ALTHEA RENÉ

Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan Althea René began her musical journey at the tender age of four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University. She gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flutists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”.

With a passionate mission to mentor women in the entertainment industry, Althea René authored an autobiography entitled “Becoming Chocolate Barbie – a guide for professional women in the music business” in June 2018. The book was written in an interview format so that readers may easily use it as a reference resource. Women who aspire for a life in business can appreciate the insights she shares.

Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flautists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”.

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ADONIS ROSE QUINTET

Adonis Rose is a Grammy-award-winning drummer, composer, educator, and producer from the city of New Orleans, LA. He has played and recorded with the biggest names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Harry Connick, Jr., Wynton Marsalis, and many others.

He has performed on the most renowned stages in the world such as Carnegie Hall, Olympia in Paris, North Sea Jazz Festival, Umbria, Birdland, Apollo Theater, Newport Jazz Festival, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, to name a few. Rose has over fifty recordings to his credit (five as a leader), including six with longtime friend, trumpeter Nicholas Payton. In 2010, he won a Grammy Award with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for Best Large Ensemble.

Lisa La Touche is a proud Canadian and New Yorker, Lisa’s credits are world renowned. She was an original cast member in Broadway’s Shuffle Along, choreographed by Savion Glover and Directed by George C. Wolfe, where she received both the Fred Astaire Award and the Actor’s Equity Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus. Her TV credits include the 70th Annual Tony Awards and Amazon’s Original “Z, The beginning of everything”. Previous highlights have also included touring with the Savion Glover production, Stepz, and also performing with both New York’s Off-Broadway and the North American touring casts of STOMP. Since 2010 she has run her own performance company Tap Phonics and has been commissioned to present for such organizations such as The Brooklyn Museum, 92Y, Gibney Dance and Fall For Dance North. As an educator and Professor she has taught for PACE University, NYU, The School of Jacob’s Pillow, University of Calgary, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Rosie’s Theater Kids and member of the creative council for the American Tap Dance Foundation. Her most recent endeavor has been writing and directing her debut film TRAX encompassing her journey back to Alberta while discovering important local black history. Above all, her proudest achievement greatest inspiration, is the gift of being a mom.

Phillip Manuel is a native of New Orleans, vocalist Phillip Manuel has been a mainstay at clubs and festivals worldwide, while performing with such greats at Terence Blanchard and Bill Summers. His recorded music career is known for classic interpretations of the Nat “King” Cole songbook as well as tackling intimate takes on James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” alongside Ellington and Gershwin compositions.

THE BAND:

Adonis Rose – Drums | Phillip Manuel – Vocals | Lisa La Touche – Tap dancer | Miles Berry – Tenor sax | Max Moran – Bass | Seth Finch – Piano

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JACQUES LESURE

Jacques Lesure is a Detroit, Michigan native currently residing as a resident of Inglewood, California. His classic style along with his innovative approach to the music are integral to his signature sound. Emanating out of his association with mentors George Benson, Kenny Burrell and a host of others, one hears his own voice.

It is no secret that his music is rooted in the foundations of gospel, blues and improvised Black American music. It’s his belief that the sounds of today are equally relevant as the glory days gone by. It is that synergy that makes his music swing with a style like no other.

He is associated with the WJ# label and has recorded three albums to great reviews. He is an honorable member of GHJazz Collective where they are keeping jazz alive in Accra Ghana at +233 Jazz Bar and Grill.

 

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LOUIS HAYES & THE CANNONBALL LEGACY BAND

“Drummer Louis Hayes elevates the music from within, using finesse and hip nuance rather than playing on top of it with overt chops.”
– JazzTimes
*PLEASE NOTE: All 7PM and 9PM shows at Smoke are Dinner Shows

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ERIC SCOTT REED & GENERATION X, Y & Z

Giveton Gellin – trumpet | Jon Beshay – tenor saxophone | Eric Reed – piano | Nick Joz – bass | Ethan Kogan – drums
Pianist Eric Reed leads this exciting quintet–Generation X, Y, and Z. His latest album, Black, Brown, and Blue, celebrates the rich and diverse music of composers of color. Reed calls the work a personal milestone and “the culmination of my life thus far. I’m freer than I’ve ever been in my personal life, and I’m freer than I’ve ever been in my music. I’m accepting who I am. I love who I am. And as I continue to evolve – my artistry, my sexuality, and my overall humanity – my music will continue to become more and more personal.” A widely respected and popular musician and mentor, Reed first rose to fame with Wynton Marsalis and has performed with artists as varied as Jessye Norman, Quincy Jones, and Patti Labelle. His perpetually swinging and sophisticated style has made him one of the important ambassadors of the music.
“Eric Reed has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz
*PLEASE NOTE: All 7PM and 9PM shows at Smoke are Dinner Shows

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