone is bold and searching, his improvisations grounded in tradition but always pushing toward something new.
As a leader and collaborator, Peter has a gift for shaping musical environments where creativity can thrive. His writing draws from the full diaspora of Afro-Caribbean and American jazz — grooves that burn with rhythmic vitality, melodies that reveal themselves in layers, and harmonies that invite improvisers to dig deeper. In an intimate room like The Speakeasy, he brings a dynamic presence: one moment meditative and tender, the next fierce and exhilarating, always telling a story through the horn.
Beyond the bandstand, Peter is a committed educator and a respected mentor, sharing the knowledge earned from decades in the craft. Whether guiding an ensemble through a new chart or stepping forward into a blazing solo, he embodies the spirit of jazz as a living, evolving art form. When Peter Brainin takes the stage, the room leans in — knowing they’re in the hands of an artist who plays with passion, purpose, and a lifetime of listening.
Marcela de Campos
Marcela de Campos is a Brazilian born, New York based Blues-Rock guitarist whose music pairs deep traditional Blues roots with a fiery modern Rock edge. With an unmistakable guitar tone, she lights up the stage with her expressive phrasing, energetic performance and a presence that feels both vulnerable and electric.
Grounded in the legacy of Albert King, B.B. King and Eric Clapton, Marcela channels the language of the Blues through her own lens. Her playing is fearless yet refined: big bends and a melodic instinct that cuts straight to the heart.
Marcela released her debut EP in 2016, featuring guitar legend Scott Henderson, and has gone on to perform and collaborate with renowned artists including Guthrie Govan and Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai).
Her latest album, Dimmed Lights (2024), captures Marcela at full stride: gritty tone, expressive guitar solos and contagious high energy that makes the record feel like one of her live shows.
Marcela is deeply committed to keeping the Blues alive. Now a staple of New York’s modern Blues scene, she leads a weekly jam at The Speakeasy on the Upper West Side, cultivating a community of musicians and listeners who crave spontaneity and honest musical conversation.