2023 Ocean City Jazz Festival Program

Thisiconic event has beena fixturefor summers inNorth Topsail Beachfor 13 years. Weare sohappy tobeabletowelcome everyonetothebeautiful historic community ofOcean City for fun, food, drink, and music!

TheOcean City Beach CitizensCouncil welcomesyou toour13th annual celebration, theOceanCity Jazz Festival. Wewill present to you someof thebest jazz talent thiscountry has tooffer in support of ourmission. Since its first yearin2009, this festival has featured internationally acclaimed artists, raised moneyforthe preservationoftheOcean City Community, and given localartists anopportunity tosharetheircreativity withmembers of ourcommunity. Buckle-up it timefor “Jazzwitha Higher Purpose”

In theevent ofalighting storm, pleaseevacuatethe tent and goto anenclosed building oryourvehicle.

The2023 Ocean City Jazz Festival issupported by the North Carolina Arts Council,a divisionofthe Department of Cultural Resources.

NCCouncil for the Arts

LewisRealtyand Associates

North Carolina Department ofNatural and Cultural Resources

NC Coastal Federation

Jones Onslow Electric Membership Corporation

CoBank

Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts

SurfCityCrab

Bayshore Animal Hospital

Wilmington Health

Saad& Shaw

Dr. ColleenRamsey

Mr. Kenneth Chestnut

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Torrey

Ms. Linda MacRae

Ms. FannyChestnut Hairston

Mr. JimStewartand Ms. Frances Dyer

Mr. NordConfi

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Vohwinkel

Ms. Michelle Sauber

Mr. Drew Jones

The Best Family

Home at Last Realty Solutions, Sharon Alexander

Lori Ann Harris

TheGrammyand StellarAward Nominatedartist isanincredible act and oneworthwatching, saxophonist Marcus Andersonis the goldenchild shiningamongstars. With 13 studioalbums on hislist of accomplishments, thefusionjazz artist bringsR&B, Pop,Rock and Funk tomakemusic that putslistenersinanother atmosphere. Chartingnumberonein bothcategories of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM’s Watercolorswithnumerous hitstheSpartanburg, SC nativeisdeliveringmajormusic ina humbleway.Hiswork with thelatePrinceand theNew PowerGenerationled him to join stageswiththelikesof CeeLoGreen, JudithHill, Stevie Wonder, and LivWarfield just to namea few, where he had becomea key contributorinthesetouringband. Princealsofeatured Marcus on his last release Hit NRunPhase2, playing on “Revelation” and “Look at MeLookat You”.

TraceyBurnscurrentlyserves astheDeputy Secretaryfor Diversity, Equity, Accessibilityand Inclusion.Sheisa native of Queens, New York, withfamily rootsinWashingtonCounty, North Carolina, Charlestonand Beaufort, South Carolina.

Priorto joining the Department, Tracey served asthe Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Coordinatorinthe Facilities Management Department at NorthCarolina Central University (NCCU). Shewas responsible forhelpingto provideopportunities for HUB Firmswithformaland informal construction projectsat the university, shealsoserved astheliaisonfor HUB Contractors withuniversityproject managers, Capital BudgetCoordinator, Capital Projects Coordinatorand theHistoric Preservationist for thecampus. Whileat NCCU, she held theroles of Directorof Corporateand FoundationRelations, Development Directorforthe Department of Nursingand Project ManagerfortheHistoric Renovation oftheFounder’shome.

Tracey isnot new to NCDNCR, her tenurewiththedepartment spanned alittleovereleven years, from September1994 to November2005. Beforejoining NCCU, sheserved as the Director of Cultural History forHistoric Sites, SiteManagerat Charlotte Hawkins BrownMuseum, AdministrativeServices Managerat the North Carolina TransportationMuseum and Assistant Managerat Somerset Place.

Tracey received Bachelorof Arts Degrees inPublicAdministration and History, and a Masterof Arts Degree in American Historyfrom NCCU. Her Master’sThesis chronicled the life of one of WashingtonCounty’sprominent leaders, E.V. Wilkins, and is entitled: ElmerVanray Wilkins: “TheGodfather ofBlack Politics in North Carolina.” Sheco-authored onebook, entitledSedalia and The Palmer Memorial Institute(2004).

Withmorethanfiveyears sincetheirlast release, The LaoTizer Bandhas taken the timeto grow in every aspect.Anupdated larger band is exploringsomenew methods ontheirCD/DVD combo, Songs FromThe Swinghouse: recorded liveinjust threedaysat Conway Studiosin Hollywood, the band explores three covertuneswith vocalist, a first forthegroup,alongside original instrumental tracks, bringingthem tonew heightsof excellence and exuberance.

Featuringa thoughtful and at times surprisingchoice oftracks, whileaddingtoanalready stellarlineup ofplayerswiththe additionofa seasoned vocalist, this isanalbum that has set a new path forthebandand its dedicated fans. Songs From TheSwinghouse featureseight blistering original instrumentals and three iconic classic rock songswith reimagined arrangements. "We've never doneanythingwitha vocalist and we'veneverdoneany cover songs, so this isthefirst timethat Idecided todelve intothat realm, to basically expand thescopeof ourmusic," says Tizer.Criticallyacclaimed music-film director,Andy LaViolette (Snarky Puppy,Bokante, David Crosby,etc), documented the entiresessionina simultaneous, 8-camera HDvideo shoot for the included DVD.

From the2007album Diversify, which showcased the multi-faceted richly texturedmusicalityofanalreadycelebrated career, to2009's Passagesinwhichthekeyboardist and composer focused onaminimalist expression ofhismusical journey ina virtually solo pianorecordingwiththebarest ofaccompaniment, and then back toa pulsating full band onthe2012 release Downbeat, thisensembleofworld-renowned musicians has takenTizer's vision toa new level onthelatest album.Thejazz and world-fusion group now adds rock toitsrepertoirewitha sizzlingnew collection of eleven songs.

Hailingfrom Boulder, CO,witha careerthat now spans ninealbums over nearlya quarterofa century hewasa teenage prodigy Tizeris thesonof hippieswitha Russian-Jewishbackground, and themix ofthat ethnic family heritage, parental new ageinfluence and growingupwiththesightsand sounds of'80sand '90spop culture(alongsidethemusic of the '60sand '70sheheard from his parents) havebrought him toa placeinhisartistic lifewherehe was readytoembraceawider rangeof influencesand stretch himselfand his players topull off suchanambitiousproject. oneall mylife.”

If thechoiceof Led Zeppelin's"RambleOn," U2's "Pride(In The NameOf Love)," and Cat Stevens'"Sad Lisa" seem astonishing, Tier'sarrangementsrender them almost entirely original.Theyare takentothetranscendent throughthewarm and soulful vocals of Tita Hutchison,whosangwiththelikes ofMichael McDonald, RickRubin, Michael Jackson,and Foreigner, amongothers. HutchisonjoinsTizer's regularcollaboratorswhoare celebrated in their ownright: Chieli Minucci, thethree-time Emmy-winningand Grammy® Award-nominated guitarist and composer;Grammy® Award-winning saxophonistEric Marienthal, whoisa permanent memberof theChick Corea Elektric Band; longtimememberand EWI/saxophonist/multi-instrumentalistSteve Nieves; and violinist Karen Briggs,whohasgraced the stagewithYanni, DianaRoss, Wu-TangClan, Chaka Khanand more.Tizeralsocredits the powerhouse rhythm section(bass playersincludeGrammy® Award-nominee Ric Fierabracci and CheikhNDoye,Grammy® Award -nominated drummer GeneCoye, and percussionist MunyungoJackson)withunderpinningthedynamic forceand arrangements forthe project.

The groupinfact stretchesto 15 membersat timeswiththe additionofa stringquartet, horn sectionand a marimba player. Just watchingthe videoof"Metropolis" showsthe vast ambitiousness of theundertaking, theconcentrationof somany musicians in the studioplayinglivetogetherand feedingintowork thatwas so much grander thanthebreathtakingindividual performances,while the sultryand intimateduet just pianoand violin on "Forever Searching" reminds thelistenerand viewer ofthepurity ofTizer's jazz beginnings.

"It wasall recordedliveat Conway Studios,"Tizer says. "Sothisis asauthentic asit could possibly be.It'sa star-studded cast, a lot of pros, and they all cameinwith their A-game. Wegot just the right mix of playersintheband at this time tomakethis particular set ofmusic cometolifeand beartisticallydeepinanaccessible way.And that'salwayswhatmy favoritemusic hasbeen well written,well composed, but alsowiththat room to stretch, that's the improvisationand thejazz ofit."

Tizerpraises eachmusicianfor hisand hercontributiontothe whole. Conceptually focused whilealwaysgenerousas a composer, arrangerand band-leader, Tizer producedSongs From The Swinghouseon his ownand wroteall of the instrumental tracks himself, aside from oneco-write, "APrayer ForUnity" withthe band's otherguitarist, Jeff Marshall.Theywroteit just afterthe terrorist attacks in Parisin2015, and thesignificanceat this particulartimeamid current eventsisimperative for Tizer."It'sa messagethat theworld needs ona muchmoremacrolevel,and music isoneofthose few mediums thatcanbridgesome gaps."

It's alsoa nicecounterpoint tothegroupsGospel, funkified arrangement of U2's, "Pride(In TheNameOfLove)," thecivil rights-inspired songthat Tizer had loved sincefirst hearingit in themovieIn TheNameOfThe Father."RambleOn"was, says Tizer, "the onetuneIwanted todobecauseI'm not surethat there's any classic rock groupmoreiconic than LedZeppelin,and I wanteda songthatwecould takeand put ourstampon, which Ifelt really strongly that wecould with that tune, takeittoanother place." As for"Sad Lisa," dedicated onthealbum tothelate daughterofa friend, "I had Cat Stevens'album Tea ForThe Tillerman sinceIwasin high school,and rightawayI knew Icould do somethingwiththat."

The evolution oftheLaoTizerBand is revealed joyously in Songs From The Swinghouse. Now incorporatinga vocalist intothe recordingand touring band, theroad ahead isenthrallingtothe group's founder."Ispent mywholelifewritinginstrumental music, and now I'mworkingonoriginalmaterial forthegroup including vocals." Ultimately, LaoTizereschewsbeingformulaic. "Itry and just stay truetomy museand to useevery bit ofmy facility to creategreat music that hopefully hasits ownvoiceandcontinuesto evolveas Icontinuetoevolveasa person. It's very reflectiveof me, it's all I'vedoneall mylife."

She hasbeenperformingand composing forover four decades. KarenBriggshas performed and/or recordedwitheveryone from TheRoyal Philharmonic toYanni to Stanley Clarketo Diana Ross toLedisi toKirk Franklinto Annie Lennox tothe Wu Tang Clan! She has performedall overtheUnited Statesand the world She has graced the stagesof such prestigiousvenuesasthe Apollotheater, CarnegieHall, TheTaj Mahal and China's Forbidden City! She hastraveled toover50 countriestoentertainaudiences asa featured soloist.

Cleverarrangements oncovers suchas Freddie Hubbards"Little Sunflower", RimskyKorsokov's "Scheherazade", "AmazingGrace" and Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" have not beenignored. Sheeasily coversanarray of genre'sontheinstrument from gospel tojazz to R&B topop, hip hopand classical pieces,all re-imagined inaway that suits herskillful swaggeronviolin.

Currently regarded bymany as one ofthemost legendary violinists of ourtime,Karen servesas bothaninspiration formany of today'scontemporary musiciansand hascontinuously proventobe anasset toany project that she's participated in.

Todate, she has recorded twoindependent soloprojects (Amazing GraceandSoulchestral Groove)witha third one entitled, "Sonic Woodwork" comingout soonin2023!

Born in1963, Chestnut started hismusical careerat theageof three, playingpianoat the Mount Calvary StarBaptist Churchat theage ofsix inhis hometownof Baltimore, MD. Byage nine, he was studyingclassical musicat thePeabody Preparatory Institute in Baltimore. In thefall of1981, Cyrus beganjazz educationin Boston, MAat the BerkleeCollegeofMusic. In 1985, heearneda degreeinjazz compositionandarranging. Whileat Berklee, Chestnutwasawarded theEubie BlakeFellowship, the Oscar Peterson,Quincy Jones, and Count Basieawardsforexceptional performancestandardsat thecollege.After Berklee, Cyrus began further honing his craftasa sidemanwithsomeofthe legendary andleadingmusicians inthe business. Some ofthesegreat people include; JonHendricks, Michael Carvin, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, WyntonMarsalis, Branford Marsalis, DelfeayoMarsalis, FreddieHubbard, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Regina Cater, Chick Corea, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Joe Williams, Isaac Hayes, Kathleen Battle, Betty Carter, and DizzyGillespiejust tonamea few. Hisassociationwith Betty Carter,whichbeganin 1991 significantlyaffected his outlook and approachtomusic, confirminghisalready iconoclastic instincts. Carteradvised him to “takechances”and play things I’veneverheard,” Chestnut says.

As Cyruswasabsorbing experiencesasa sideman, hewasalso developingasa leader, recordingand playinglivearound the world.There’sa BrighterDay Comingwas his first self-released album, followed byThe Nutman Speaks(1992), TheNutmanSpeaks Again (1992),Another Direction(1993). Therecordsreceived the prestigiousGold Disk award from Japan’sleading jazz publication, SwingJournal.

In thesummer of1993, Chestnut signed with Atlantic Records, releasingthecritically acclaimed Revelation (1994),followed by The Dark BeforeTheDawn(1995), EarthStories(1996), Blessed Quietness(1996), and Cyrus Chestnut(which featured Anita Baker, James Carter, Joe Lovano, RonCarter, Billy Higgins, and Lewis Nash, 1998). In2000, Cyruswasgivena great honortopay tribute to hisfavoritecartoonist, CharlesSchulz and first jazz influence, VinceGuaraldi in hisinterpretation oftheclassic Charlie Brown Christmas, whichcelebrated Mr.Schulz’s50thyearofwritingthe saga of Charlie Brown. Vanessa Williams, BrianMcKnight, The ManhattanTransferand the BoysChoirof Harlemwerea few of the participants on this star-studded record. In 2001, he released Soul Food, featuringbassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, and special guest soloists includingJames Carter, Stefon Harris, WycliffeGordon, and MarcusPrintup. This acclaimed record wasincluded inDownBeat’slist ofthe best recordsof2001 and ascended tothe “Top10” onthe Jazz charts. In 2005, Cyrus recorded"YouAre MySunshine”onthe Warner Jazz label.This record wasand still isa hitwithjazz and gospel loversalike.It featured Neal Smithondrumsand Michael Hawkins on bass.

John Brown Quintet

Theaward-winningJohnBrownQuintet specializesin performing music from thetime-honored Bebopand Hard Boperas ofjazz, bringingnew lifetosomeofthe best-knownclassics from the Great American Songbookand introducing originalmusic.Thegroup garnered nationalattentionwhenits first recordingreached #8 on the national JazzWeekchart, and stayed inthetop50 for 16 consecutiveweeks. Featuringtheclassic instrumentation oftwo horns inthefrontlinealongwiththerhythm section, theJohn BrownQuintetsetsthe standard for John Brown'smyriad ensembles.

JazminGhentis aninternationalsmooth jazzandgospelrecordingartist as wellas an accomplishedmusic educator. She was awardedthe prestigious 2019"NAACPImage Award"forOutstandingJazzAlbum, "The Story ofJazz". She was nominatedfor2019SmoothJazzNetwork's BestArtist ofthe Yearandwas voted2017'sBestNew Smooth JazzArtist.

Jazminis also an accomplishedmusic educator. She taught music to studentsin grades K-5 for5 years. In 2020 Jazminwas invitedby the US Embassy in Haiti tospend7days presentingmusicworkshops to adults andchildren. She workedwithmusicians demonstratingthe origin ofjazz from standards to jazzoftoday. The weekculminatedwith Jazmin headliningthe InternationalJazzFestivalin Port Au Prince, Haiti. She has also presentedworkshops toyoungmusicians in Syracuse, New York, LongIsland, New York andElmira, New York.

From theentertainment perspective, Jazmin has 6 top5 Billboard singles:Kickin' It Up, Stride, Amends, Work Wit It, Heat, andCompared to What. Hermostsuccessfulhit to dateis Kickin' It Up,which was #1 on BillboardSmooth JazzCharts (June 2, 2021). Stride,Amends, Heat andComparedto What remainedon BillboardSmooth JazzAirplay Charts for20+weeks andwas playedin rotationbymostsmoothjazzstations includingSirius XMWatercolors Channelfor7+months.Jazminhas performedat variousmajorfestivals andvenues throughout the country, in Europe andrecently on the 2019Dave KozCruise to Australia.

According to Art Goodof CatalinaIsland's JazzTrax radio and festival, "... unknown Jazmin Ghent was one ofthe BEST FINDSthe festivalhas EVERuncovered. Obviously, she OUTSOLDALL 30stars ofsmooth jazz in the JazzTraxStore, sellingmore CDs than anyone. Shehadstage presence, ashow andshecouldplay!"

Jazmin receivedabachelor's degree from FloridaState University anda Master's Degree from Tennessee State University.She is currently aPhDstudent at the University ofSouth Florida. Herlatest CD, "Forever...Jaz"was releasedJanuary 2021

Julian Vaughn

Born andraisedin Kansas City, KS, Julian Vaughn was primarily a drummerwhen he pickedupthe bass guitar. Vaughn developedhis playingstylewhile growingupin thechurchwhere his grandfather pastoreduntilturningoverthe reins toVaughn's father. A fewyears later, he became goodenough tostart playingat concertsandlive gospelrecordings. Vaughn launchedhissolocareerin 2010with his albumThePurposeProject, whichspringboardedhim into his jazzcareer. In 2012he put out the album Breakthrough(2012), featuringthe single "On YourFeet,"which peakedat #1on the Billboardchart. He later wouldrelease albums

Limitless (2015), BonaFide(2017), Supreme (2019), andChapters of Love(2021).Vaughn rackedupfourBillboard#1hitsbetween his albums and8#1s overallas afeature on various artists' songs.Vaughn has touredacross the U.S., playingatsome ofthe largestjazzfestivals. In addition, he has performedabroadin places like Dubai, SouthAfrica, Nigeria, Nairobi,Italy, Spain, andGermany. Vaughn takespride in writingandproducingalmost allhismusic,saying, "I want to be known as agreat writerandproducerjust asmuch as an artist."

In 2020Vaughn wasthe#2Artist ofthe yearandhadthe #2and#17 Billboardsongs ofthe year, “Afro Calypso” and“Afternoon Delight.”His latestindependent release, titled "SOLO"isslatedtobehis best work to date. As Vaughn's recordingcatalogcontinuesto grow,he hopesto continue to redefine the leadbassist role in the smooth jazzgenre.

Willie Murillo, husband to renowned vocalist Becky Martin and extremely proud father of five, has dedicated his career to music and the arts as well as mentoring the next generation of those in shared pursuit. Murillo’s career is unique in that hehas earned global notoriety in many disciplines in his field.

Murillo is one of the most in demand ‘session musicians’ in Los Angeles and has performed and recorded with the biggest names in the industry. John Williams, Quincy Jones, Michael Buble’, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Big Phat Band, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and The Pacific Symphony top name a few.

Willie considers himself extremely fortunate to be invited to travel the globe in many musical capacities. As a conductor, Mr. Murillo has had the opportunity to conduct orchestras all across the world including the Royal Philharmonic in Denmark, Lichtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Japan and all over the United States. Murillo can be heard as a vocalist on numerous television and motion picture soundtracks. Most notably as a featured vocalist on the Motion Picture soundtrack ‘Dirty Grandpa’ starring Robert Dinero and Zac Efron. Willie has had the good fortune to work a songwriter for many Disney productions as well as a producer, orchestrator and arranger for countless television shows and motion picture soundtracks such as; Frozen, Elf, Phineas & Ferb, multiple Super bowl Productions, The World Series, Sofia the First, Gangster Squad, and Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, to name a few. Murillo holds two Grammy award credits and a Latin Grammy producer credit. Still, Murillo maintains that his God given calling is to mentor the ‘next generation’ of music industry hopefuls. Mr. Murillo holds the fundamental belief that at all phases of life we are called to be students, teachers and mentors.

‘It’s our job to identify, encourage and mentor the next generation into success through this jungle that is, the music industry. With love, kindness, great expectation and radical inclusivity, each one, teach one

JamieKatz Court is passionateinher belief thatmusic, dance, andart canbringpeopletogether,and herapproachto accessibilitystemsfrom that core belief. She hasbeen the Music & Dance Director fortheNorthCarolina Arts Council sinceJuly 2022, and recently took ontherole ofAccessibilityCoordinator aswell. Priorto herworkwiththe Arts Council, sheworked fora small but mighty rootsmusic organizationinRaleighcalled PineCone(Piedmont Council ofTraditional Music) for14 years.

“Music is theonethingthat everyonecanturntoduring this pandemic. It brings joy inthesetryingtimes,” saysKim Waters. Heralded as“Simply oneoftheplanet’s best saxophonists” by JazzTimes Magazineand the “Pied piperof Smooth Jazz” by UpscaleMagazine, theprolific chart-topping saxophonist, composerand producerhasenjoyed a careerlongevitythat israre in themusic business. Forthreedecades, Waters has reigned as one ofthepremierarchitects ofUrbanSmoothJazz and a beacon of light in Contemporary Jazz. He ‘sgarnered praise from critics and fansalike, rankingamongthetop fivebest-selling instrumentalistsinjazz. “New music continues tocome out, which gives theworld somethingtolift them upand sharewithfamily and friends,” states Waters,whosenew and 24threcordingasa leader, Shakedown offers a thrillingten-track escape meant to catapult ustoa happierfrequency.TheGeorgia based sax man shares, “Shakedown tomeis something thatmakesyou want toget up and danceand moveyourbody!Thatwasmygoalfor this CD!! Music that makes you happy and soothesthesoul!” Kim Waters’ instantly recognizable sound has foundthe perfect equilibrium betweensensitivity and brawn, intellect and emotion and techniqueand soulfulness. OnShakedown the suave, debonair andcommanding saxophonist’sability totranscend the musical boundaries ofJazz, Popand R&B havemadehim oneof themost sought-aftermusiciansinContemporary Jazz. In typical fashion, Waters islikea one-manband, playingall theinstruments onShakedownas hecreatesdreamy melodies, sultry balladsand funky and bluesy dance-inspired grooves. Healso reinventsa recent R&B gem. The new album isdedicated . " toWaters’wife Danaand histwindaughtersKimberlyandKayla. “They all inspire me somuchand they aretruly my best friends!Kayla has become anamazingartist, writer, producerand performer!!Words cannot express how thismakesme feel towork togetherwith herand to share the stagetogetheronmany occasions! Shecontinues togrow at hercraft and sheand Kimberlyaremy heart!”

Waterscomposed Shakedownat the pianoasopposed to his normal process,whichisinthe recordingstudio. “This isthe first album whereIwroteall ofthesongsat my grand piano inmy piano lounge.Iusually writeinmy studio, but thistimeIstayed onthe pianountilall ofthesongswerewritten.” Shakedownopenswith the jubilant and upliftingtitle-track and first single.It hasa bluesy-old school feel and is reminiscent of theRamsey Lewis hit andcrowd pleaser “TheIn Crowd.” Thecomposition“FeelsLike Friday Night” isa fun-lovingcelebrationmarked byWaters’ soulful horndoublingonthechorusand his gorgeous flowingsax melody throughout. Wearetransported totheBritish Virgin Islandsinthe Caribbean forthesong “Nina In Tortola.”

Youcanfeel theisland breezeas Watersgraceful sopranodances in the rhythmsof theisland mist.Theundeniable groove and funk riffs on “Takin’ The HighRoad” and “OnTheStreets” will beckon you to get on your good foot whilethetendermoments created on the tranquil “WithOpen Arms” and pensive “TheMomentISee You” will moveyou toa placeof peaceand quiet reflection. “With Open Arms” isdedicated to Waters’ latefather-in-law, Frank MayoSr.“Wewereextremelycloseand did everything together,” shares Waters. “Wheneveranyonecametohis house, he welcomed themwith openarmsand alwaysmade sure they had plenty toeat and drink.”

Shakedown revs intohighgearwiththeedgy, driving and pulsating “In TheFast Lane.”This gear-shiftingnumberis sure torelease somemuch needed endorphins. Alwayscurrentwithwhat ishot on the scene, Kim Waters has enjoyed great success reworking Hip Hop, R&B and Reggaehitswitha jazzytwist on hispopular CDs Streetwize and Tha’ Hot Club.OnShakedownthe saxophonist reinventsthe Ella Mai hit and a favoriteof hissister Joyce, “Boo’d Up.” Waters’ ownsensual take onthis loversdelight makes its own notablemark onthisR&B hit. It isapropos thatShakedown endswith “HiddenTreasure.” At the end of Waters’ ten-track excursion, this songisindeeda hiddentreasure and thereward forjoiningthesaxophonist on his musical adventure.Theupliftingcloseris suretoleaveyourmoodand spirit elevated.“Whenmy fans hearthisnew CD, Ihope that they forget about whateverit isthat they may begoingthrough, and that their spiritsarelifted upand theyaresmilingandmovingto the grooves!!!” says Waters.

Born inMaryland intoa musical family,Kim Waters picked up his first instrument, the violin, at theage ofeight."That didn't go overwellwiththefellas," saysWaters, wholaterfound hiscalling on thealtoand soprano saxophonesat 13. Shortlyafterwards he beganplaying ina bandwith his brothers James (who he still performswith)and Eric and his old friend, pianist Cyrus Chestnut.Kim Waters has beencalled ontoperformwithor openshows forthe best includingAl Green, Isaac Hayes, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Riley andGuy, and Gerald Albright tonamea few.Through theyears Kim Waters has recorded a string of successful and chart-topping albums onShanachie: Love’s Melody(1998), OneSpecial Moment (1999),From TheHeart(2001), SomeoneTo Love You(2002), In the Name ofLove(2004), All For Love (2005),You Are My Lady (2007), I WantYou: Loveinthe Spiritof Marvin(2008), Love Stories(2010),This Heart of Mine (2011),Rhythm and Romance(2016)and What ILike (2018). We could all learna thing from Kim Waters’Zen-likeapproachto music and life. Heisanadvocate ofnot sweatingthesmall stuff and seeing thebig picture. He professesthat thesearekey ingredients tolivinga longlife. Watersisalsomotivatedby the opportunity to reach others. Heconcludes, “My fans, friendsand family inspiremetobe thebest Icanbe. It makesmesmilewhen Ihear and see people happy becauseofmy music!!!That'swhat it’sall about.” This formula has catapulted him tothetopof thechartstimeand timeagainand hasmadehim one ofthebiggest selling saxophonist todate. JazzTimes Magazine hasdeclared, "Watersis simply one of the planet'sbest saxophonist, Instantlyrecognizable forhis keenmelodic sensibilitiesand soulfulapproachtohissaxophone, The WashingtonPost haslikened Watersto "Aromantic pied piper out ona longevening stroll." The prolific saxophonist, composer, and producerhas enjoyeda careerof longevity thatis rare. Waters'Zen-likeapproachto his lifeand artistry issimple

Michael Manson

Michael Mansonisa talented, school-educated, andexperienced musicianand music educator. His trainingis inclusiveof intensive work intheClassic, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B genres ofmusic. Also, inclusiveof hisChristianphilosophy and training, giving isa crucial part ofhislifestyle.In keepingwiththis, music isa gift that is meant toserve. Therefore, Michael feelsthat thegift given tohim is tobegivenback to serveothers, specifically his community.

With therelease of his previousCD, Thumpin’, Michael Manson joined the ranksoftoday’s premierejazz artists. His first singles, "Outer Drive,” “Sundance,” and “ComingRight At Ya," reached thetop 10 ontheR&R SmoothJazz. Bass master Michael Mansonmoved from sidemantocenterstage onhis solo debut, The Bottom Line.

His passionand precisionaredisplayedwithbothunrelenting power andlaid-back grace on thealbum that, he says, “reflectsthe deepest expressionofall I have felt makingmusic for thelast twenty 25 years.”

OnMichael Manson’snew CD"A Ray of Hope" (2021), heiscredited forwritingand production. Forthisalbum, Michael hascollected thewho'swhoof Smooth Jazz: Najee, DarrenRhan, Jeff Lorber, Nick Colionne, LinRoundtree, Paul JacksonJr., JeffLorber, and thelegendary GeorgeDuke, and manymore great jazz musicians. Thisalbum isan excellent mix ofcontemporary jazz, R&B,and even a little gospel.

For Michael Manson, thebottomlinehasalwaysbeen great music. Sincehefirst picked upa guitar(not a bass), hehasmoved persistently from strengthto strength, oneassociationleading inevitably toanotherina careerthat hasbrought him front and centerwiththemost respected names in jazz, gospel,R&B, rock, and pop. Manson's uniquelylyrical voice has its roots inChicago, Illinois.

ReturningtoChicagoState University, he joined theChicagoState Gospel Choir, and, in Manson'swords, "thingsstarted snowballing." Onegig orassociationwould lead toanother,withManson playing withoneGospel greatafteranother:TramaineHawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jessy Dixon, and James Cleveland.He evenplayed on theWinan'salbum All Out, only thefirst ofmany times hewould perform withchildhood musical heroes. After graduatingfrom ChicagoState University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, hecompleted a Master's in Music Performanceat NorthwesternUniversity.In1995 Mansonmet Steve Finkle(now Steve Cole),whowas playingwith BrianCulbertson. That same year, one ofhis gospelconnections put him togetherwithKirk Whalum,and heended up playingonthe Dove, and Stellar-Award nominated "TheGospel AccordingToJazz." Recorded liveat the RoyAcufftheatrefeatured Whalum, GeorgeDuke,and Paul Jackson Jr. "That's how Imet George Dukein'97," quips Manson. Manson'sassociationwithGeorgeDukeultimately led to the gigof a lifetime.George, themusical directoranda featured artist on the Montreux Jazz tour, invited Mansononboard,where he shared the stagewith hisgreatest childhood hero, Al Jarreau,alongwith David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, and JoeSample.Manson has shared the stagewith Warner Bros.Recordsartists LarryCarlton, Kirk Whalum, BoneyJames, Rick Braun, Kenny Garret, George Duke, and KevinMahogany. Pal Kirk Whalum saidwithtypical good humor, "After that tour, you could haveretired." But Manson isjust getting started.Kirk also included him onhis"Hymns InTheGarden" album,whichwasnominated for Best PopInstrumental Album at theGrammys.

In 2010,afteryears ofworkingwiththe best injazz, Mansonand hiswifeLana opened a nonprofit music school, theMusical Arts Institute.This endeavor has now served thousands ofstudentsand currently has 1200 studentsenrolled.Theyserve the farsouthside of Chicago,where studentsand families do not haveaccess to or resourcestoafford high-quality music instruction. For Michael Manson, loveofmusical communication,exploration, collaboration, and celebrationisclearlywhat it’sallabout.This sophomore release reflects Manson’s unabated passionwithjoy and inspired artistry: "Thereareintriguingmusical conversations, and I hope theaudience shares inthat. But it is just great formusicians tocommunicateinthat way.That’sthejoy ofmusic.Tomakegreat music likethat every night, that’swhat it’sallabout

Basssist, composer, educatorandactorJohn Brownis anative of Fayetteville, North Carolina, andcurrently resides in Durham, NC. He is a graduate oftheSchoolofMusicat theUniversityofNorth Carolinaat Greensboro andthe Schoolof Lawat theUniversity of North Carolina ChapelHill. Johncurrently serves as Directorofthe JazzProgram and Associate Professorofthe Practice ofMusic at Duke University, andhe has servedon the faculties ofthe University ofNorth Carolinaat ChapelHill, North CarolinaState University, North CarolinaCentral University and GuilfordCollege (NC). He has been performing professionallysince his teens andhas performedwith artists like Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Elvin Jones, NnennaFreelon, Cyrus Chestnut, Diahann Carroll, Rosemary Clooney, NellCarter, Lou Donaldson, Slide Hampton, Nicholas Payton, Frank Foster, Larry Coryell, CedarWalton, FredWesley, BernardPurdie andMark Whitfield, as wellas givingregularperformances as asubstitute with theNorth Carolina Symphony since 1992. John also has a Grammy nomination forhis performance andco-writing onNnenna Freelon’s 1996release,ShakingFree, andrecentlyearnedhis membershipin the ScreenActors’ Guild(SAG)forhis role in the film, Bolden. He actively performs andrecords internationally as a sideman & aleader, gives education residencies andnowleads agroupof highschoolstudentscalledthe JAZZFORCE. Johnis alsopart ownerof theHudson BrownAgency andhe has recentlybecome a YAMAHA CertifiedStringEducator.

Photo courtesy of frank@sweetlifestudios

Our Poster Artist

Dr. Ashley B. Hosey isanauthor, speaker, artist and educator. In his25 plus yearsasaneducator hehasworked inboththehigh school , middleschool, elementary levelsincludingworkinginan alternativeschool setting. He has served bothurban, suburban, rural and at-risk populations. Dr. Hosey hasworked withcountless students, youth groupsand mentor groups throughout his career. As a school principal for14 years, hehaslead schools , teachers, and studentswithenergy, passionand positive results. However the first 5 years ofhiseducationcareerwasa highschool Art teacher. He received his Degree in Art from theUniversity of Georgia in Athens.

He resides inPowders Springs, Ga whereheisa husband to his beautiful wifeand theproud fathertotwowonderful children.

February 1-3, 2024

Ocean City Celebrates its 75 Year History with the Ocean City Jazz Festival

The Ocean City Communitywasstartedin 1949, in the JimCrow South 15 years priorto the CivilRightsAct of1965. A beach community ontheAtlantic Ocean,where Blacks couldhavehome ownership was just not supposedto happen. But afterWorldWarII, EdgarYow, a white Wilmington attorney andformermayor, purchasedsixmiles ofbeach property on TopsailIsland. The landwas previously ownedby the Navy andwasusedforOperation Bumblebeewhichwas asecret test site forguidedmissiles. Asmayor, Yow hadbecome acquaintedwith manymembers ofthe Blackcommunity and realizedthat in the eraofsegregation there was aneedforbeach front recreationalopportunities forBlacks.

Yow approachedDr. SamuelGray withhis idea;Gray wasunable to devote a great dealofattention tothe project butsoon calledupon friend;Wade Chestnut, Sr. andhis siblings, Bertram, Robert andLouise. Energizedby the possibilities, WadeChestnut, Sr. soldhis interest in the family automobile repairbusiness anddevotedhis fullattention to the development opportunity. EdgarYow ownedthe onemilestretch of property three miles north ofSurfCity,whichwas to become Ocean City, from the oceanto the sound. Gray andtheChestnuts purchasedseveral tracts oflandfrom Yow which includedone ofthe island’sBumblebee observation towers. In 1949,stock was soldandan inter-racialcorporation (Ocean City Developers,Inc.) was formedandheadedby Robert Chestnut, Sr. forownershipofthe landandtosellproperty to blacks.

Wade Chestnut, Sr. conceivedthe ideaofnamingthis sectionoftheisland, OceanCity, as it is presently called. The corporation dividedthebeach intobusiness andresidentialareas, with the firsthomesbeingbuilt in 1949 -50by William Eaton, ablack contractorfrom Fayetteville, NC. Wade Chestnut, Sr. bought andremodeledthe towerto be arestaurant and tackle shop. Wade andEaton built what was then a10roommotelin 1952. Eatonwouldgo on tobuild30additionalhomes, theChapelandrectory, campdormitory anddininghallin Ocean City. The intentwas tobuildup the areato furtherencourage development ofacarefully plannedtown with residentialandseparate commercialareas andafamily-type ofbeach.

Many blacks were skepticalofthe opportunityto buyintothe one-milebeach area. However, to gain interest, Wade Chestnut, Sr. devotedhis time lookingforprospectivebuyersby attending meetings where blacks were assembledandheavily advertisingthe project. The lots were $500or$1000foroceanfront lots.

TheChestnuts hostedSundaychurch services in theirhome oron the beach. Services were ledby, the ReverendEdwin Kirton ofSt. Mark’s EpiscopalChurchin Wilmington. Followingthe destructionofsummer camps in South Carolinadueto Hurricane Hazel, FatherKirton spoke with Wade Chestnut, Sr., about campingat Ocean City. CampOceanside was establishedin 1955andwasthe first Episcopalcampforblacks in the Diocese ofEastCarolina. On the invitation ofMr. Chestnut and associates, the motelandacottage were rentedforthesummercampfrom 1955-1957.

St Mark's EpiscopalChapel, asit was calledbefore it wasnamed the Wade HChestnut MemorialChapelwasbuilt in June 1957, where FatherKirton servedas Priestuntilhis retirement in 1975. The Chapelwas aplace in which every beach resident wasconsideredamemberregardless ofhome denomination.

In 1954thecommunity facedmajordisasterin HurricaneHazel. The Category 4hurricaneseverely damagedthe community,but wouldnot deterthe homeowners, whohadthe “tenacity” to rebuild. In 1958, the OceanCity FishingPierwas built andasecondorganization, the Ocean City FishingPier, Inc. was formed. Ofthe five fishingpiers onthe island,the OceanCity FishingPierwas the only one that allowedblacksto fish.

In 1976, Ocean City Developers, Inc. was dissolvedandthe Ocean City Beach Citizens Councilwas started. The homeowner’scouncilwas formed to support community issues, andplan business andsocialactivities. By 1986, there were approximately 100homeowners in thecommunity. The restaurant, tackle shop, fishingpierandmotelwere inbusiness untiltheir destructionby Hurricane Fran in 1996.

Current challenges ofthecommunity are lack offundingandlack of awareness ofits historicalvalue. To answerthischallenge, the Ocean City Beach Citizens Council, a501(c)(3) hosts the Ocean City JazzFestival duringthe July 4th weekend. The mission ofthe Ocean City JazzFestival is to expose andentertain adiverse audienceofJazzaficionados, young Jazzenthusiasts andaspiringmusicians to the rich heritage ofJazzas an authentic form oftraditionalmusic andcelebrate the richhistory of OceanCity whilesustainingthe community andits resources.

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