John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions/arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm.  The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  TheMidwest Record proclaims JY-17 debut album Flip-Flop (See Tao Recordings) “A must set for big band fans that want to hear something that takes the form in to the future, this blows the ears open in a mighty way”.  Downbeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals." In celebration of his birthday month of August, the JY-17 will perform the music of jazz legend Charlie Parker. The band will premiere several new arrangements that will put a new spin on Bird’s music.