Biography
“When you hear Zach Finnegan, you will love his sound, feel and presence. When you meet Zach Finnegan, you will be charmed by his gracious, honest, and warm demeanor combined with a contagious smile and a generous joy for life. When you discover how dedicated Zach Finnegan is to serving his community, you will realize how very special he is: as a musician and a messenger for good in our world."
Matt Wilson; Grammy Nominated Drummer
Zach, a rising star in the world of jazz trumpet, calls Chicago, IL home. His musical journey skyrocketed with his first global tour alongside five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé in 2022-2023, entertaining audiences in arenas and stadiums worldwide. Known for his “golden tone and excellent technical command” (All About Jazz), Zach has contributed to 14 albums, with his debut solo album released in June 2024. His trumpet has graced renowned ensembles such as KNOWER, Clint Breeze & the Groove, Buddy Rich Big Band, Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, and the Camila Mennitte Quintet.
From the iconic NYC's Madison Square Garden to the vibrant streets of São Paulo's Allianz Parque, Zach's trumpet has echoed across diverse landscapes, captivating audiences near and far. Closer to home, he's a fixture at established jazz venues throughout the Midwest, including The Green Mill, Café Coda, The Chatterbox and Andy's Jazz Club playing alongside esteemed musicians such as Meghan Stagl, Jared Thompson, Eric Brink, Luke Sagadin and many more.
Zach's ensembles have graced stages at renowned festivals such as the Riverfront Jazz Festival, where they opened for jazz legend Dave Liebman in 2017 and Davina and the Vagabonds in 2024. Headlining events like the Bull Falls Jazz Festival and the Taste of Bloomington Festival further solidify his place in the jazz scene.
Outside the jazz world, Zach's versatility extends to collaborations with a variety of artists and genres. He has worked with the electro-funk duo Knower, (Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi), Mexican singer-songwriter Rosalba Valdez, rapper Emmitt James, and the hip-hop/jazz-fusion band Clint Breeze & the Groove, highlighting his ability to adapt and shine across musical styles.
Long Biography
Hailing from Weston, Wisconsin, Zachary Finnegan now calls the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, home. The melodies of his upbringing in the church intertwined seamlessly with his musical journey, instilling in him a deep connection between music and spirituality. Zach perceives himself as a perpetual student of life, with an insatiable curiosity that propels him to continually evolve as an artist. His early introduction to music came under the guidance of his father, Joseph Finnegan, whose role as band director and worship leader during Zach's formative years sparked a fervent passion for the arts.
With a thirst for knowledge and a dedication to his craft, Zach pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Jazz Performance. Under the mentorship of professors Mathew Buchman, Brent Turney, and Patrick Lawrence, Zach's musical prowess flourished. He later ventured to Indiana University, where he obtained a Master's degree in Jazz Performance under the guidance of John Raymond and Joey Tartell.
Zach's musical journey has been diverse and dynamic, encompassing performance, composition, education, recording, and entrepreneurship. In 2022 and 2023, he embarked on a global tour with the legendary 5-time Grammy Winner, Michael Bublé, gracing arenas, castles, and stadiums around the world. Over the years, Zach has shared the stage with an array of esteemed musicians, including Carrington Clinton, Camila Mennitte, and Rob Dixon, among many others. His collegiate studies afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Matt Wilson, Walter Smith III, and Michael Rodriguez, enriching his musical tapestry.
A true visionary, Zach is a founding member of several musical ensembles, including the Omnos Quartet, The Crossroads Quintet, and joined the Indianapolis-based hip-hop/jazz-fusion band, Clint Breeze and the Groove. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression is evident in his diverse portfolio of projects and collaborations.
As a performer, Zach's groups have graced numerous festivals, with notable appearances including opening for Dave Liebman and the New Light Quartet at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in 2017. Additionally, "The Zachary Finnegan Quintet" had the honor of opening for Janet Planet at the Bull Falls Jazz Festival in 2018, and for the Jeremy Allen Trio at Taste of Bloomington in 2019. Notably, Zach spearheaded the formation of the "Crossroads Quintet" in Bloomington, IN. Their debut EP was launched at the 2019 B'town Jazz Festival, followed by the release of their debut album, "Intertwined," in May 2020 under the Midwest Crush Music Label. Zach's inaugural group, the "Omnos Quartet," recorded their first album at Daly's Restaurant and Wine Bar in December 2018. Moreover, Zach showcased his talents as a solo guest artist on the 2018 Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music Tour across seven European countries, enchanting audiences with the choir and wind ensemble in various prestigious venues. Notably, his composition titled "Hugh" was featured in a Jazz Studies promotional video for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2016.
Zach managed the Omnos Quartet and Crossroads Quintet, alongside supporting Travis Lee, Clint Breeze and the Groove, and pursuing his freelance career in Chicago. He's deeply invested and passionate about the business side of music.
His leadership extends to various projects and community engagements. At UWSP, he served as President of the Jazz Society for two years, facilitating guest artists, events, and jazz concerts. Transitioning to Indiana University, he led the Jacobs School of Music Jazz Education Network Student Chapter, fostering access to global music resources. He interned with the Project Jumpstart team, promoting student creativity and uplifting the arts community in Bloomington. Zach's proactive involvement led to roles with the B'town Jazz Organization and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, contributing to local arts initiatives.
Previously, Zach served as the Trumpet Artist at the Wausau Conservatory of Music. He's dedicated to music education, offering private lessons, teaching at music camps and masterclasses nationwide. Currently, he teaches at PCCCArts in Chicago and has collaborated with organizations like Jazz Empowers, Band for Today and Fusion Academy to promote music education and foster creativity in younger students.
"Zach is one of those rare special musicians who seem to have the entire skill set for being a very successful performer. He is always joyful, entrepreneurial, highly motivated, ambitious without being off-putting, and he connects with his audience musically and personally."
~Brent Turney; Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago, Maynard Ferguson and Aretha Franklin Horn Section
