Michelle Shrader was raised in New Orleans and focused on training her voice for several years as a child before picking up the guitar at the age of sixteen. She had an aptitude for the instrument, and began writing songs within six weeks of her first lesson and recording within six months. After moving to Memphis in 2006 to study classical guitar with Lily Afshar, the world renowned guitarist at the University of Memphis, she fell in love with the city. Michelle is now a popular fixture in the local music scene performing her own songs and classical guitar selections; and she has been featured in local media including videos by Live From Memphis and Hotel Memphis. She regularly performs locally at venues such as Booksellers Bistro and many private venues. With her husband, trumpeter and singer Jeremy Shrader, Michelle sings jazz and bossa nova in small and large band settings. She regularly sits-in with his country band, Big Barton, singing songs by Gillian Welch (one of her favorites) and Patsy Cline. In addition, she carries a full private teaching load and particularly loves developing youthful talent.
To say that Jeremy Shrader loves good music would be an extreme understatement. The love comes through in the notes he plays on trumpet, his singing of classic songs, and in the many bands that he leads which include the New Memphis Hepcats, the Hot Memphis Five, and the Jeremy Shrader Octet. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, Jeremy attended the University Of Memphis, earning a degree in Jazz Composition and playing in the school concert band, marching band and jazz big band. His compositions cover and blend many styles, from jazz to rock to hip-hop, and everything in between. In every setting in which he appears, his spirited performances are well worth hearing.
Will Lang is a jazz guitarist and educator in Memphis, TN. He performs frequently with The Will Lang Trio, typically featuring Will on guitar, Sidney Ford on sax and flute, and Ben Walsh on bass. They use original compositions, jazz standards, and popular songs as vehicles for expressive improvisation. Will studied at Rhodes College, where he was active in the Rhodes College Jazz band and earned his B.S. in 2012. He went on to study at the University of Memphis, where he played in the Southern Comfort Orchestra and earned a Master's in Jazz and Studio performance. In addition to playing with his trio and various mid-south bands, he teaches guitar and bass at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
