Piano

Mark Pedigo began piano lessons in grade school, studying classical, ragtime, and boogie-woogie. As a high school freshman, he won the first Rosebud Ragtime Piano Competition. The prize was 50 bucks and a spot to play on the Goldenrod Showboat on the Mississippi River, where he played "Cascade Rag" by Robert Hampton.

He went on to perform in the St. Louis area with the Mark Pedigo Trio, the Dixie Rhythm Kings, and several big bands. Now based in Minneapolis, he performs with the local big band and jazz scenes, including the Sota Trio.

When he’s not performing, he enjoys Minnesota’s outdoors with his wife, Mandy, and his dog, Harley.

Drums

Josh hit his first drum in 5th grade. He's loved hitting drums ever since. Largely self-taught on the drums, Josh counts Gene Krupa, Lars Ulrich and Mike Marsh as his main influences. He tries his best to honor the "Drumocratic Oath": Do No Harm. 

Josh has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of St. Thomas and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He also plays guitar. Come see him play rock, pop and bebop with his other band, The Barn Cats. 

Josh lives in Fridley, MN with his wife Jenn and his son Roland.

Bass

Suzan is an acoustic and electric bass player who has performed with orchestras, regional musical theater productions, and local big band jazz ensembles.

She grew up with musically inclined siblings. Her first instrument was the guitar at the age of 8 and then clarinet in elementary school band. Because her band director saw how easily she grasped the clarinet, he approached her to learn the electric bass for the middle school jazz band.

Dedicated to continual growth as a musician, Suzan is thrilled to collaborate with the Sota Trio as they bring their jazz footprint to the Twin Cities.