ABOUT
The Colossus West Jazz Ensemble began as one of three Colossus ensembles performing the music of Dave Chisholm, Mike Conrad, and Levi Saelua.
The original 17-piece Colossus ensemble formed in 2012 in Rochester, NY under the direction of three composers: Dave Chisholm, Mike Conrad, and Levi Saelua. All three founders contributed original music and arrangements, eventually building a substantial book of music unique to the group. Upon Conrad's and Saelua's departures from Rochester, each of the three composers took on the sole direction of his own Colossus ensemble - Chisholm continuing leadership of the original group in New York, Conrad establishing Colossus Central in Iowa, and Saelua forming Colossus West in California.
For more information about each composer:
In 2024, Colossus West became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating public awareness and access to new American music. Rooted in jazz, Colossus West collaborates with artists and composers across a variety of musical genres. Our mission is to enrich the American musical landscape through concerts, recordings, and live performance.
Colossus West is registered as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity with the Internal Revenue Service
under the I.R.C. Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).