Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Nancy Wilson was born February 20, 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio and at an early age was listening to Billy Eckstine, Nat Cole, Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, LaVerne Baker, Little Esther and Jimmy Scott. She became aware of her talent while singing in church choirs, imitating singers as a young child and performing in her grandmother’s house during summer visits. By the age of four, she knew she would eventually become a singer.
At the age of 15, while at West High School in Columbus she won a talent contest sponsored by local television station WTVN. The prize was an appearance on a twice-a-week television show, Skyline Melodies, which she ended up hosting. She also worked clubs on the east and north sides of Columbus until she graduated from high school.
She spent one year at Ohio Central State College to become a teacher but dropped out to follow her original ambitions. She auditioned and won a spot with Rusty Bryant’s Carolyn Club Big Band in 1956, touring with them throughout Canada and the Midwest in 1956 to 1958. While in this group, Nancy made her first recording for Dots Records.
Nancy met Cannonball Adderley who suggested she move to New York that she did in 1959. Within four weeks she was filling in for Irene Reid at “The Blue Morocco” that booked her permanently four nights a week. With John Levy as her manager, who sent four demos to Capitol Records culminating with a contract signed in 1960 and recorded her debut release “Like In Love”.
Over the course of her career Nancy won three Grammy Awards, was nominated seven times, recorded more than six dozen albums, appeared in four movies, and sixteen television shows ranging from drama to comedy. Vocalist Nancy Wilson passed away on December 13, 2018, at her home in Pioneertown, California at 81 years old.
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LEESA RICHARDS
Join Leesa Richards & Friends for an evening of AfriKin: Art, Jazz & Champagne. It is an all-women art exhibition, jazz performances, and champagne toasts to celebrate the resilience, strength, and courage of womanhood. The annual event honors Women’s History Month.
The night promises a soul-stirring performance paying homage to legendary women pioneers of jazz — from Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and Nina Simone to contemporary trailblazers like Esperanza Spalding. The evening blends classic elegance with modern innovation, reflecting the enduring power of women in jazz history.
Inside the center immerse yourself in a curated exhibition showcasing stunning works by visionary women artists whose voices, stories, and creativity inspire global connection. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and African tapas as we gather in solidarity and celebration.
Tickets: $44.52 GA | $60.00 VIP | $87.21 Day Of Show (fees included)
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THE HARDEN PROJECT
The spirit of music brought them together and the spirit of love binds them together. When you go to experience The Harden Project you will feel the love of music encapsulated in this couples musicianship. The core of The Harden Project consists of vocalist Ja’Nia Harden and keyboardist John Harden II. These two artists skillfully and fearlessly play off of each other and displays fluent chemistry during their performances.
Their influences range from Bobby McFerrin, Dinah Washington, Al Jarreau, Jimmy Smith, Robert Glasper, Soulive, and Bobby Floyd. The couple blends their influences and life experiences to create soulful groovy sometimes enchanting compositions. They are not afraid of being transparent and open while performing.
The goal of the project is to bring soul-stirring, emotion-provoking, life-influenced music to the world. The Harden Project features fusion based music of all genres, heavily influenced by jazz, social music, and soul.
Cover: Free
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BEN BEAL
Ben first fell in love with jazz in his early teens. His first piano teacher filled his ears with George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, and many more. Other passions such as foreign languages and history revealed themselves around this time, but it took just two days as a history major at the University of Massachusetts to realize that music needed to be his focus and life’s work.
Since moving to South Florida four years ago, he has become one of the area’s most in demand jazz pianists and vocalists for both public and private events and concerts. He has performed at many of South Florida’s historic venues including the Adrienne Arsht Center, North Beach Bandshell, Ball and Chain, and Le Chat Noir. Recent performance highlights include the Groundup Festival on Miami Beach with acclaimed pianist Shelly Berg, 2 extended tours with Miami funk outfit Soulpax, the Oceanside Jazz Festival in San Diego, California, and the Jazz Educator’s Network Conference.
Cover: Free
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VERONICA SWIFT QUARTET
Veronica Swift is one of the most dazzling jazz singers to emerge in her generation with a virtuosic brilliance and ingenuity. More than just a jazz singer, Swift explores opera, classical, bossa nova, blues, rock, funk, and vaudeville music.
Tickets: $40.00 ~ $65.00
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