The Origin Story

When musician Ellen Warkentine moved to New York from Los Angeles, she didn't anticipate that New Orleans would come into the picture- but that's where her heart was set ablaze for early jazz and the joy of busking! She moved to New York for grad school ...but ended up in trad school. After meeting guitarist Jimmy Mulhollan online in a jazz jam meetup group, the jazz rocket took off and they haven't looked back since. They have busked at parks all around the city with their trusty small dogs Ninja and Goethe by their sides, performing regularly on Saturdays at the Fort Greene farmer's market and in Central Park. Soon enough they invited some new pals along for the ride, including John Williams on trumpet and Jack Beal and Jim Flynn alternately on bass. They have begun hosting jam sessions at Young Ethel's in Brooklyn. When this jolly band plays together, the joy is palpable.