Vortex Lates: Haffner / Fink

Doors 10:30 PM, Music 11:00 PM - 2 sets of music Line-up: Donovan Haffner - Alto saxophone Laurel Fink - Tenor saxophone Laurie Milton - Piano Lorenzo Morabito - Double bass Jack Thomas - Drum kit About: The Haffner/Fink Quintet will be bringing exciting original music written by Donovan and Laurel. Donovan Haffner, winner of the ‘Jazz Newcomer’ category at the Jazz Parliamentary Awards 2025 is a south-east London born and bred alto saxophonist. When Aged 11, Donovan joined the highly respected Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Artist Development Programme and was mentored by Gary Crosby OBE, Binker Golding, and Alex Davis. He proved to be a stand-out talent and, by the age of 18, he was invited to tour Italy with multi-award-winning drummer Moses Boyd. Since then, Donovan graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, and has played with Jay Phelps, Charlie Stacey, Orphy Robinson and Balimaya. He has also performed with the Danish jazz pianist/composer Rasmus Sorenson and was selected by Tony Kofi to be part of, American jazz legend, Charles Tolliver’s Big Band, headlining at the Barbican as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. And Donovan is still very much part of the Tomorrow’s Warriors musical family, performing with both Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Jazz Jamaica. Donovan has also released his debut album ‘Alleviate’ with his own project. Laurel Fink is a 22-year-old tenor saxophonist from Berkeley, California. She is known for her tone and thought-provoking solos, which capture audiences across the world. She has performed with a wide range of artists in the Bay Area and London, most notably Arthur Verocai, Warren Wolf, Marcus Shelby, Dame Drummer, Kassa Overall, DJ Starrza opening for Jhené Aiko, PHOEBS, Falle Nioke, and Orii Community. In 2025, she graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, where she studied with Tim Green and Warren Wolf. She is based in the Bay Area and London, gigging frequently, composing, and playing with bands such as Squadronious, the Kolakale Kolective, and the Heeters.