About Us

Advisers

Joshua Bowlus

Joshua Bowlus is a local and regional jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Jacksonville, FL. He spent his childhood in Port Orange, FL and started playing around age five. Joshua was trained classically at Stetson University throughout high school, and then developed a strong passion for jazz after joining the high school band program.  He has since pursued an active music career as a pianist, graduating under the tutelage of alto saxophone legend Bunky Green and pianists Keith Javors and Kevin Bales from the University of North Florida in 2006.

Joshua’s music has taken him across the nation to perform at numerous jazz festivals and clubs, including notable venues such as The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, the Velvet Note in Atlanta and Iridium Jazz Club in New York City.  He has also performed abroad in France, Spain, and China.  Bowlus has recorded and performed with a variety of celebrated artists including John Ricci, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jon Reshard, Todd DelGuidice, Ulysses Owens, Chantae Cann and Jazzmeia Horn.  He is co-leader and pianist for the Jacksonville-based sextet called the Jax Jazz Collective, and plays actively along the east coast as the bandleader for his own trio and quartet. He works regularly as an accompanist and sideman with various artists and groups in the Southeast, including Jacksonville’s Kelly/Scott Quintet, Nashville-based vocalist Annie Sellick, and Linda Cole of the legendary Cole family of singers.  Bowlus’ latest projects have revolved around some specifically-themed live shows. These include trio shows featuring the music of the great Ahmad Jamal, another featuring the music of the Ray Brown Trio, and more recently a quartet show featuring original arrangements of popular songs from Disney films. Joshua currently resides in Jacksonville with his wife Brandy, and two sons, Owen and Ethan.

Greg Hersey

Greg Hersey is a percussionist and educational artist based out of Jacksonville Florida and continues to make his mark in the music industry. Greg currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, cultivating successful middle and high school ensembles. He inspires students to strive for excellence and become passionate, dedicated musicians. Greg Hersey is a graduate from the University of North Florida School of Music and holds a Masters degree in Percussion Performance. He has studied with renowned instructors Charlotte Mabrey, Kevin Garry, Danny Gottlieb and Benjamin Wiseman. In addition to being a full-time educator, Greg works as a freelance percussionist in the Jacksonville community and surrounding area, actively performing for musical theater productions, BayKings Band, local musical acts, orchestras and various schools as a guest clinician. Greg Hersey has established a strong social media presence through a display of artistry, dedication and passion, expanding his audience to over 25,000 followers globally. Greg serves as an artist and endorses numerous drum companies, focusing on building strong relationships. He proudly endorses; Drumtacs, One Beat Better, Big Fat Snare Drum, Cherry Hill Custom Drums, FireHouse Drums, Destroy A Drum, DrumDial and RimRiser.