What The What returns  to Unit B with their exciting and unique brand of world/jazz/funk. Their sold-out 2024 appearance was a crowd favorite.

What The What could be called the "trio different".  Formed in 2013 by well-traveled Santa Fe natives Jon Gagan , J.Q. Whitcomb, and Robby Rothschild, the group fuses diverse elements of funk, jazz and world into a unique and compelling sound. With a style described as "earthy and inviting", they defy categorization while at the same time evoking the familiar with their original compositions. What the What’s  eponymous CD was released in July 2015.

Bassist Jon Gagan is best known for his 30 + year association with renown guitarist Ottmar LIebert.  In addition to playing bass on over 25 Liebert albums, (including several RIAA-certified gold and platinum and Grammy-nominated titles) Jon also scored a full-length string orchestra concert for Liebert. The show was performed by Liebert's trio along with The NM Philharmonic to a sold-out crowd at Popejoy Hall in March of 2023. As as a freelance sideman, Gagan has performed with Milt Jackson, Eddie Harris, Dave Grusin, Christopher Cross, Big Al Anderson, Nat Adderley,, Emily Remler and Mose Allison, among many others. He has also released a series of solo albums on LIebert's SSRI label, Transit 1-3.  Recent recording work includes bass tracks featured on “Santa Fe Style” by Spanish guitarist/singer Juan Jose Alba and “Alone” by the sister duo Carly and Martina.

Trumpet player J.Q. Whitcomb holds a BM in jazz performance from Oberlin University as well as a Master's in jazz performance from Julliard. While at Oberlin, he studied trumpet with Marcus Belgrave and Kenny Davis. After receiving his bachelor's degree, J.Q. relocated to Shanghai, China, where he worked steadily for 8 years as a jazz artist and educator. He was featured as a guest artist with internationally-acclaimed jazz artists Sinne Eeg and Martin Schack quartet on a tour of Denmark.  He also performed at the Copenhagen Jazz festival in 2008 and 2011, as well as the 2011 Ribe Jazz festival.  In 2016,. J. Q. was commisioned by The New Mexico Jazz Workshop to compose a piece for thier 40th anniversary.  He has two albums as a leader: Airports, and Tales Of Enchantment.

Robby Rothschild on percussion has studied many forms of music with teachers all over the world, and earned a master's degree in composition from UNM. He performs his original songs regularly with the acclaimed band Round Mountain and as a solo artist, bringing his varied background to bear in a unique and powerful songwriting style. In addition, he has worked with Thomas Mapfuno, Peter Yarrow, and Guinean griot Prince Diabate, He is currently the touring percussionist for both Ottmar Liebert and Kip Winger.