Kolaberate was formed in 2005 to mix old and new jazz and form an eclectic mix of musical styles, but yet retaining the essence of jazz. Each member has dramatically different backgrounds but when they come together it is a seamless fusion of their passion for jazz.

Born on the Southside of Chicago, Batume studied drums with Chicago’s Regal Theatre house drummer Girod Walker. He later began to establish himself with Chicago’s local rhythm and blues artist, Denise LaSalle. Batume also played with the Operation Push Youth Band from 1973 to 1975 in addition to playing with local jazz musicians touring the Midwest college circuit. Prior to moving to New York in 1982 Batume played with Chicago legends George Freeman and Von Freeman. Once arriving in New York, Batume settled into the jazz scene playing with McCoy Tyner, Joco Pastorius, Sonnie Rawlins, Delmar Brown and many others.

Batume moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997 and began playing with local musicians. In November 2004, Batume released his first CD that he wrote as well as produced.

Fred Flowerday graduated from Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in Commercial Arranging. After college, he played and taught in Boston until Carnival Cruise Lines hired him as a Musical Director. His work on the cruise line involved performing with and directing a variety of acts, including the inaugural band for the Carnival cruise ship Miracle. Fred moved to Manhattan in late 2004 and was involved in numerous bands, accompanying projects and sound design gigs.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Andrew has been playing professionally since the age of 17, and got his start by playing in the show bands of a number of different cruise ships. Andrew has had the opportunity to perform with some of the Twin Cities' top jazz musicians including Sanford Moore, Chris Lomheim, Gary Raynor, Gordy Johnson, and Terry Burns among many others.

Andrew is highly influenced by the music of Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Chris Potter, Bob Mintzer, and Michael Brecker, whose musicianship and dedication are a source of constant inspiration and practice material.

Jonathan has been a staple of the Minnesota music scene. He has played practically every club in Minnesota in just about every genre including blues, Tejano, rock, R & B, folk, gospel and latin. Still studying violin, Jonathan continues to study classical and its traditions and over the years he has also expanded into playing guitar and singing. He has also performed with Best Kept Secret (currently BKS Vine), Sanford Moore, The University of Minnesota Gospel Choir, Paul Renz, and many other local favorites.