JULY 2026 JAVA & JAZZ
FLAT FIVE JAZZ​
​6-8 pm Saturday, July 25, 2026

Second Stage | Amherst
194 2nd Street, Amherst, VA 24521

Josh Barling, trumpet
Caleb Michael Gordon, guitar
Alex Gross, bass
Cadence Tennant, piano
Ken Brand, drums

Flat Five Jazz is a Lynchburg-based modern jazz collective rooted in tradition
and driven by exploration. Through original compositions, contemporary repertoire, and fearless improvisation, the ensemble creates music that honors the jazz lineage while embracing the possibilities of the present moment.
​Every performance is a unique musical conversation—dynamic, engaging, and shaped by the creativity of the musicians on stage.
Josh Barling – Trumpet
Josh Barling is a Virginia-based trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader whose musical voice is rooted in the jazz tradition while continually seeking new avenues for creative expression. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Josh grew up in a military family, living throughout the United States and Europe before discovering the trumpet in seventh grade while living in Italy. Surrounded by music from an early age through his parents and grandparents, he developed a lifelong passion for improvisation, storytelling, and the collaborative spirit of jazz.

Josh began his collegiate studies at Collin County Community College in Texas, where he studied with Kris Berg, Jay Saunders, Dan Evans, Kent Ellingson, and Kevin McNerney. During his time there, he performed alongside renowned artists including Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Peter Erskine, Kevin Mahogany, and Marvin Stamm, while touring internationally with performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Nice Jazz Festival in France. In 2015, Josh relocated to Lynchburg, Virginia, to complete his degree at Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg), where he continued his studies under acclaimed trombonist, composer, and educator Chris Sharp.

Throughout his career, Josh has performed with a diverse range of artists and ensembles, including The Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, Shelley Carrol, Marcel Ivory, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, the Pete Peterson Big Band, the San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, and Ghoul Town. As a bandleader, he has founded and directed projects including The Funk Directive, Augmentalists, Order of the Flying Purple Funk, and Flat Five Jazz.

Today, Josh serves as the artistic director of Flat Five Jazz, where his passion for collaboration, thoughtful programming, and creative exploration continues to shape the ensemble's direction. Whether presenting original compositions, reimagining landmark jazz recordings, or bringing together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, Josh believes the highest calling of an artist is to serve the music with honesty, curiosity, and intention.

Caleb Michael Gordon – Guitar
A graduate of Liberty University's Jazz Studies program, Caleb Michael Gordon is a Virginia-based jazz guitarist whose performances blend the rich tradition of straight-ahead jazz with a modern, adventurous musical voice. As both a solo artist and ensemble performer, he has developed a distinctive approach centered on live looping and expressive chord-melody arrangements, creating layered soundscapes in real time.

Drawing inspiration from jazz masters such as Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery, alongside contemporary innovators including Gilad Hekselman and Julian Lage, Caleb brings lyrical phrasing, thoughtful harmonic movement, and a sophisticated use of technology to every performance. Whether leading a solo set or contributing to the dynamic interplay of a jazz ensemble, he offers a compelling, forward-looking perspective rooted firmly in the jazz tradition.
Cadence Tennant – Piano
Cadence Tennant is a jazz pianist whose musical voice blends the classical traditions of Chopin and Bach with the rich harmonic language of jazz and the influence of his Christian worship upbringing. Drawn to cinematic textures, soulful blues, and anything with a deep groove, he brings both lyricism and rhythmic energy to every performance.

Originally from Holland, Michigan, Cadence attended Hope College on a jazz piano scholarship, where he performed in numerous jazz combos, the college's premier big band, and the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra. He now lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with his wife while she attends medical school at Liberty University. When he's not working remotely as a software developer, he's at the piano—practicing as much as his downstairs neighbor will allow.

Alex Gross – Bass
Alex Gross is a Virginia-based bassist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose versatility has made him one of the region's most sought-after musicians. Raised in a musical family, he began performing at an early age and quickly established himself on the local and regional music scene. His musical journey has taken him from indie rock stages and funk bands to orchestras, big bands, jazz ensembles, and festival stages across the country.

After studying at the University of Lynchburg under Brian Mesko and Ed Mikenas, Alex continued his education at the Los Angeles College of Music, where he studied with renowned musicians including Jerry Watts Jr., Chris Buono, Tim Landers, Mark Browne, John Avila, and Mitchel Forman. Returning to Virginia, he became a core member of The Jared Stout Band, performing more than 200 shows annually while appearing at major events including FloydFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Rooster Walk, and the NASCAR circuit.

A founding member of Flat Five Jazz, Alex has also performed with groups including Canvas Collective, Apple Butter Soul, Schmazz, The Keith Allen Circus, and numerous other projects throughout the region. He currently leads The Storyteller Trio, an original ensemble whose debut EP has been followed by new music currently in production. Whether on upright or electric bass, Alex is known for his deep groove, musical sensitivity, and ability to elevate every ensemble he joins.

Ken Brand – Drums
Ken Brand is a percussionist and music educator based in Lynchburg, Virginia. He studied music education at New Jersey City University and the University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College). An active performer throughout Central and Southwest Virginia, Ken is a frequent pit musician for regional theater productions and performs with a wide variety of ensembles spanning jazz, pop, and rock. He has served as the band director at Sandusky Middle School for the past ten years.
TICKETS:
(Ticket price includes one free cup of coffee, water, or soda. Food is avaiable for purchase from Baine’s Books & Coffee.) To Purchase:
  • Pay at door: cash or checks only; doors open at 5:15 pm.​
  • Pay Online: Reserve a ticket with credit card (convenience fee applied)  via Eventbrite by using the button below.