Kellin Hanas: Find People who Align with You and Your Values, and Stick With Them. Ep. 154

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, producer and creator Louis Dowdeswell, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Kellin Hanas Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

It all started with a dream, at four years old: an actual dream, that sticks in her memory to this day.   Kellin Hanas is known for her social media presence, her combination of comedy and trumpet, and her recognition as a bright young star on the jazz trumpet circuit.   She joins us today to share her back story of having that first light bulb moment in a vivid dream, to then picking up the trumpet at seven years old and forcing the adults in the room to let her play it, and on through her years in elementary and high school, sharing the profound yet tragic story of her teacher and mentor. Someone who remains a tremendous influence.   Starting college at the Manhattan School of Music during the peak of COVID, Kellin navigated the bizarre and unprecedented challenges of those years with perseverance and grace, leading to professional contacts and opportunities right out of the gate.   But you probably recognize her most from her social media, which has gone viral to the tune of over 100,00 followers on Instagram and TikTok, thanks to her unique combination of professional jazz trumpet and stand-up comedy.   Learn all about the stories and inspirations that make up Kellin Hanas in this inspiring conversation!  

About Kellin Hanas:

Hailed in the International Trumpet Guild Journal as "one of the best up and coming jazz musicians on the globe", 24 year old Kellin Hanas is a trumpeter, composer, educator and comedian based out of New York City and Chicago.

A recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, she has studied under legendary trumpeters such as Ingrid Jensen and Scott Wendholt. Kellin can currently be seen on tour with her own band, as well as The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Ensemble, the Grace Fox Big Band, Ted Nash Big Band, and actor and fashion legend Isaac Mizrahi.

Kellin is also thrilled to be holding the trumpet chair for Heathers The Musical in NYC at New World Stages, and occasionally you can see her at Broadway's Just In Time as well. She is the recipient of the 2024 Laurie Frink Career Grant, and was also the 1st place winner of the 2024 ITG Ryan Anthony Memorial Jazz Improvisation Competition.

Since 2022, Hanas has been the leader of her own band, the Kellin Hanas Quintet, which debuted in the upstairs of the iconic Birdland Jazz Club. Since then, she has taken her band to many venues and festivals, as well as colleges and universities around the US. An accomplished composer and arranger, her music has been performed across the country.

She has also performed with celebrities such as Darren Criss, Titus Burgess, the Manhattan Transfer, and Michael Feinstein. As a side-woman, Hanas has shared the stage with many jazz legends, such as Sean Jones, Christian McBride, Melissa Aldana, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chad LB, Ted Nash and Arturo Sandoval. Kellin was also a musician in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Jonathan Groff and the Just In Time Band. 

As an educator, Hanas has been invited to several colleges, universities and festivals to perform and teach. Some past visits include Ohio State University, Louisiana State University, Kennesaw State University and University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, as well as regional Essentially Ellington festivals. As of 2026, Hanas has released 3 books and 1 video course with Jazz Lesson Videos, and continues to create educational content with them.

As of January 2026, Hanas has amassed a following of over 250k fans online, from her musical and comedic content. She hopes to use her platform to inspire, connect with others, and spread laughter and joy.

Hanas is a Bach and Conn-Selmer endorsed artist.

Episode Links:

• www.kellinhanas.com 
• TikTok
• Instagram 

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA
  https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment 
• International Trumpet Guild, Washington Chapter, April 12, Bellingham, WA
  Valve alignments: First come, first served!
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
  Valve alignments: First come, first served!

 

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - Courtesy Kellin Hanas
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg