8th Annual URI Guitar Festival Concert Night II Music from the Americas

Jontavious Willis

Hailing from Greenville, Georgia, Jontavious Willis grew up singing Gospel music with his grandfather at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. From an early age, he had the talent and passion for music and the ability to sharpen his skills fast. At 14, he found a YouTube video of Muddy Waters playing “Hoochie Coochie Man” and was instantly hooked on the blues.

Jay Azzolina

Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Jay Azzolina has been part of the New York jazz scene for the past three decades. After leaving the “Berklee College Of Music,” where Jay studied with Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, and Charlie Banacos. Jay began working and recording in New York with a variety of artists. He has developed numerous associations, including Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, and John Patitucci.