KAMASI WASHINGTON
Kamasi Washington is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and bandleader born and raised in Los Angeles. His acclaimed recordings include The Epic; Harmony of Difference, an EP originally commissioned for the 2017 Whitney Biennial; Heaven and Earth; and Fearless Movement. As Told To G/D Thyself, his short film companion to Heaven and Earth, debuted at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim.
In 2020, Washington scored Becoming, Netflix’s documentary on first lady Michelle Obama, and was nominated for Grammy and Emmy awards for his contributions. Also in 2020, Washington co-founded the supergroup Dinner Party with longtime friends and collaborators Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper and 9th Wonder. Their EP Dinner Party (Dessert) was nominated for a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album. In 2021, Washington contributed a cover of Metallica’s “My Friend of Misery” to the band’s Metallica Blacklist covers project.
Washington has toured the world and collaborated with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine and Herbie Hancock, with whom he has curated the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Fest for the second year in a row.
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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
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LORI WILLIAMS
Lori Williams, DC native and internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist returns to the Alley! With over 30 years of experience as a performer, music educator, songwriter, producer, and radio host, she has captivated audiences worldwide, earning numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the arts.
Known for her work around Atlanta, she hosts “Collector’s Choice With Lori Williams” on JazzRadioWETF.org and produces a concert series at St. James Live Jazz Club in Atlanta, Georgia. She has released several independent albums, and is celebrating Blues Alley’s 60th year with this One Night Only event.
Joining her on stage are bassist Michael Bowie, saxophonist Tracey Cutler, Benjie Porecki on piano, and drummer Mark Prince.
The 7:00pm show is sold out but tickets are still available for the 9:30 performance.
$15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price. | Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively.
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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.
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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
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