Dave’s formal education is in electrical engineering, where he holds a bachelors degree from Youngstown State University (1979), and a Masters degree from the University of Virginia (1983)

Dave has always had a major interest in Jazz, and his favorite artists/major influences were and continue to be Bill Evans on piano, and on the accordion: Tommy Gumina, Art Van Damme. He played many of the Charles Mangnante accordion arrangements as part of his studies..

While engaging in his primary career, and raising his family from 1980 through about 2005, Dave took a very long hiatus (25-30 years) from playing the accordion – in which he never played the instrument!. During that time he "Fooled around" with playing the piano (self taught) by comping the guitar parts for various church functions. But music was mostly left idle for many years.

Dave’s interest was strongly rekindled around 2000 though regular attendance at "Buddies Jazz Pub" on North Charles St in Baltimore and there he became good friends with Steve Yankee, Vernon Wolst, Robert Shahid, and Ashton Fletcher. Dave began to study jazz piano with Aston Fletcher – and as a result his interest in playing again was reborn

In 2007 he organized the first "Dave Janesh Trio" (using Piano/Keyboard, Guitar, Bass) and played the Tiber River Tavern in old Ellicott City until it closed in May of 2008. The trio consisted of Dave on piano/keyboard, Steve Yankee on Guitar, and Paul Bagwell on Bass. Vocalist Vernon Wolst would make regular appearance with the Trio.

In 2009, Dave returned his primary and original instrument, the accordion and has reformed the trio as an Accordion Jazz Trio with Phil Ravita on Bass, Ted Naperkoski on Drums, and on occasion Steve Yankee appears with the Trio as guest artist on Guitar. The Late Vernon Wolst would also work with the group as vocalist and Sax man.

The Trio currently works various private party gigs in the area, and local venues such as Joe’s Squared, Sullivan’s Steak House, and Supano’s Steak House in Baltimore.

Phil Ravita
Mr. Ravita performs in the Mid-Atlantic region as a free-lance musician and fronts his own jazz group. He is a member of The Baltimore and New York Musician's Unions, Baltimore Music Club, The Baltimore Composer’s Forum, and the Baltimore Jazz Alliance.

Mr. Ravita plays various styles of music in small and large ensembles. He has performed in orchestras as principal bassist, big bands and musical theatre. He has shared the concert stage with guest artists who include Claudio Roditi and Gabrielle Goodman, Beverly Williams, Carolyn Black-Sortir, Diane Hoffman, Joyce Scott, Charlene Cochran, Ruby Glover, Scott Wenholdt and Steve Wilson.

Mr. Ravita's composition “Hard at Work” was featured at the showcase sponsored by the Baltimore Jazz Alliance in conjunction with the Baltimore Composer’s Forum. His compositions, “In the Back Door” and “Blue Sunshine" received Honorable Mention in the 14th Annual Billboard International Song Contest. “AHAMAY” was chosen for inclusion on the Baltimore Jazz Alliance’s first compilation CD, "Jazzscapes." Subsequently, “A Kiss Goodbye," was chosen for the latest compilation CD, "Jazzscapes II".

His jazz suite "Messages" was performed as a part of the 2008 Ars Nova concert series sponsored by the Goucher College and the Baltimore Composers Forum. Mr. Ravita’s compositions have been published in the Baltimore Real Book. That same year, his jazz group was selected as a finalist in the Inaugural Chick Webb Jazz Combo competition at Artscape.

He has performed a concert of original local music at An Die Musik. Mr. Ravita performed some of his works as a part of the Subtle Sessions Concert Series sponsored by the Baltimore Jazz Alliance.

Ted Naperkoski
Ted Naperkoski has gigged for the last 40 years in Baltimore in a variety of musical styles. He's a member of the Baltimore Musician's Union and the Baltimore Jazz Alliance. Over the years, Ted has studied with Charlie Byrd drummer Bill Riechenbach, Peabody percussionist Chuck Memphis, and well known local big band drummer, Dave Tucker.

For the last fifteen years he's worked with The Jim Stewart Jazz Trio as a house band for "Ze Mean Bean Cafe" in Fells Point. Ted has also performed at many functions including private parties for The Center Club, The League for the Disabled, The Museam of Industry, jazz lunch concerts at Lexington Market, and opening day at Camden Yards, In addition, he's played diverse musical styles ranging from big band, to top 40, to jazz, to polkas.