MJ Project performs an instrumental, intelligent and funky mix of rock, progressive jazz, danceable grooves and spacy but melodic sounds. The Philadelphia-based band's mix of talent, telepathic tightness and fearless appreciation of improv adds up to a rock-solid groove and impeccable sound that works on many levels. After almost 10 years of practicing and tightening their sound, the members of MJ Project — Ajinkya Joglekar (drums), Benjamin Karp (guitar), Ian McGuire (keyboards) and Paul Weinstein (bass) — have recently started a vicious attack on the scene, drawing scores of eager fans at venues across Philadelphia. The band has performed at many established venues, including Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts, several sold-out shows at the World Cafe Live and packed gigs at Chris’s Jazz Café and the North Star Bar, which have drawn more than 150 fans every time. The MJ Project has also appeared at Tritone, Doc Watson’s, Mill Creek Tavern, Grape St. Pub and more, not to mention regional venues such as Pittsburgh’s Mr. Small’s Theatre and Club Cafe, Baltimore's 8x10 Club, and Nectar's in Burlington, Vermont, to name a few. In the words of digphilly.com reporter John Davidson, "Basically, MJ Project project is jazz for cool kids; catchy enough to appeal to the masses and smart enough to impress the music snobs. Catch them in Philly when you can, these kids are busy." MJ Project has earned coveted spots sharing the stage with numerous well known artists, including The Benevento Russo Duo, Lake Trout, members of Lotus and Brothers Past (who have actually sat in with the group), The Brakes, Pnuma Trio, Future Rock, The Bridge, Grimace Federation, Orchard Lounge, Indobox, Codename, and many more. The group has performed at several festivals, including the 2009 Starscape Festival in Baltimore, the 2008 All Good Music festival in West Virginia (a gig it earned by beating out more than 300 other bands in a SonicBids competition), the 2006 Dancing Wu Li Festival and more. The group also won a spot at WXPN's All About the Music Festival in 2006, a bill that also included Lotus, Amos Lee, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, The Fractals and The Brakes. Members of the MJ Project have also been involved in projects featuring Kanye West, The Yellowjackets, Pnuma Trio, RAQ and more. Although members of the MJ Project have been playing together since the seventh grade, the group spent most of its high school years practicing, listening to jam masters such as Phish and Medeski Martin and Wood, and performing in the Philadelphia area. As a result of their constant desire to find new influences and ability to play together without any pressure, the members of MJ Project grew together at their own comfortable but rapid pace before they started college. The group now communicates so well that its music often sounds far advanced for such young musicians. Ajinkya Joglekar (drums) Benjamin Karp (guitar) Ian McGuire (keyboards) Paul Weinstein (bass) With an ever-growing fan base (the group's email list boasts more than 1500 names), MJ’s commitment to its music and work ethic will continue to expand its following! The band is bringing its refined sound to a broader venue every day.