Koji Cassetta is an up-and-coming Detroit-based bassist, composer, and teacher making his debut as a bandleader at Cliff Bell’s. He’s bringing his talented group of young and accomplished musicians, the Connection Collective, for an exciting night of standards, as well as original compositions. Koji Cassetta’s Connection Collective has roots in Detroit’s straight-ahead scene, as well as funk, r&b, and Afro-Cuban traditions. He is a protégé of renowned bassists Rodney Whitaker, and Jeff Pedraz, and aspires to continue on and pay tribute to the tradition of the Detroit music scene and his mentors. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree at Michigan State University, and is currently receiving his master’s degree as well at Michigan State University as a teaching assistant.