RENE MARIE

In a span of two decades, 11 recordings and countless stage performances, vocalist René Marie has cemented her reputation as not only a singer but also a composer, arranger, theatrical performer and teacher. Guided and tempered by powerful life lessons and rooted in jazz traditions laid down by Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and other leading ladies of past generations, she borrows various elements of folk, R&B and even classical and country to create a captivating hybrid style. Her body of work is musical, but it’s more than just music. It’s an exploration of the bright and dark corners of the human experience, and an affirmation of the power of the human spirit.

Performance is Sold Out!

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Eddie Graham was born on November 18, 1937 in New York City. Inspired by his father who played the trombone, he acquired an early interest in rhythm which prompted him to begin the study of drums at age nine. After moving with his family from New York to Miami, Florida at 14, he had a continuing television series on WTVJ with his Swing Kings. During this time his interest in Dixieland jazz was fostered by an acquaintance with drummer “Preacher” Rollo Laylan who frequently imported jazz names to Miami.

Attending the University of Miami he performed for several seasons with the Miami Symphony before migrating to California to accompany such diverse luminaries as Jack Jones, Elvis Presley, and Anita O’Day. He toured as accompanist and conductor for Roberta Sherwood, Vic Dana and Kay Stevens during the Sixties. Eddie settled in Las Vegas, Nevada on a long term contract with Latin concert pianist, Esquivel. He toured Japan with the Village Stompers, and appeared on television with ragtime pianist Big Tiny Little. As a percussionist in the Vegas showrooms, he accompanied Rich Little, Sammy Davis Jr., Presley, Johnny Mathis, and Mack Davis, while hitting the stage with his own jazz group.

The early seventies saw him in Hawaii with trombonist Trummy Young and then hooked up with Earl “Fatha” Hines as a featured artist from 1975 to 1980. On concert tours in Europe, Australia, South America and Japan, Ed has appeared with such artists as Benny Carter, Joe Venuti, Bobby Hackett, Red Norvo, Dorothy Donegan, Barney Bigard, and Stan Getz.

Graham went on to record two albums as a leader, one studio and one live, Hot Stix and S’Wonderful Jazz, respectively. He recorded with Earl Hines on Tony Bennet’s Improv record label, with Marva Josie and a collaboration with trumpeter Billy Butterfield.

In the 80’s, he was a musical director and featured soloist in Las Vegas, and a member of the Peanuts Hucko Quartet in Palm Springs, Califonia. He [layed numerous festivals and clubs around the country during this period, and was a founding member of the 21 piece Monterey Peninsula Jazz Orchestra as percussionist and soloist at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch in Carmel. At eighty-five drummer Eddie Graham still occasionally plays.

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JOE GRANSDEN JAZZ JAM

At 42 years old, Joe Gransden has already performed worldwide and released 14 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, and his singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Among his many gigs he leads the weekly jam session at Venkman’s.

WHEN: EVERY WEDNESDAY

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The Jazz Voyager

The friendly skies are seeing me once more flying cross country to our nation’s capital to capture the essence of what I believe will be an unforgettable experience at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. I will continue to mask up whenever I’m on a plane or in enclosed spaces because these variants are not yet inert. Autumn in Washington, DC is a special time of year and to witness the collaboration of Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni will be transcendent.

Jackson presents The Gospel According To Nikki Giovanni with appearances by Nnenna Freelon and a rare appearance by Giovanni herself. This is a one evening event, so if you’ve never seen these three performers, I suggest you get your tickets because you are in for a treat.

Hitting DC is always like coming home even though the landscape has changed quite a bit. I have to get my bearings each time years pass between visits but fortunately it doesn’t take long. The Kennedy Center is located at  2700 F Street, NW 20566. For more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event or kennedy-center.org. The Kennedy Center number is 202-467-4600.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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JULIE DEXTER

Meet Julie Dexter, a world renowned, award winning, British singer, songwriter and producer considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Doug Carn, Third World and Maxi Priest to name a few, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too.

Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of Artistry. Fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of Jazz, Broken-Beat, Bossa-Nova, Reggae, Afro-Beat and Soul and she was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award.

It was in 1999 that Julie took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. She launched her own label, Ketch A Vibe Records and in 2000 released the critically acclaimed EP Peace of Mind, followed by Dexterity (2002) ,Conscious (2005) and New Again (2011). Moon Bossa, a collaboration with Khari Simmons was released in 2007 and her single “Ketch A Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama.

Julie’s latest album “Deja Vu” takes us on a journey from Bossa to reggae. From Jazz to World Music, Soul and beyond, Julie Dexter is one of an elite few whose talent can transcend genres. She makes it all work on her own terms, as an audaciously independent artist with an undeniable connection to her audience.

Don’t miss the experience of Julie Dexter. Be a part of a tradition of great music. In the words of her smash single ‘Ketch A Vibe’, ‘Don’t let it pass you by…Ketch [Julie Dexter’s] Vibe’…

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