The Brass

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DAWN ZUKOWSKI

Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Dawn Zukowski is a seasoned trumpet performer and private instructor with over 30 years of experience in the Hartford music scene. Her versatile career spans a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and classical performance.

She has performed extensively with prominent horn bands such as Impact, Briefcase Full of Blues, Soul Exceptions, Still Kickin’ and the Big City Horns, as well as the all-female rock group Ms. BHaven. In the jazz arena, Dawn has been a valued member of respected ensembles including the City Lights Jazz Orchestra, Dick Santi Orchestra, Al Fenton Big Band, and Simply Swing.

Currently, Dawn remains highly active, performing with Sassy Brass, Smooth Operators, Traditional Jazz Explorers (TJE), and the DenMar Jazz Trio, while also freelancing with classical church ensembles and musical theater pit orchestras.

Throughout her career, she has shared the stage with an impressive roster of acclaimed musicians, including Jeff Pitchell, Jaimoe and Dave Stoltz of The Allman Brothers Band, Gene Donaldson, Burt Teague, and distinguished jazz artists such as Don DePalma, Robert DePalma, Steve Davis, Linda Ransom, Nikki Mathis, Paul Brown, and Nat Reeves.

Known for her musical versatility, professionalism, and depth of experience, Dawn brings a dynamic and polished presence to every performance and continues to be a respected figure in the regional music community.

ROSEMARIE ROY

Trombone

Born and raised in Windsor, Connecticut, Rosemarie “Rose” Roy began playing trombone in the 5th grade. She followed her love of the instrument through college, where she sat first chair for concert band and performed in UConn’s jazz ensemble under Ellen Rowe. Though she took a brief hiatus from performing in order to focus on her family and career as a Physical Therapist, she picked the horn back up in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since.

A great lover of jazz, Rose met Don DePalma at one of Burt Teague's open mic nights shortly after picking up that horn. At first, she was star-struck and more than a little nervous - she used to see Don DePalma when she was a young adult, at the legendary 880 Club in Hartford, CT. Don was gracious enough to support her on piano as she played in public for the first time in years! Don soon became a close friend and mentor, encouraging Rose to really listen to and dissect music. As a jazz legend himself, Don's mentorship gave Rose the focus to pursue the music her forefathers created. Ultimately, Rose became a standing member of the Don DePalma trio. She performed with Don until his death in 2021.

Rose has also performed with many Connecticut jazz legends, including: Robert DePalma, Steve Davis, Nat Reeves, Eddie Henderson, Matt Dwonzyk, Alex Tremblay, Linda Ransom, Kris Jensen, Robert DePalma, Gene Donaldson, Big Al Anderson (NRBQ), Mario Pavone, Curtis Torian, Alvin Carter Jr., and Rich Goldstein. Rose currently performs alongside Dawn Zukowski as Sazzy Brass.