Downbeat Magazine called trombonist Mariel Bildsten “irrepressibly spontaneous” and her 2023 release Steppin’ Out! exploded onto the scene as an exciting follow-up to Backbone, her 2020 debut. Mariel headlines jazz festivals, plays around the country, and performs regularly in New York City, in the US, and internationally. A frequent member of the Mingus Big Band, Mariel has performed alongside Jennifer Hudson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Brian Lynch, Cyrus Chestnut, Frank Lacy, Jon Batiste, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jennifer Hudson, Roy Hargrove, and many others. A passionate and popular educator, Mariel guides students through masterclass group instruction, workshops, and clinics, as well as leading educational shows in public schools through Jazz at Lincoln Center.