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

Singer and songwriter Tony Hightower is the architect of a new movement, ushering R&B and Hip-Hop audiences into the world of “real jazz.” As the son of the late legendary icon Theresa Hightower, Tony was raised in the industry’s spotlight. Following early success with the neo-soul group 4.0 and collaborations with Outkast, Lionel Richie, and Tyler Perry, he found his true calling in the Great American Songbook.
Under the mentorship of the late Freddy Cole, Hightower emerged as a premier crooner defined by smooth phrasing and a sophisticated, contemporary tone. His critically acclaimed 2022 project, Legacy, serves as his manifesto: a soulful, melody-driven invitation for a new generation to discover the power of Jazz.

Tickets: $33.55 ~ $40.90

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BRANDEE YOUNGER TRIO

The sonically innovative Brandee Younger is a harpist, composer, and bandleader whose music, connecting spiritual jazz with classical training and the soulfulness of R&B, has revolutionized the harp’s role in modern music. In 2022 she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, and in 2024 she earned an NAACP Image Award for her album Brand New Life.

Brandee was one of six artists who recently received a $525,000 grant from the Doris Duke Foundation recognizing “the singular role that artists play in enriching life and enlivening society.” She is now the custodian of the harp owned by the legendary Alice Coltrane, whose work she performed in a recent Carnegie Hall tribute to the late artist.

Ever expanding as an artist, she also has performed with cultural icons including John Legend, Lauryn Hill, and Pharoah Sanders, and her compositions have been featured in both the Netflix documentary, “Beyonce: Homecoming,” and Quincy Jones and Steve McQueen’s “Soundtrack for America.” Brandee’s latest album, Gadabout Season, evokes our shared search for joy, “our search for meaning and beauty amid life’s most complex moments.”

Tickets: Sold Out

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Requisites

Cunningbird ~ Jimmy Knepper Quintet | By Eddie Carter

A few years back, during our anniversary trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, my wife and I took a walk along Bethel Street in Chinatown and found our way into Skull-Face Books and Vinyl. There, I came across an album by the Jimmy Knepper Quintet, which I listened to a few nights ago, inspiring me to feature it in this morning’s discussion. Cunningbird (SteepleChase Records SCS-1061) is a 1977 Danish release, the trombonist’s fourth as a bandleader. He’s best known for working with Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, the Mingus Dynasty, and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra. Here, he’s joined by Al Cohn on tenor saxophone, Roland Hanna on piano, George Mraz on bass, and Dannie Richmond on drums. The copy I own is the 1980 U.S. stereo reissue that shares the original catalog number.

Side One opens with Figment Fragment, the first of six originals by Jimmy Knepper. The opening ensemble is a spirited romp by the group with Knepper and Cohn at the forefront. Jimmy is up first and gives an energetic solo, then Al jumps in with a lively bounce. Roland follows with a delightful reading, and George walks with assurance next. Knepper and Cohn share a short workout ahead of the closing chorus. Languid is a lovely ballad that begins with a touchingly tender ensemble melody. Knepper’s opening solo is executed with warmth and intimacy. Hanna delivers a short statement, delicately leading to the group’s elegant reprise and ending.

Just Tonight is a fast bopper that gets busy right from the start of the ensemble’s speedy theme. Jimmy kicks things off with a fiery opening statement. Cohn takes over, pouring energy into every note. Roland builds the third reading with a compelling intensity next. George steps in last and walks briskly before the quintet wraps up with a vigorous restatement of the theme. Cunningbird, the title selection, opens the second side solemnly, then picks up the pace for Knepper to state the theme. Knepper cruises comfortably into the lead solo. Mraz follows and solos effectively. Cohn swings lightly next, and Hanna takes aim last, making a concise comment into the reprise and close.

Noche Triste is a haunting ballad with a Latin groove underpinning the ensemble’s graciously inviting melody. Jimmy leads the way with a thoughtfully tender solo. Al fills the next interpretation with a soft, elegant beauty. Roland etches a reading of lyrical grace next, and George gets the last words to deliver a wonderfully soothing statement preceding the group’s gentle reprise and fadeout. Spotlight Girl ends the album on an upbeat note with the quintet’s theme. Knepper gets to the point right away in the first solo. Mraz responds vigorously in the following reading. Hanna finds new avenues to explore in the third statement, and Knepper and Cohn have a brief conversation that leads back to the lively reprise and climax.

Nils Winther produced Cunningbird, and Elvin Campbell managed the recording console. The album’s sound quality is excellent with no harshness from top to bottom. The record is silent until the music starts, and the soundstage of each instrument is splendid. If you’re a hard bop fan and are in the mood for a great ensemble album, I invite you to consider Cunningbird by the Jimmy Knepper Quintet on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a terrific album by one of the unsung heroes of the slide trombone, who’s deserving of greater recognition and serves as a perfect introduction to his discography as a leader and sideman!

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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PAT METHENY

Launching his newest project Side-Eye, the concert features rising stars and kindred spirits in jazz. A trailblazing guitarist and composer, Metheny redefined jazz guitar with his blend of melody, swing, and innovation.

Over his career, he worked with legends like Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, and Ornette Coleman, exploring everything from solo guitar to orchestral and electronic music. A 20-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, Metheny continues to inspire, mentor, and push musical boundaries on stages around the world. Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series.

Born in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Metheny began on trumpet before switching to guitar at 12. By 15, he was performing with Kansas City’s top jazz musicians. He made his international debut in 1974 with vibraphonist Gary Burton, quickly earning recognition for his horn-like phrasing, modern improvisation, and deep roots in swing, melody, and the blues. His groundbreaking debut album Bright Size Life (1975) redefined the sound of jazz guitar for a new generation.

The Band:
Pat Metheny | Guitar
Jermaine Paul | Bass
Chris Fishman | Piano
Joe Dyson | Drums
Leonard Patton | Vocal

Tickets: $111.00 – $136.00

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