Issuu

Welcometotheaward-winning 14thannualOceanCity Jazz Festival, “Jazzwitha Higher Purpose”wherewecelebratethe smoothand soulful melodies ofjazz music. Wearethrilled to have you joinus forthisspectaculareventwherewewill celebratethevibrant and soulful sounds ofjazzmusic.This festival has becomea beloved traditionand wearehonored to have you all herewithus. Thenext few dayswill befilledwith mesmerizing performances, talented musicians, and a lively atmosphere. So sit back, relax, and let thesmooth melodies of jazz transport youtoa place ofpurebliss. Thank you for beinga part of this incrediblejourney. Let's makethis 14th yearthemost memorableoneyet!

The 2024 Ocean City Jazz Festival is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources and the Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts

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

NCCouncil for the Arts

North Carolina Department ofNatural and Cultural Resources

NC Coastal Federation

Jones Onslow Electric Membership Corporation

Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts

SurfCityCrab

Saad& Shaw

Townof North Topsail Beach

Renewal by Andersen

Those Two Women

Better Homesand Gardens—Treasure

GLF Environmental

Cook’s Mill Bourbon

Old Hillside Bourbon

Home at LastRealty

LewisRealty

Dr. ColleenRamsey

Mr. Kenneth Chestnut

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Torrey

Ms. Linda MacRae

Mr. and Mrs.Joe Vohwinkel

The Patrick Best Family

SharonAlexander

Robert Bonnet

Lori Ann Harris

Dr. andMrs. OrlandoStovall

Dr. Gina Francis

Dr. Kelvinand Mrs. Angela Harris

Charlotte Wooten

Friday,July 5,th—75th DiamondAnniversaryCelebration of OceanCity Beach at theOcean CityJazzFestival

Saturday. July6th

Dance Party—DJ Travis Gales (WNCU)

Welcomefrom Kenneth Chestnut

Emcee—Rolonda Watts

Introduction of Rene Dickerson 2024 FestivalArtist

The Braxton Brothers

Adrienne Nirde, - Director NCAfrican American Heritage Commission, NC Dept. of Natural andCultural Resources

John Brown LittleBig Bandwith Special Guest FredWesley

Mia Antonelli—Renewal by Andersen

Kim Waters

Sunday, July 7th

Welcomefrom Kenneth Chestnut

Emcee—Rolonda Watts

Lin Rountree

Introduction of Rene Dickerson 2024 FestivalArtist

John Brown LittleBig Bandwith Special Guest Nnenna Freelon

Gerald Albright

Headquarters

North Carolina Sea Grant

NC StateCentennial Campus

850 Main Campus Drive

Toxicology Building, Suite105

Raleigh, NC27606

PJ has dreamed of performing internationally as well as touring for a nationalartist. 2023 has proven to be the year of dreams coming true as he is currently touring with two-time GrammyAward winning R&B vocalist Peabo Bryson whose first stop is the 2023 Soul Train Cruise. Prior to this, PJ was showcasing his talents at the Bahrain Jazz Festival with Jeff Bradshaw. When he’s not touring or producing beautifully-crafted music, he provides the backbeat for a host of highly acclaimed artists from jazzguitarist Eric Essix to, most recently, the dynamic,chart-topping jazz flutist Kim Scott.Listeners clamoring for more of Spraggins pushed “Nocturnal Drive,” from his 2006 album “Light of Day”to more than 8 millionstreams across all platforms followed by “Pure Logic” (2012) albumwith over three-million streams on YouTube. Many followers and subscribers, unaware of his nearly two-decades of musical contributions, thinkhis timeless pieces are new, however, they soon discover he has a history of producing sounds that both encourage and inspire listeners of all demographics. An independent artist who finds new ways to connect his music to an ever-expanding audience, PJ also merges it on social media withhis very own scenic drone footage.

