Kanola Band
An all-star band from Midwest US, paying homage to the diverse music, unique culture and fun of New Orleans
Kanola Band Mini (L to R): Matthew Fries (piano), Chance Huiet (tuba), Benje Daneman (trumpet), Jeff Moehle (drums), Seth Ebersole (woodwinds)
Photo Credit: Casey Spring
Kanola Band brings together some of the most experienced and diverse musicians in the midwest US jazz scene to pay tribute to the great music and heritage of New Orleans. Dipping into the city's diverse musical history including traditional Dixieland, groovin' zydeco, soulful funk to blasting brass band second lines, audiences of all ages will leave feeling just a bit happier than when they came. Bring your dancing shoes, leave your worries behind and be ready for some fun, because Kanola Band is always a good time!
Playing at a range of venues, Kanola adapts amazingly to their surroundings and audiences. They have played in clubs to dancing audiences (Lula’s Louisiana Cookhouse, The Union Cabaret & Grille), opened for national touring acts (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), presented educational middle/high school clinic performances (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Honors Band, 2018 & 2019), performed and presented clinics at major universities (Purdue University (Ft. Wayne), Saginaw Valley State University), and performed at outdoor festivals (Oshtemo Music in the Parks Concert Series, ACGK Arts on the Mall Concert Series). The consensus is, wherever they play, the audience is engaged, entertained and excited. With the release of their debut album in the summer of 2020, their touring schedule is filling up fast bringing their infectiously fun music to even more audiences across the nation.
Kanola members have performed at some of the most prestigious international music venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Ronnie Scotts, Kennedy Center for the Arts and have recorded and toured with some of the top musicians/bands including the Doc Severinsen Big Band, Etienne Charles Big Band, Curtis Stigers, Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Orchestra, Tri-Fi, Knee Deep Shag, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and more. In addition to being veteran musicians, they are also passionate music educators who currently teach at Western Michigan University, Purdue University (Ft. Wayne), Saginaw Valley State University and Jazz & Creative Institute. Their unique and engaging approach to performing will leave all ages of audiences having fun while learning about jazz, improvisation, music history, alongside the rich history and music of New Orleans all while grooving in their seat or dancing in the aisle.
Kanola Band is a collective of musicians and the size of the group playing depends on the occasion at hand. You’ll usually see some sort of conglomeration of the following talented folks:
Benje Daneman (trumpet & vocals), Seth Ebersole (woodwinds), Nathan Durham (trombone), Ashley Daneman (vocals), Matthew Fries (keys), Rufus Ferguson (keys & guitar), Chance Trottman-Huiet (tuba), Jeff Moehle (drums & vocals)
Upcoming Kanola Band Shows
February 13, 2021 - 5K Mardi Gras Race - Foxview Golf Course (Nashville, MI)
Previous Kanola Band Shows
The Kanola Band just following February 2020 recording at Jazz & Creative Institute (l to r) - Nathan Durham (trombone), Matthew Fries (piano), Ashley Daneman (voice), Rufus Ferguson (keyboard & guitar), Benje Daneman (trumpet & voice), Chance Trottman-Huiet (tuba), Seth Ebersole (saxophones & clarinet), Jeff Moehle (drums).
December 2020 - FastTek Global & AMI Strategies VIrtual Holiday Party (Watch Here)
Sept 16, 2020 - Beats on Bates Concert Series (Kalamazoo, MI)
February 25, 2020 - WZZM Live Broadcast - Fat Tuesday Party (Grand Rapids, MI)
February 17, 2020 - West Michigan Jazz Society Mardi Gras Party wsg/ Ashley Daneman (Casino Club - Grand Rapids, MI) - Tickets Here
February 7, 2020 - Kanola Band LIVE RECORDING SESSION @ Jazz & Creative Institute (Kalamazoo, MI) - Tickets Here
February 6, 2020 - Kanola Band Midwest Tour - Purdue University (Ft. Wayne) Music Residency (Fort Wayne, IN), Saginaw Valley State University (Saginaw, MI), St. Clair County Community College (Port Huron, MI) - Info Here
December 17, 2019 - State Theatre - Opener for Big Bad Voodoo Daddies w/ Ashley Daneman (Kalamazoo, MI) - Tickets here
November 4, 2019 - MSBOA Middle School Honors Band Clinic/Concert (Plainwell High School - Plainwell, MI)
August 24, 2019 - Kalamazoo Community Arts Awards Ceremony (Balch Playhouse - Kalamazoo, MI)
Click here to inquire about bringing
Kanola Band to your venue!
Kanola will be releasing their first album in the summer of 2021 and will be booking tour dates supporting the release in 2021 & 2022!