NO COVER 4:30pm Show
Led by pianist, composer, and educator Tyler Lustek, the Tyler Lustek Confluence is a cutting-edge jazz ensemble that reimagines the progressive possibilities of music while keeping one foot firmly planted in the jazz tradition. The Tyler Lustek Confluence is currently producing its poetry-centric original debut album, Shmehara, recorded live at Jazz Central Studios in late 2024 (slated for release in summer 2025).
Tyler Lustek is a jazz pianist, composer, and educator from Eau Claire, WI. After completing his studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Northern Illinois University, Lustek joined the jazz faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he co-directs the jazz combo program and teaches jazz lessons. Lustek also hosts a private lessons studio, directs educational programs for the Clearwater Jazz & Art Festival, and offers jazz improvisation workshops and masterclasses to schools across northwestern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Lustek has had the honor to share the stage with world-class musicians, including Kenni Holmen, Dean Granros, Sean Carey, Tanya Darby, Natalie Cressman, Sherrie Maricle, Anat Cohen, and Wayne Bergeron.
Alex Charland is a saxophonist, content creator, and software engineer in River Falls, WI. Active in the Twin Cities and Eau Claire jazz scenes, he performs across a variety of genres, from hip-hop to rock and electronic to classical. Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in jazz studies, he has shared stages with Laura Caviani, Freddie Cole, Brian Lynch, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, and the award-winning Roseville High School Jazz Ensemble I as a featured soloist and composer. He has recorded with Brahmulus, Fringe Character, Ritt Deitz, and the Left Field Quartet, and he composed, recorded, and produced his solo record All of Me to You.
Matt Peterson grew up in Hopkins and fell in love with jazz under the direction of his high school band director Don Bates. He followed this passion and studied music at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, then moved back to the Twin Cities in 2004, quickly becoming an in-demand bassist. His solid melodic and rhythmic approach to playing the bass have made him an important fixture on the Twin Cities jazz scene. He regularly plays with Zacc Harris’ American Reverie, the Explosion Big Band, and the Twin Cities Hot Club. When not playing with these groups, Peterson stays busy freelancing around the Twin Cities with many of the area’s top players. Peterson is also a music educator, teaching K–5 students in the Edina Public Schools.
