Biography

Kent Minor has performed with: The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Red Skelton, The Four Freshman, Bobby Rydel, The Four Aces, Lionel Hampton, The Four Lads, Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen David Fathead Neuman, James Moody, Barbara Morisson, The Burgess Gardner Big Band, The Chicago Bears Band, Bob Stone Big Band, John Burnett Orchestra, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Burgess Gardner Big Band, The Chicago Rovers, The Chicago Six with Walter Payton and Dan Hampton, and many others including his own band, Savannah Band.  Has opened for Maynard Ferguson and Ray Charles. 

Festivals:  Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), Downbeat Musicfest USA, International Association of Jazz Educators, Miss Illinois Pageant, Taste of Chicago and many others.

Has been heard on various Television and Radio Commercials, NPR (National Public Radio), in Recordings for various groups and his own CD “Kent Minor and Friends.”  Appears in the program “Chicago Roots, Chicago Rhythm” hosted by Bill Kurtis of CBS, as well as many jazz clubs including Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase in Chicago.  Regularly Appears at the United Center to perform for the Chicago Bulls’ and Chicago Blackhawks’ pregame.  Continues to perform in and around Chicago in many capacities. 

Member of the Chicago Musicians union 10-208

Teaching:  Director of Bands for North Berwyn District 98 since 1980.  Komarek School in North Riverside 1996-1999.  Washington Middle School 1977-79.  Clinician for Antioch High School 1977-1985.  Clinician for Millikin University, 1984. 

Education:  Associates of Arts Waubonsee Community College 1975; Bachelor of Music Education, Jazz Emphasis, Millikin University 1977; Master of Music Education, Roosevelt University, 1983; 64 Additional hours from Vandercook College of Music, 1990-2005; Studied Jazz improvisation with Joe Daley, 1977-1980.