The J. Smith Trio is a versatile combo that covers most styles of jazz. The band is well versed in the swing and bebop repertoire of the 30s and 40s as well as the more modern sounds of the 60s and later. They have been performing in and around the Richmond area under various names for 7 years. One of the more popular projects is their Latin band, Bossa Brava. Bossa Brava is traditional Brazilian, Portuguese and Latin roots music with an eclectic style. The band has various percussion and soloist but the core members consist of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Their repertoire ranges from classic bossa and sambas of Brazil to modern interpretations of the Portuguese folk music, Fado.

Bernedette Stephens is originally from New York. She began singing with the Richmond band Sambaiosis in 2005. While completing her undergrad degree in Spanish at Mary Baldwin College she studied voice briefly with Custer LaRue of the Baltimore Consort.

Justin Smith is from Richmond, Virginia. He studied classical and jazz performance at Virginia Commonwealth University. Justin performs in various bands in the Richmond area such as the Armenian combo, Narod and the Latin band, Bossa Brava. He plays jazz standards and original music under the name The J. Smith Band. Justin teaches private lessons at Guitar Works.

Brian Cruse hails from Arlington, VA. In 2008, Brian graduated from VCU cum laude with a degree in jazz studies. While attending VCU he studied under the direction of Victor Dvoskin and Kelly Ali. In the summer of 2008 he was a member of the Endless Mountain Classical Music Festival Orchestra in Pennsylvania. Currently, Brian is freelancing in the Richmond area. Some of his recent and current activities include the Kip Williams Quartet, The Petersburg Symphony, Upper East Side Big Band, Swift Creek Mill Theater, Empire Theater and Glen Allen Theater.

CJ Wolfe studied Jazz Drum set and Classical Percussion at VCU. He is sought after for being able to perform many different styles of music for shows, theater, and recording. CJ also teaches drums and mallet percussion throughout the Richmond area.