This year’s Opus 52 will feature the professional musicians Bonzo Squad, an instrumental ensemble with a focus on creating music that sets the bar higher in terms of eclecticism and musicianship. Nominated by the Chicago Reader as one of the best jazz bands in Chicago, Bonzo Squad is also committed to educating the next generation of jazz musicians, having given clinics at numerous high schools. Throughout the festival, Bonzo Squad will work one-on-one with the Chesterton students to foster a deeper understanding of jazz and what it means to be professional musicians. 

The group consists of Bonzo himself, born Corbin Andrick, who plays saxophones, flute, and percussion. Completing the line up are Andrew Lawrence (keys and synths), Andrew Vogt (bass), as well as Zack Marks sitting behind the drum kit. The band released their very first, self-titled album back in 2017. This release was received really well from the get-go, earning a coveted 4-star rating from Downbeat Magazine, as well as their song, “Lemon”, appearing on Spotify’s popular “The State of Jazz” playlist. The band’s debut was later topped with their electrifying second and third albums. 

Steve Wiest is a multiple Grammy-nominated trombonist, and composer. The former soloist and writer for Maynard Ferguson, Steve went on to perform on the road with Doc Severinsen and the Old Tonight Show Orchestra as well as many other artists. Steve has seven recordings to date out as a leader, the most recent of which is the second album (BLUE) from the critically-acclaimed all-star horn band Vinyl Hampdin.