MARIA HOWELL PRESENTS: GIRLS IN GOWNS

“Girls in Gowns” A Benefit Concert for Students Without Mothers

“Girls in Gowns” is a unique musical initiative and benefit concert created by singer and actor Maria Howell. The project brings together talented female performers to showcase a collaborative blend of various musical genres while dressed in elegant formal gowns, and above all, for a good cause.

Students Without Mothers (founded by Mary Torrence Williams), is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students without mothers help themselves by empowering them to continue their education. The organization’s main purpose is to provide scholarships for college-bound high school students who are without their mothers due to death or other unfortunate circumstances. For more info – www.studentswithoutmothers.org

The Girls:
Maria Howell ~ Vocal
Shana Blake~ Vocal
Ronee Martin ~ Vocal
Robyn Springer ~ Vocal
Karen Briggs ~ Violin

The Musicians
Noel Freidline – Piano/Keys – Bandleader
Alfred Sergel, IV – Drums
Zack Page – Bass

Tickets: Baby Grand Members ~ $41.95 | General Admission ~ $51.15

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KERSTEN STEVENS

Kersten Stevens — Queen of the Violin, is a genre-defying artist and composer whose electrifying, luminous performances turn every stage into a sanctuary. A Yale alumna and six-time winner of Amateur Night and Showtime at The Apollo, her sound is a bold fusion of jazz, gospel, soul, and storytelling that leaves audiences moved, seen, and electrified.

Her latest album, Queen Rising, co-written and produced by 8x Grammy winner Christian McBride, debuted in the JazzWeek Top 40. She’s been featured in Vogue, WBGO 88.3FM, and All About Jazz, and has shared the stage with Keyon Harrold, Kamasi Washington, Faith Evans, and Trombone Shorty. She’s performed for icons like Usher, Babyface, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Dionne Warwick.

Tickets: Streaming ~ $15.00 +fee | GA ~ $35.00 – $45.00 +fee

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THE STRING QUEENS

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.

Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ has been featured in performances at renowned concert halls and venues across America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation’s capital. Notable appearances include a special performance dedicated to Vice President Kamala Harris at the “We Are One” Presidential Inauguration Concert in January 2021 and rendering a spotlight presentation of TSQ’s electrifying arrangement of Harry Styles’s hit song “Golden” for the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament “The Championships, Wimbledon” in June 2021. As an ensemble who frequents the D.C. jazz scene, other headlining performances include multiple appearances at the DC Jazz Festival and the Capital Jazz Fest.

In August 2022, TSQ released its third album titled “RISE”, which was made possible by a Sphinx Organization MPower Artist Grant. With this album, TSQ sought to sonically address the problems that are currently plaguing the world by creating unique arrangements of timeless classics rooted in hope, joy, peace, and love. Featuring original compositions by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Richard Smallwood, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and more, “RISE” takes listeners on a musical journey that starts in a field of loss and hopelessness and ends in a fortress of faith, triumph, and fortitude. Previous albums from TSQ include a self-titled EP released in 2019 and a holiday EP titled “Our Favorite Things” released in 2020. All TSQ albums are available on its website and all major digital music platforms.

The Ladies ~ Kendall Isadore: Violin, Dawn Johnson: Viola, 

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $55.00

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JOHN CRANFORD & ALICE GOULD

Junior Jazz Rising Star Alice Gould is a fiddler, vocalist & songwriter from Savannah, Georgia who began her big stage performances at 5, participating in her first Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival. She was chosen as an Acoustic Kids Ambassador and has performed at Merlefest or Walnut Valley each year since.

Alice has competed in fiddle contests from CO to NC winning multiple awards. Alice was chosen as the Junior Jazz Rising Star and will be the first 2024 Strings intern at Hilton Head Jazz Camp. She regularly performs in the Low Country as a soloist, in a rock duo, jazz and classical violinist, and in many bluegrass groups.

Tickets: $20.00 | Only a few seats left.

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OKAN

Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, Yoruba and Spanglish, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees.

Having performed and recorded with Bomba Estereo, Lido Pimienta, The Halifax Symphony Orchestra, Hilario Duran and Dayme Arocena, OKAN’s recent release Okantomi was awarded the 2024 Juno Award (the band’s second Juno recognition) and included in NPR Alt Latino, Le Monde, and CBC Music’s “Best of 2023” lists, garnering critical praise from Songlines UK, Billboard, Pop Matters and JAZZIZ.

