“Ralph Hepola: Tubist Extraordinaire And Winner Of A 2024 John Stites Jazz Award”

“His focused and driving mission to create something new in the arts world is revealed in expanding the language of modern jazz via the tuba.” “Even for the hip, he has a lot to say and a lot to impart. Take a listen to his work—and be prepared to be amazed.”

– by Marilyn Lester, New York City jazz journalist Marilyn Lester is a staff writer for The New York City Jazz Record – The City’s Only Homegrown Jazz Gazzette, which is distributed throughout New York City at hundreds of locations – from jazz clubs and record stores to instrument stores, schools and universities. It is read by over 23,000 people monthly. Ms. Lester was the cover story feature writer for the May 2023 New York City Jazz Record Tuba Issue. Also see marilynlester.com

published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Ralph is a consummate advocate for his instrument of choice, the tuba.”

– by Christopher Knox, New York City Jazz Journalist and Contributing Writer to Hot House Jazz Guide in New York City, the longest running jazz magazine in the Tri-State area

published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Congratulations on an Official Selection for Paris Lift-Off Film Festival!” “We are excited to invite you to participate in the Paris Lift-Off Film Festival 2024. We can’t wait to screen your work in the competition!”

– Paris Lift-Off Film Festival, France; Lift-Off Global Network Paris 2024 Official Selection

“Nationally-recognized muralist Roberto Regalado has created a portrait of tuba soloist Ralph Hepola”

– published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Pure Enjoyment – Ralph Hepola”

– Roberto Regalado’s mural of tubaist Ralph Hepola at the Springfield Missouri Regional Arts Council “Pure Enjoyment” art exhibit, which opened during First Friday Art Walk

“Congratulations! Original Thought has been officially selected at Paris Film Awards”

– Paris Film Awards is an International Monthly Film Festival with live screenings, which accepts short and feature films in the form of narrative (fiction), documentary (non-fiction), experimental or animated film, music videos, web/TV series (also pilot), feature scripts and short scripts.

“Ralph Hepola, a contemporary jazz musician, won a grant from John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan to fund a Midwest tour.”

– Northwestern University Magazine, Fall 2024

“Tubist Ralph Hepola received a grant from the John Stites Jazz Awards to support a May performance tour across Illinois and Michigan.”

– Northwestern University School of Music Fanfare, Fall 2024

“Tubaist Ralph Hepola at Cider Days in Springfield, Missouri”

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

“Nationally-Recognized Muralist Creates Portrait of Tubaist”

– published on Last Row Music, a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

“Original Thought has been officially selected at Milan Gold Awards.”

“IMDb qualifier’s Milan Gold Awards is an international film festival. Milan is considered a leading alpha global city, with strengths in the fields of art, design, entertainment. Our mission is to promote films, and be another step up in the filmmakers’ careers.” “Live Screenings – IMDb Qualifying Festival – 400 Five-Star Reviews”

– Ralph Hepola’s Original Thought has been officially selected at Milan Gold Awards in the Music Video Category and has received the Gold Award. Hepola co-authored Original Thought with keyboardist Kyle Aho. The piece is a tribute to the creative process itself.

“Congratulations to our TOP 5 artists in the bands category – RALPH HEPOLA’S HEPTONES from USA!”

– 2024 Made in New York Jazz Competition, New York City, Our Judges: Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Lenny White; Committee Members: John Lee, Wayne Escoffery, Manuel Valera, Edsel Gomez, Federico Malaman – “Featuring a worldwide audience of jazz fans, as well as a slate of musicians from dozens of countries, the Made In New York Jazz competition made its mark on the Internet as the first-ever online jazz contest. Now, Made In New York is the most popular jazz competition on Google – out of millions results.” Ralph Hepola is the first low brass player to ever advance this far in this esteemed competition.

“Congratulations to tubist Ralph Hepola, an ITEA community member, for winning a major grant from the John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan!”

– International Tuba Euphonium Association, New London, Connecticut; an international organization dedicated to performers, teachers and friends of the tuba and euphonium

“Thanks to Ralph Hepola and the Heptones for a wonderful show this past Wednesday at Gallery Art Bar. Ralph Hepola was awarded the John Stites Jazz Award grant giving the opportunity to share contemporary jazz on the tuba by hitting the road for a Midwest tour!”

– Urbana Arts and Culture Program, Illinois

“Galena Center for the Arts to host award-winning tuba player”

– Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Iowa; published for the population of Dubuque and surrounding areas in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

“Grant money in hand, a Springfield jazz tubaist hits the road to expand the genre’s audience”

“Renowned jazz tuba player Ralph Hepola, one of three recipients of a John Stites Jazz Award will be joined by three Springfield musicians on a tour of Illinois and Michigan”

– Jeff Kessinger, Reader Engagement Editor, Springfield Daily Citizen, Missouri

“Ralph Hepola Jazz Concert…His quartet will perform a concert funded by a grant awarded to Hepola by John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan”

– Galena Center for the Arts – Galena, Illinois, the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, and resorts.

“Ralph Hepola, virtuoso tuba player, joins in a quartet of guitar, bass & drums for an eclectic mix of jazz, blues & ballads!”

– Galena Center for the Arts in Illinois – strives to elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists by offering high-quality art in an atmosphere and presentation found in leading art institutes and theaters

“Hepola is on tour right now in the Upper Midwest with his band Ralph Hepola’s HepTones and a grant he won is paying for it.”

– Jeff Kessinger, Reader Engagement Editor, writing in SGF A.M., newsletter of the Springfield Daily Citizen, Missouri

“Artspace 304 in Carbondale will host Ralph Hepola for a live jazz concert…Hepola received a grant from John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan to fund his summer tour of jazz music.”

– the Carbondale Times, proudly serving Carbondale and Southern Illinois University since 1997

“Hepola received a grant from the John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan to fund this summer tour of jazz music, celebrating America’s musical art form.”

– Artspace 304, Carbondale, Illinois – funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and Illinois Arts Council

“Since its founding in 1987 as Carbondale Community Arts, Artspace 304 has nurtured generations of artists and creators. Located in the center of downtown Carbondale, our aim is to platform creative talent throughout the region. We exist as a cultural space for all of Southern Illinois and reflect the vibrancy of our many communities.”

“Galena Center for the Arts presents tuba virtuoso Ralph Hepola in concert”

– The Galena Gazette has been proudly serving the area since 1834. Over 10,000 readers look forward to receiving their newspaper weekly to keep up on the latest news.

“John Stites Jazz Awards of Michigan has awarded a major grant to Ralph Hepola to fund a May tour. As a musician who plays the language of contemporary jazz on the tuba, Hepola is totally focused on ‘a new and innovative approach’ which was required by the JSJA application guidelines.”

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Ralph Hepola at Springfield First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

“We are thrilled to kick off the evening at the Creamery Arts Center with the grand Opening Reception…being serenaded by the enchanting melodies of jazz tuba player Ralph Hepola.”

– Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield, Missouri

“The Board of the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization is pleased to announce the 2023 Cycle 2 John Stites Jazz Awards winners. The applications were scored by an independent Review Committee composed of professional jazz musicians with national and international experience. JSJA has awarded over $280,000 in the last 4 years.”

– John Stites Jazz Artist Organization was established to promote live jazz performances and fund the John Stites Jazz Awards for emerging jazz professionals

Ralph Hepola at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

“DBTV YOUR BIG BREAK – LAUREN FORMAN, HOST – APPEARING May 22 & May 25 @ 9:00PM/EST – Ralph Hepola, Minnesota – STREAMING LIVE ON DBTV.TV, Roku & Amazon Fire” – also appearing on the “4^th of July 24 Hour Marathon”

– Pennsylvania-based DBTV – available in over 300 million households

Jazz Tubaist Ralph Hepola in Riverside & Chicago

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Ralph Hepola’s Jazz Tuba at June First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Ralph Hepola at Artsfest

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield is a celebration of springtime, visual and performing arts, food and fun. The event is the largest fine arts festival in Southwest Missouri and draws around 20,000 patrons annually. Known for featuring over 100 artists from all over the country, live entertainment, and delicious food, patrons make it a priority to come back year after year.

“Featured Artist Spotlight! Ralph Hepola’s HepTones – jazz, blues, ballads, bebop, fusion, instrumental rock, available for your festival! Learn more in this blog post hot off the press!”

– FestivalNet provides extensive quality show data since 1996, it is the ultimate web source for festivals, art fairs, music festivals, craft shows, home & garden shows, and other events.

26,000+ events – 1,300,000+ visitors per month – 70+ million page views

“We are happy to present Ralph Hepola (United States), semifinalist of the 8th edition of the 7vjc contest in the Pros & Amateurs category.”

– 7 Virtual Jazz Club Contest – Since 2016, we discover and promote outstanding jazz talents

“The jury has decided and we are happy to present the semifinalists of the 7 Virtual Jazz Club Contest’s 8th Edition: Pros and Amateurs Category – Ralph Hepola (USA)”

– 7 Virtual Jazz Club is dedicated to the support of jazz music in all its forms. Our goal is to promote top quality jazz performances and to discover new talents, through a virtual platform.

