Markus Howell

Markus Howell is a performer, composer, and educator from Deerfield Beach, Florida. He holds a a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State. Along with the Michigan State Jazz Orchestra, he has made several appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival and competed in the Next Generation Jazz Festival competition in Monterey, California. He is a Young Arts alumnus and a finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz competition.

Markus has performed and recorded with top leaders on their respectful instruments including bassist Rodney Whitaker, trumpeter Etienne Charles, trombonist Michael Dease, guitarist Randy Napoleon, and saxophonist Diego Rivera. As an alumnus of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency in Washington D.C., Markus has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts. Markus has performed the Star Spangled Banner at the American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. As an active film composer, Markus’ work features him as co-composer for a film called Sorta Late. This film was featured in the 2016 Traverse City Film Festival in Traverse City, Michigan.

Howell has performed or recorded with top leaders on their respectful instruments and voices including Christian McBride, Rodney Whitaker, Mark Whitfield, Carmen Bradford, Wycliffe Gordon, Billie Eilish, Dianne Reeves, Bobby Rush, and Karen Clark Sheard. Markus has also performed in festivals and venues such as Madison Square Garden (New York City), The Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles, CA), The Apollo Theater (New York City), The O2 (London, England), Blue Note Tokyo (Japan), Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI), Dizzy’s Club (New York City), and Birdland Jazz Club (New York City).