Gene Zika has appeared in concert with the Four Freshman, Mel Torme, Milt Bernhardt, Lucy Ann Polk, Ray Charles and Paul Horn. He performed with the big bands of Larry Elgart, Glenn Miller and John Carroll, and has recorded with the Stan Keller Orchestra. Zika also has 17 years of public school experience as a high school concert band, jazz ensemble, and string orchestra director.

Zika is exceptionally proficient in many instruments, trumpet being his principle instrument. He studied trumpet with John Carroll (former lead trumpet with Stan Kenton) and holds three different Masters Degrees including one in Jazz Trombone Performance. Gene currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico.