Hailing from the free-form jazz and improvised hip-hop roots of San Francisco, Alphabet Soup came a long way before having a chance to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Fronted by the duo MCs of CB and Blake, their politically charged rantings flow to the background of Wilbur Krebs (lead bass), Sammy Biggers (bass), Kenny Brooks (saxophone), Dred Scott (keyboards), and Jay Lane (drums and formerly of the Charlie Hunter Trio and Sausage). With their album collection including Davis, Coltrane, KRS-One, and Public Enemy, Mammoth Records took notice and released their 1998 debut "Layin' Low in the Cut."

Hella Fitzgerald is a deluxe party band based in California, specializing in vintage jazz and swing, classic soul and funk, 90's and contemporary songs.

An award-winning guitarist and composer, San Francisco based Lloyd Gregory is a well-established musician whose style is smooth, soulful, melodic, flowing and immediately charismatic. His extensive R&B roots add a distinct texture to his styling. Gregory is a master of both acoustic and electric guitar.

"The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place.