THAD WILSON SEPTET
Experience the magic of big band jazz at the historic Whittemore House, a Dupont Circle landmark. The acclaimed Thad Wilson Septet will have you on your feet!
His career has taken him from DC’s Blues Alley to global stages where Wilson and his trumpet have shared the spotlight with jazz legends like James Moody, Wynton Marsalis and Roy Hargrove. A composer, bandleader and film score artist, he brings soul, swing and storytelling to each performance. Returning for an extraordinary performance is vocalist Steve Washington.
Tickets: $55.00
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NICOLE HENRY
Nicole Henry has established herself among the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers, telling real stories through impeccable interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and originals.
Among her numerous accolades, Henry’s soulful voice and heartfelt charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” “Best New Jazz Artist” by HMV Japan, “Best Solo Musician” by her hometown Miami New Times, and she was hailed as “One of Eight Black Artists Making Waves in 2024” by Symphonic Distribution. BroadwayWorld Miami named her “Vocalist of the Decade.”
She has released eight albums and enjoyed four Top 10 CDs, including her latest 2021 album, Time to Love Again, which reached #4 on the U.S. JazzWeek chart, remaining in the Top 40 for 20 weeks. In late 2019, Ms. Henry returned to the theatrical stage and garnered critical praise in the musical versions of The Bodyguard, The Color Purple, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She also starred in the worldwide debut of the musical A Wonderful World, based on the life of Louis Armstrong.
Cover: $41.45 to $50.65
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BERNARD LINNETTE INTERACTIVE
Drummer Bernard Linnette is a force of nature behind the kit, blending precision, groove, and creativity in every performance. With roots in both jazz and R&B, he has built a reputation for his ability to drive a band with thunderous power while also bringing subtle nuance to more intimate settings. His career has taken him to stages across the country, where his dynamic playing consistently captivates audiences and earns the admiration of fellow musicians.
Beyond his technical mastery, Linnette is celebrated for his versatility and collaborative spirit, making him a sought-after accompanist for both seasoned artists and rising stars. Whether laying down a swinging rhythm, crafting complex polyrhythms, or igniting the stage with high-energy solos, he embodies the heartbeat of the music. With every performance, Bernard Linnette proves why he is one of the most compelling drummers working today.
The Band: Bernard Linnette, Drums | Frank Lacy, Trombone | Chanda Leigh Adeogba, Vocal | James Robertson, Saxophone | Derrick White, Trombone | Louis Herivaux, Piano | Tommy Sauter, Bass
Cover: $42.00
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Mark Simon was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 26, 1959 and by age 13 he was listening to Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Roy Eldridge and other jazz legends, and playing along with old Jazz At The Philharmonic records from his father’s massive and eclectic record collection, which ran the gamut from early jazz master Louis Armstrong to avant-garde Cecil Taylor.
His high school jazz band director Don Owens was an important part of his jazz education. Mark soon graduated to jazz sessions, further honing his keyboard skills while beginning to play occasional jazz gigs. From sitting in with the JATP, he enrolled in a youth summer jazz camp at the University of Illinois, where he was exposed to the live side of jazz. Mark would sneak out of the dorm at night to sit in with the faculty on jam sessions,
Simon’s influences were grounded by jazz artists such as pianists Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Charles Mingus, Gary Burton and Sonny Rollins. Growing up in jazz, He gained experience playing extensively with Leroy Vinnegar, Hadley Caliman, Bud Shank, Jeff Clayton, Joshua Breakstone, Julie Kelly, Teddy Edwards, Red Holloway and Herb Ellis.
Bassist Mark Simon continues to compose and perform solo piano gigs, accompanying vocalists, playing with jazz groups including his self-named trio, as well as teaching piano.
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Bill Pierce, known to many as Billy Pierce, was born September 25, 1948 in Hampton, Virginia. He studied with Joe Viola and Andy McGhee at Berklee College of Music, and with Joe Allard.
In the early 1980s he was recruited by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Through the late Eighties and into the late 1990s he recorded simultaneously as a leader while also in Tony Williams’s quintet in the mid-1980s to early 1990s.
As a leader he has recorded seven albums and another 18 as a sideman with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Geoff Keezer, Kevin Eubanks, Makoto Ozone, Superblue, Tony Williams, and Lazlo Gardony.
As an educator Billy says he likes seeing music being carried on by young people developing, achieving their dreams, and being a part of history. Many of his students have made a name for themselves: Antonio Hart, Mark Gross, Javon Jackson, Walter Smith, Mark Turner, Miguel Zenon.
Saxophonist Billy Pierce, who is the former chair of the Berklee woodwind department, continues to perform, tour and educate.
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