Gothic Theatre
Jarad Astin
Jarad is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (98), where he studied closely with Edward Simon (now the pianist for Terence Blanchard’s group), and organist Trudy Pitts. His first project since moving to the Denver/ Boulder was the Workshop, an organ trio that included locals Tony Black (drums), and Jon Zangrando (saxes), for which a full-length record was produced. He then went on to form the Roots Jazz Element, a seven-piece group dedicated to composers. Astin joined the United Dope Front in April of 2001, and shortly thereafter, aided in the forming of Heavy G. and the Boogaloo Communicators, Javier Gonzalez’ organ-based group. Jarad also is the proprietor of Modern Vintage Studios in Nederland, Colorado (home of the late-famed Caribou Studios of the 60’s and 70’s), where the RJE and Heavy G. albums were tracked and mixed. As well as his work in local clubs, Astin also has worked in the Liturgical music scene for three years, as an organist and music director. He is co-founder of Cuzone Records.
