When the StarCats get cooking on stage, their joyful chemistry makes sparks fly. This delightfully eclectic jazz trio plays timeless standards from Ellington to Monk, sultry Bossa Nova by Jobim, and StarCats arrangements of pop/rock, including Stevie Wonder, Soundgarden, Joni Mitchell and Sarah Bareilles. You’ll hear swinging Retro-pop, spicy Latin rhythms, soul-aching ballads, and mellow blues. Sarah Clay (voice/flute) thrills with crystalline vocals and haunting woodwind tones. Bob Ferrier (guitar) dazzles with tasty chords and innovative improvised solos. Steve Bulmer (upright bass) lays down a sweet, rhythmic groove that soothes the soul.

This small combo, with Michael Goldman on clarinet, plays primarily swing music, from the era when clarinet was king. Whether a cocktail party, family celebration, or MainStage event, the Favala Jazz Quartet will have you swaying in your seat or on your feet.

Carolyn Dufraine is a trombonist/vocalist originally from Westfield, Massachusetts. She received her BM in trombone from Westfield State University in 2018, under the private instruction of Mr. Timothy Atherton. She then earned her MM in Trombone Performance at UMass Amherst in 2022, under the tutelage of Mr. Gregory Spirodopoulos.

Carolyn has been a freelance musician since 2012, hired to perform in various bands and collaborations around the region. 

In addition to her freelance career, she travels around Western Mass teaching private lessons on trombone, trumpet and euphonium. 

Doug Hewitt (guitar and vocals) and Mitch Pine (piano) perform as a duo at The Eric Carle Museum of Art in Amherst, MA on Thursday, July 9 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM during Sunset Thursday at The Carle.