Meet The Poets

The Voice – Craig Marquardo

Our fearless leader started out as a pop singer, working with the likes of Sting, Peter Gabriel, Bono and others. He then got introduced to jazz and the love affair was on. He has toured around the world and played in tiny bistros to giant sports arenas. The ‘Poets’ is a perfect blend of all of those styles and experiences.

The Hands – Dave Fleschner

Dave is one of the most talented and well-respected players on the west coast. He has played with legends like BB King, Steve Miller and The Pointer Sisters, while having toured with Curtis Salgado and played with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. His guidance as musical director will raise the Poets game to a new level.

The Texture – Lance Vallis

Lance went to the Berklee College of Music, and has a Masters of Music degree in jazz studies from Portland State. So the guy is a little smart. When not performing around the world on international cruises, he slums it with us and gives us our fun edgy sound.

The Rhythm – Richard Armida

Richard is a transplant from SoCal and brought his unique sound to the PNW recently. He is a veteran stage performer having worked with The Temptations, The O-Jays, The Spinners, The Grass Roots and Johnny Mathis. Man he is old. His roots are in Rhythm and Blues which makes him a great Poet.

The Tempo – Tom Andes

Tom has been in the music scene his entire life, playing for all varieties of bands. He trained in symphonic and jazz styles, but has played everything from blues to metal. His sure sense of timing and just enough sense of flair makes him a perfect Poet.

Meet The Poets

The Voice – Craig Marquardo

Our fearless leader started out as a pop singer, working with the likes of Sting, Peter Gabriel, Bono and others. He then got introduced to jazz and the love affair was on. He has toured around the world and played in tiny bistros to giant sports arenas. The ‘Poets’ is a perfect blend of all of those styles and experiences.

The Hands – Paul Paresa

Paul Paresa is a baby-faced prodigy. He is an accomplished pianist, singer, and songwriter and the youngest member of our group. He has received numerous awards and scholarships for his performances, including KMHD’s ‘Top Ten Albums of 2016’ with The Sextet, and performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival with PDX Collective.

The Texture – Lance Vallis

Lance went to the Berklee College of Music, and has a Masters of Music degree in jazz studies from Portland State. So the guy is a little smart. When not performing around the world on international cruises, he slums it with us and gives us our fun edgy sound.

The Rhythm – Richard Armida

Richard is a transplant from SoCal and brought his unique sound to the PNW recently. He is a veteran stage performer having worked with The Temptations, The O-Jays, The Spinners, The Grass Roots and Johnny Mathis. Man he is old. His roots are in Rhythm and Blues which makes him a great Poet.

The Tempo – Tom Andes Tom has been in the music scene his entire life, playing for all varieties of bands. He trained in symphonic and jazz styles, but has played everything from blues to metal. His sure sense of timing and just enough sense of flair makes him a perfect ‘Poet’.