USF Latin Jazztet

Meet Lesley Mok. They are a drummer and composer living in Brooklyn, New York and are known for their work across jazz, chamber music, and electronic experimentation. Lesley’s artistic approach explores the intersection of social conditions, queer and feminist art practices, Chinese philosophy, and Afro-Cuban musical traditions. They will be performing at the Far Forest in Tampa on November 18, 2026.

Born and raised in the American Southwest, Eliana Joy is a jack of all trades (master of…some!). After a euphonium degree and a spell with the Santa Fe Opera, she moved to Brooklyn to explore The Great American Songbook. Eliana developed a tender, subtly comedic set of vocal standards - and promptly received the diagnosis of a jaw condition requiring major surgery. In 2024, she had the operation in St. Petersburg, FL, and passed the time playing piano and making ceramics. Now based in Santa Fe, NM, Eliana lives a conspicuously involved life, working as a music educator, production potter, public radio host, digital marketer, and gallerist.

Aliqua, “to some extent”, is a jazz fusion band formed in Tampa, Florida. With members originating from all walks of life and different corners of the world, they blend their cultures and passions into a musical dialogue that listeners can resonate, engage, and change their lives with.

Rafael "Ruffus" Silva is a Boston based Jazz piano player with nearly two decades of experiences. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and majored in Performance. He plays about 15+ instruments and is proficient in Jazz piano, saxophone, flute, and bass. He specializes in Jazz music from the early to mid 20th century and performs with a repertoire of over 900+ songs.

Julián Pernett Castilla’s pronounced natural talents in music, specifically in Afro-Latin percussion instruments are the result of his valuable cultural heritage from the Colombian Caribbean Coast. These abilities have always provided him with an abundance of musical gifts to share with the world. He is a passionate instrumentalist, concert pianist, and educator. Trained in the Western European musical tradition and the discipline of Improvisation in the Jazz style, Julián possesses a rich skillset that has opened a door to freely explore musical thoughts. With all sonic options at hand, including beyond the realms of piano performance, he makes each creation a truly personal expression through music.

Bela Souza is a seasoned singer living in St. Pete, FL. She has been performing in the Tampa Bay area since 2011. Bela studied Musical Theatre at the University of Tampa, which led her to pursue a career in music and vocal coaching. Her sultry, soulful sound and Brazilian roots have influenced her love for singing jazz and bossa nova.

USF Latin Jazztet

Meet Chuck Owen. He is a jazz composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. Best known as the leader of the big band The Jazz Surge, which he founded in 1995, Owen has earned five individual Grammy nominations for his evocative and genre-bending compositions. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of South Florida, where he taught for 40 years, and serves as the founding President of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC). I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Daniela Soledade is a rising star among legends in the Brazilian music scene. Downbeat Magazine calls Daniela a “master of classic samba and bossa nova.” An heir to the Bossa Nova legacy, Soledade is highly acclaimed for her poignantly expressive vocal style and intimate aesthetic.. With a tremendous talent for paying tribute to her musical heritage while staying true to her own artistry, Soledade is a mix of authentic bossa nova, samba, MPB, and American Popular Song."JazzTimes calls him a 'masterful guitarist,' Nate Najar has emerged as one of America's finest modern jazz exponents.  From his Billboard chart topping hit ‘Groove Me’ to the critical and commercial acclaim of ‘Jazz Samba Pra Sempre,’ Najar amalgamates his varied experience into a diverse and interesting body of work spanning live performance, recording and visual media.  Currently on tour with Daniela Soledade, his partner in love, life and music the guitarist/arranger/producer/engineer continues spreading Love & Bossa Nova at venues all across the globe."

The Nick Peters Quartet is a dynamic jazz ensemble led by pianist Nicholas Peters, who has been performing since age four and immersed in jazz since middle school. Based in the Tampa Bay area, Nicholas has performed at renowned venues such as the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, the Mahaffey Theatre, Crowbar, and Sparkman Wharf. Alongside his quartet, he delivers vibrant, soulful jazz that captivates any audience.