SANKOFA JAZZ CONCERT
The 9th annual Sankofa Jazz Concert celebrates the rich tapestry of artistic expression stemming from the African diaspora, spotlighting a blend of local talents and emerging artists who embody the essence of African heritage in jazz.
Headliner: Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science
With technical wizardry and profound creativity, NEA Jazz Master, she has become one of the giants of today’s jazz music. A three-time Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator, Carrington began her professional career at only ten years old and received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music at the age of 11. She is the first female artist to ever win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, which she received for her 2013 work, “Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue.”
Over the four-decade-plus span of her career, she has played with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Lester Bowie, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Stan Getz, Al Jarreau, John Scofield, Pharoah Sanders, and Esperanza Spalding among countless other jazz luminaries. The critically acclaimed 2019 release, Waiting Game, from Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science earned the esteemed Edison Award for music and a Grammy nomination.
Opening Acts:
~ Claudens Louis & the CieL Experience | Oriente Trio
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Dana Hall was born on March 13, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York where he spent the first few years of his life, then relocated with his family to his mother’s hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There he was exposed to jazz and soul music at an early age through the family’s record collection. The family interest in creative music, and their open door policy toward Philly jazz musicians of the era sparked his curiosity, passion and ultimately career in music.
At the age of 12, Dana’s family moved from Philadelphia to Voorhees Township, New Jersey and began studying drums under renowned drum instructor Vincent “Jim” Hurley at Voorhees Middle School. Following study was with award-winning educator and bassoonist Dennis MacMullin at Eastern Regional High School where he also began playing the oboe and throughout college.
He attended Iowa State University with a double major in aerospace engineering and percussion. At ISU, Hall cultivated his interest in music, studying marimba, vibes, timpani, hand percussion, and drum set. After completing his education in aerospace engineering at Iowa State University, he received his Bachelor of Music degree from William Paterson College and a master’s degree in Composition and Arranging from DePaul University. He is presently a distinguished Special Trustees Fellow pursuing his Doctorate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago.
As a jazz drummer, he is primarily influenced by the work of Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, and Roy Haynes, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Ralph Peterson, Jr., and Kenny Washington, among many others. The list of artists that Hall has performed, toured, and/or recorded with is too long to mention here but it reflects the diverse, varied approaches of his music-making in the fields of jazz and popular music.
He’s both a member of the Terell Stafford Quintet and the Music Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. He has been a member of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the Des Moines and the Cedar Rapids Symphonies.
As an educator he has been on the faculty of several colleges and universities including DePaul, Jazz at Lincoln Center Band Director’s Academy, Essentially Ellington faculties. Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazzand the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Artists Residency Program.
Drummer, percussionist, composer, bandleader, and ethnomusicologist Dana Hall has released one album as a leader and continues to teach, perform, and record.
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EKEP NKWELLE BAND
A rising master of her craft, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle entrances audiences with her strong lyrical presence and an uncanny connection to phrasing that’s at once grounded and ethereal. High-level musicality informs her storytelling. To Dizzy’s Club she brings her tight ensemble of acclaimed artists. Expect an evening of imaginative arrangements and compelling treatment of standard tunes.
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THE DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA
A multigenerational outfit led by drummer, composer, and clinician Sherrie Maricle, DIVA Jazz Orchestra has garnered accolades from across the world. The 15-piece ensemble “exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of historic big bands, with an eye towards originality.” Their program of stylistically diverse standards and original tunes spotlights a swinging band sound as well as each soloist’s distinct and vibrant personality. Don’t miss this energetic three-night event!
Sherrie Maricle, drums
Jami Dauber, trumpet
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DOMO BRANCH BIG BAND
Domo Branch brings an intentional curiosity to his sets. His versatility on the drums allows him to perform with a range of individualists, from Wynton Marsalis and Dianne Reeves to Taylor Eigsti and Terence Blanchard. Leading his acclaimed ensemble Branchin’ Out, the bi-coastal artist centers improvisation and expansion. Expect a high-energy evening of new music and classic tunes.
Dominick “Domo” Branch, drums/bandleader
Nathaniel Williford, Nicholas Mikhail, Alexandra Ridout, Geoff Gallante, trumpet | Nate Jones, Bruno Tzinas, Jack Kotze, Joe Giordano, trombone | Kevin Oliver Jr., Ginger Meyer, alto saxophone | Birsa Chatterjee, Ben Sherman, tenor saxophone | Jarien Jaminila, baritone saxophone | Ben Collins-Siegel, Dabin Ryu, piano | Jayla Chee, bass
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