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MARIA HOWELL | GIRLS IN GOWNS

Girls in Gowns is a unique musical initiative created by singer and actor Maria Howell. This collaborative project features female performers coming together to showcase their talents while dressed in elegant gowns. The concept blends various musical genres, highlighting the diverse capabilities of each performer. The inaugural performance of “Girls in Gowns” took place at a fundraising event over 10 years ago, for Students Without Mothers, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students, who have lost their mothers. Over time, the event has grown in popularity, becoming a highly anticipated occasion, wherever it’s presented. It not only celebrates musical artistry, but also raises funds for scholarships, continuing to support and empower deserving students in need.

For more information about the non-profit organization, visit www.studentswithoutmothers.org

The Girls: Maria Howell, Tracy Hamlin, Ronee Martin, Karen Briggs ~ violin

The Band: Noel Freidline ~ piano/keys | Zack Page ~ bass | Justin Varnes ~ drums

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NICOLE YARLING & MARTIN BEJERANO

Tribute to Prince.

The music of Prince is iconic and timeless­. Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano and renowned vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling present a modern, funky jazz-fusion that reimagines Prince’s “golden period.”

After the concert is an open jam. Bring your instrument!

Students be sure to score one of the limited free student tickets!

 

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THE STRING QUEENS

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic group that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.

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LESLIE DESHAZOR

Composer, arranger, educator, and active performing artist Leslie DeShazor is in demand on the stages of Broadway, classical, and jazz alike as a violinst and violist. With the elite musical talents of pianist Demetrius Nabors, guitarist Sasha Kashperko, bass guitarist Rob Skinner, and drummer Nate Winn, the Leslie DeShazor quintet brings an energetic and a respectful fresh take on jazz repertoire with their performances and original compositions that move audiences.

THE BAND:

Sasha Kashperko – Guitar

Demetrius Nabors – Piano

Rob Skinner – Bass Guitar

Nate Winn – Drums

Leslie DeShazor – Violin

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DAMIEN ESCOBAR

Damien Escobar is a world-renowned violinist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, hailing from Jamaica, Queens, and New York. His musical career spans over a decade, and his inspiring journey of making it big, losing it all, fighting to rebuild, and getting a second chance at success is as much a part of his brand identity as being among the top violinist in the world.

The now NAACP Image Award nominee and Billboards chart-topping artist was once humbled by homelessness after calling it quits from his famed group, “Nuttin but Stringz.” The group, comprised of Damien and his brother, Tourie– known in NYC for playing their violins on the subway; gained global recognition when they appeared as contestants on “America’s Got Talent.” The competition helped to catapult the duo into stardom and they quickly experienced all the highs of being the most sought-after musicians of their time. However, that glory was short-lived and the fall from grace was a hard hit, to say the very least; as the group disbanded and a bruised Damien made the decision to retire his violin. What came next was a struggle– not only with his identity, and depression but with finding success in other non-creative endeavors.

Looking back at his journey, Damien realizes it all needed to fall apart so he could be forced to grow while putting it back together the right way. Prevailing was a process and it started with unburying his talent– his love of playing the violin. And in 2013 Damien released his first album as a solo artist, “Sensual Melodies.” Once thought of as a passion project, the album garnished over 200K downloads; landed on the iTunes Top 100 chart; and served as a springboard for a successful national tour where he headlined, for the first time, as the one and only, Damien Escobar.

From there, doors that were once closed, became a little easier to push open; affording Damien opportunities to tell his inspiring story to publications like People Magazine and Huffington Post; make appearances on local and national news including “The Today Show”; serve as a guest on radio broadcasts;  and even accept invitations to perform at notable events such as Oprah Winfrey’s “The Life You Want” tour. Back in the spotlight, Damien decided this time around he would do more with his visibility and began his entrepreneurial walk by penning and self-publishing his very first children’s book, “The Sound of Strings”; building his very own line of custom designed violins; and establishing partnerships to develop a wine line, perfume and fragrances, and a non-profit organization that would include a music program for children.

Motivated by his past and grateful for his fans and future, Damien went on to release his second album, “Boundless.” Growing into a self-conscious artist with more than a mission to make good music, Damien sought to inspire change and spread positivity by sharing uplifting messages and telling unfiltered personal stories to sold-out arenas across the world during his second tour. Though he’s achieved more than he could have imagined after pulling himself up by his bootstraps and kick starting his solo career– Damien Escobar’s story isn’t over yet. The breakout artist has partnered with Mitsubishi and is now the face and sound of their latest campaign; he’s releasing new music and videos set to air on major broadcast channels; and, the world famous violinist, continues to build his brand centered around making an impact and inspiring social change. Stay tuned, there’s more to come.

