Jazz Festival Homepage | Tickets
Brian Culbertson - 9:30pm
Brian Culbertson began his musical journey at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10 then bass at 12. He grew up near Chicago, IL, loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Tower of Power, The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Yellowjackets, Sting and Chick Corea. So naturally gifted was Brian, his 7th grade piano recital consisted of all original tunes.
The Sax Pack features Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole & Jackiem Joyner. Along with being cohesive musically, the trio share a unique and comical camaraderie on stage. Backed by a tight rhythm section, the talented trio combine their life-long love of music and their passion for performance, to make an impact on audiences that love music as much as they do. Committed to sharing the excitement, spontaneity and creative energy that flows between them on stage, The Sax Pack inspires an audience far beyond the duration of a show.
R&B, Blues, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Funk. These are the musical styles tastefully blended by The Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark -- sometimes in the same song! In the classic tradition of The Ike and Tina Turner Revue, the band incorporates many different musical styles into their show. Powerful vocals and tight musical arrangements are trademarks of every performance. This is music you can dance to as well as listen to. There are no "set" set lists; the band generally starts with an instrumental then Tracy takes the stage and look out! Whether honoring the original rendition of a classic number or performing an original tune, the music is presented in the band’s own funky style.Although the band has been in existence since 1991, things changed dramatically when Tracy came on board in 1996. What started as a blues/rock guitar band evolved into an all-out R&B revue. Tracy’s vocals, stage presence, and attitude coupled with one of the tightest rhythm sections in the area is guaranteed to move anyone. Add one of the funkiest horn sections on the East Coast and you have all the elements for a great musical experience.
Gerald Albright performing with Jonathan Butler - 9:30pm
One of the biggest stars of R&B, contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, Gerald Albright has earned his reputation as a “musician’s musician.” Born in Los Angeles, he began piano lessons at an early age. Albright’s love of music picked up considerably when he was given a saxophone that had belonged to his piano teacher. By the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, he was already a polished saxophonist. Today Gerald Alrbight continues his reign supreme as the genre’s most compelling and consistent artist.
Jonathan Butler performing with Gerald Albright - 9:30pm
Butler began his singing career at age 7, releasing his first album in 1973 and winning the Best New Artist Grammy in South Africa the following year at age 12. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records in 1975 as he became a teenager. In concert, Butler remains a captivating and powerful performer, pouring his heart into selections from his immense catalogue. In addition to being a popular draw at headline dates, festival shows and music cruises, Butler thrives on interacting with his fans.
Jazz Funk Soul (featuring Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber and Chuck Loeb)- 7:45pm
Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, and Everette Harp created the group ‘Jazz Funk Soul’ and began touring in 2013. The popularity of the group and the audience’s enthusiasm has been tremendous. Jazz Funk Soul is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano riffs and incredibly compelling melodies. Highlights include the soon to be hit single, In the Moment, the sensuous Loeb original Feel Me, the high spirited romp All Over, and much more!
Vivian Green - 6:15pm
On the heels of her new single climbing the charts and a recent Soul Train Centric Certified Award nomination, songstress Vivian Green presents a strikingly kaleidoscopic about face with her remarkable fifth album Vivid. Helmed by multiplatinum producer Kwamé (Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia), Vivid marks a new phase in the career of one of the most dexterous voices in contemporary R&B.
Forte Jazz Band is an eight-piece ensemble hailing from Smithfield, VA. Formed in 1995, the group has performed extensively for events ranging from hometown backyard barbecues to television appearances to performing at the Hampton Jazz Festival in Hampton, VA in 2009 and 2013. Forte has also shared the stage with nationally recognized artists such as The Rippingtons, Eric Marienthal, Kim Waters, and CeCe Winans to name a few. Also in 2009, the group had the opportunity to record an album entitled "Left Behind - At the Train Station" and another in 2013 entitled "Chase the Rhythm." Forte members have also produced solo projects to include bassist Daniel Quackenbush's 2008 release "Singlehanded" and saxophonist Brian Pinner's 2009 release "Just Being Me." Forte's success as a musical force stems from the group's passion for creating quality musical performances that invite the listener to share in Forte's love of the art, with innovative and energetic performances as the trademark of the Forte experience. Performing a wide variety of popular jazz music and original compositions, and remaining a group of true friends, it is no wonder that the group has been together making great music (with the original members) for almost 20 years.
