The top rhythm guitarist in jazz today, as well as an exciting chord soloist on acoustic guitar, Marty Grosz is the only major jazz guitarist who plays without an amplifier. Marty is sought as much for his ability to entertain as for his swinging beat. His lighthearted singing has enlivened countless jazz festivals, and his skills as a wit and raconteur make him a favorite with audiences.

Marty was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1930, the son of George Grosz, the celebrated Dada and Expressionist painter. He arrived in New York City in 1933. At the age of 8, he toyed with a ukulele and at 13 began to get serious about playing guitar. In 1950, Marty cut his first records, leading a band that included pianist Dick Wellstood and bassist Pops Foster. A visit to Chicago lasted 21 years, during which Marty played and recorded with the Windy City’s top jazzmen. In 1975, he returned to New York to join Soprano Summit, co-led by reedmen Bob Wilber and Kenny Davern. Tours followed with Dick Hyman and the New York Jazz Repertory Orchestra, the Yank Lawson-Bob Haggart Band, Dick Wellstood’s Friends of Fats, and the Classic Jazz Quartet, among others. Marty founded the Orphan Newsboys in 1988.

In recent years, Marty has made solo tours of Japan, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Germany, England and Canada.

Marty Grosz will be honored at this year's Elkhart Jazz Festival with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award, presented on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., at the ELCO Performing Arts Center.