Jana Nyberg is quickly becoming recognized as a force in the jazz world. Her blend of sophistication and creativity make her a one of a kind jazz artist. She holds a degree in instrumental education with a minor in creative expression from Bethel University in St. Paul. It is there that Jana began to sing in jazz combos and big bands, and began to realize her passion for jazz.
After moving to Wisconsin in 2005 to accept a full time band directing position in Green Bay, Jana formed The Jana Nyberg Group. Teaming up with trumpeter/composer Adam Meckler, and guitarist Evan Montgomery out of Lawrence University Conservatory, they played regularly for concerts, restaurants, private parties, weddings, and festivals. Each summer they have played regular gigs on Wednesdays and Fridays in Door County, WI where they perform about three times a week.
In 2007 plans to record their first CD began to simmer and by January of 2008 they were in the Studio recording with renowned engineer Larry Darling. The band had some trouble deciding what to put on the album, but came to the decision to use mostly their fresh arrangements of standards, rather than their original music. They wanted to collectively “tip their hat” to the greats in an effort to create something that is also exciting and innovative. Joining the trio on the album was drummer Jake Nyberg, and award winning bassist Mark Urness. The quintet laid down the album in only six hours using nearly all first takes.
Since the release of the album in March of 2008, the band has received critical acclaim, as well as radio play on important jazz stations around the mid-west. The Group is currently based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.blog
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news
Jana Meckler, teacher by day, Jana Nyberg, jazz singer by night... and the current plight of the teaching profession - a story on Minnesota Public Radio:
St. Paul, Minn. — It's a nerve-wracking time of year for out-of-work teachers in Minnesota.
Schools that lay off teachers in the spring usually hire some back in late summer as they get a better idea of how many students they'll have and how their budgets look. The prospect of even a few hires has applicants chomping at the bit. But school district officials say the job market has been especially tight for teachers.
Jana Meckler spent the spring teaching music to youngsters at Little Canada Elementary.
Before the school year ended, a normal day started with teaching youngsters the song they were to perform for the big year-end assembly.
A substitute teacher, mostly for Roseville schools, Meckler hopes to find a permanent job soon. She's applied for several music teaching jobs around the Twin Cities, but to no avail. Competition is fierce.
"At minimum, right now I would say there are probably 300 applicants for every opening," she said. more
Watch videos from our Summer 2010 Midwest Tour - click here
While you catching up on the latest news, why not listen to some of our music?
WE MOVED to the TWIN CITIES!
After a stint in Wisconsin's Fox River Valley area (Appleton, Green Bay and Door County), we packed up our stuff and moved to the Twin Cities last September...
Check our calendar (link above) for our upcoming appearances.
And again, make sure you read our blog for up-to-date commentary and more info.
contact information:
agent (Adam): 847-366-7023