Mix Magyk @ Indie in the Big D 5/25/13

Saturday May 25th, located on some property east of Downtown Dallas, the "Indie in the Big D" was underway. It was a hot day, and while the event was well put together, there was not much variety. A small vendor village had been erected, but consisted of mainly local clothing designers who had shared the same screen printer (The Alexa Machine Company who coordinated the event), and not much else. The musical entertainment was stale, numerous computer loops and profanity-laden rap attempts. But amidst all this mediocrity, Mix Magyk, a Local jazz/funk band rocked the house with their short 3 song set.

It would be an understatement to say that these guys were the highlight of the event. Not that I have bad things to say about "Indie in the Big D", it is just new (1st annual) and trying to find it's groove. Needless to say, I needed to find out more about this fantastic Jazz group here in DFW.

Mix Magyk was started back in 2009, when friends Craig Kleinman, Matt Garcia, and Jullian Ayacannoo decided to make an attempt to create a hip-hop group. They were all acquainted through their Tarrant County College Jazz class, but were unsure how to start this new project. While striving for a hip-hop sound, their music transformed into an instrumental jazz combo, upon not being able to recruit a serious lead vocalist. Additional members would come along later including the other current members Marcus Ybarra, Marquise Jones, and Michael Daniels.

Self described as Neojazz/Jam/Funk/Fusion, Mix Magyk has been creating a name for themselves in DFW. They have played at many local venues including Trees and House of Blues, and are even nominated for best Jazz Band in Ft. Worth Weekly.

Entering their 4th year together, Mix Magyk is on the cusp of breaking into the next level. The plan is to release an EP sometime soon, expected this summer. With all this good fortune, and a groovin' contemporary jazz set-list, Mix Magyk is definitely an up-and-coming name in the DFW live music scene. If you have not had a chance to see them, I highly recommend it! It won't be difficult as I expect we'll be seeing a lot of them.

Keep jammin' my friends!
SW

(Left to Right) Marquise Jones - Tenor Sax, Matt Garcia - Bass, Marcus Ybarra - Tenor Sax, Julian Ayacannoo - Keyboard, Craig Kleinman - Drums. (Not Pictured) Michael Daniels - Guitar.

"Indie in the Big D" Setlist:
G.C.
Inevitable
Turismo

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com