The Phil Knowlton Band (Phil on saxophone, Mapy Preskitt on bass, Larry Kropp on drum set, and Sandra Calvillo on congas and percussion) has been performing modern and original jazz together since early 2023 with Monica Jenicek joining the rotation of pianists and guitarist that summer before securing her spot as the band’s primary pianist. Since forming they have played several venues throughout Anchorage including two features of all original music for the Spenard Jazz Fest (2023 and 2025) and a third in 2024 for the Alaska Jazz Workshop’s summer concert series. Currently you can hear them at the Castle on O’Malley every third Friday of the month and the band continues to share their blend of modern and original jazz with other venues and dates whenever possible. This year the band plans to record at least one professional album of Phil’s original compositions and more as they explore a fusion of traditional modern jazz, Latin, funk, and beyond. We hope you will enjoy this musical journey with us!