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.
David Engelhard
David Engelhard is a New York–based saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, and educator whose playing sits at the intersection of modern jazz, deep-pocket groove, and the kind of musical versatility that comes from years of real-world work. Equally at home on the bandstand, in the studio, and in the classroom, he has performed alongside artists including Gregg Allman, Zac Brown, and John Mayer, bringing a sharp ear, refined touch, and generous musical presence to every setting.
As an educator, David teaches at the New York Jazz Academy, where he works with developing musicians on improvisation, ensemble playing, theory, and the practical language of jazz. His own voice as a composer and improviser is currently taking shape on his debut album of original modern jazz, Thought Islands — a project that reflects his melodic instincts, harmonic curiosity, and commitment to music that feels both thoughtful and alive.
The Vibe Check is David’s Thursday-night room: a live, no-cover session built around trust, taste, and spontaneity. Each week, he brings together a rotating cast of some of the city’s busiest working musicians for a night that favors listening over showing off, feel over flash, and conversation over spectacle. The door stays quiet, the music stays honest, and the room gives players and listeners the rare chance to meet in the moment.