Ladies First Jazz Combo feel a responsibility to educate the next generation of jazz performers and audiences. They are dedicated to making this unique American art form and musical history accessible to audiences everywhere.
Ladies First Jazz Combo is led by award-winning bassist Jennifer May. She is joined by co-founder, drummer Peggy Scalzo; on saxophone and vocals, Jennie Jones; keyboards and vocals, Kathy Carr; and Julie Winden on trumpet.
The Combo has performed at area venues including the Tralfamadore Music Hall and the Riviera Theatre. Jennifer May started her career at Buffalo’s historic Colored Musicians Club. She performed for troops overseas through the Department of Defense for five years. She has been awarded best R&B Bassist four times by the Buffalo Music Awards.
Scalzo has performed different genres of music in nationally known bands across New York State. Jones studied saxophone and plays many other reed instruments. Winden performed with the Niagara County Community College Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and she is now a musician and teacher. Carr plays with the Pyramid Band at many local clubs.