Pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clifton hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the city’s storied jazz community provided an early foundation for learning the language of jazz and developing a broad musical sensibility. His formative experiences in the church further shaped a deep connection to music’s emotional and expressive power. Clifton earned a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was mentored by respected figures such as Frank Cunimundo and the late Geri Allen. During this time, he performed alongside renowned artists including Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Larry Coryell — opportunities that greatly shaped his evolving artistic perspective. Now based in Houston, Clifton has quickly established himself as a dynamic and in-demand pianist within the city’s diverse jazz scene. Known for his expressive musicality, collaborative sensibility, and commitment to the evolving jazz tradition, he has performed with artists such as Jalen Baker, Shelley Carrol, and Andre Hayward, and collaborated on genre-blending projects with DJ Sun and the Aperio Orchestra. His appearances at the Houston Jazz Festival, Texas Jazz Festival, and other notable events underscore his growing presence in the regional and national jazz communities. Drawing inspiration from both traditional and modern piano lineages, Clifton continues to incorporate these influences into a personal and evolving artistic language. On July 11th of this year he released his debut full-length album, Overlook, featuring a collection of his original compositions. 

Making his return at River Sun Jazz Club, trumpeter and composer Milan Moorman brings a sound that’s both timeless and original. A graduate of Mount Hood College in Oregon, where he studied Jazz, trumpet, and composition, Milan began his professional career performing in cruise ship orchestras before settling in Austin, Texas. There, he quickly became a fixture in the local Jazz scene—first as a sought-after sideman, and later as a compelling bandleader. Milan’s playing is marked by exceptional control, a warm, honest tone, and a deep reverence for the trumpet greats who came before him. . Don’t miss this performance as Milan shares his unique voice and artistry in what promises to be a solid debut. 

Hailing from San Antonio/ South Texas & performing for over 25+ years; Join us for a night of Blues, Funk and Soul music with Guitar virtuoso Will Owen Gage! Will continues to make an Indelible mark on the Texas music landscape and proves to be one of the finest guitar craftsman in the state. For one night only , don’t miss your chance to see an incredible performance from one of San Antonio’s most beloved musicians. 

Dylan Knowles is a San Antonio based saxophonist and arranger bringing a taste of the New York Jazz scene to Texas. Returning from his studies at the esteemed Eastman School of music Dylan, Joined by Juan Acosta, Israel Yanez, and San Antonio native Dr. Aaron Prado seek to push musical boundaries. The show "Outside The Lines " explores more Free Jazz, drawing on the deep lineage of traditional Jazz music while channeling the energy and edge of the current modern sound of the present. Dylan has performed with award-winning artists such as Alexa Tarantino, Carmen Bradford, Dafnis Prieto, and Sara Gazarek, while also contributing to the album "With Love" in collaboration with long time music colleague Diego Martinez where Knowles arranged and directed the project. 

Mark Scott III is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator based in Austin, Texas. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also served as a Teaching Assistant for the jazz program. Mark’s professional performance experience spans a range of notable Texas venues, including Parker Jazz Club, Stubb’s Amphitheater, The Continental Club, Monks Jazz and the Elephant Room, among others. He has also contributed his talents to numerous recording sessions at esteemed studios such as The Panhandle House, Reeltime Audio, 5th Street Studios, and Cedar Creek Recordings. He has been fortunate enough to share the stage with distinguished jazz artists like Branford Marsalis, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, Mike Sailors, Bruce Saunders, and John Fedchock. 

An evening with San Antonio home town staple Michael Alanis & his band of All - Star musicians, performing the best of Neo-Soul, Blues and Classic RNB. 

The Nick Brown Trio continues the tradition of Benny Goodman and his compatriots Teddy Wilson and Gene Krupa, delivering exciting renditions of popular jazz tunes in this unusual format of clarinet, piano, and drums. With the great Nick Brown backed by Trevin Roming and Evan Jose, this band brings new takes on uplifting classics in a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 

Popular and in demand Pianist/Composer Kenneth Davison brings you an evening of Jazz fusion inspired by artists such as J Dilla, Robert Glasper, Roy Hargrove, Chris Dave, and more.