ALLAN HARRIS

Allan Harris hits the stage to unveil his inaugural how Jazz Sonnets, interwoven with beloved classic sonnets and poetry from Shakespeare to Maya Angelou and others. Captivating jazz vocalist and guitarist aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with “the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King’ Cole.” 

Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and band leader, he has an impressive discography boasting fourteen recordings as a leader, Harris has established himself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.

The band behind the man features Sara Jane Cion ~ piano, Sylvia Cuenca ~ drums, Brandi Disterheft ~ bass, Irwin Hall ~ saxonpne & flute, and Miles Okazaki ~ guitar.

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E. C. 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.

The evening is curated by  Tyrone Jackson who is the quintessential jazz piano player. His boundless creativity coupled with harmonic mastery, utilizes the piano as a blank canvas.  Jackson is nationally recognized and has traveled the world as a solo artist and sideman.

As a composer, Jackson has composed original music for Pulitizer Prize winning author Natasha Tretheway’s book of poems “Native Guard” turned theatrical play, Pearl Clege’s play, “Tell Me My Dream”, “Ethel” and this year’s Alliance Theater production of “Nick’s Flamingo Grill.” Jackson has recorded 4 Albums—“Dedicated”, “Another Voyage”, “Melody In Nede”, and new release “From The Mind Of.”

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LISA FISCHER & GRAND BATON | BRANFORD MARSALIS

Lisa Fischer set out to take center stage with her own award-winning style after four decades of featured background singing with icons like The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, and Nine Inch Nails.  The 2013 Best Documentary Oscar winning film, “Twenty Feet from Stardom,” altered the course of Fischer’s musical journey by telling her story through clips of her legendary duets with Mick Jagger and Sting. The film left audiences eager to hear more, leading to her organic fusion of Caribbean psychedelic soul and jazzy progressive rock which has been exciting fans worldwide! Lisa Fischer will take the stage with Grand Baton, an Afro-Caribbean progressive rock and jazz fusion band. Fischer and Grand Baton have performed at several jazz festivals including The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Newport Jazz Festival, and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

After four decades in the international spotlight, the achievements of saxophonist Branford Marsalis continue to grow. From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, he has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity. In the process, he has become a multi award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.

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DAVID SANCHEZ & NAJEE

David Sanchez has emerged as one of the most respected jazz musicians of the 21st century, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms from his Puerto Rican upbringing with jazz influences. He’s garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards for his diverse and innovative compositions. During Jazz Fest his ensemble will consist of a piano, acoustic bass, drums, percussion, and guitar.

Najee, a two-time Grammy nominated saxophonist and flautist has become an international pioneer in the industry by pushing musical boundaries throughout his career and collaborating with legendary artists such as Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. His fusing R&B and jazz into a unique and captivating sound has resulted in six #1 albums on the Billboard charts.

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The Jazz Voyager

In the air once more and three hours later flying from Phoenix to that renowned city with the racetrack, Indianapolis, where this jazz voyager will be in The Jazz Kitchen audience for a toe-tapping good time. Since 1994 this venue has been serving up world~class musicians and cuisine in a casual, sophisticated atmosphere.

The Jazz Voyager will witness the talents of Tony Monaco, who may be the best organ player to come along. This will be my first time hearing him in person, having only experienced him on compact disc. Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith in the classic style, he does not swing, smolder or smoke, he burns. He began his keyboard life at age eight, at twelve he heard Jimmy Smith and jazz became his destiny. An enthusiastic student, Tony began working in Jazz clubs as a teenager in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio where he was guided by local organ gurus Hank Marr and Don Patterson.

For those of you who have never been to this establishment it is located at 5377 N. College Avenue, Indiana 46220. For those wanting more information go to  https://notoriousjazz.com/event/tony-monaco.

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