Wes Whitelock is a guitarist and educator from Cranford, New Jersey, and is a graduate of William Paterson University’s Jazz Studies program under the direction of Bill Charlap. While there, Wes was mentored by jazz legends Harold Mabern and Gene Bertoncini, as well as young masters Dayna Stephens and Aaron Diehl. Wes has been a part of many precollege music programs, beginning with School of Rock but ultimately finding his way to Jazz House Kids based in Montclair, New Jersey. He began studying with guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Mike Lee, and was a member of their top big band, led by Julius Tolentino. This band competed in both the Charles Mingus Competition and at the Essentially Ellington Competition, with Wes receiving Outstanding Soloist awards from both. Already in his burgeoning career, Wes has appeared with the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra in their virtual “Concert For Our Culture” event, and performs regularly in the New York metropolitan area. Some notable musicians Wes has performed alongside include Christian McBride, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Baron, David Sanborn, Chris Potter, Sheila E., and Andra Day.