Musicians
Darrell Parsons
// Vocals
Darrell Parsons, singer of standards, show tunes, jazz and popular music, has been active in the Washington DC music scene since 1980 when he moved here from Vienna, Austria. He has established himself as an expressive interpreter of song literature with a superb sense of phrasing and the ability to bring songs to life through singing the meaning of the words. He has appeared on stages across the United States, Europe and Asia, for audiences in intimate and large venues, including clubs in DC and LA, as well as Opera Houses and Concert Halls in Vienna, Milan, Paris and Seoul.
Darrell has worked with many DC jazz favorites including Jon Jenson, Bruce Swain, Vince McCool, Chuck Redd, Dan Hovey, Jim McFalls, John Leonard, Nick Ruggieri, Tom Ruggieri, Pete Chauvette, Nate Levy, and Tommy Cecil. He studied with renowned voice teacher Todd Duncan, as well as DC jazz legend, Ronnie Wells. He currently sings regularly in the metropolitan area with local jazz group Cheek To Cheek, as well as with the Julie Parsons Project on the Eastern Shore.
Ken Schleifer
//drums/percussionist/vocalist
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA and currently residing in Dagsboro, DE with his wife, Karen and their two golden doodle pups, Ken holds a bachelors degree In Music Education from Duquesne University, a Masters Degree in Music Ed from the University of Delaware, and has performed as a drummer/percussionist with Sammy Davis, Jr., Ben Vereen, Tammy Wynette, Freddy Fender, Sister Sledge and many other performing artists throughout his long career.
Retired after 38 years as an Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher for the Indian River and Cape Henlopen School Districts, he now enjoys playing with his many musical friends..
For the past 30 years Ken has performed as a drummer/percussionist/vocalist for many musical organizations around the Delmarva Region including Possum Point Players, Bay Star Productions, Clear Space Theatre Company, the Southern Delaware Choral Society, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, the Capital Ringers, with musical groups Giant Steps, 2nd Time Around, Oh Boy A Tribute to Buddy Holly, The Al Frantic Band, Bad River, Swingtopia, as the house drummer/percussionist for many musical theatre productions at Milton Theatre, and is a founding member of the jazz trio/quartet 5th Avenue.
Chris Levey
// bass
Chris Levey comes from a strong jazz musical lineage. He made a career as a bassist in Los Angeles during most of the 70's and 80's playing live, and recording primarily for movies and commercial jingles. As a supporting musician he was privileged to work with many notable artists while playing many different styles of music This list includes Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and, with members of the Doors - The Butts Band. He then moved to Philadelphia and continued there for several years. Levey continues to appear throughout the mid-Atlantic region with artists of the rock, blues, small and large jazz band genres. By day he is a physician.
Paul Tolzman
// guitar
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
Paul is an attorney, licensed master mariner, and a man of many and varied interests including traveling, gardening, water sports ( think fishing!!!) and, of course, music. Paul began playing guitar in his early teens. He was “ strumming with the rest” until he heard the music of guitar great, Chet Atkins. It was love at first listen. When he couldn’t find an Atkins instructor, Paul set out to teach himself how to play Chet’s unique version of finger style guitar. Today Paul is regarded as an accomplished finger style guitar player. He regularly works with groups on stage, records and even performs solo guitar. He and Julie combine their talents in a duo dedicated to contemporary easy listening.