Jon Pemberton enjoys a busy career as a leading jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer in the Twin Cities. Upon graduating with a degree in music performance in 1983, Pemberton began a teaching career that lasts to this day, landing his first job as brass instructor at Schmitt Music in Minnetonka. During these years, he also studied jazz trumpet with Twin Cities trumpet legend, Billy Shiell. Subsequently, he began a performing career which showcased his versatility in a variety of musical settings. Those early years included stints with the ska band, SKATET, as well as the exciting free jazz orchestra, IMP ORK. During this time, Pemberton was also heavily influenced by the soulful sounds of legendary trumpeter Lee Morgan. In recent years, he formed a quintet to honor his trumpet hero. Frequently heard at the Artist's Quarter, the band plays all the classics from Lee's briliant Blue Note years. This weekend, his quartet features Jim Marentic who ia a killer on the saxophone, is also an established performer clarinet, flute and double bass, recently returned to his native Twin Cities after three decades in Los Angeles and New York City. The recipient of three composition grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Jim Marentic's compositions have been performed by many jazz legends.  The rhythm section includes Twin Cities favorites Billy Peterson on bass and Kenny Horst on drums. Check out these recent videos:

• Jon Pemberton Quintet, April 11, 2008 "Double Down", hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=z583B0nPu2o
  
• Jon Pemberton Quintet, April 11, 2008 "The Sidewinder" www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmBGOaXWHEE