Miles and Coltrane at 100

Diana Tuffin is one of North Carolina’s most sought-after jazz vocalists, known for her rich voice, multilingual repertoire, and dynamic stage presence. Originally from Detroit, she has performed with renowned musicians including Nat Adderley Jr., Wycliffe Gordon, Andrea Brachfeld, and Akiko Tsuruga. Diana studied under legendary pianist and vocal coach Norman Simmons, whose students include jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter. A featured performer with the Camel City Jazz Orchestra for six years, she regularly appears in concerts, theatrical productions, and jazz series such as the popular “Sirens Series Jazz” and the O Henry Hotel Jazz Series. Diana’s image is permanently honored in Winston-Salem’s Benton Convention Center, and she proudly serves as a performer and board member of Carolina Music Ways, championing North Carolina’s musical heritage. For her, “It’s all about the music.”

Michael Kinchen, saxophone, is a lifelong resident of Winston-Salem. Coming from a musical family, music found him at an early age. He studied Jazz and Psychology at The University of North Carolina, Greensboro.  An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Mike is proficient on piano, bass, drums and sax. He is also a gifted composer.  Michael has a busy performance schedule around the state.

Nigel Ouzts is a dynamic jazz trumpeter, educator, and freelance musician based in South Carolina whose performances blend technical command, stylistic versatility, and a deep passion for collaborative music-making. Active throughout the Southeast, he has established himself as an in-demand performer in jazz, commercial, and contemporary music settings, appearing with a wide variety of ensembles in concert halls, clubs, festivals, and community events.

Originally from South Carolina, Ouzts developed an early interest in jazz improvisation and brass performance, leading him to pursue advanced musical studies at the University of South Carolina School of Music. There he refined his artistry as both a soloist and ensemble musician while studying jazz trumpet performance and participating in the university’s acclaimed jazz program. His graduate work culminated in a featured Graduate Jazz Trumpet Recital showcasing a broad range of repertoire and improvisational styles.

Known for his warm tone, expressive phrasing, and energetic stage presence, Ouzts performs regularly across genres including straight-ahead jazz, funk, soul, Latin, and contemporary commercial music. Equally comfortable in large ensembles and intimate chamber settings, he has collaborated with regional artists and performing groups throughout the Columbia area and beyond. His musicianship reflects influences from both classic jazz traditions and modern improvisational approaches.

In addition to performing, Ouzts is committed to music education and community engagement, supporting opportunities for young musicians and contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the region through performance and outreach activities. Whether appearing as a featured soloist or an ensemble collaborator, he brings creativity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to every performance.

Federico Pivetta is a versatile pianist with a unique mastery of both classical and jazz styles. He was born in Italy and grew up in Venezuela immersing himself with all styles of music. His collaborations with various jazz groups have resulted in several radio and television appearances and many recording projects. Other highlights include performances with jazz greats Ernie Watts, Reggie Workman, Al Jarreau, Arturo Sandoval and many others. He also holds an endowed chair as the Contemporary Pianist for the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Pivetta is an active freelance musician and maintains a private teaching studio as well. Federico started his piano studies at 6 years of age and also attended the Conservatorio Jose Luis Paz in Maracaibo, Edo. Zulia from 1977 through 1980 and gained from the renowned teaching system in Venezuela called “El Sistema”. He also studied at the Berklee College of Music in the Summer of 1982 and received his Piano Performance degree at UNCSA in Winston Salem, NC where he studied under the late pianist Eric Larsen. He has also studied with Anne Epperson, Barbara Lister-Sink, Ron Rudkin and Ray Santisi.

Matt Kendrick is an award-winning bassist, composer and recording artist from Winston-Salem. He studied European classical bass at the UNC School of the Arts and Jazz Improvisation with Jerry Coker at UT Knoxville. Matt Kendrick has appeared on bass with: The Marian McPartland Trio, Ernie Watts, Gene Bertoncini, Archie Shepp, Jaki Byard, Amiri Baraka (aka Leroi Jones), Craig Harris, Dick Hyman, and JoAnne Brackeen, who was a guest star with the Matt Kendrick Unit at the Carrboro ArtsCenter. He also won the North Carolina Jazz Composers Fellowship twice. He has released four CDs on his own Suitcase Music label and one on the Ichiban label, which charted in the Gavin Top 50 for national airplay.

Drummer John C.B. Wilson is a Winston-Salem–based jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and versatile freelance musician whose career has spanned performance, teaching, and arts collaboration throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. Known for his sensitive accompaniment, stylistic flexibility, and deep understanding of jazz traditions, Wilson has spent nearly thirty years exploring his love of music in bars, clubs, concert halls, dance studios, and recording spaces.

A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Manhattan School of Music, Wilson has built a diverse professional career performing in a wide range of musical settings. He has served as percussionist for numerous organizations and touring productions, including cruise ship orchestras, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Music Carolina. Equally comfortable in jazz, commercial, theatrical, and crossover performances, he is respected for his musical versatility, refined sense of rhythm, and collaborative artistry.

Wilson was associated for many years with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Dance, contributing to the school’s vibrant educational and performance environment. His work has helped strengthen the cultural and musical life of the Piedmont Triad region.