Blake Newman Group

Bernaldo Cruz, known by many as BJ, is a Rhode Island–based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist with over a decade of experience on his instrument. performing across New England since 2018

Specializing in alto and tenor saxophone, BJ brings a soulful blend of jazz, R&B, funk, blues, and pop to every stage he plays. In addition to saxophone, he also plays flute and piano, adding depth and versatility to his musical expression.

BJ has performed at a wide range of venues and festivals, including PVD Fest, Wormtown, StrangeCreek, and others, and regularly contributes to the region's vibrant live music scene. Notably, he performed during the cocktail hour at Ashley and Jared’s wedding—well-known from The Bachelorette—held in Newport, Rhode Island.

Bassist and composer Blake Newman was born in New York City and was drawn to music at an early age. As a young child, he would often entertain himself for hours by playing the piano.

Since moving to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music,  he has called the Boston area home. Blake has always had a flair for the exotic, and his musical tastes have been no exception.

He’s had the good fortune of performing on five continents in a multitude of diverse musical settings with some extraordinary musicians. He has performed and recorded with Iva Bittova, David Murray, Ran Blake, Big Jack Johnson, Evan Ziporyn, Duke Robillard, John Sinclair, Peter Wolf, KennyWolleson, Butch Morris, Jon Faddis, David Maxwell, and Charles Neville. He has recorded for Rounder, Innova, Accurate, New World, and Audio Quest Records and can be seen performing with his trio every Wednesday at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, with the Armenian jazz group Musaner, New Orleans groove band the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, and the Tough Love Trio, among others. He has played locally and toured extensively with the American Repertory Theater. Please visit: http://www.blakenewmanbass.com

Phil brings his accumulation of knowledge to bear every Sunday night at the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam. He loves the opportunity the Trio has, to provide the perfect musical background to the words spoken by the artists who step up to the microphone every week.

Elsewhere in the Boston area, Phil can be seen in the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, with Blake Newman and guitarist Andy Solberg, and many others. He is on recordings by the Snake Ensemble, Ken Field, Andy Solberg, Duncan Martin, Big Joe Duskin, James Ibold, and the band The Zero.

Phil Neighbors has been part of the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam community for 20+ years. He has been the regular drummer since the summer of 2016.

Phil began playing drums early in life. He has been playing, listening, and learning ever since. Throughout his long career, he has been a member of numerous musical organizations, playing a diverse range of musical styles. His experience has given him an appreciation and respect for those styles and the culture that produces them.