The triple threat singer/pianist/songwriter, Tony DeSare, takes you on a journey that celebrates the timeless piano legends who  have become the cornerstone of pop music culminating with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody In Blue. Musical stops along the way  highlight favorites sung by Tony with songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, Journey, Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis. Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas headlining with Don Rickles and major symphony orchestras, DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. DeSare has fourth top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, the Today Show and his music has been posted by social media celebrity juggernaut, George Takei.
 DeSare has also collaborated with Youtube icons Postmodern Jukebox.
DeSare's Lush Life recording, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Chart and he released Song Diaries Vol. 2 in early 2022, now streaming on all platforms. DeSare's latest single "Paris Always Will Have You" was released in early 2024 and available on all streaming […]

The UTPB Jazz Kettle will be hosting internationally celebrated musicians Willie Murillo and James Morrison for a concert on Monday, March 3, 2025. This will be an event that will benefit students at UTPB, Odessa College, and Midland College, as well as community members. The Guest Artists will rehearse with community and college musicians on Sunday night, speak to groups and individuals in private lessons and Master Classes on Monday, and perform with jazz band members from UTPB, OC, MC and the greater Permian Basin community that evening at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. The magnitude of this experience cannot be overstated. Willie Murillo is an LA based trumpeter, singer, arranger, and producer who visited UTPB last year for a similar residence. Everyone who was associated with that rehearsal/performance 2-day event left the experience exhilarated and edified. James Morrison is an Australia based multi-instrumentalist who has been called “the Genius of Jazz”. He and Mr. Murillo will be on multi-state tour across the nation, and they are looking forward to spending a few days in the Permian Basin before moving on to other tour dates and locations. Includes musicians from Odessa College, UTPB Jazz Kettle, and Midland College.