Nick Colionne

Nick Colionne

    Red-hot guitarist and vocalist Nick Colionne has been described as "one of the most finest performers to come along on the jazz scene in a long time" by JazzReview.com. 

    Colionne was honored with the prestigious 2007 International Instrumental Artist of the Year Award at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, succeeding 2006 winner Chris Botti.  He has been nominated for this award again in 2009.  He is a four-time headliner on the Smooth Music Cruise (formerly the All Star Jazz Cruise) and is also the cruise's official Jam Session Host.  The 2008 Seabreeze Jazz Festival, a three day event in Destin, FL, saw Nick hosting both the festival and the jam session as well as performing in his own headline show.  By popular demand he will be repeating same for 2009 as the Festival moves to the Pier Park Amphitheatre in Panama City Beach, FL.

    Nick is frequently referred to as "the best dressed man in jazz", and he enjoys an on-going endorsement from the men's designer line Stacy Adams as well as a longtime endorsement with Epiphone Guitars (currently featuring him in their national advertising campaigns).  He also counts among his sponsors Gibson Strings and Accessories and AKG Electronics.

    The Chicago native learned to play at 9 from his step-father, was a touring pro by 15 and early on honed his skills playing with R&B legends The Staples Singers, Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions, Natalie Cole and more.

    Colionne has toured all over the world but still finds time to devote to mentoring children - he is in his 12th year of same at the St. Laurence K-8 School in suburban Chicago, developed a special music curriculum for the Florence B. Price Elementary School for the Performing Arts in Chicago and gives youth clinics all over the country.  He is the recipient of the Malcolm X College alumnus of the year award for his contributions to music and the community.

    It's no surprise that Nick Colionne's sustained chart-topping radio history and his incredible live performances, infused with his unique and soulful styling of jazz, funk, R&B and blues along with his rich vocals and engaging stage personality, have made him a force to be reckoned with.

    biography courtesy of Tom Estey Publicity & Promotion

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