Villa Blues n' Jazz was founded in 2011. After singing lead vocals in the award winning band, 6-Foot-Swing (Voted five years in a row, "Best Band," by Inlander Readers), Heather Villa brought together these talented and experienced jazz musicians to form a more blues and soul group: Brian Flick, upright bass; Eugene Jablonsky, bass and guitar; Michael Lenke, trumpet and vocals; and Steve Bauer, guitar and vocals. Some musical influences of the group include Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, John Lee Hooker, BB King and Stevie Wonder.