Recently, Dayna Stephens has been playing on some of the biggest stages in jazz, including the Kennedy Center with Esperanza Spalding and the Village Vanguard with Brad Mehldau. This weekend, Stephens will return to The Jazz Gallery with his new Custom Deluxe band.

Inspired by the mentorship of Art Blakey, Custom Deluxe features young improvisers like saxophonist Nicola Caminiti and drummer Miguel Russell, many of whom worked with Stephens while students at the Manhattan School of Music. Like Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, the band’s book features originals by all members.

Before coming out to see the band this weekend, take a listen to Stephens’ EWI take on Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” as part of pianist Emmet Cohen’s ongoing video series, Emmet’s Place.

Dayna Stephens’s Custom Deluxe plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25, 2023. The group features Mr. Stephens on tenor & baritone saxophones, Alexandra Ridout on trumpet, Nicola Caminiti on alto saxophone, Matt Wong on piano, Hamish Smith on bass, and Miguel Russell on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. each night. $30 general admission ($15 for members), $40 reserved cabaret seating ($25 for members), $20 for livestream access ($5 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.