IRIS

Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024

Doors: 6:30PM

Showtime: 7:30PM 

Tickets: $15 - Advanced | $20 - Day of show 

About: 

IRIS is a jazz quintet comprised of Arman Sangalang, Kirby Fellis, Austyn Menk, Morgan Turner, and Paul Barrilles. The group was born out of five peers’ mutual desire to fuse jazz music’s historic subgenres, such as hard bop and post-bop, with a modern aesthetic. Their compositions are a reflection of their musical upbringing, having been influenced by musicians like Mulgrew Miller, Roy Hargrove, Wayne Shorter and Walter Smith III. 

IRIS has toured throughout the Midwest performing at venues including Cliff Bells (MI), Merriman’s Playhouse (IN), Jazz Central Studios (MN), Andy’s Jazz Club, The Whistler and Fulton Street Street Collective (IL). In summer 2022, IRIS was one of four groups in the United States selected to participate in the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy. 

Saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang has been garnering attention as an up-and-coming jazz musician in the Chicago music scene. He has performed at major festivals including the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival. Arman’s debut record “Quartet” featuring Dave Miller, Matt Ulery and Devin Drobka was released on Calligram Records in August 2023. 

A captivating Chicago-based trombonist, educator and composer, Kirby Fellis has a passion and gratitude for music that has allowed him to perform at venues such as DePauw Jazz Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival. Kirby has played with many great artists including Kurt Elling, Darius Rucker, Terrell Stafford, and Etienne Charles. Kirby is currently on faculty as the Jazz Ensemble Director at Harper College.  

Austyn Vaughn Menk is a pianist, organist, composer, and educator from Le Center, Minnesota currently living outside of Chicago, Illinois. A former student of Prof. Reggie Thomas and Dr. Masayoshi Ishikawa, Austyn has had the great privilege of playing with artists including Mardra Thomas, Lenard Simpson, Guy King, Tatum Langley, and the Blueshift Big Band. Austyn currently serves on staff at Northern Illinois University as Music Admissions Coordinator.  

Morgan Turner is a Chicago-based bassist and composer. She received her Bachelor of Music from Northern Illinois University, where she had the opportunity to study privately with professors Marlene Rosenberg, Geof Bradfield, and Bobby Broom. Morgan was selected to be a part of the Women in Jazz Organization 2023 mentorship program, during which she was mentored by composer Ayn Inserto.  

Paul Barrilles is a professional jazz musician based in Chicago. He can be found playing with notable jazz musicians including Adam Larson, Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers, Julius Tucker, and Ethan Philion. Barrilles holds degrees in jazz studies from Northern Illinois University (BM) and DePaul University (MM). In addition, Barrilles has studied with today’s master drummers such as Kenny Washington, Gregory Hutchinson, Dana Hall, and Kendrick Scott.