The following description comes from the event organizer.

Kirk Kalbfleisch is a professional drummer and educator based in Portland, OR. Originally from Las Vegas, Kirk attended the University of Portland where he continued his studies in jazz drumming. For years, Kirk has been an active member in Portland's local and touring music scene, playing with bands and artists such as World's Finest, Mbrascatu, Amber Sweeney, Coco Columbia, LDW, Galen Clark, Ben Fowler and Rebecca Conner. Kirk is also a founding member of D.V.R. (Dreams Versus Reality), a Portland-based original project, with bandmates Matt Sazima and Sam Arnold.  

Kirk Kalbfleisch + The Message is a fusion jazz quintet made up of some of Portland's most talented young jazz musicians. With Kirk leading the group on drums, the lineup consists of Matt Sazima on keys, Sam Arnold on bass, Jack Radsliff on guitar, and Noah Simpson on Trumpet. The band plays all classic fusion jazz cuts, such as some of the greatest hits from Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Weather Report, Mike Stern, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and many other legends. The night will be filled with high energy, funky rhythmic expression, and dynamic creativity. Through this music, Kirk pays homage to the artists that are responsible for his initial interest in playing jazz drums. The group's name is inspired by Kirk's drum teacher and friend- the late, great, Carlton Jackson- who not only shared a deep passion for this music but also instilled the confidence in Kirk to develop his relationship with drumming.