Ralph Hepola at December First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Ralph Hepola at Art in the Park in Highland, Illinois on Sunday, October 9, 2022

– Last Row Music & Illinois South Tourism Times

Ralph Hepola at Fresh Gallery for First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Ralph Hepola’s HepTones in Harrison, Arkansas

– Last Row Music – a website publishing news, auditions, events, and other info related to all styles of brass music

Bass Meets Tuba – Tubaist Ralph Hepola Records With Legendary Bassist Bob Bowman

– All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

Ralph Hepola’s Brass at the Iron District in North Kansas City

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

Ralph Hepola at First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

Musician Ralph Hepola is the June Featured Artist at The Vineyard.

Ralph Hepola at the Springfield Artsfest

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield is a celebration of springtime, visual and performing arts, food and fun. The event is the largest fine arts festival in Southwest Missouri and draws around 20,000 patrons annually. Known for featuring over 100 artists from all over the country, live entertainment, and delicious food, patrons make it a priority to come back year after year.

Ralph Hepola performing at First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

Downtown Springfield’s favorite monthly arts event featuring local artists, live music, art demonstrations, fun, food, and a few surprises the first Friday of every month.

Ralph Hepola at First Friday Art Walk

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

Ralph Hepola’s “This Goes Like This” is the All About Jazz Video of the Day

– All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“We were thrilled to have you…I heard terrific things about the show…We will definitely be sending you the invitation for 2022.”

– Kevin Lechler, Executive Director, Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, Denton, Texas

Ralph Hepola’s “Body And Soul” is the All About Jazz Video of the Day

– All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Great performance by you and your group. Thank you for coming.”

– Barb Baker, Manager of Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District,
Springfield, Missouri

“Artists are the backbone of our creative state. Get to know some of the best right here! Meet our April Featured Artists! Ralph Hepola musician | Springfield”

– Missouri Arts Council

“Way beyond oom–pah – the jazz tuba of Ralph Hepola!”

– Barbara MacRobie, Public Information Coordinator, Missouri Arts Council

Speaking of the Arts on KOPN-FM interviews Ralph Hepola

– Diana Moxon, Arts Journalist and Speaking of the Arts Host

“Tubist Ralph Hepola (and a Brass Profiles Member) was recently a Featured Artist for the Missouri Arts Council. Learn more in this brief article.”

– Last Row Music – an online resource for brass musicians

“Ralph Hepola’s Tuba Carves Out A Place For The Much-Maligned Horn In Modern Jazz”

“The virtuoso tuba player leads his quartet through a set of his freewheeling originals, playing with remarkable fluency as the lead instrument.”

– Jazz Promo Services, based in New York and part of the Big Apple Jazz Scene for more than twenty-five years

published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Veteran Tuba Master Ralph Hepola Creates A Dynamic, Supremely Soulful New Lead Voice For The Idiom On His Eclectic Debut Album ‘Tuba’”

by Jonathan Widran

As a veteran music journalist, Jonathan Widran has been a regular contributor, reviewer, feature writer, columnist and/or editor for Music Connection, Wine and Jazz Magazine, Jazziz Magazine, All Music Guide, Singer/Songwriter Universe, SmoothJazz.com, Billboard.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and the Los Angeles Times.

published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Ralph Hepola Makes A Strong Case For The Tuba As A Lead Instrument In Jazz”

by Scott Yanow

Scott Yanow is a jazz journalist, jazz historian, and the author of thirteen books: Trumpet Kings; All Music Guide to Jazz; The Jazz Singers; The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide; Afro-Cuban Jazz; Jazz On Film; Jazz On Record – The First Sixty Years; Jazz: A Regional Exploration; Bebop; Swing; Classic Jazz; Duke Ellington; Jazz Lives – Till We Shall Meet And Never Part.

Mr. Yanow is a regular contributor to eight magazines: Downbeat, Jazziz, New York City Jazz Record, Los Angeles Jazz Scene, Jazz Artistry Now, Jazz Monthly, The Syncopated Times and The Jazz Rag (from England). He has written over 850 liner notes, and approximately 20,000 record reviews.

published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Ralph Hepola is a Scandinavian-American improvising tubaist. A musician who plays the language of contemporary jazz on the tuba. Today’s Song of the Day is “Roots and Wings”, a laid-back funk number from Hepola’s outstanding 2019 disc “Tuba”.”

– Brian Zimmerman, JAZZIZ jazziz.com

JAZZIZ magazine and jazziz.com – JAZZIZ has been called “the voice of a new jazz culture, a culture it helped create,” and over the past 35 years has earned the reputation for its undisputed authority on jazz and style.

“Tu like a tuba, fufu like a funker and gro like a groover. This tune has Herbie fusion magic all over it.” 4 stars

– Fiona Ord-Shrimpton, Editor/Curator of Track of the Day on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website, writing about Roots and Wings from the new recording Ralph Hepola – Tuba

Take Five With Ralph Hepola

– published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website

“Tubaist Ralph Hepola Awarded Recording Grant From The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council”

– press release published on All About Jazz, the world’s biggest jazz website