Christian McBride

In addition to being a renowned jazz artist, bassist Christian McBride is an in-demand sideman who's proven his mettle in a slew of styles. The thirty-something's resumé includes performances or recordings with popsters such as Carly Simon, funkateers like James Brown and hip-hop artists exemplified by ?uestlove of the Roots — and a while back, he even accompanied operatic belter Kathleen Battle. McBride seems at home in all these genres by virtue of an exuberant eclecticism that's on display throughout 2006's Live at Tonic. Even though each of Live's three discs contain well over an hour of music each, they still can't fully encompass the range and depth of his talent — but they come exhilaratingly close. His work is as accessible as it is impressive, which makes him the perfect headliner for this event, a fundraiser benefiting Colorado Lawyers for the Arts. When he's on the bandstand, he offers all that jazz and a whole lot more.