The Brass

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DAWN ZUKOWSKI

Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Dawn has been a trumpet performer and private instructor in the Hartford area for over 3 decades. She has performed with several rock/blues horn bands including Impact, Briefcase Full of Blues, Soul Exceptions, and Still Kickin’ and the Big City Horns along with the all-girl rock band Ms. BHaven. Dawn has also played in various jazz groups including City Lights Jazz Orchestra, Dick Santi Orchestra, Al Fenton Big Band, and Simply Swing. Dawn is currently performing with Sassy Brass along with numerous classical ensembles and musical shows.

Additionally, Dawn has performed with many well-known musicians including: Jeff Pitchell (Texas Flood), Jaimoe and Dave Stoltz (The Allman Brothers Band), Gene Donaldson (The StingRays), Burt Teague, and jazz legends Don DePalma (of the 880 club), Robert DePalma, Steve Davis, Linda Ransom, Nikki Mathis, Paul Brown, and Nat Reeves.

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.