Mikailo Kasha Trio with special guest Dayna Stephens

“[Mikailo is] in the top 1% of bassists worldwide.” — Scotty Barnhart, Count Basie Orchestra

“[Dayna’s]  big, warm lines are full of intent.” —JazzTimes

In an over-hyped jazz scene, bassist Mikailo Kasha and his special guest, saxophonist Dayna Stephens, are refreshing outliers. With an warm, gorgeous tone, an unerring ear for the groove, and a creative approach infused with delight, Mikailo has earned the respect of jazz colleagues everywhere. His playing and personally share an ebullience that is infectious to band members and audiences alike. 

Mikailo is bringing his Miami-based trio for this show, presenting original music that pushes the traditional role of the bass. His cinematic compositional style and radiant outlook unite into triumphant melodies that aim to uplift and inspire 

Dayna Stephens has performed with some of jazz’s deepest thinkers, including Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, and Wayne Shorter. Revered by his contemporaries, Dayna has recorded with an array of startlingly creative peers, such as Gretchen Parlato, Erik Jekabson, Adam Shulman, Matt Slocum, and pianist Taylor Eigsti.

Tying Mikailo and Dayna together is their shared history with SJW: Each of these artists grew their love of jazz as young students here at the Stanford Jazz Workshop. This is their first collaboration at the Stanford Jazz Festival, and you’re not going to believe how exciting this music is going to be.