Gabe Young and Friends is a six-piece jazz/blues band comprised of young musicians who are students of their craft and musically old beyond their years. They represent the top young musicians in the Southern Oregon region and their show is an engaging mix of jazz standards and blues. Led by 13 year-old saxophone phenom Gabe Young, with powerful vocals by 16 year-old Sophie Javna, this group will have the audience on their feet. They formed in late 2008 in preparation for the 2009 Rogue Valley Blues Festival, and were a crowd favorite, packing the Armory for their brilliant set. Since last year, they have performed to appreciative audiences at Britt Institute's Jazz in the Garden series at Eden Vale Winery, The Avalon Bar & Grill, and at Eagle Mill Farms.

Gabe, an 8th grader at Ashland Middle School has performed at the Avalon Bar & Grill, sitting in twice with saxophonist George Young and with Delta blueswoman Eden Brent, as well as playing his own set with his father, guitarist David Young, during the 2009 Rogue Valley Blues Festival. He has played with several groups, including Jerry Attrick & The Pacemakers, The Bar Misfits Klezmer Band, Salsa Brava, and The Young Family Trio. He has recently been featured in articles in the Medford Mail Tribune and Ashland Daily Tidings.

Sophie Javna, on vocals, a junior at Ashland High School, packs the power and phrasing of a mature and large virtuoso into her petite and young frame. She has performed at Tease and other venues in the Rogue Valley.

Wesley Wade, on guitar, a junior at South Medford High School, comes from three generations of accomplished guitarists, and has performed at Eden Vale Winery and the Avalon Bar & Grill, with father Justin Wade and grandfather Gary Wade, in their group Lineage.

Christina Meyer on bass, a senior at South Medford High School, is an accomplished jazz keyboardist as well as bassist, and performed at Avalon Bar & Grill last January with her father, bassist/violinist Richard Meyer, for the Rogue Valley Blues Festival.

Rafferty Swink on keyboard, a senior at Ashland High School, has been studying and performing jazz piano for several years.

Ian Wurfl on drums, is the newest member of the band. A sophomore at Ashland High School, he also is principal percussionist with the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon.