JAZZ UNDER STARS EVENT PROGRAM 2025 As of April 30 Final Flip book

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY & CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GUILD

Cover

The 33rd Anniversary of CAU GUILD Presenting the Annual

Jazz Under the Stars

Featuring

Eric Roberson Saturday, May 3, 2025│7:00PM │CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY Harkness Hall Quadrangle

223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW│Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Jazz Under the Stars CAU GUILD Celebrating 33Years of Service

2025 PRESENTING SPONSOR

RAISING OVER $ 3.2 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CAU STUDENTS OF THE ARTS HTTPS://CAUGUILD.ORG/

The CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GUILD WELCOMES YOU TO THE

2025 Jazz Under the Stars Featuring the Incomparable

Eric Roberson Also featuring

THE CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY JAZZ VOCAL ENSEMBLE │CAU ALUMNI JAZZ ORCHESTRA

GUILD Group picture

Jazz Under the Stars 2024 with Gregory Porter.

Supporting scholarships for students in art, music, film, fashion, theatre, and mass media arts.

May 3, 2025

Greetings, I am delighted to welcome you to the annual “Jazz Under the Stars” Scholarship Benefit Concert.

First, I would like to personally acknowledge and thank the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) Guild members for their dedication and commitment to making this annual event a tremendous success.

Your partnership with the University’s leadership and staff is a testament to your willingness to help move the University’s fundraising efforts forward for the gifted and talented students we serve.

I am grateful to the CAU Guild for continuing to sponsor this unique event, which has not only become

a signature fundraising event but also an Atlanta spring tradition. Since its inception in 1992, the CAU Guild, founded by former Clark Atlanta University First Lady Judge Brenda Hill Cole, has raised more than $3.6 million. This significant amount has provided life-changing financial assistance to CAU students majoring in performing arts, creative writing, drama, film, and music. For the past 30 years, the Guild has hosted the “Jazz Under the Stars” Benefit Concert as an evening of community engagement, fun, fellowship, and fundraising. The Harkness Hall Quadrangle comes to life each year by featuring

famous talents such as Rachelle Ferrell, Laila Hathaway, Will Downing, and Jeffery Osborne, to name a few.

This year, with great excitement, I am pleased to announce our headliner: Grammy award nominated artist Eric Roberson .

Lastly, on behalf of the CAU Board of Trustees, students, faculty, and staff, I thank you for spending this special evening with us and investing in the future of the students we serve.

George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. President

TheFounder May 3, 2025

Greetings, Dear Sponsors, Clark Atlanta Family and Friends, I am grateful for your attending this signature event of the Clark Atlanta University Guild - Jazz Under the Stars. Thank you for your generous support over 33 years. The dedicated members of the Guild have made this evening possible and we are excited to present the amazing artist, Eric Roberson, and our talented CAU students.

Since our founding 33 years ago, we have raised over $ 3.6 million in scholarships for Clark Atlanta University scholars of the arts, in collaboration with donors like you. Congratulations to the Guild officers and members for your loyal and dedicated work. Sincere thanks to our sponsors and all our guests for your generous support to ensure we meet our mission of offering scholarships to deserving students in the disciplines of art, fashion, design, theatre, film, and mass media art television at Clark Atlanta University - ONE EXCEPTIONAL UNIVERSITY! Fondly, Brenda H. Cole Founding Chairperson Clark Atlanta University Guild

The Chair May 3. 2025

Dear Friends,

Greetings,

Welcome to Jazz Under the Stars 2025, our cherished annual fundraiser presented by the CAU Guild. It is a true pleasure to share this special evening with you—an occasion that blends the beauty of music with the power of purpose.

Since 1992, the Guild has remained committed to supporting Clark Atlanta University (CAU) students of the arts. Thanks to the dedication of our sponsors, guests, and members, we have proudly raised $3.3 million in scholarship funds. These contributions have opened doors for countless students, helping them pursue their education, grow their talents, and move closer to becoming proud CAU alumni.

Tonight is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of community, legacy, and opportunity.

It’s a time to enjoy great music, reconnect with friends, and renew our shared commitment to uplifting the next generation.

I extend heartfelt appreciation to our Founder, Judge Brenda Hill Cole, and the founding members of The Guild. Your vision continues to inspire us. And to our current members, thank you for another remarkable year of going above and beyond.

Thank you all for a meaningful and productive year. With your continued support, I see an even greater fundraising horizon ahead.

With gratitude,

Sondra Brooks Chair Clark Atlanta University Guild

About the Guild Mission The mission of the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) Guild is to support scholarships for students in art, music, film, fashion, theatre, and mass media arts.

Purpose The purpose of the Clark Atlanta University Guild is to develop a diverse group of volunteer women who will commit their time and resources to build awareness of the University's art, music, theatre, film, and mass media arts programs. Specifically, the Guild will actively raise scholarships funds for students participating in the art, music, theatre, and film at the university. While there may be several events in which financial support will be solicited, the Guild ‘s primary fundraising event is it’s annual “Jazz Under the Stars” concert which has culminated into raising over 3.6 million dollars for CAU students.

Background Founded in 1992 by former Clark Atlanta University First Lady Judge Brenda Hill Cole, the CAU Guild seeks to increase awareness of Clark Atlanta University ‘s unique contributions to the cultural life of Atlanta and the nation. Guild members include women of CAU faculty, staff and alumnae of the University, as well as some of Atlanta's most influential community and business leaders who are advocates for the university and its’ performing arts program.

Founding Chairperson Brenda Hill Cole

Co Chairpersons Jeanne Bowden and Mary Ware

Founding Members Billye Suber Aaron Becky Aggrey Marilyn Arrington Joyce Bacote Juanita Baranco Amanda Brown Olmstead Gwen Campbell Cindy Chandler Gwendolyn Coleman Kathleen Cowart Frankie Cove Mary Pat Crouch Jill Dahlber Thomasina Daugherty

Glenda Davis Pamela Pryor Fuller Nancy Hall Green Clemmie Hatchett Dorothye C. Henderson Phyllis J. Holeman Irie Jenkins Ingrid Saunders Jones Vivian Jones Carol Mitchell Leon Lillian Lewis Evelyn Lowery Ruby Lucas Stephanie Manis

Nancy McGuirk Rose Palmer Laura Dorsey Rains Brenda Rambeau Ida Ross Romy Rupnow Bobbie Sanford Helen Preston Tapp Brenda J. Tolliver Janis L. Ware Carolyn Watson Maxine Wilkins Carolyn M. Young Sonya Young

CAU Guild Officers & Members SONDRA BROOKS Chair

Melissa Adams

Arnice Foster

Michelle Rhodes

Seressa Allen

Ernestine Garey

Tversa Ricks

BILLETTE D. OWENS ASHFORD 1st Vice Chair

Tracey Allen

Gay-linn Gatewood-Jasho

Lorri Saddler

Juliette Amey

Alexa Henderson

Chelsea Scarlett

TVESA RICKS 2nd Vice Chair

Marilyn Arrington

Dorothy Henderson *

LaTanya Stallworth-Ali

Sherry Austin

Kim Hodge

Julia Stewart-Stackhaus

PAMELA WILKES Corresponding Secretary

Mary Bailey

Ivy Huff*

Theopia Tate

Jacqueline Baker

Jacqueline Jackson

Alfreda Thompson

Katrina Barnum-Scott

LaShawn Jackson

Jacque Thornton

Angela Bowers

Jelyne Jenkins

Maudette Twyman

Janet Boyd

Vickie Johnson

Tina-Marie Tyler-Head

Brenda Bridges-Ward

Adrienne Lawrence

Ashley Tyson

Jackie Broadus

Melynee Leftridge

Alma Vinyard

Sondra Brooks

Pamela Lewis

Barbara Ward-Groves

Linda Brown

Jennifer Lucas

Casina Washington

JANET BOYD Treasurer

Gloria Bulloch

Tonya Miles

Carol Wesley *

Gwendolyn Campbell

Jane Mosley

Tameka West-Bernard

LASHAWN JACKSON Financial Secretary

Saritha Cathcart-McLarin

Rosalyn Murphy

Joy White

Brenda Cole

Myrah Murrell

Pam Wilkes

Betty Cooke

Billette Owens-Ashford

Barbara Williams

Jerica Creswell

Rose Palmer

Gail Williams

Kimberly Culp

Pamela Perkins

Tonya Williams

Gwen Ellis

Cherise Peters

Victoria Washington

Alfreda Evans

Ernestine Pickens-Glass *

Gina Wyatt

Joyce Flournoy

Mae Ransom

Carolyn Young

JANE ROSS MOSLEY Assistant Corresponding Secretary JACQUELINE BAKER Recording Secretary MAE RANSOM Assistant Corresponding Secretary

PAMELA PERKINS Member at Large JENNIFER LUCAS Parliamentarian LORRI L. SADDLER University Liaison

*On leave

Visit us at https://cauguild.org/ RAISING OVER $3.6 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CAU STUDENTS OF THE ARTS

Our Mistress of Ceremony & Auctioneer Angela Bowers MISTRESS OF CEREMONY

Angela Bowers, a proud member of the CAU Women’s Guild and Class of 1997 alumna, is honored to serve as tonight’s Mistress of Ceremonies. During her time at Clark Atlanta University, Angela led as President of the CAU Players theatre group, where her passion for theatre and communications was deeply nurtured under the guidance of the legendary Professor Gary Yates and the late Carol Mitchell Leon.

Angela holds a special connection to the Women’s Guild, having performed in its very first production, An Evening of Shakespeare with Charles Dutton.

Tonight, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for Jazz Under the Stars marks a meaningful full-circle moment in her journey.

Professionally, Angela is a dedicated public servant with a longstanding career in government. She currently serves the City of Atlanta as the Director of Disability Access and ADA Compliance, championing accessibility and inclusion for all residents, employees, and visitors.

Outside of her professional and hosting roles, Angela finds joy in music, family, travel, making memories, and spending time with her sweet dog, Austell.

She extends her heartfelt thanks to the CAU Women’s Guild for the honor of hosting tonight’s wonderful affair. Enjoy the show!

Greg Head JAZZ UNDER THE STARS AUCTIONEER Greg Head is an accomplished moderator, fundraiser, and arts writer. He has served on the boards of various Atlanta arts organizations including Hammonds House Museum, Museum of Design Atlanta, Burnaway and Art Papers Magazines, Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble and the Hambidge Center for Arts and Science. He enjoys writing about the arts and has just completed an essay for Guggenheim Fellow, Frank Herrmann's upcoming exhibition, Mapping the Unseen_An Exploration in Paint and Purpose. Greg, a Morehouse graduate, is also founder of SmartThink Marketing Group, a dynamic market research, marketing strategy and innovation consultancy.

An award winning marketer, he has driven innovation in a variety of companies such as MillerCoors, SC Johnson, Diageo, Gillette and General Mills. He is excited to be the Jazz Under the Stars auctioneer for the third year in a row.

Jazz Under the Stars Mistresses of Ceremony Angela Bowers CAU GUILD│Clark College Class of 1997

Welcome President George French, Jr. Ph.D.

Greetings Sondra Brooks, CAU Guild Chair

Performances CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY JAZZ VOCAL ENSEMBLE Garnetta Penn, Director CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA Phil Davis Director

Virtual & Paddle Raise Featuring CAU Student Work Greg Head, Auctioneer

Live Auction Greg Head, Auctioneer

Featured Artist

2X GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATED

Eric Roberson

Career Highlights Songwriter & Collaborator Roberson has written for renowned artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Will Downing, establishing a reputation as a gifted songwriter and producer.

Grammy Nominations A Two-time Grammy nominee in the "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" category, he continues to be a trailblazer in R&B and neo-soul.

Independent Success With his label, Blue Erro Soul, Roberson has released numerous acclaimed albums, growing a loyal fanbase worldwide and setting a standard for independent artistry.

Teaching & Mentorship Experience Roberson is deeply committed to education and has shared his knowledge at leading institutions:

Berklee College of Music As a visiting instructor, he has guided students through the nuances of songwriting, artist development, and stage performance.

Howard University and Other Institutions Roberson frequently returns to Howard and other campuses to mentor aspiring musicians, offering real-world insights on navigating the music industry independently.

Eric Roberson

2X Grammy-nominated singer•songwriter•producer•professor•artist

Experience in the Atlanta Market

Atlanta holds a special place in Roberson’s career. As one of his strongest markets, he has cultivated a devoted following through frequent performances at top venues, festivals, and intimate showcases. His ability to connect with Atlanta’s music lovers, alongside his collaborations with local artists, has reinforced his presence in this influential market.

Acknowledgements AEE PRODUCTIONS ATLANTA GOLF CARTS ATLANTA TEES C&W SERVICES

CAU GUILD CAU-TV CITY OF ATLANTA CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

COCA-COLA BOTTLING EVENTWORKS GAY-LINN E. GATEWOOD-JASHO GREG HEAD

JEREMY CORMIER PRESENTS KENDRA HOWARD LAZ PARKING MINUTEMAN PRESS

OTS REDDY ICE SIMON SIGNS SODEXO SOUTHERN EMS

Our Sponsors

The Clark Atlanta University Guild expresses it’s sincere appreciation to our amazing Jazz Under the Stars Sponsors.

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors BILLYE SUBER AARON RICK & KESHA ROBINSON AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG AND CAROLYN YOUNG

Silver Sponsors BARANCO HOLDINGS MR. & MRS. ELI H. & KATHY PHILLIPS

JP MORGAN CHASE THE WILLIAM DOWNEY MEMORIAL FUND

Bronze Sponsors JULIETTE T. AMEY SAM BURSTON ARRINGTON & PHILLIPS LLP CAU INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT JUDGE BRENDA HILL COLE ROSALYN FLANAGAN ALUMNA KATIE KNOWLIN CLASS OF 1972 SARITA CATHCART-MCLARIN

TRUSTEE GREGORY MORRISON ROSE PALMER TRUSTEE BRENDA WALKER

Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron

Ms. Billye Suber Aaron Last years

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND

EDUCATOR

Congratulates THE CAU GUILD ON THE 2025 JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

C &W

SERVICES

What We Do

Tailored maintenance solutions tackle regulatory compliance and minimize downtime for seamless business continuity.

Congratulations to the CAU Guild on another amazing Jazz Under the Stars.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to the

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GUILD on hosting the

2025 Jazz Under the Stars We proudly support the CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GUILD’S Scholarship Program for the students in the Arts.

ANDREW & CAROLYN YOUNG

Congratulations

to the CAU Guild on the 33RD ANNUAL Jazz Under the Stars

MPPA JONESBORO

MPPA CONYERS

2952 HWY 138

2125 Old Salem Rd.

Jonesboro, Georgia

Conyers, Georgia

30236

30013

678.545.6772

770.679.9199

EMPOWERING MINDS, INSPIRING FUTURES Monday-Friday / 5:00 AM-7:00PM │WWW.1MPPA.ORG

WHERE PASSION AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION UNITE

PROTECTING & RESTORING THE NATURAL WORLD. MISSION

The mission of the Turner Foundation is to protect and restore the natural systems – air, land, and water - on which all life depends. http://www.turnerfoundation.org/

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAU GUILD FROM

TVERSA RICKS • CAU 2005 • FAMILY & FRIENDS &

J JACK PRESSURE WASHING Residential & Commercial Pressure Washing

BEFORE

AFTER Is your property looking dirty, dingy, or neglected?

Look no further than

J JACK PRESSURE WASHING for all of your pressure washing needs.

JAMES JACKSON, OWNER

(912) 308 - 9170 Veteran Owned & Operated

BETA PSI 1923 Foundation $1 Million Dollars Donated to Clark Atlanta University

Thank you CAU GUILD for an awesome

Jazz Under the Stars

event in supporting Scholarships!

In 1976, Anthony Flanagan, who also played for Georgia's basketball team, was the first African American to play quarterback for the Bulldogs.

Support the

ANTHONY FLANAGAN MEMORIAL RECREATION CENTER 3240 W MANOR CIR. SW ATLANTA, GA. 30311 The recreation center offers many excellent youth and senior programs.

Please sign up in-person or call to inquire at 404-505-3110.

The legacy is alive!

Rose Palmer CONGRATULATES

THE CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GUILD

on Another Successful

Jazz Under the Stars!

33RD ANNIVERSARY

Congratulations CAU GUILD JAZZ UNDER THE STARS 522 Capital Partners LLC

Trustee Brenda W. Walker

Jazz Under the Stars 2024

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT !

Jazz Under the Stars RAISING OVER $ 3.6 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CAU STUDENTS OF THE ARTS

https://cauguild.org/

BDOA 25