Join us for a fundraiser supporting Petaluma Blacks for Community Development. The evening will feature jazz by The doRiaN Mode and an opportunity to learn about the history that influenced the sound!
The doRiaN Mode plays music from the Jazz Age and Swing era. Robby Elfman on piano/clarinet, Peter Graves on sax, Tony Blake on drums, and Dorian Bartley on vocals/bass. Proud winners of the 2024 Norbay Music Award for Best Jazz Band.
Follow them on Instagram @thedorianmodecombo
DORIAN BARTLEY (bass/vocals) formed The doRiaN Mode in 2013 to explore the roots of jazz. Born in Detroit to an African American father and white mother, Dorian grew up during the 60s in a family that valued music as an expression of art, identity, and politics. She loves the freedom and sophistication of jazz forms and also performs in other musical styles: Americana, with Foxes in the Henhouse, classical, with Gravenstein Mandolin Ensemble, and freelance groups around the Bay Area. Dorian studied at the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley and taught music in Petaluma’s public schools.
ROBBY ELFMAN (piano/clarinet) is a music composer and multi-instrumentalist. He has written music for commercials, TV, and award-winning indie film soundtracks. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robby attended performing arts schools, played in youth and honor orchestras and bands, and graduated from the USC Thornton School of Music. In 2013 he moved up to the Bay Area where he now performs regularly with bands such as Royal Jelly Jive, the Billy Holiday Project, and The Dorian Mode, and continues to work as a studio player, composer, and arranger.
PETER GRAVES (tenor saxophone) is a Bay Area saxophonist with lifelong roots in casuals, club dates, and studio work on both coasts. Since moving west, he has performed widely throughout the region, recognized for his versatility, consistency, and steady professionalism. His work includes regular appearances with local ensembles and occasional sideman performances with national top-echelon musicians.
TONY BLAKE (drums) was born and raised in San Francisco. Eclectic in his percussive expression, Tony is comfortable in symphony orchestras, small jazz ensembles, folk, rock, or world music groups. He has developed a playing style that draws on many traditions. Finding the common pulse to support the music inspires him, no matter the setting. Tony resides in Petaluma and has recently retired as an Environmental Scientist. He uses much of his free time traveling the San Francisco Bay Area, making music.
