Jane Dean-Burkhart
Born in Iloilo City, Philippines, Jane immigrated with her mother to Canada when she was 2 years old. At the age of 4, her parents put her in piano lessons and she started training classically. By competing in regional festivals in Saskatchewan and being placed in the top 3, Jane showed immense talent at such a young age. Jane and her family moved to British Columbia where she attended high school and college. When she joined the jazz band and jazz choir in high school she was hooked to that style of music. Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett are just a few of the great musicians that have influenced Jane throughout her learning experience.
Jane started working as a professional musician in high school and it was her calling. With no hesitation, she pursued this as a long-term career. She had the pleasure of studying with Alan Matheson, Ross Taggart, Chris Sigerson, Rejean Marois and Brad Turner. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at Capilano University in 2004, she decided to expand her music geographically by performing on cruise ships. That was where she met Seth and soon after formed their trio, Opus 3.
So far, Jane has shared the stage with such greats as Dee Daniels, Kurt Elling, Ray Brown, Bob Mintzer, Dave Young, Seamus Blake, Pat LaBarbera and Hugh Fraser.
Joaquin Desir
Born in Bochum, Germany, Joaquin started his classical studies at the Musical Conservatory of Huesca. After a short period he combined both jazz improvisation and harmony studies at the Alois-Haba Academy in Barcelona, Spain. Played with many different groups, combos, cover bands, Joaquin aquired a versatile repertoire and the knowledge of many styles (Latin music, jazz, bossa, flamenco etc…). In 2003, he worked for a year onboard the Mistral for Festival Cruises as show band musician accompanying guest artist. A year later he joined Holland America and worked onboard the "old" Noordam and in 2005 on the Statendam. He then joined NCL and worked onboard the Dawn and the Jewel also as show band musician. During his time on the Jewel, he was awarded as part of the “Best Team” of the month. Joaquin decided to take sometime off to spend time with his new born son and wife and was able to become an established bassist in Benicarlo, Spain.
Seth Burkhart
Seth has been immersed in music since he was born. Taking cues from his father, a huge fan of jazz and a professor of art, Seth has always had an inherent connection to music. The Burkhart family moved from New York City to Nantucket Island when Seth was 9. Primarily self-taught at the age of 13, Seth began to work locally on the island with Gary Trainor, his music teacher and mentor. This was an incredible time and Seth continued to perform all through high school. All of this payed off and Burkhart received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. He studied for two years before landing a national tour with the Skatterbrains. Since then Seth has made it as a full time musician, performing, touring and recording with such names as Wally Richardson, Debra Cox, Big Engine, The Untouchables and Greg Baril.
Currently, Seth Burkhart leads the jazz trio "Opus 3," consisting of piano, bass and drums. Over the past few years, this trio has performed throughout North America and internationally.
Seth is endorsed by Vic Firth Sabian, Mapex and Remo drum heads.
