THE HARDEN PROJECT
The spirit of music brought them together and the spirit of love binds them together. When you go to experience The Harden Project you will feel the love of music encapsulated in this couples musicianship. The core of The Harden Project consists of vocalist Ja’Nia Harden and keyboardist John Harden II. These two artists skillfully and fearlessly play off of each other and displays fluent chemistry during their performances.
Their influences range from Bobby McFerrin, Dinah Washington, Al Jarreau, Jimmy Smith, Robert Glasper, Soulive, and Bobby Floyd. The couple blends their influences and life experiences to create soulful groovy sometimes enchanting compositions. They are not afraid of being transparent and open while performing.
The goal of the project is to bring soul-stirring, emotion-provoking, life-influenced music to the world. The Harden Project features fusion based music of all genres, heavily influenced by jazz, social music, and soul.
Cover: Free
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BEN BEAL
Ben first fell in love with jazz in his early teens. His first piano teacher filled his ears with George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, and many more. Other passions such as foreign languages and history revealed themselves around this time, but it took just two days as a history major at the University of Massachusetts to realize that music needed to be his focus and life’s work.
Since moving to South Florida four years ago, he has become one of the area’s most in demand jazz pianists and vocalists for both public and private events and concerts. He has performed at many of South Florida’s historic venues including the Adrienne Arsht Center, North Beach Bandshell, Ball and Chain, and Le Chat Noir. Recent performance highlights include the Groundup Festival on Miami Beach with acclaimed pianist Shelly Berg, 2 extended tours with Miami funk outfit Soulpax, the Oceanside Jazz Festival in San Diego, California, and the Jazz Educator’s Network Conference.
Cover: Free
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VERONICA SWIFT QUARTET
Veronica Swift is one of the most dazzling jazz singers to emerge in her generation with a virtuosic brilliance and ingenuity. More than just a jazz singer, Swift explores opera, classical, bossa nova, blues, rock, funk, and vaudeville music.
Swift describes this personal artistic statement on her new album as “transgenre.” “I grew up immersed in the culture of jazz music, blessed to have had some of the greats as mentors, and I felt a deep familial duty to uphold that” she says, reflecting on her parents, jazz singer and educator, Stephanie Nakasian, and bebop pianist, Hod O’Brien.
Tickets: $40.00 ~ $65.00
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MONTY ALEXANDER
Jamaica To Jazz
Monty Alexander comes to the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Miami for one night only. Known for his unique blend of jazz, reggae, and Caribbean influences, Alexander’s performance promises an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant melodies and rhythms that captivate audiences. His virtuosity on the piano and dynamic storytelling through music are sure to make this event a highlight in Miami’s cultural calendar.
He is one of the pioneers of early Jamaican popular music. As a teenager, he played in the island’s first recording studios (in the late 1950s). He took part in the first sessions that gave rise to ska music, which gave rise to reggae in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Jamaican music and jazz matter greatly to Alexander and are an integral part of his musical expression. After his family settled in the United States, he connected with jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, West Montgomery, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and more.
Tickets: $35.00 ~ $65.00 GA | VIP: $80.00
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NICOLE HENRY
Acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry returns to Birdland with What We Desire deeply felt and joy-filled evening of music celebrating one of humanity’s most enduring desires—to be loved. With her signature blend of classic jazz sophistication and soulful warmth, Henry brings new resonance to beloved standards including “All the Way,” alongside inspired interpretations such as the 1970s hit “So Good, So Right.” The award-winning artist has four Top 10 international album titles.
Currently celebrating a 20-year recording career that includes eight critically acclaimed albums, Nicole Henry is a Soul Train Award winner, a four-time Top 10 Billboard jazz artist, and was named “Vocalist of the Decade” by BroadwayWorld Miami. Her impact extends beyond the stage, earning multiple proclamations of “Nicole Henry Day” in Miami for her artistic achievements and community contributions.
Most recently recognized as one of eight “Black Artists Making Waves in 2024,” Henry continues to broaden her artistic reach, garnering acclaim for her theatrical performances in The Bodyguard, The Color Purple, Smokey Joe’s Café, and A Wonderful World.
Nicole Henry ~ Vocal
Shedrick Mitchell ~ piano
Richie Goods ~ bass
Mike Piolet ~ drums
Jean Caze ~ trumpet
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