Coupledwithhisalbums, toursand various projects,PJ has writtenwith startlingcandorabout inspiration, faith and healing, whichiswithouta doubt a compliment to “Stick ItOut” asit exemplifies hisdeterminationto overcome personalchallenges. “I want to send a positivemessageto everyonethat’s going tolisten to it. I’ve gained somuchconfidence from writingthis album and that’swhat Iwant peopletotakeaway.”

Now, poised for biggerand betteropportunitiesahead, James “PJ” Spraggins’ tireless energy, positivity and drivepermeates thisworkwithanenduring, immersivequality that refuses togive in orsettleforanythinglessthanto‘Stick It Out.

208 N New River Drive Suite A, SurfCity, NC (910)328-3988 http://www.inisspa.com

Conscioustreatmentsthat go beyond pampering for themind, body, and spirit

Lead bassist PhyliciaRaeisa rapidly rising starinthesmooth jazz genrewhois stepping out in full force. In 2023 Phylicia became the FIRST femalelead bassist to ever reachTop20 inthe Billboard Smooth Jazz National AirplayCharts. She has beengreatly influenced bythe lategreat WaymanTisdale. Bornand raised inRochester, NY Phylicia Rae developed a loveformusic atan early age.Shebecamea prominent figureinthemusic sceneinRochester, NY playing for different bands inthecity.

Her first singleasa soloartist “Just LikeThat” was released inSeptember2020, followed by hernational debut withhersecond single “ToldYouSo”whichreceived steady airplay onnational radiostationsaswellas internet radioacross thecountry. Phylicia’s third single “That’s It” ferociouslyclimbed the Billboard “New and Active” chart establishing herselfas one oftheyoung talented vanguards ofthecontemporary jazz genre.

In 2021 Phylicia Raejoined asthenewest memberof the group Jazz InPink headed byGail Johnsonand signed tothe Next Paradigm label. Sincethen shehasshared the stagewithmany amazingartistsinthe smoothjazz genre suchasKim Scott and JacobWebb. In2022 Phylicia becametheco-founder ofthe jazz series “Next Paradigm Live”, Today Phylicia is breaking downthe boundaries ofthis genre, inspiringyounger femalemusiciansthat dreamscancometrue!

960 StateHwy210 Sneads Ferry, NC28460 (910)327-1371

Jaki SheltonGreen, ninth Poet Laureateof NorthCarolina appointed in2018, isthefirst AfricanAmericanand thirdwoman to beappointed asthe North Carolina Poet Laureateand reappointed in2021 fora second term by GovernorRoyCooper. She isa 2019 Academy ofAmericanPoet Laureate Fellow, 2014 NC Literary Hall ofFameInductee, 2009 NC Piedmont Laureateappointment, 2003 recipient ofthe North Carolina Award for Literature. Jaki SheltonGreenteaches Documentary Poetry at DukeUniversity Center for Documentary Studiesand the2021 Frank B. HanesWriter in Residenceat UNC Chapel Hill.Additionally, she received theGeorge SchoolOutstandingAlumni Award in2021. Her publications include: Dead on Arrival, Masks, Dead on Arrival and New Poems, Conjure Blues, singinga treeintodance, breathof the song, published by Blair Publishers. Feedingthe Light, i want to undie you published by JacarPress, i want toundieyou English/Italianbilingual edition published by LebegPublishers. Juneteenth2020, she released herfirst LP, poetry album, The RiverSpeaks ofThirst, produced by Soul City Sounds and Clearly Recordsand releaseda CD, iwant toundieyou in2021. Jaki Shelton Greenisthe ownerof SistaWRITE providingwriting retreats forwomenwritersin Sedona Arizona, Martha’s Vineyard, Ocracoke NorthCarolina, NorthernMorocco, and TullamoreIreland. In 2021,The Arts Clubof Chicago premiereda commissioned body ofwork incollaborationwith Flutronix forthe Black Is Seriesand was performed inApril 2022 byFlutronix and the Cincinnati SymphonyOrchestra. Sheserves asthe poetry editor forWALTER Magazineand anappointmentas the Poet LaureateinResidenceat the North Carolina Museum of Art. Additionally, she hasbeenrecognized ontheForbes Magazine50Over50 LifestyleList for2022.

