IN CONCERT




or catch us on Monday May 20th at 6:30 pm at 1431 Elmwood Street in Evanston

What is RUM?

RUM is a collective of degreed musicians that enjoy playing jazz fusion, skunk funk, latin grooves and straight-ahead jazz. We play selections by Yellowjackets, Progger, Pat Metheny, Oz Noy, Kinfolk, Chick Corea, Snarky Puppy, Ghost Note, Funky Knuckles, Cory Wong, etc. We also welcome member originals.

Brian Whyers and Derek Layes started the group in late 2019 (pre-covid) promptly taking a break, resuming Oct. 2021. We function as a collective — several players on each instrument — allowing ongoing rehearsals / performances regardless of personal schedules.

Rum is derived from sugar cane and we're tapping into that very sweet provision of God - music. Meant to invoke an island vibe, the name is inclusive of an Old English definition:
odd - quirky, and most of all - funky.

Why?

The aim is to allow players that have moved on to other disciplines in life access to charts by great bands AND provide a vehicle for playing them with other quality musicians. Secondarily, we gig when/where it fits. This started, admittedly, as a myopic endeavor by Brian but with the response that has occurred, it's proven valuable to all involved. It also serves as an opportunity to provide access for the community to meet Living Hope of Calvary Church and it's believers.

When / Where?

We are currently meeting on Monday evenings at 1431 Elmwood St. in Evanston - Living Hope of Calvary Church.

What Else?

These rehearsals are open to the public. Just please call Brian or fill out the contact form ahead of time to verify - arrive by 7pm please - 847-425-9907. If you're a musician that reads, don't hesitate to get in touch as we're looking for more players.

We play these artists:

  1. Snarky Puppy
  2. The Yellowjackets
  3. Jacob Mann
  4. Cory Wong
  5. Huntertones
  6. Soullive
  7. Progger
  8. Tower of Power
  9. Lettuce
  10. Oz Noy
  11. AWB
  12. Funky Knuckles
  13. Chick Corea
  14. Jaco Pastorius

The Players:

  1. Brian Whyers - Drums
  2. Derek Layes - Bass
  3. Gary Kretchmer - Trumpet
  4. Matt Kerste - Keys
  5. Kyle Downs - Guitar
  6. Paul Miller - Trumpet/Bone
  7. Ryan Manion - Alto/Soprano
  8. Jordan Fischer - Bari
  9. Mike Niederpruem - Trumpet
  10. Jonathan Feldman - Percussion
  11. Nathan Carman - Tenor