bio

Pete Bozick - Guitar
Charlie Greenhalgh - Bass
Jamaar Oney - Keyboards
Dean Haemel - Drums
Matt Haelig - Sax/Flute

Founded by guitarist Pete Bozick in the summer of 2001, The Larks began laying down their brand of deep-pocket funky jazz in the resort beaches of Maryland and Delaware to rave reviews almost immediately. In October of that year The Daily Times wrote: “the group shines as a diamond in the rough…breathing new life into a dying genre.” The following year the band was picked up to play what would start a long tradition of appearances at the world famous Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival. Their electrifying debut performance was so tight, the venue's owner couldn't help but gush, it was “one of those rare performances when the band is right in the pocket from the moment the first note is played to the sad echoing of the last note.” The Larks continued to push the envelope for the next three years, playing venues large and small, private events, corporate functions, and everything in between. The band also released two EPs to strong critical and fan praise.

By 2005 The Larks had reached a new pinnacle in the band's history, prompting the Metropolitan Magazine to call them simply “the area's best jazz band.” Delmarva Nightlife named them one of their “Top Bands of 2006” and that same year, WBOC-TV took note quite astutely that “The Larks are a welcome bright spot on the Eastern Shore music scene. Their vast music knowledge and experience…keeps them a few steps ahead of the pack.” By early 2007 several side projects and musical opportunities began to pull the band in different directions. Though they continued to remain close and come together for special events, The Larks were largely on hiatus for the next two years.

By 2009 The Larks had returned to the stage with an improved line-up, new compositions, and a sound that's firing on all cylinders! Their sound has continued to evolve since that time and so has the band, growing from four members to six. In 2011 the band released a power-packed record titled Live from The Rehoboth Jazz Festival. This great album includes a variety of old and new, songs ranging from Miles Davis to the Grateful Dead, as well as some signature originals.

The musicians that comprise The Larks have played several major east coast hot spots in Boston, New York, Philly, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, D.C., Annapolis and all points in between. They've toured nationally and have even played for adoring fans in Europe, Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The guys in the band have also jammed with several heavy hitters in the jazz world including Freddie Hubbard, Arturo Sandoval, Nicholas Payton, Horace Silver, Clark Terry, and Keter Betts. They've crossed genres to play with acts as varied as The Platters, The Drifters, The Coasters, Mookie Siegel (Phil Lesh and Friends), Trombone Shorty, Kirk Joseph, Chantee Chan, Paul Cullen (Bad Company), and Jamie McLean (Dirty Dozen Brass Band), as well as several notable Christian artists, including Alvin Slaughter. It's these vast and enriching experiences that the musicians in The Larks bring to bear every time they step on stage which make this group truly something special.