People of all ages will enjoy this concert that features the Ed Croft Trio performing the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi.

Croft started his career playing in the New York City subways with famed blues musician Carolina Slim. From there, he began playing local shows with his rockabilly band, The Moonshiners. Upon graduating from high school, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, which he completed in 2013.

It was at Fredonia that Croft had the chance to perform and study with local legends such as Tom Gestwicki, John Bacon, Bruce Johnstone, and more, including an orchestral concert with Yo Yo Ma. Before he’d completed his studies at Fredonia, he began a career as a touring musician starting with two years traveling with celtic rock band The Town Pants, and touring for another two years with bluegrass band The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers.

In between national shows, music festivals, and local showcases, Croft received his Masters degree from Bowling Green State University where he studied under Jeff Halsey, David Bixler, and Chris Buzzeli. He also was able to perform with Mike Stern, Dave Samuels (of Spyro Gyro fame), Gary Smulyan, Tim Hagans, Jimmy Heath, and Conrad Herwig during his time in Ohio.

Now, Croft resides in Buffalo, where he is making a big impression on the local music scene. As a freelance bassist, he has performed with Buffalo jazz greats Darryl Washington, Greg Millar, Rey Scott, and Bobby Jones. He has also shared the stage with Buffalo Music Hall of Famers such as Doug Yeomans, Mary Ramsey, Ray Hangen and Joe Rozler.

In December 2017, Croft became one of the founding members of The Tim Clarke Soul-tet. This ensemble presents rarely heard soul jazz classics, along with original compositions that expand on the genre’s tradition.

Croft won the 2018 JazzBuffalo Poll for Best Acoustic Upright Bassist (a repeat win from 2017), Rising Star, and the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year awards. The results of these awards are decided on by residents of Buffalo and Western New York.