R. Mutt Blues Band

The R. Mutt Blues Band plays what they refer to as, “American Standard” electric blues. Taking their own unique approach, they feature driving updated renditions of traditional blues classics. The R. Mutt Blues Band showcases the skills of multi-talented singer, guitarist, keyboardist, art teacher and painter, Dan Stepp. On bass guitar is Richard Heipp, a well-known and award winning visual artist, who also happens to be Director of The University of Florida’s School of Art and Art History. Lead guitar features the superb musicianship of Paul Goble, and last but not least, rounding out the rhythm section is drummer Vince Megale. With such a strong visual arts background, it should come as no surprise that the band owes its name to a modernist work of visual art, “Fountain” by Marcel Duchamp. Deemed by some critics as “the most influential artwork of the 20th century,” the work features a urinal inscribed with Duchamp’s pseudonym, “R. Mutt”.

Dr. Curtis Taylor

Dr. Curtis Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida (UF). Dr. Taylor’s research focuses on understanding and developing new technologies (mechanical, electronic, optical, or biological) that utilize the unique capabilities of nanostructured/nanoscale materials. Before joining UF, he was Director of the Nano Manufacturing (NanoMan) lab at the Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his B.S. degree (1998) in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, and his M.S. (2002) and Ph.D. (2005) in electrical engineering and physics from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Taylor has also held internship and research appointments with the U.S. Air Force, United Technologies Corporation, and the National Center for Electron Microscopy at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Research interests include: nanomanufacturing and nanomechanical characterization of materials. Professor Taylor uses his expertise, knowledge, and talents to serve the University as well as the community at large. He is currently working with UF’s Digital Worlds Institute on a project called HAPNAN (Haptics and Nanotechnology). HAPNAN is a STEAM learning network project that focuses on growing and sustaining the interest of young people in the fields of Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Mathematics through the integration of those fields. Dr. Taylor was nominated in 2007 for the Outstanding Teacher Award for the State of Virginia and received the 2011 ASEE Southeast Region New Faculty Award. He strives to inspire and motivate students of all ages to pursue careers in science and technology.

Blue Wave Music Production

Blue Wave Music Production (BWMP) is sponsored by PK Yonge Developmental Research School’s, Blue Wave After-School Program and Director Sean Hunter’s, Crescendo Sound Studios. BWMP features students in the role of producers, songwriters, artists and managers as well as a full art department which all work together to create and produce music. This program allows for each participant to learn how to work effectively in a group as well as individual environment. This unique program not only teaches the skills involved with music production but also offers a positive environment for learning and creativity. In addition to a focus on leadership, professionalism and teamwork, BWMP teaches students standard production techniques that integrate the fields of physics, mathematics, computer science, social studies and creative writing. BWMP is actively working on new and exciting projects, such as the submission of some of their work to Atlantic Records to potentially be used by one of their recording artists. BWMP is also currently working on a compilation CD and Documentary of the groups work. The BWMP documentary focuses on the proficiency of the students as well as the production process from the ground up. BWMP works with youth from the 4th to 8th grade levels and they exhibit extreme focus in regard to learning and achieving their individual as well as group oriented musical goals, which translates into the level of quality that they produce.