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To
54 Below

A Nonprofit Cabaret Venue

Black and white image of Daniel Glass playing a double bass. Dressed in a suit and scarf, his short, curly hair frames a bowed head and introspective expression. The dark background highlights the musician and his instrument beautifully.

Tony DePaolis is a versatile bassist and composer known for his distinctive approach to songwriting and arranging. A Pittsburgh native, DePaolis began his professional career performing with renowned drummer Roger Humphries and has since collaborated with a wide range of artists, including vocalist Sandy Staley, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, and trumpet star Sean Jones. In 2009, DePaolis released his ambitious debut album The Contemporary Dynamic, a double-disc project featuring over thirty-six musicians, showcasing his talents as a composer and arranger. His works have been featured on albums by Poogie Bell, Francesco Lo Castro, and other notable musicians. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, DePaolis participated in the 2008 Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program and continues to be a significant presence in the jazz scene. He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, where he continues to perform and compose.

Past Performances