Music
Dan's sweet spot is on the stage. He is a performer of the highest caliber, and he works with the cream of the Chicago jazz scene. Some of his most recent projects include his performances of the album Take Five, recreating the classic Paul Desmond sound; he has played with the famed Sabertooth at Andy's Jazz Club; and he regularly thrills audiences at the Jazz Showcase playing lead alto with the Bob Lark Alumni Big Band.
Groups
NIA Quintet
Dan grew up with trumpet player and composer Scott Anderson in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They have been friends and collaborators since junior high school and when Scott moved to Chicago in 1999, they formed the group NIA to showcase Scott's inspired compositions. Featured are some clips from the 3 albums they have produced together. Jon Deitemyer on drums, Pat Williams on bass, Paul Mutzabaugh on piano, keyboards and percussion.
Brian O'Hern and the Model Citizens
Dan has been a member of Brian O'Hern's band for 25 years; recording 3 albums and playing the main stage at the Chicago Jazz Festival. The Model Citizens perform at the Gallery Cabaret on the 3rd Monday of each month. Shown is a song Brian wrote to feature Dan.
Brubeck Project
Dan and pianist Chris White are long time friends, performing most Fridays together at Le Piano in Roger's Park and collaborating to perform concerts of Dave Brubeck's iconic album, “Time Out.” Featured are clips of the most recent concert at Fitzgerald’s Night Club (May 14, 2025). Alex Austin on Bass and Dave Williams on drums.
Joe Clark’s Chicago Neighborhood Suite
Dan met Joe Clark at DePaul University in the early 2000s and has played lead alto on a few of his projects including his album “Lush” (featuring Jeff Hamilton) as well as his most recent commission for the New Trier Jazz Fest 2025. You can watch the whole concert in this video.
Stephanie Aaron
Dan often gets to share the stage with his wife, Stephanie Aaron. Stephanie is a remarkable vocalist and entertainer and they live happily together with their dog, Oscar Peterson. Featured is their latest performance at the Peoria Jazz Society on May 18, 2025. Oscar couldn’t make the gig…
Tim Fitzgerald Quartet
Tim Fitzgerald was the one of the first musicians Dan met after moving to Chicago in 1998. They have been close friends ever since and continue to play together frequently. Featured are clips of Dan with the Tim Fitzgerald Quartet in Philly as part of Terrel Stafford’s Jazz Series at Temple University. Byron “Wookie” Landham on drums and Lucas Brown on organ.
Featured Performances
Asian Dominoes — NIA Quintet, 2018
Tim Fitzgerald Quartet