With Special Guest Anthony Franks

Parking: $30.00 advanced purchase | $35.00 day of

Valet: $40.00 advanced purchase | $45.00 day of (if not sold out)

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LESLIE DESHAZOR

2021 MPower Grant Recipient and  2021TedX speaker  Leslie DeShazor was named one of thirty Professional Movers and Shakers in the Performing Arts by Musical America in 2019. Violist, violinist, composer and arranger Leslie DeShazor is in demand as a soloist, teacher and recording artist.  Though classically trained, Mrs. DeShazor is a talented and diverse musician.  As a soloist, she has performed with the Toledo Symphony.  She is a freelance artists who performs and has performed with The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, Michigan Sinfonietta, CutTime Simfonica, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Gateways Orchestra, Flint Symphony, The River Raisin Ragtime Revue and Ann Arbor Symphony as well as jazz ensembles, Leigh Daniels Ensemble the Detroit-based, Musique Noire and Straight Ahead.  She has performed and recorded with international, Grammy award winning R&B stars, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin and Grammy award winning gospel artists Fred Hammond, Michael W. Smith and Donnie McClurkin.  She has also had the pleasure of performing with jazz greats such as Roy Hargrove, Steve Wilson, Pat Metheny, Sheila Jordan, Diane Schuur, Regina Carter, Xavier Davis and Marcus Belgrave. She has recently expanded her versatility musically playing both viola and violin as a part of award winning hit musicals Hamilton and Hello Dolly.  An experienced instructor, she currently teaches students of Detroit with instructional music programs offered through the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Sphinx Organization and her own private studio.  A native of Michigan, Mrs. DeShazor holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

SEATING TIMES:
Wednesday – Thursday
1 Seating
Seating: 6:00pm-8:30pm
Band Performs: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Friday – Saturday
2 Seatings
1st Seating: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Band Performs: 6:30pm-7:30pm
2nd Seating: 8:30pm-10:30pm
Band Performs: 9:00pm-10:00pm

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CHELSEY GREEN & THE GREEN PROJECT

Described as “passionate, electrifying, and innovative,” international, Billboard-charting recording artists, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, break down stereotypes of traditional string playing. By fusing traditional classical technique with popular songs and original pieces in various genres – including R&B, Pop, Soul, Funk, Jazz and more – The Green Project brings vibrant violin, viola and rich vocals to audiences in a whole new way.

The Green Project has toured around the world and performed many prestigious venues and events including the Strathmore Music Center, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, BET Honors Awards Dinner, Capital Jazz SuperCruise, The John F. Kennedy Center, Port-Au-Prince International Jazz Festival, The Citadel in Cairo, Kuwait National Opera House, Bahrain Spring of Culture Festival, Boise State University and more!

Additionally, Chelsey Green and The Green Project have been honored to have feature debut performances of their original music and arrangements with several internationally acclaimed and award winning professional ensembles including the US Air Force Band, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Prince Georges Philharmonicand more!

The Green Project released their debut EP, Still Green: The EP in April 2012 to rave reviews. Their second release and first full length album, The Green Room, debuted on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album Chart at #22 and #7 on the iTunes Jazz Albums chart! The group has also released a holiday single, “Sleigh Ride” (2015) and a hot summer single, “Summertime” (2018) which features talented multi-instrumentalist, Warren Wolf.

Most recently, The Green Project has released “ReEnvisioned” (2020). This 4-track, genre-bending EP acts as both palate cleanser and preview to their new musical direction. Released in July 2020, this special project features new instrumental and vocal originals and a fresh interpretation of a classic jazz standard that features jazz trumpet great, Sean Jones. ReEnvisioned reached #4 on the iTunes Jazz Chart on the day of its release and continued to chart worldwide for several months. ReEnvisioned has also received acclaim in many notable written publications including The Hollywood Digest, SoulTracks.com and more!

Saturday 4/22 ~ 7:00 pm  & 9:30 pm | $35~$45 + fee

Sunday 4/23 5:00 pm & 7:30 pm  | $35~$45 + fee

Streaming Pass: 5:00pm & 7:00pm only | $10.00 + fee

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REGINA CARTER

Grammy-nominated artist Regina Carter explores the power of music through the voice of the violin in a wide range of genres—including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African. Join us for her much-anticipated return to Jazz St. Louis!

Valet Parking ~ $10.00 prepaid

Valet parking is available for all Jazz St. Louis performances. Discounted $10 valet parking may be purchased when ordering your tickets. Please make sure to select the correct date and time when adding parking to your cart with your tickets before purchasing.

Performances:

September 21 ~ 7:30pm

September 22 ~ 11:00am | 7:30pm

September 23 ~ 7:30 | 9:30

September 24 ~ 7:30 | 9:30

September 25 ~ 6:30

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