Emerging from the vibrant streets of their Midwestern hometown, Bernard Jones and Don Tinsley have teamed up to form The East St. Louis Players, a duo rooted in a shared passion for music.

With a combined experience of over 25 years performing and 20 years in music production, both artists have made significant marks in the industry. Whether through DJ sets or live performances, BJ & Don T consistently prioritize the music and the enjoyment it brings. Their tracks have garnered attention, appearing in the collections and mixes of some of the world's leading DJs, ensuring that audiences around the globe are dancing to their beats every weekend.

Since their collaboration began in 2006, the duo has released a series of quality EPs that have propelled ESP into the global house music spotlight. As they tour to promote their new releases, they continue to share the street-smart ethos that characterizes their work.

So, who are these East St. Louis Players?

Don Tinsley is the seasoned and enigmatic figure of the duo. His musical journey began in 1988, driven by a profound love for electronic music. Whether he is performing funky, techy, jazzy, or deep house, Don T aims to captivate his audience. Known for his innovation in the jazz house scene, he explores a wide range of genres, from techno to trip-hop, making his production and DJ style difficult to categorize. Operating under various aliases, including Monad, East St. Louis Players, Urban Jazz Naturals, and his own name, Don T creates a unique musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries, offering listeners an immersive journey through sound and emotion.

In contrast, Bernard Jones represents the talented newcomer with a vibrant personality. His musical journey began at the age of five, when his grandmother ensured he received classical piano training. Throughout his education, he remained committed to music, studying percussion under Chris Hollyday, the Percussion Director at the University of Missouri, starting at 15. Bernard learned the craft of DJing from local legends such as John Millard, DJ Gizmo, and DJ Hugh Tychen, before venturing into house music production in 2000. Recently, he has collaborated with childhood friend Brendan Woodard, known as Aren B from American Idol, to infuse a fresh R&B flavor into house music.

The natural connection between Don and Bernard is rooted in friendship and a shared passion for their craft. Their intuitive understanding of each other's talents allows them to enter the studio with a concept and emerge with a complete project. As they put it, "We just know each other that well… In the DJ scene we always looked to each other for the hot sounds in House. It’s no different in the studio." With their synergy, this duo is well attuned to their abilities and dedicated to energizing dance floors worldwide.