Description
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
Time: Doors at 7PM • Concert at 8PM
Venue: MUSE Sturgeon Bay
Directions: 330 Jefferson Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235. On the corner of Third Avenue and Jefferson Street in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
Phone: 920-333-2859
Email: tickets@musesturgeonbay.com
About Beyond the Veil:
Beyond the Veil is a bold and immersive jazz-fusion album by drummer and composer Jason Kruk, exploring the space where technical mastery, spiritual inquiry, and deep improvisation converge. Drawing from the raw energy of New York’s contemporary jazz scene, the record moves fluidly between intricate, percussion-driven compositions and moments of open, ethereal expression.
Featuring an elite ensemble of modern jazz voices—including Wayne Krantz, Adam Rogers, and Snarky Puppy members Michael League and Bob Lanzetti—the album thrives on dialogue and interaction. Polyrhythmic textures, angular harmony, and groove-forward writing form the foundation, while fearless improvisation pushes the music beyond conventional boundaries.
At its core, Beyond the Veil is a work of faith and contemplation. Each piece reflects a step in a larger spiritual journey, using the language of jazz to articulate ideas that transcend words. The elemental themes woven throughout the album—earth, water, wind, and fire—mirror both the physical world and the inner life, creating a soundscape that feels grounded yet otherworldly.
Recorded at Mission Sound in Brooklyn, the album balances precision with risk, structure with surrender. Kruk’s compositions serve not only as vehicles for virtuosic performance, but as invitations—to listen deeply, to remain present, and to step beyond the familiar into a space of reflection, wonder, and divine connection.
Early Praise for Beyond the Veil:
Skope Magazine
“Beyond The Veil is a reflective and compelling statement… a work of considerable depth and ambition.” Kruk’s suite-like approach “feels like music in conversation—responsive, fluid, and never static,” blending modern ensemble interplay with a deeply personal narrative.
Lemonwire
Described as an “inventive fusion epic,” the album balances “high-intensity rhythmic explorations with moments of deep, spiritual introspection.” Featuring an all-star ensemble including Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers, the project marks Kruk’s emergence as a “visionary fusion composer.”
JW Vibe (Jonathan Widran)
“A compelling modern fusion statement full of thoughtful construction, freewheeling excitement and boundless purposeful energy.” Kruk “blends technical precision with a strong sense of musical storytelling,” guiding listeners through a “constantly shifting sonic landscape.”
About the Performers:
Note: The performers of the Beyond the Veil MUSE performance will‚ with the exception of Jason Kruk‚ be different from those on the recording.
Jason Kruk is a New York City–based drummer, composer, and educator with over two decades of experience performing across a wide range of musical styles—including jazz, funk, fusion, Afro-Cuban salsa, theater and pop—and touring with rock bands, jazz ensembles, singer-songwriters and a radio broadcast big band. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Lawrence University and an M.M. in Jazz Studies (Drumset Performance) from the University of North Texas, has studied under renowned teachers such as Ed Soph, Ignacio Berroa and David Garibaldi, and has appeared at notable NYC venues like the Bitter End and the 55 Bar as well as on recordings featuring his original work. Over his career he’s collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, performed internationally, and endorses Evans drumheads, Ottaviano cymbals, and Vulcan drums.
Ben Dameron is a sought after performer, composer and pedagogue based in Milwaukee, WI. He received his degrees in classical guitar from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, having studied with Kevin Callahan, Sergio Assad and René Izquierdo. Since finishing his classical training, Ben has dedicated his life to pursuing jazz, composition and improvisation. He co-leads the Milwaukee based modern Jazz group “Heirloom”, which released its debut studio album “Familiar Beginnings” in September 2025. Ben resides on the faculty at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, where he teaches private guitar lessons and jazz combos.
Matt Turner is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading improvising cellists. Equally skilled as a pianist, Turner performs in numerous styles and has shared the stage in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia with Cape Breton fiddle sensation Natalie MacMaster, avant-garde musicians Marilyn Crispell, Peter Kowald, Guillermo Gregorio, Scott Fields, and John Butcher, as well as country musician Wanda Vick, singer-songwriter LJ Booth, and jazz musician Bobby McFerrin to name a few. He appears on over 100 recordings on Sketch/Harmonia Mundi, Illusions, Music and Arts, Accurate, Polyvinyl, Cadence Jazz and others, recording with jazz violinist Randy Sabien, goth vocalist/pianist Jo Gabriel, singer/songwriters Mark Croft and Tret Fure, punk artist Kyle Fischer, Kitty Brazelton’s chamber rockestra Dadadah, alt-country band Heller Mason, and with the Pointless Orchestra.
Mark Urness Mark Urness is a versatile bassist, composer, and educator. His diverse performance experience encompasses orchestral, chamber, solo, jazz playing. He is an associate professor of music at Lawrence University in Appleton Wisconsin and the principal bassist of the Weidner Center Philharmonic Orchestra. His playing on the unaccompanied jazz album, Foreground, was described by Bass World magazine as “completely in command of the instrument and the tunes, rife with good ideas, melodic instinct, and groove.” Recent performances include Chamber music broadcasts on Wisconsin Public Radio, Concerto performances as guest soloist with the Fox Valley Youth Orchestra, a Solo Recital at the 2018 ISB convention, and jazz performances with Bill Carrothers, Danilo Perez, Peter Erskine, and Joe Locke.
Tom Washatka is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and recording engineer/producer. He has been performing, producing and recording music for over four decades. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Washatka started playing piano at age nine, picked up the clarinet four years later then saxophone. Graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1981 and immediately opened a recording studio Steel Moon Recording. Releasing his 1st album in 1983 “Island Dancer” along with pianist/composer John Harmon. In 1999 he released his CD “Easy To Love” gaining rave reviews. His latest recording is “Nascent” with Noah Harmon & Zach Harmon.
An acclaimed producer and recording engineer for Stellar Records/Steel Moon recording studio he has recorded over 35 CDs for Stellar Records with his wife/vocalist Janet Planet. As well as over 25 CDs for independent artists singer/songwriters including guitarist Gene Bertoncini, pianist John Harmon, cellist Matt Turner and vocalist Nancy King. He enjoys producing backing tracks for artists recording demos. His passion is in realizing the music of others. Tom won a WAMI in 2018 for Best Studio Engineer/Producer‚ and another WAMI in 2022 for saxophone.
Tom was Professor of Jazz Saxophone & Improvisation at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music from 2002 until 2012. And continues to teach saxophone.
