TICKETS are $10 General/$5 Student. End time is not set.

Our StudentJazz Performance Series may include musicians working towards their master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, or high school students.

The Matt Panayides Trio creates music that meets at the intersection of modernity and tradition. Honoring the music that has come before but infusing it with a modern harmonic vocabulary, the trio focuses on a warm acoustic blend of instruments. In the forefront is Matt’s guitar made by the great luthier Victor Baker. Made of European cello woods, the clarity of the tone is prevalent and warm. Combined with the deeply grounded sound of rising star bassist Jacob Bryant Smith, nestled atop the rhythmic power house of Indianapolis drummer Carrington “Cliff Breeze” Clinton, this trio shows up to create together. WIth a focus on both modern jazz repertoire from composers Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson and Frank Foster as well as classic standards like “I Fall in Love too Easily” mixed with Panayides originals, the group paints a tapestry anew each moment.

Matt Panayides - guitar

Jacob Bryant Smith - bass

Carrington “Cliff Breeze” Clinton - drums

"In the realm where modernity collides with tradition's shadowy veil,

There resides the music of the Matt Panayides Trio, an eerie tale.

They pay homage to melodies of yore, with a twist of modern flavor,

Their harmonies, a fusion, a symphony that would surely savor.

At the forefront stands Matt, his guitar, a creation by Victor Baker's hand,

Fashioned from European cello woods, a masterpiece so grand.

Its resonant chords carry an ethereal clarity, ever so warm and bright,

A haunting timbre, pervading the air, summoning the depths of the night.

Beside him, a rising star, Jacob Bryant Smith, the bassist profound,

His instrument's grounded voice, a foundation on which to rebound.

And nestled within the rhythmic storm, a drummer from Indianapolis town,

Carrington "Cliff Breeze" Clinton, a powerhouse, his beats resound.

Together they emerge, a trio of souls intertwined,

A musical trinity, their prowess meticulously combined.

With focus they play, both modern jazz and classics from days of old,

Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, and Frank Foster, their stories unfold.

'I Fall in Love too Easily,' a classic standard they imbue,

Panayides originals, woven in this tapestry, a story anew.

Each passing moment, they paint with their enchanting melodies,

A symphony of shadows and light, crafted with heartfelt harmonies.

Oh, the Matt Panayides Trio, their music, a haunting delight,

Where modernity converges with tradition, unveiling wonders in the night."

Matt Panayides is a highly acclaimed guitarist and composer based in New York City. Influenced by guitar legends such as Jim Hall, John Scofield, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell, he has created a unique sound that has earned him worldwide recognition. Panayides is known for his distinctive playing style and improvisational skills, and he can often be found leading his own groups and collaborating with other musicians both in New York City and abroad. Currently, Panayides is focused on applying concepts developed on his previous three albums to the solo and trio jazz guitar format. He is exploring the American songbook repertoire and compositions by great jazz composers, sculpting arrangements that showcase the natural acoustic sound of his hollow body guitar made by Victor Baker. This marks a departure for him as he moves away from his more electric and effects-driven sound and original compositions.

Panayides has an impressive discography that includes three recordings on the Pacific Coast Jazz record label, all featuring his compositions: "Field Theory" (2021) with Matt Vashlishan (EWI), Rich Perry (tenor sax), Robert Sabin (bass), and Mark Ferber (drums), "Conduits" (2015) with Rich Perry (tenor sax), Mark Ferber (drums), and Thomspson Kneeland (bass), and "Tapestries of Song" (2011) with Rich Perry (tenor sax), Steve LaSpina (bass), and Dan Weiss (drums). He has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Korean drummer Oh Jong Dae in Seoul and Shanghai jazz legend Alec Haavik in China. Panayides' musical journey began in Ohio and Indiana, where he played the piano before switching to the guitar inspired by the likes of Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. He discovered jazz in high school and continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with jazz guitarist Rodney Jones and pianist Garry Dial, both of whom have had a lasting impact. Panayides holds a BM from the Manhattan School of Music and an MM from William Paterson University.

Jacob Smith is a rising bassist in Indianapolis. Recently completing his undergraduate studies at Ball State University, he now pursues a master’s degree at Indiana University. He has appeared in a variety of different venues such as the Chatterbox Jazz Club and Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, and the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. In these situations, he has appeared with musicians such as Rob Dixon, Mark Buselli, and Joel Tucker. In addition to Jazz, Jacob has versed himself in Soul Music, Afro-Latin Styles, and more.

Carrington “Clint Breeze” Clinton is an Indianapolis based musician and educator. He’s the bandleader of Clint Breeze and The Groove, a star studded lineup of Indianapolis Jazz icons. He’s played many times with the likes of Rob Dixon, Steve Allee, John Raymond, Sean Imboden and many more and has had the privilege of opening for Trombone Shorty. He’s been a staple drummer and community leader in Indianapolis and when he’s not playing gigs, he’s likely teaching in a classroom environment. Carrington lives and loves music and always cherishes the time to leave it all on the stage.

Concerts and events made possible, in part, with support from the Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services Private Trust Foundations, which include grants from the Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation (2020-2021; 2022-2023 seasons), the John, Anna, and Martha Jane Fields Memorial Trust Foundation (2021-2022; 2022-2023 seasons), and the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust (2021-2022; 2022-2023 season). Special concert event support provided by the Arts Midwest Grow, Invest, Gather (GIG) Fund grant (2022-2023 season). Activities are made possible in part by the Arts Organization Support (AOS), Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency (2023-2024 season).

Concerts and events made possible, in part, with support from The Esther and George Jaruga Charitable Foundation (2020-2023 seasons).

The Student and Home Grown Series concerts made possible, in part, with support from the ArtsEverywhere Grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and the Arts Project Support Grant and the Arts Recovery Grant through the Indiana Arts Commission.