BOBBY WATSON QUARTET
Bobby Watson sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator and producer, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then, from 1977-1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings, more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history.
Early on, in addition to Blakey, the saxophonist also worked with notable jazz icons and elder statesmen such as Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman and Sam Rivers, as well as sharing music experiences with innumerable noteworthy peers and colleagues as well as legendary vocalists such as Joe Williams, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves and Carmen Lundy.
Not surprisingly, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Simultaneously, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record.
On August 23, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61 st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie, Jay McShann, Parker and Mary Lou Williams.<
The Band:
Bobby Watson / Alto Saxophone
Jordan Williams / Piano
urtis Lundy / Bass
ictor Jones / Drums
Admission: $40.00
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DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER
Two-time Grammy Winner & NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater Sings the Music of Abbey Lincoln!
Over the course of a multifaceted career spanning four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards, as well as taking intrepid leaps of faith in re-envisioning jazz classics. Bridgewater’s career has always bridged musical genres. She earned her first professional experience as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Louis Big Band, and throughout the 70s she performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. After a foray into the pop world during the 1980s, she relocated to Paris and began to turn her attention back to Jazz.
Strongly influenced by jazz icons Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, both of whom she met early in her career, NEA Jazz Master Abbey Lincoln’s distinctive vocal style, thought-provoking writing, and spirited personality secured her a place among the jazz luminaries. Over the years, she has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Benny Garter, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Eric Dolphy, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, and Stan Getz. The recipient of numerous civic and community awards for her work with the poor and disadvantaged, Ms. Lincoln resisted the bleak side of life to emerge as a genuine carrier of celebration through music.
Dee Dee Bridgewater ~ vocals
Alexis Lombre ~ piano & keyboard
Liany Mateo ~ bass
Shirazette Tinnin ~ drums
Tickets: $65.00 ~ %75.00 +fee | Streaming: $20.00 +fee
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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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TONY HIGHTOWER
Tickets: $33.55 ~ $40.90
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TOMI BERRY & OMAR ASKEW
Tomi Berry is a beautiful performer, inside and out, brings natural grace, a rich soulful voice, and spiritual essence to her performances throughout the Atlanta area and beyond. Wherever she sings, she spreads joy, whether singing smooth R&B, swinging jazz, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention. A spiritual song-stylist, she engages her listeners in musical conversation.
Omar Askew, a 19-year-old student at Kennesaw State University, is dedicated to studying Jazz Performance on the piano. Constantly striving for self-improvement, he aims to excel every time he touches his instrument. In lessons, Omar pushes his students to become the best pianists they can be, helping them achieve their personal goals.
Cover & Parking: Free
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