HOLIDAY JAZZ SHOWCASE - Concert
Ryan Meisel Quartet Featuring Celia
Get into the holiday spirit as seasonal classics are transformed into soulful, imaginative jazz.
CONCERT SERIES
Rating: PG
Runtime: 90 minutes, + 15 Minute Intermission
ADMISSION: Single $20.00*
*Processing fees not included
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Performance Date and Time:
Friday, December 18, 7:30pm
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Ryan and Celia Meisel, along with local drummer Jake Polancich, bring their distinctive musical chemistry to the stage, blending powerful saxophone playing, expressive vocals, and melodic creativity to reimagine the sounds of the season. The holidays never sounded so good!
Open act members of the Arrowhead highschool Jazz Ensemble.
MEET THE PERFORMERS:
Ryan Meisel - Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bari saxophones
Celia Meisel - Vocals, Tenor Saxophone
Doug Brown - Guitar
Matt Rodgers - Bass
Jake Polancich - Drums
Ryan Meisel (Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bari Saxophones) - Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, saxophonist and composer Ryan Meisel brings a modern, original voice to jazz while honoring the rich traditions of swing, bebop, hard bop, and the avant-garde. Through his fiery saxophone playing, inventive compositions, and dynamic arrangements, Meisel continues to explore the possibilities of the music while staying rooted in its history.
The Ryan Meisel Quartet featuring Celia delivers thought-provoking, spirited performances that blend tradition with contemporary expression. Drawing from a lifelong musical journey, Ryan tells his story through song, pushing the boundaries of improvisation and creating music that is both deeply rooted and distinctly his own.
Meisel’s compositions and arrangements embody the authentic sounds of swing, hard bop, and contemporary jazz, brought to life by some of Milwaukee and Madison’s finest jazz musicians. The result is a powerful and engaging musical experience that is expressive, adventurous, and full of energy.
Facebook: Ryan Meisel Music | Instagram: @meiselryan
Celia Meisel (Vocals, Tenor Saxophone) - Hailing from the South, vocalist and saxophonist Celia Meisel brings a soulful, blues-infused sound to her music. Her style is rooted in story, emotion, and the rich traditions of jazz, while leaving plenty of room for her own melodic ideas and personal expression.
Whether singing or playing saxophone, Celia brings warmth, sensitivity, and a natural sense of musicality to every performance. Her live sets move between tenderness, depth, and quiet fire, creating an experience that feels both intimate and engaging.
Celia’s music is about connection—to the song, to the musicians around her, and to the audience. Her performances invite listeners to slow down, settle in, and experience the music together.
Jake Polancich (Drums) - Jake Polancich is a musician and music educator based in the Milwaukee area. He serves as Director of Bands and Music Department Teacher Leader at Arrowhead Union High School, where he also teaches Music Theory. An advocate for new music, Jake has initiated and conducted numerous commissioning projects for student ensembles and led performance tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
He holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Augustana College.
An accomplished bassoonist and percussionist, Jake performs regularly throughout the Milwaukee and Madison areas with Sincerely, Linus, the Meisel Quartet, and Montauk Project. He has also collaborated with the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy and participated in chamber music and improvised music projects throughout the Midwest. He continues to work as a performer, guest conductor, and adjudicator.
Jake is a proud artist/endorser for DREAM Cymbals and Gongs and Pork Pie Drums.