Rolonda Watts isa journalist, talk show host, actor, producer, writer, and voice-over talent.

Her name, face, and now even her distinctivevoiceareknown by audienceseverywhere, thanks toherwork in radio, television, and film. Most viewersknow Rolonda Watts from her internationally syndicated talk show, Rolonda (1994). Produced by KingWorldand Watts Works Productions, thetalker ranfor four successful seasons. Rolonda wasalso part ownerandsupervising producerofthe show.

Robegan hertelevisioncareerasa local newsreporter in Greensboro, North Carolina, beforemoving ontolarger markets. She landeda reportingand anchoring job at theNew Jersey Network before joiningWNBC-TV inNew York,where shealso anchored thelocalmorningnewscut-ins for the Today (1952)Show. Whileat WNBC-TV, Roreceived an Emmy nomination for her "Live Spot NewsCoverage" ofa deadly traincrash. She latermoved ontoWABC-TVinNew York toanchor,report, and moderate"Eyewitness News Conference," thestation'sweekly political forum.

Ready to spread herwings outside oflocal news, Rogained national exposureand attentionwhen shebecamehost of Lifetime Television's talk show, "Attitudes." There, she received a Cable Ace nominationfor "BestTalk Show." Afterthat, the awardwinning journalist went ontotacklenewsaround theworld, joining the "Inside Edition" newsmagazineteamas seniorcorrespondent, weekend anchor, and producer. Still bittenby thetalk show bug, Rojumped at the opportunityto host herownshow whenTV legend RogerKing ofKing World Productionsmade her an offer she couldn't refuse. Rolonda hasalsotaken"TheRoShow" to radio, havingworked withtheGreenstoneMedia Network, whichis offering pod casts ofsomeofhermost remarkableradio moments. (Visit: RadioRolonda.com). She hasalsohosted other television reality shows, including"Lie Detector" forPAX-TV.

With that distinctive, warm, and recognizable voice, Rolonda has alsoemerged asoneoftheleading voice-over talents in America. She isthe Announcer of"TheJudge Joe Brown Show,"aswell as for thenew gameshow, "Temptation." Sheisalsothe voice of Professor Wisemanintheanimated televisionseries, "Curious George." for Universal Studios.Roalso recently becameone ofthe animated voices ofDisney.

Incommercials,Rois the voiceof Boeing, Wells Fargo Bank, Tropicana, Southwest Airlines, BigLots, Children'sHospital, Wendy's, Aleve, and Alka Seltzer - and more. FromNew York to Hollywood,Rolonda hasdemonstrated hercomedic and dramatic talentsinvarioustelevisionand feature films, including JAG (1995), TheWest Wing (1999), TheDistrict (2000),Boston Public (2000),Yes, Dear(2000), Sister, Sister (1994),MyWife and Kids (2000)and many more. Shehasalsoappeared inthedaytimedrama seriesDays ofOurLives (1965) and TheBold and the Beautiful (1987), In fact, she returnstoDays ofOurLives (1965) in January 2008 intherecurring roleasthe sassy law shark, attorney "CameronReese". (SeeRo's theatrical resume).

In film, Rohasworked withsomeof Hollywood'smost talented directors, including SpikeLee, John Landis, CharlesWinklerand thelate CarrieHamilton,whocastRointhe roleof Dorothy Dandridge, portrayingthe Hollywood legend thehour beforeher death.

New York City and Newark, NJeachestablished anofficial "Rolonda Day" for herjournalistic, community, and humanitarian works. Shehasserved onthe Board of Directors for Literacy Volunteers ofNew York City, the Board of Advisorsfor the Rahway StatePrison'sLifersGroup, theBoard of Advisors for New York University School of Dentistry, and the Board of Advisors for the United NegroCollegeFund. Shehasvolunteered asa tutor for H.E.L.P. - theHollywood Educationand Literacy Project. She isa memberof Womenin Film, AFTRA,and SAG.TheSpelmanCollege Alumna Associationawarded Rofor hercommunity service. And the McDonald's Corporationhonored herasa "Broadcast Legend".

A Southerngirl from Winston-Salem, North Carolina,Rowas graduated Magna Cum Laudefrom Spelman Collegein Atlanta, where shedouble-majored inTheatreArtsand English. She holdsa Masterof Sciencedegree from theColumbia University Graduate School ofJournalism.Rolondaalsoholdsan honorary doctoratein HumaneLetters from Winston-Salem StateUniversity. Rolonda is CEO/President of herown productioncompany, Watts Works Productions. Sheand herBoxer, Jack, and her cat, Wolfe, resideinLos Angeles.

“We makemusic becauseofits powertolift peoples’ spirits” says Nelson, oneof the “funky twins of SmoothJazz”. Theircareersbegan in 1996witha multi-week #1 SmoothJazz Album that helped popularizethesound ofthe 6-stringbass, bothasa lead instrument and featured accompaniment.Thebrotherskicked off2019 intheBillboardTop 10.Theirmusic isjoyful and melodic, and loved by fans of varied age groups and musical tastes. Waynesays about performing, “We have funtogetheron stage. Welaugh, wejokearound. We believe everyone ’sbest comeswhenthey arethemselves.”

Theirmusic, whichthey describeas "SMOOTH, but FUNKY", is distinctive, refreshing,and easily identifiableina genre thatcan sometimes strugglewithanoverabundanceofuniformity. The uniquenesscomes from thebrotherscombined musical history, withitsrich variety experienceswithartists suchas: Michael Bolton, Ledisi, Sheila E., Bozz Scaggs. Whentheywere kids, their fatherexposed them tostyles rangingfrom classical, country, jazz, R&Band fusion.Blessedwitha thriving public schoolarts program and supportive parents, thetwinswereabletodevelopand grow theirtalentsandcreativity intothegroupwesee today.

Wesley wasborntheson of a highschool teacherandbig band leaderinColumbus, Georgia,andwas raised inMobile, Alabama. Asa child, he tookpiano and later trumpetlessons. He played baritone horn andtrombone in school, and at around age12 his father brought atrombonehome,whereuponhe switched (eventually permanently)to trombone.

Duringthe 1960sand 1970s, hewasa pivotal member of James Brown's bands, playing onmany hit recordings including "Say it Loud- I'm Black, and I'm Proud," "MotherPopcorn" andco-writing tunes suchas"Hot Pants." His slippery riffs and precise solos, complementingthose of saxophonist MaceoParker, gave Brown'sR&B, soul, andfunk tunestheirinstrumental punch. In the 1970s, he also wasband leader and musical director of Brown's bandthe J.B.'s, and did muchofthe group's composing andarranging. Hisnamewascredited on 'Fred Wesley &the J.B.'s' recordingof "DoingIt to Death,"whichsold over one millioncopies,andwasawardeda gold discby theR.I.A.A. in July 1973. Heleft Brown's band in1975 and spent several years playingwithGeorgeClinton's variousParliamentFunkadelic projects, evenrecordinga coupleofalbumsas the leaderofa spin-off group, TheHorny Horns.[3]

Wesley becamea forceinjazz in1978when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra.He released his first jazz albumas a leader, To Someone, in1988. It was followed by New Friendsin 1990,Comme Ci CommeCain 1991, thelivealbum Swingand Be Funky, andAmalgamationin 1994.

In theearly 1990s, Wesley toured withhiscolleagues from the James Brown band,Pee WeeEllisand MaceoParker, astheJB Horns. With thedepartureof Ellis, theband became theMaceo Parker Band.Wesleywas featured asa trombonistwithParkeruntil 1996whenheformed his own band,The Fred Wesley Group, now knownas Fred Wesley and the New JBs. Wesley recorded analbumwithSanDiegosoul-jazzluminariesTheGreyboy Allstarsin 1994 called West Coast Boogaloo, and toured with the band in 1995, 1996 and againin2012.

