Anne

Anne Tower is one of two sopranos in the acclaimed a cappella quintet Fermata Nowhere. Originally from Mankato, MN, Anne grew up in a home filled with music. She started singing at a very young age and her vocal strengths and abilities rapidly progressed through the years. Anne developed a love for a cappella and vocal jazz music in high school and continued her singing career into the college years. Anne sang for four years in the vocal jazz program at the University of Minnesota Duluth, while finishing her degree in Women's Studies and Psychology.

Within Fermata Nowhere, Anne is recognized for her soulful singing and ever-present gospel flare. With a rich, dark tone and a high range, Anne's talents help bring a new dimension of vocal finesse to this entertaining quintet.

Anne completed her undergraduate degree in Women's Studies and Psychology during the summer of 2007. Anne is pursuing career opportunities in the Women's Studies field, as well as devoting her time, energy and spirit to the continuation of Fermata Nowhere's success.

Eric

Eric Hagmann uses his talents as a singer, pianist and composer/arranger all for the benefit of Fermata Nowhere. He sings primarily the baritone part in the group but has also been known to take over tenor or bass when necessary. He has written and arranged most of the repetoire for Fermata and is constantly putting out new songs for them to sing. In addition to arranging music for his a cappella group, he has also arranged music for several high school choirs and for his college's vocal jazz groups. With the completion of his dinner theater show Fermata Nowhere in collaboration with friend and writer Evan Kelly, he hopes to work on many more shows in the future.

Eric graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Fall of 2006 with a degree in Music Theory and Composition. His primary instrument was piano. During his time at UMD, he sang with the award winning vocal jazz group Lake Effect. It was there where he met his fellow group mates for Fermata Nowhere. The original intent for the group, which was thought up by Jenna Kase and himself, was to raise some money for a trip to New York over spring break in 2006 with Lake Effect. They had no idea the group would still be going strong today!

Some of Eric's strongest influences include Ben Folds, Billy Joel, Take 6, Bobby McFerrin and Barenaked Ladies.

Jenna

Vocalist Jenna Kase brings a wide genre of musical styles and concepts to her stunning performances. Her singing garners enthusiastic kudos from audiences and peers including the fabulous jazz artist Kurt Elling and the world renown composer Marvin Hamilisch. In her young career, she has already performed professionally in many different styles from classical literature to musical theater, and of course the jazz repertoire.

Beginning classical voice lessons at age nine, Jenna was passionately drawn to the world of performance. Coming from a musical family, she brings a deep history of musical talents growing up listening to the music of her father, trumpet artist Bob Kase. Following in those musical footsteps, Jenna’s expressive and dazzling vocal work can be heard as the fierce and sweet soprano voice in the exciting vocal jazz quintet Fermata Nowhere.

Joe

Joe Marty, singer and string musician is the bass for Fermata Nowhere. His performances, whether performing as part of this or other ensembles, or as a soloist are always welcomed with enthusiasm and gratitude. In the vocal jazz genre, his unique improvisation and rich sound never disappoint audiences.

Joe was born in Vienna, Austria, and has been singing vocal jazz for nearly a decade now, starting his vocal career at Grand Rapids High School. He continued with vocal jazz for three years at Minnesota State University Moorhead, before coming to University of Minnesota Duluth, participating in their highly acclaimed vocal jazz group Lake Effect and joining the rest as one of the original members of Fermata Nowhere.

Joe graduated in 2006 with a B.S. in Computer Science and a Philosophy minor. Joe also plays cello and guitar. Some of his favorite musicians and influences are Bobby McFerrin, Take 6, Real Group, James Taylor, Woody and Arlo Guthrie and Jon Hendricks.

Buegs

Eric Buegler (AKA Buegs) is from the small Northern Minnesota town of Baudette. Performing since he was a very young child, he had never received vocal training until college. He has been in myriad stage productions and was an All-State choir selection in 2003.

Buegs’ role in the group is both tenor and vocal percussionist. He is interested in the dynamic range of the human voice and is always striving to push the creative limits of the “original instrument.” He is a bundle of energy and a very upbeat performer who never ceases to entertain. He is fervently set on every audience member having a wonderful time at every show and he assumes the role almost effortlessly.

Buegs has received his undergrad degree from UMD with concentrations in Women’s Studies and Political Science, and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in the Advocacy and Political Leadership Program at UMD.