OKAN

Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, Yoruba and Spanglish, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees.

Having performed and recorded with Bomba Estereo, Lido Pimienta, The Halifax Symphony Orchestra, Hilario Duran and Dayme Arocena, OKAN’s recent release Okantomi was awarded the 2024 Juno Award (the band’s second Juno recognition) and included in NPR Alt Latino, Le Monde, and CBC Music’s “Best of 2023” lists, garnering critical praise from Songlines UK, Billboard, Pop Matters and JAZZIZ.

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MARIA HOWELL | GIRLS IN GOWNS

Girls in Gowns is a unique musical initiative created by singer and actor Maria Howell. This collaborative project features female performers coming together to showcase their talents while dressed in elegant gowns. The concept blends various musical genres, highlighting the diverse capabilities of each performer. The inaugural performance of “Girls in Gowns” took place at a fundraising event over 10 years ago, for Students Without Mothers, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students, who have lost their mothers. Over time, the event has grown in popularity, becoming a highly anticipated occasion, wherever it’s presented. It not only celebrates musical artistry, but also raises funds for scholarships, continuing to support and empower deserving students in need.

For more information about the non-profit organization, visit www.studentswithoutmothers.org

The Girls: Maria Howell, Tracy Hamlin, Ronee Martin, Karen Briggs ~ violin

The Band: Noel Freidline ~ piano/keys | Zack Page ~ bass | Justin Varnes ~ drums

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NICOLE YARLING & MARTIN BEJERANO

Tribute to Prince.

The music of Prince is iconic and timeless­. Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano and renowned vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling present a modern, funky jazz-fusion that reimagines Prince’s “golden period.”

After the concert is an open jam. Bring your instrument!

Students be sure to score one of the limited free student tickets!

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The Jazz Voyager

Hitting those friendly skies on British Airways back to the States is a fifteen hour fly time from Warsaw to Philly with a four hour layover at Heathrow, but it was fun seeing a new city, new venue and hearing Mr. Herring again up close and personal in a club setting. An old stomping ground, South Jazz Kitchen, is the destination that serves up elevated comfort food that combines America’s original music with Southern heritage cuisine.

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic group with violinist Kendall Isadore, Dawn Johnson on Viola, and cellist Élise Sharp. They create stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine. This Jazz Voyager is anticipating the experience of a versatile repertoire and musical journey through time spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Nestled in the Spring Garden neighborhood of the city, the venue is located at the intersection of Broad and Mt. Vernon, at 600 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130. For more info https://notoriousjazz.com/event/the-string-queens.

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THE STRING QUEENS

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