OrganiZm Soul Band from Claremont, CA

Gayle Weiston-Serdan ~ A graduate from the University of Southern California's prestigious Thornton School of Music, Gayle has a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies with minors in Music Education and Electro Acoustic Media. She received her Master's of Music from the University of Southern California and undergraduate degree in music from the University of LaVerne after studying at the Dick Grove School of Music. Gayle is a well-respected featured artist and educator. In addition to leading her own jazz duo, trio and quartet, she has performed with Rosemary Bailey, JoanneGrauer, Joyce Collins, Dr. Reed Gratz, John B. Williams, Jennifer Leitham, Paul T. Smith, Stacy Rowles, Betty O'Hara and the Jazzbirds, Jack DeJohnette, Gilad Atzmon, Seiler Piano Company, Hammond Organ Company, the world renowned Les Brown Orchestra, and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Her areas of interest are jazz organ, jazz piano, jazz history, the art of improvisation and music therapy. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society and has received numerous awards from the National Association of Jazz Educators. Currently, Gayle serves as an official Hammond Artist, Senior Adjunct Faculty at The University of LaVerne and is also a veteran teacher of Music Appreciation and Piano Lab at Etiwanda High School. Gayle also serves as Director of “Musician's Crew” for the Youth Mentoring Action Network and performs live in the Southern California area with On the Soul Level, an organ trio/quartet, Serdan Biondo Duo, and Daddio's Radio. Ted Edeson ~ graduated from Univ. of La Verne with a degree in Music in 2002. Since then Ted has studied with jazz greats such as Tamir Hendelman, Jennifer Leitham and Kristin Korb. Ted has performed throughout Southern California with artists such as Don Kubec, Warren Priske and Amanda Castro, which have included award-winning performances in the Reno Jazz Festival. Steve Biondo ~ is a drummer/percussionist, and recording artist. He began drumming with his family band and the age of 9. Steve was heavily influenced by the music that surrounded him as a kid and his drumming heroes were Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Louis Bellson. Growing up in the 60s and 70s he listened to everything from the Beatles to Santana as well as Ramsey Lewis, Frank Sinatra, Lee Michaels and Blood Sweat and Tears. Steve also started in his early years with the Drum Corps activity and performed with the Anaheim Kingsmen through the 70s. Steve then learned to play Vibraphone, Xylophone and eventually the Steel Pan. He toured the world with the renowned funk and soul band Monkey Meet and helped to write and produce their two CDs. Steve now teaches percussion and West African Drumming at the University of La Verne. He currently manages the Music Library and Music Office Staff and assists with managing studio recording and music software training. Steve is also the Manager of Ann & Steve Morgan Auditorium. Mr. Biondo is the founder and director of the West African Drum Ensemble at University of La Verne. The ensemble was founded in 2001.