Mr. Kaufman has formed a new group, Aron Kaufman and the Dream Ensemble, in order to fulfill a life-long dream to perform concerts and record CDs of music he has been composing the past 30 years including many new works that have never been performed. His debut performance with his Dream Ensemble at the Thread Festival in Ypsilanti this past March was enthusiastically received by a packed house.

Aron Kaufman, congas/cajon/drums • Paul Vornhagen, saxophone/flute/vocals • Sam Clark, guitar • Brandon Cooper, trumpet • Jeff Dalton, bass/vocals • Olman Piedra, percussion/timbales

Mr. Kaufman’s work is influenced by the modal approach of Miles Davis, the folk-jazz of Oregon the Cuban groove of Mongo Santamaria and numerous rock, funk and soul artists. His compositions feature a strong rhythmic foundation with evocative melodies. Mr. Kaufman is particularly intrigued with odd meter landscapes. Mr. Kaufman’s work is full of soul and surprise and features strong motifs, dynamic group interplay, and inspired improvisation by his fiery group of musicians: Paul Vornhagen on saxes and clarinet, Brandon Cooper on trumpet, Olman Piedra on percussion, Jeff Dalton on bass, Sam Clark on guitar and Aron Kaufman on congas, percussion.

Mr. Kaufman’s lifelong quest to expand his musical horizons led him to explore a brand new instrument, the Rav Vast steel hand drum made in Russia. Mr. Kaufman will premier some brand new pieces at Kerrytown on this extraordinary instrument.

This performance is generously sponsored by Anonymous.