Events: Music

Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ has been featured in performances at renowned concert halls and venues across America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation’s capital. Notable appearances include a special performance dedicated to Vice President Kamala Harris at the “We Are One” Presidential Inauguration Concert in January 2021 and rendering a spotlight presentation of TSQ’s electrifying arrangement of Harry Styles’s hit song “Golden” for the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament “The Championships, Wimbledon” in June 2021. As an ensemble who frequents the D.C. jazz scene, other headlining performances include multiple appearances at the DC Jazz Festival and the Capital Jazz Fest.

In August 2022, TSQ released its third album titled “RISE”, which was made possible by a Sphinx Organization MPower Artist Grant. With this album, TSQ sought to sonically address the problems that are currently plaguing the world by creating unique arrangements of timeless classics rooted in hope, joy, peace, and love. Featuring original compositions by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Richard Smallwood, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and more, “RISE” takes listeners on a musical journey that starts in a field of loss and hopelessness and ends in a fortress of faith, triumph, and fortitude.

The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol is known as an icon, highly regarded for her powerful voice, astonishing versatility, and gift of connecting with her audience. Equally at home in jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, funk, latin, and hip-hop, she has developed her own authentic sound and unique delivery, delighting audiences young and old across the globe. After beginning her career with gospel music, Faye Carol made her name singing with Oakland blues and funk legend Johnny Talbot & De Thangs before forming her own trio and gaining fame in San Francisco's jazz, blues, and cabaret clubs of the 1970s and 80s. Over a 60-year career in music, this living legend has developed her own unique acoustic sound and style in Black Music - drawing from funk, blues, gospel, and straight ahead swingin' - and cultivated an audience that remains as diverse as her uplifting music. She has maintained a high level of musicianship in her groups, mentoring some of the Bay Area's brightest young talent including pianist Benny Green, bassist/composer Marcus Shelby, saxophonist/composer Howard Wiley, and her daughter, pianist/compser Kito Kamili. Her vocal proteges include international superstars Kehlani and Ledisi.

Miss Faye has shared the stage with Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Pharaoh Sanders, Joan Baez, Billy Higgins, Albert King, Bobby Hutcherson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Buster Williams, Azar Lawrence, Steve Turre, Dennis Chambers, Bernard Purdie, Lenny White, Robert Randolph, Mistah F.A.B., Henry Butler, Gary Bartz, Cedar Walton, Ledisi, Philly Joe Jones, Dorothy Donegan, Pete Escovedo, David Murray, Chester Thompson, Charles Brown, and Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, among others. Miss Faye is also a dedicated educator and founder of School of the Getdown. She has been honored with the proclamation of a city-wide “Faye Carol Day” in the City of Berkeley and inducted into the Oakland Walk of Fame, the Meridian Mississippi Walk of Fame, and the Pittsburg Entertainment and Arts Hall of Fame, and has received countless awards including the 2014 Bay Area Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award, Jefferson Award for Public Service, four Cabaret Gold Awards, Top Star Awards Entertainer of the Year, and a prestigious 2021 Hewlett 50 Arts Commission.

Despite a lack of formal training, Dennis Chambers has become well known among drummers for his technique and speed. Chambers is particularly regarded for his ability to play "in the pocket" but can also stretch very far out of the pocket which is also a hallmark of his technique. Chambers exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove-oriented. He was recruited in 1981 by the Sugar Hill Label to be their "house drummer." On August 26, 2011 Chambers appeared as a featured drummer on the Late Show with David Letterman's Drum Solo Week II, alongside other such notable players as Tony Royster, Jr., Gavin Harrison, Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland.

Now in 2023, as The Boneshakers celebrate the 25th anniversary of their first release, a new energy and excitement has emerged. Producer John Wooler, who originally signed The Boneshakers in 1997, connected Randy Jacobs and the incredible Jenny Langer - a powerhouse singer who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (NYC and VA) at the age of 28 and won the 2020 Int’l Blues Challenge for Best Self Produced Album. What started as a few tracks for her project quickly morphed in a new album with The Boneshakers featuring no-holds-barred funk, blues, and rock that marries the sounds and spirits of Detroit Rock City, Memphis, and Mussel Shoals.

Produced by Wooler, it is back to the original vision of The Boneshakers’ fiery sound, with the vocal dynamo Jenny Langer behind the mic and original musicians from “The Book Of Spells” Sergio Gonzales (Drums), Nathan Brown (Bass), Jon Gilutin (Keys), The Texacali Horns (Joe Sublett, Mark Pender, and Randy’s former band mate from Was (Not Was) Sir Harry Bowens on vocals. The album dropped in September 2022 and currrently sees the band touring internationally to promote the return of The Boneshakers.

Ron Holloway is an American tenor saxophonist who is listed in the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz where veteran jazz critic Ira Gitler described him as a "Hard bear-down-hard-bopper who can blow authentic R&B and croon a ballad with warm, blue feeling." Recently, Ron toured extensively with The Warren Haynes Band, in support of two critically acclaimed releases on the Stax Records label. Holloway is a frequent guest of Gov't Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Allman Brothers Band. Over the years, he has been a member of an eclectic roster of groups, including; The Warren Haynes Band, the Susan Tedeschi Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Gil Scott-Heron and Root Boy Slim.

Samara is still relatively new to jazz. Growing up in the Bronx, it was music of the past the music of her parent’s childhoods, as she put it that she listened to most. She treasures her musical lineage, which stretches back to her grandparents Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, both of whom performed with Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and runs through her father, who is a singer, songwriter and producer who toured with gospel artist Andraé Crouch. “Sometimes I catch myself when I’m singing I’m like, ‘Whoa, that was a dad moment’,” Samara quips. Eventually, she did follow in the family tradition, singing in church and then with the jazz band at Fordham High School for the Arts, with whom she won Best Vocalist at JALC’s Essentially Ellington competition. That led to her enrolling in SUNY Purchase’s jazz studies program, where she fell deeply in love with the music.

Though she’s young, she relishes the process of digging through the music’s history and learning new standards. “I think maybe people connect with the fact that I’m not faking it, that I already feel embedded in it,” Samara says. “Maybe I’m able to reach people in person and on social media because it’s real.” The gatekeepers of the jazz world tend to agree: in 2019, she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, and she’s since performed with legends like Christian McBride and Bill Charlap. Legendary late pianist Barry Harris was a particularly important influence and mentor. “You inspired me as well as many others with this fire for teaching and playing that couldn’t be dimmed by anything or anyone,” Samara writes in Linger Awhile’s liner notes, dedicating the project in part to Harris’ memory.

No Keystone Kards will be accepted for this show.

Music and spirituality have always been intertwined in the artistic vision of trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator, and activist Sean Jones. Mr. Jones is a musical chameleon, comfortable in any musical setting no matter the role or genre. After a six-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis offered him a permanent position as lead trumpeter of the ensemble. Mr. Jones is an internationally recognized educator. He is president of the Jazz Education Network and holds the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. As well as artistic Director for the NYO JAZZ Program of Carnegie Hall.

A prolific, constantly in-demand drummer whose sensitive, yet authoritative playing has been heard on dozens of sessions, Marvin “Smitty” Smith seems to live in the studio. A onetime Berklee student, he played with Jon Hendricks’ band in New York during the early ’80s, then worked with John Hicks, Bobby Watson, and Slide Hampton. Smith made his recording debut as a leader in 1987, and also recorded that year with Sonny Rollins and toured with Sting.

A Detroit native, Robert Hurst has enjoyed a stellar career spanning 30 years, and is a highly respected and well recognized composer, electric and acoustic bassist, educator, recording artist, and business man. Robert Hurst has performed on over 150 diverse and critically acclaimed recordings. A select group of these productions have garnered him performances yielding seven GRAMMY® Awards, several RIAA ® certified- Multi-Platinum and Gold recordings whilst his own seven recordings as a Bandleader have all generated Top Ten and Five Star recognition around the Globe.

Baltimore native, Saxophonist and flutist Gary Thomas established himself in the 1980s as one of the most jarring soloists of his generation. He currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. In addition to 11 recording dates as a leader, his work on more than 80 recordings as a featured sideman reflects his status as one of the most coveted saxophonists on the jazz scene today.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)invites you to beat the heat by escaping into the enchanting, serene sounds of its Summer Chamber Music Series.Dvorak and Schumann will be featured onJune 15 at Temple Israel of Greater Miami.This series offers music lovers a chance to enjoy the classics in a more personal, intimate atmosphere.

Enjoy "The Perfect Pairing" with Dvorak's Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, b. 155, Op. 81 and Schumann's Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44 combining as delightfully as strawberries and champagne on a hot summer's eve. Musicians Huifang Chen (first violin), Aleksandr Zhuk (second violin), Felicia Besan (viola), Christopher Glansdorp (cello), and Tao Lin (piano) will perform. Share bubbly and sweet treats with the musicians after the performance.

Coming off its highly acclaimed 25th anniversary season, SFSO offers passionate performances of classical masterpieces featuring award-winning musicians and illustrious guest artists. Its musical excellence has been recognized by numerous organizations and it was named Broward Center for the Performing Arts' first Partner in the Arts for its affiliated $30 million renovated venue, The Parker.

General admission tickets for each program are $30; student tickets are $15. Tickets are available to purchase by calling or by visiting website.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) invites you to beat the heat by escaping into the enchanting, serene sounds of its Summer Chamber Music Series. Dvorak and Schumann will be featured on Friday, June 16, at the Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale. This series offers music lovers a chance to enjoy the classics in a more personal, intimate atmosphere.

Enjoy "The Perfect Pairing" with Dvorak's Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, b. 155, Op. 81 and Schumann's Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44 combining as delightfully as strawberries and champagne on a hot summer's eve. Musicians Huifang Chen (first violin), Aleksandr Zhuk (second violin), Felicia Besan (viola), Christopher Glansdorp (cello), and Tao Lin (piano) will perform.Share bubbly and sweet treats with the musicians after the performance.

Coming off its highly acclaimed 25th anniversary season, SFSO offers passionate performances of classical masterpieces featuring award-winning musicians and illustrious guest artists. Its musical excellence has been recognized by numerous organizations and it was named Broward Center for the Performing Arts' first Partner in the Arts for its affiliated $30 million renovated venue, The Parker.

General admission tickets for each program are $30; student tickets are $15. Tickets are available to purchase by calling or by visiting website.

Educated at Howard University (BME, MM), Birckhead was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat Magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011 Brent was named "Best Alto Saxophonist" by the Washington City Paper.

The Baltimore native and current resident's talent earned him the honor of performing and touring with legendary artists including Lauryn Hill, Nas, Wale, Eric Benet, Larry Graham, George Duke and many more. Birckhead is the professor of saxophone at Morgan State University. On February 22nd, Birckhead released his self titled debut album on Revive Music.

Music and spirituality have always been intertwined in the artistic vision of trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator, and activist Sean Jones. He has performed at and/or with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis ensemble, SFJAZZ Collective, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson, and Marcus Miller. He is president of the Jazz Education Network and holds the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. As well as artistic Director for the NYO JAZZ Program of Carnegie Hall.

After four decades of featured background singing with icons like Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, and Nine Inch Nails, MS. LISA FISCHER set out to take center stage with her own humble, heartfelt song. The 2013 Best Documentary Oscar winning film “Twenty Feet from Stardom” altered the course of Lisa’s musical journey, telling her story, with clips of her legendary duets with Sting or with Mick Jagger on “Gimme Shelter”, left audiences eager to see and hear more, so Lisa took the chance to set out on her own reinventing classic songs with her co-conspirators JC Maillard and Grand Baton. Their organic fusion of Caribbean psychedelic soul and jazzy progressive rock ignited Lisa’s flexibility and freedom of expression, awakening her lifelong desire to make music that heals but still rocks the house.

While Lisa’s range is legendary, her greatest gift is the ability to connect, to reach the hearts of her listeners. Raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, she emerged from New York’s fervent studio scene in the early 1980s, sang for two decades with legendary vocalist Luther Vandross, and released “So Intense”, earning her first Best R&B Performance Grammy with “How Can I Ease The Pain”. She joined the Rolling Stones for their 1989 Steel Wheels tour, and continued to grace their stage for the next 26 years. Lisa’s passion for constant growth and experimentation with different styles invited recent collaborations with jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, Eric Krasno, Talib Kweli, Billy Childs and YoYo Ma, the BBC Proms / Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Anna Deavere Smith’s “Notes from the Field” for HBO, and especially her full evening program The Classic Lisa Fischer with Grand Baton and Seattle Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony and the National Philharmonic.

IGNATIUS is a native Washington DC Artist, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Producer, and Renowned Drummer. His Musical Journey has been over 5 Decades working with some of the Who’s Who of the music industry. Ignatius, is former lead Vocalist of International Recording Group, “HEATWAVE." He has also recorded with the group ‘DISTANCE’ (“Paradise”), and ‘COMMITMENT’ (“Everything’s Alright”). IGNATIUS has also performed with the “STYLISTICS,” RCA recording group ‘DESTINY,' and THE VOICES Tribute to Motown on many stages internationally and worldwide.

Greg Cooper is a native of Washington DC., Entertainer, a comedian, impressionist, singer, dancer, and M.C and known for his role as James Brown with the group, Mousey Thompson and the James Brown Experience. Greg Cooper has appeared as an entertainer on NBC TV's "Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson and "Showtime At the Apollo”. He has opened the show for James Brown "The Godfather of Soul" and Wilson Pickett, B.B. King and the Bobby Blue Bland at the Warner Theater in Washington D.C. Greg Cooper has been described as a multi-talented versatile entertainer who sings, dances, and does a wide range of impressions of famous personalities.

Legends of Soul All-Star Band is composed of multi-talented seasoned professional musicians and world class entertainers that will knock your socks off! The Legends of Soul All-Star Band consists of Les Campbell (Bass player), Wayne Greenidge (Keyboardist), Warren Jones (Keyboardist), Mousey Thompson (Drums), and Tony Cothran (Guitar). The Legends of Soul All-Star Band travels the World with 70’s Soul Jam Concerts Series. Backing up the 70’s Soul Jams Groups including theStylistics, Heatwave, The Emotions, Bloodstone, Delfonics, Blue Magic, Jean Carne, James Brown, Ray Goodman & Brown, The Voices Tribute to Motown Show and more.

All-Star Horns are very accomplished independent musicians, Lenny Harris (Sax), Greg Boyer (Trombone), and Donvonte McCoy (Trumpet) has a style of musical-energy with an irresistible sound that is certain to captivate interest from across the world that has translated a musical style of the 1970’s into a fusion of R&B, Pop and Rock.

TARSHA FITZGERALD PRODUCTIONS, Executive Producer is very profound in creating Magical Musical Concerts featuring Extraordinary Music, Great Vibes, and Memorable Experiences all around the Mid-Atlantic States that will be an Unforgettable Night to Remember!

After graduating, Sands joined Inside Straight, one of bassist Christian McBride's bands; they have toured internationally. Sands became a Steinway artist in 2012. In 2014, Sands cited as influences McBride, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, and Marcus Roberts, because "They're coming from the tradition of bringing people into the music, but also moving it forward into new directions". In the same year, Sands became an American Pianists Association Jazz Fellowship Awards Finalist.

His third album for Mack Avenue Records, Be Water, was released in 2020 and received a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Instrumental Composition category for the song "Be Water II." On his stunning new album, Be Water, pianist Christian Sands takes inspiration from water’s tranquility and power and muses on the possibilities offered by echoing its fluidity and malleability. Through ten gorgeous and thrilling pieces, Sands alternately conjures the serenity of a sun-dappled lake and the drama of a relentless thunderstorm. Just embarking on his 30s, Sands has already enjoyed a remarkable career trajectory, touring and recording with Christian McBride’s Inside Straight and Trio, as well as collaborating with the likes of Gregory Porter and Ulysses Owens.

Be Water takes its title from the philosophy of martial arts master and movie star Bruce Lee (by way of screenwriter Stirling Silliphant, who distilled his thoughts for the screen). Lee’s voice appears on both halves of Sands’ title track offering this profound advice: “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup; you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle... Water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” (Bruce Lee inspirational quote). Lee was an early idol for Sands, who grew up watching his classic films with his father and skillfully studied a variety of martial arts himself – until the notion of breaking boards and cinder blocks with his hands seemed ill-advised for a promising young pianist. Lee’s teachings re-entered Sands’ thoughts during his two-year residency with Jazz at Lincoln Center in Shanghai, China, which opened up new worlds of culture and philosophy to him. Those pursuits led him to the writings of Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan on the mysticism of sound and music.

The music of Be Water flows with the mesmerizing tranquility and awesome power of its namesake. On his most conceptually ambitious album to date, Christian Sands takes heed of Bruce Lee’s wisdom and truly allows his creativity to transform and assume a dazzling variety of forms.

With his illustrious career that includes hallmark stints with Miles Davis, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as a heralded career as a solo artist that began more than 30 years ago, Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz’s brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.

Kenny Garrett’s latest release, Sounds From The Ancestors, is a multi-faceted album. The music, however, doesn’t lodge inside the tight confines of the jazz idiom, which is not surprising considering the alto saxophonist and composer acknowledges the likes of Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye as significant touchstones. Similar to how Miles Davis’ seminal LP, On the Corner, subverted its main guiding lights – James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone – then crafted its own unique, polyrhythmic, groove-laden, improv-heavy universe, Sounds From The Ancestors occupies its own space with intellectual clarity, sonic ingenuity and emotional heft.

A former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers who also put in time with such jazz giants, Javon Jackson keeps the fires burning for straight ahead jazz.

Amy Shook is one of the most in-demand acoustic bassists in the mid-Atlantic, coveted for her huge sound and infectious, driving groove. In addition to being a premier performing and recording artist, she is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (playing acoustic bass, electric bass, violin, viola, and cello), composer and music educator.

Jeb Patton, described as both a "young phenomon... on piano" and an "absolute great," has earned a well-regarded reputation in the international jazz community. The multi-talented Patton is known as a "player of great expression.”

Billy Drummond is acclaimed by Downbeat as one of the hippest and versatile bandleaders now at work, his thrilling, powerful and highly musical playing has also made him one of the most called-for sidemen of his generation.

Whether it's a song, a style, an idiom or an image, Duke Robillard will render it with mastery, power, nuance and an unerring grasp of its essence. His unsurpassed mastery of the guitar style of T-Bone Walker (later crystallized memorably in his 2004 release "Blue Mood") was deservedly heralded, but his breadth was also head-turning - from swing, standards and ballads to rockers, gutbucket Chicago blues and rockabilly. GRAMMY Nominations for Best Traditional Blues Album for 2010 Stomp! The Blues Tonight and 2006 Guitar Groove-a-Rama The Blues Music Awards (formerly W.C.Handy Awards) have named Duke Robillard "Best Blues Guitarist" four years out of five (2000,2001,2003,2004) making him the second most honored guitarist for that award! He was also nominated in that category in 2005, 2007 2008. B.B. King has referred to Duke as “one of the great players” of his time.

Scott Hamilton is the premier 'mainstream' saxophonist of today. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1954, he came along at the time when the kind of jazz he loved-the small-group swing of such great stylists as Illinois Jacquet and Eddie Lockjaw Davis-was out of fashion, and largely out of the public ear. Scott's handsome sound and impeccable phrasing were a rare commodity among young jazzmen. So when he signed to Concord Records, and began making albums for label boss and mainstream advocate Carl Jefferson, it caused surprise and excitement among both devotees of the style, and in the wider musical world. Long regarded a consummate interpreter of standards, Scoff Hamilton's big, warm tenor saxophone tone and unerring sense of swing have a way of making every tune he plays uniquely his own. Scott was awarded the ‘Ronnie’ for International Jazz Saxophonist of the Year in the 2007 inaugural Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards.

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader and as a musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing. “Some drummers act, some react. Some keep time, others create it. Cindy Blackman Santana is among the few who can,” writes Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune.

Cindy has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the ’80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game including the critically acclaimed Another Lifetime (2010). In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group also known as Another Lifetime she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill. From 1992 to 2007 and again in 2014 & 2015 she was the drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band, performing through multiple world tours and hit albums. In 2010, she was part of the all-star line-up performing “Bitches Brew,” a tribute to Miles Davis’ seminal album staged at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and NYC Winter JazzFest.

“I think of playing as controlled freedom, and in jazz, especially, that’s exactly what you have. I love it,” says Cindy. “You know the forms of the songs, but you have the freedom to stretch over them. You want the music to grow and breathe, and you want to invite creativity from all the musicians. As you’re going along, you can change the color, the feel, the mood in different ways, or go off the chart and open it up to something new. Controlled freedom is an incredible discipline requiring a lot of focus. Improvisation like that is art in its highest form.” Her recording career began in the late ’80s, and she has released albums with an acoustic ensemble the Cindy Blackman Quartet as well as with her electric outfit. One she cites as among her favorites is 2000’s Works On Canvas. “I like where the band was at that point, our sound was becoming really cohesive,” she says. The review in Jazz Times noted that the album “proceeds like an impressionistic suite in which she not only functions as the main rhythmic engine of the music, but also a magnificent colorist…Works on Canvas is an amazing portrait of one of this generation's most colorful drummers.”