Pianist Phil Aaron is a beloved musician at the core of the Twin Cities jazz scene. Drawing inspiration from Bill Evans, Cedar Walton, Tommy Flanagan, Keith Jarrett, and many others, he has built a deep repertoire of original & classic jazz tunes that highlight a swinging approach to jazz classics and standards.  Phil Aaron attended the Berklee School of Music and the University of Illinois. Aaron served as music director in the dance department at UCLA and also taught music at Santa Monica College. He is a preferred pianist among vocalists and national touring acts, including Frank Morgan, Byron Stripling, Bob Sheppard, Lee Konitz, Sammy Davis Jr., John Patitucci, Scott Colley, Jeff Clayton, Ray Drummond, Barbara Morrison and Jackie Allen. In addition to five CD releases as leader, Aaron has appeared on a number of recordings by other artists. He will be joined by Gordy Johnson (bass) and Kenny Horst (drums), as well as guest musicians from the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.  Visit www.hotsummerjazz.com for more festival information.