Award winning husband and wife team, John and Leslie Vander Gheynst, partner to take on a contemporary edge to jazz standards and small group tunes to the Austin Area. John received his Doctorate in Jazz Performance and Composition at the University of Texas at Austin. He has received multiple accolades for his original compositions, performance, and band leading and was recognized by Downbeat Magazine for his original composition, Day Suite. John previously served as the Director of Jazz Studies at IUPUI and currently works as an executive coach, business executive and leads the NOW Jazz Orchestra at the Elephant Room. Leslie has been performing in the Austin area for over 20 years. She has received multiple awards and nominations for her original works, and vocal performances - most notably Austin Critic's Table award for Best Actress in Chicago for her portrayal of Velma Kelly. Leslie can be seen singing with multiple bands, cabarets, and theatre companies around the Austin area. Leslie just wrapped a production of Follies at Parker Jazz Club. She previously served as artistic director of Second Youth and is now the founder of a coaching and consulting business - ensocc.com.