Join PPCT on the back patio for Backstage Jazz, A summer concert series. There will be  fun, dirnks and Snacks. All you need to bring is a lawn chair. We will have food and drink on hand too to make your evening complete.   The 2021 series is sponsored by First Midwest Bank.

Derel Monteith Trio
Derel Monteith-Piano
Andy Crawford-Bass
Jason Brannon-Drums

Derel was a competing classical pianist throughout his childhood and developed an affinity for modern improvised music in high school, particularly the solo piano recordings of Keith Jarrett and the electric jazz-rock of Miles Davis. Derel went on to study classic acoustic jazz while earning a degree in jazz piano from the University of Miami, where he also studied audio engineering and jazz composition and began writing, playing and recording his own work.

In the 25 years since he graduated from UM, Derel has led multiple ensembles focusing on his original compositions and has been an active sideman, particularly in North Carolina and Illinois. Among others, he has accompanied Nnenna Freelon, Frank Foster, Vanessa Rubin and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, and has studied with the Grammy-winning composer Maria Schneider as well as Ron Miller, Vince Maggio, Jim McNeely and Frank Kimbrough.

In 2015, Derel formed the Derel Monteith Trio, which has built a following through regular performances at music rooms and colleges. He released his first trio and solo albums in 2019.