DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM

After hearing a YouTube video of George Benson performing ‘Affirmation’ for the first time when he was eleven years old, guitarist Luke Sittard knew what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. With a mission to be a torchbearer for the bebop and jazz guitar traditions, his music draws upon the influences of the ‘Blue Note’ era while embracing stylistic elements from R&B and Neo-Soul. A 2nd place winner in the 2020 Wilson Center International Guitar Competition, he has had the opportunity to perform and record with incredible musicians such as Etienne Charles, Rodney Whitaker, Michael Dease, Randy Napoleon, John Webber, Sean Dobbins, and Brandon Rose. Luke has also performed on notable stages such as Jazz At Lincoln Center, the Detroit Jazz Festival, East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, and Michigan JazzFest. He is a passionate educator, having served as a teaching assistant for the Brevard Jazz Institute. Currently, Luke is a faculty member at MSU Community Music School-Detroit and a teaching assistant at Michigan State University under the tutelage of Randy Napoleon.  

Instagram: @luke.sittard