
THE BAYLOR PROJECT
The Baylor Project is built on love, family, faith, culture and community. This husband and wife team are NAACP Image Award winners and have been nominated for a Grammy seven times. Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor are steeped in the heart and soul of jazz with musical roots coming from the church, and were marked with the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul.
The Baylor Project pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in doing so generates an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel good music.
Shows: 7pm & 9:30pm
Tickets: $35 + $7 fee
Food and Beverage: $15 Minimum Per Person
More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,drums,genius,instrumental,music,preserving,travel,vocal

The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is departing the Gateway City for The South once again and on course to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. The weather is warmer and it wil be a welcome change from the cold of the past few weeks. This stopover is taking me to The Commons, an event space created by the First Congregational Church to provide an alternative venue for jazz performances, among others.
This week focuses on EC3, a man that I have been a fan and friend ever since this incredible drummer hit the airwaves of WCLK, and the very first time I played him on Serenade To The City. Now his anticipated Friday night return will be pulsing with more energy and heat to the city.
Reserved tables are already Sold Out, but you can still grab student tickets for $10.00 and general admission is $25.00.
The Commons is situated at 125 Ellis Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30094. For more information visit FirstFridayAtFirst.Eventbrite.com.
More Posts: adventure,club,drums,genius,jazz,music,preserving,travel

ERNEST “EC3” COLEMAN III
Ernest “EC3 Coleman III BIO Ernest, a second generation musician, was born in Naples, Italy to Ernest and Rebecca Coleman. His father, Ernest Jr., was a jazz musician who played tenor sax and was also a great arranger and composer.
Ernest studied at the Naval Conservatory of Music in Norfolk, Virginia and was awarded a special honor for being the youngest student to graduate from this conservatory. After his tour with the Navy Band, Ernest moved to Los Angeles, California and began his true musical quest. He performed for Guys & Dolls, Ain’t Misbehavin, Bourbon Street Review, and A Chorus Line.
Ernest got the call to work with Loretta Holloway in Las Vegas opening for Jay Leno, Bill Cosby, David Brenner, Yakov Smirnoff, Whoopi Goldberg, Don Rickles and many many more. Ernest soon took over as Loretta’s musical director and continued on to travel to places like Russia, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, Virgin Islands, and Brazil, among many places around the world. Ernest worked with Loretta for over twelve years, playing with major symphonies and was responsible for conducting from behind the drums.
Tickets: Student ~ $10.00 | General Admission: $25.00
More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,drums,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel

DENISE KING & THE DK COLLECTIVE
Native Philadelphia Denise King was thirteen when she was introduced to Jazz by her uncle, Herbert Tatum, who had an extensive collection of Jazz LPs. This love was further cultivated by family, when a cousin Cynthia, shared her passion for the stylings and energy of Nina Simone. Her “studies” involved hours of listening to the Jazz greats, both vocalists and instrumentalists. Denise borrowed phrasing styles from Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole and Frank Sinatra. She gained an appreciation for lyrics from Lil Jimmy Scott, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McCrae and Nina Simone. Listening as intensely to Jazz as she did R&B or music of her era, she had no idea that her listening sessions were preparing her for a career in music.
Denise was “discovered” by a friend who heard her singing outside of her home in Philadelphia and introduced her to the world of Jazz performance. After overcoming her terrible stage fright, Denise went on to share the stage with many legends including Bootsie Barnes, Christian McBride, Dexter Wansel, Duane Eubanks, Lonnie Plaxico, Sid Simmons, Billy Paul, and many, many more.
Tickets: $38.95
More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel,vocal

KENNETH WHALUM
From his poignant tracks like “Might Not Be OK” to the reflective “Prayer” from Broken Land 2, Kenneth’s music is a beautiful exploration of love, longing, and self-discovery. His raw, unguarded performances bring a sense of intimacy and honesty that speaks directly to the heart, making each song feel like a personal conversation. This residency offers the perfect setting to experience the full range of Whalum’s artistry, from the soulful ballads to the thought-provoking moments of reckoning.
Whether you’re celebrating love with someone special or embracing your own journey, Kenneth’s music will create a space for reflection, connection, and pure emotional release. Don’t miss this special Valentine’s Day residency—a night where music transcends the ordinary, and vulnerability becomes the most powerful form of connection.
Band Lineup: Kenneth Whalum~vocals/saxophones, Micah Collier~bass, Frank Morrison~drums, and Julius Tucker~ piano/keyboards
Tickets:
Thursday: $25.50 – $55.50
Friday: $125.00~$145.00 | Valentine Day: Songs for Lovers” With a Tribute to Marvin Gaye & John Coltrane
Saturday: $25.50 – $55.50
More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,saxophone,travel,vocal


