No Kap Kollective

The No Kap Kollective is a 20+-person big band made up of instrumentalists and vocalists led by trumpeter and composer-arranger Nickolas Kaplan. Performing original works alongside arrangements of Roy Hargrove, J Dilla, Solange, Willow Smith, Stevie Wonder, Flying Lotus, and Geri Allen, the band blends styles and sensibilities across the spectrum of Black American Music. It also celebrates Chicago's improvised music community, featuring musicians born, raised, and/or nurtured in Chicago who carry the torch for the next generation of music. This performance celebrates the release of the No Kap Kollective's debut album, "This is the Highlife," supported by funding from Chicago DCASE, the Illinois Arts Council, and individual donors via GoFundMe.

Compositions & Arrangements

Nickolas Kaplan, trumpet

Vocals

Alysha Monique

Chris Robbin'

Woodwinds

Kenthaney Redmond, flute

Dudley Owens, alto sax, soprano sax, flute

Natalie Lande, alto sax, clarinet, soprano sax

Reginald Lewis, tenor sax

Cameron Jones, tenor sax, clarinet

Jacob Slocum, baritone sax, bass clarinet

Len'i McKinney, baritone sax

Trumpets

John Moore, Jr.

Miles Franklin Smith

Justin Williams

Ryan Nyther

Jon McQuade

Trombones

Kirby Fellis

Emma Blau

Royce Harrington-Turner

Robyn Smith (bass)

Rhythm Section

Thaddeus Tukes, vibraphone

Brandon Harper, piano, electric piano, synth

Steven Manns, acoustic/electric bass, keybass

Isaiah Spencer, drums