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ABOUT

Matt Finders

Bassist, composer/arranger, and educator based in Livermore, CA. A 17‑year member of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno band (trombone), Matt has written hundreds of arrangements and performed with leading jazz and popular artists. He directs Element 116 and JazzLabb, where he writes charts each session and coaches young musicians.

LIVE BAND

Matt Finders & Friends

Matt’s working group for concerts, festivals, and special events around the Bay Area. Meet the lineup and see where they’re playing next.

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Matt Finders

Director of Mendenhall & East Avenue Middle School jazz programs; long‑time Tonight Show band trombonist.

Bass

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Karen Marguth

Internationally noted jazz vocalist; recordings praised by JazzTimes and DownBeat; has performed with Gilbert Castellanos and Pearl Django.

Vocals

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Noel Catura

Award‑winning saxophonist; appearances include Montreal Jazz Festival; collaborations with John Lee Hooker, Gordon Goodwin, Joe Louis Walker, Chris Cain Band.

Saxophone

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John Whitney

Educator and singer/songwriter; performances with Etta James, Tower of Power, Marty Balin, Eddie Money; longtime Pleasanton USD administrator/mentor.

Guitar

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Kelly Fasman

Performs regionally and internationally across jazz, theater, and pop; has worked with Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, Martha Reeves, The Shirelles, Joan Rivers, and Don Rickles.

Drums

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John R. Burr

Pianist/songwriter; recordings and tours with Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Paul McCandless, Jeff Beal, Dennis Chambers, Charlie Musselwhite, and Henry Butler.

Piano

LIVE BAND

Element 116

Element 116 is a gigging band made up mostly of advanced students and young adults who already play at a solid level and want more real‑world stage experience. It keeps a consistent small‑combo lineup (sax/trumpet/trombone + rhythm) and performs at concerts, wineries, and community events around the Bay Area.

    • Benny Goodman Big Band

    • Bob Mintzer Big Band

    • Mel Lewis Big Band

    • Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band

    • Buck Clayton Big Band

    • Natalie Cole

    • Harry Connick Jr.

    • Marian & Jimmy McPartland

    • Clark Terry Big Bad Band

    • Blood, Sweat & Tears

    • Broadway: Cats, My One And Only, The Tap Dance Kid, Starlight Express, Secret Garden, Rags, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Grand Hotel

    • The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Band (1992–2009)

    • The Matt Finders Octet (leader)

    • Re‑Birth of the Cool Band (leader)

    • Bill Holman Big Band

    • Woody Herman Big Band

    • Count Basie Orchestra

    • Jack Sheldon Big Band

    • Bill Cunliffe Sextet

    • Michael Bublé

    • Poncho Sanchez

Bio snapshot

Matt’s career spans New York big bands, Los Angeles studio work, and long‑running TV. He founded JazzLabb to give young players real‑world ensemble experience and continues to write and arrange for the program’s groups.

Tonight Show band (trombone)

17 years

Arrangements for Tonight Show band and student groups

400+

Home base

Livermore, CA (East Bay)

Roles

Bassist • Composer/Arranger • Educator

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Teaching & clinics

Director of jazz ensembles for Livermore High School, Mendenhall Middle School, East Avenue Middle School, Pleasanton Middle School,  and Element 11; private students in trombone, tuba, bass, and jazz improvisation.

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