Wesley's careerincludes playingwithandarrangingfor awidevariety of otherartistsincluding Ray Charles,Lionel Hampton,Randy Crawford,Vanessa Williams,The SOSBand,Cameo, VanMorrison, Socalledand rappers De La Soul, tonamea few.Manyother artistshavesampled hiswork. In2002 Wesley wrote Hit Me, Fred: Recollections ofa Sideman, an autobiographyabout his lifeas a sideman.Also in2002 herecorded analbum entitled Wuda Cuda Shuda.

Wesley wasanadjunct professor intheJazz Studies department of theSchool of Music at the University ofNorthCarolina at Greensborofrom 2004 to2006, and now workswithstudentsasa visitingartist at numerous other schools, including Berklee College of Music and Columbia Collegeof Chicago.In addition toperforming withhis ownband, hetoursas part ofacollaboration called Abraham Inc.alongwithKlezmerartistDavid Krakauerand Klezmer/hip -hop artistSocalled.

In 2007, Wesley acceptedaninvitationtocontribute to Goin' Home:A TributetoFats Domino(Vanguard). He participated withLenny Kravitz, theRebirthBrass Band, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, PeeWee Ellisand Maceo Parkerto contribute their version ofDomino's "Whole Lotta Lovin'."

In2010, Wesleycontributed toKings(FreestyleRecords), the fourthalbum by Israeli funkand grooveensemblethe Apples. Spe-

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 BrownQuintet setsthe standard for John Brown'smyriad ensembles.

109 E.JonesSt. 4632 Mail Service Center Raleigh,

TheAAHC is a divisionof NC Department ofNatural and

“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

LinRountree, also knownasThe Soul-Trumpeter, isa forcetobe reckonedwithinthemusic industry. Withawhopping eight solo projectsand animpressive 21 chart-topping Billboard singles (including FOUR #1 hits), hehassolidified his placeasa leading innovatorintheInstrumental Soul/R&B genre.Collaboratingwith some oftheindustry'stopR&B/ContemporaryJazzartists, Lin's talent knowsnobounds.

Starting hismusical journey at theyoungageof 11,Lin's passion for thetrumpet led him toattend musicdevelopment programsat The DukeEllingtonSchool for Performing Arts in WashingtonDC. After graduatingfrom highschool, he joined the renowned Marching 100'at Florida A&M University, performingunder thedirection of William P. Fosterand Dr. JulianWhite.Itwasduring this time that Lin'slovefor jazz music blossomed, and hebegan studyingthe greats suchasMiles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, LeeMorgan,and Quincy Jones.

After earning his Bachelors ofSciencedegreeinBusiness Administrationfrom FAMU, Linfound hismusical homeinDetroit, Michigan. Forminga band, hequickly gained recognitionand performed extensively throughout theregion.In 2004, Linreleased hisdebut CD, "GROOVETREE,"whichreceived international acclaim.Thiswas followed by twomoresuccessful albums, "SUMTHIN' GOOD" and "SOULTREE,The Soul-Jazz Experience."

Lin's talent caught theattention ofmajorlabel Trippin' NRhythm Records,leadingtoa fruitful collaborationwherehewroteand coproduced fivemoreprojects: "SERENDIPITOUS," "SOULFUNKY," "STRONGER STILL," "FLUID,"and hislatest CD,"THE MESSAGE." Thelabel praised Lin's hip vibeand soulful sound, predictinga bright future forcontemporary jazzwithartists likehim leadingtheway.

Lin's musical prowess extendsbeyond his solocareer. He has been sought afterby topartists in variousgenres, including KEM, Dwele, Conya Doss, TonyTerry, and GeorgeDuke, tonamejust a few.In 2012, heevenmadea memorableappearanceinthehit film "SPARKLE,"alongsideWhitney Houstonand JordinSparks, further boostinghis international profile. In summary, LinRountree isa trailblazerintheinstrumental Soul andR&B scene. As a polished songwriter, producer, and recording artist, hecontinuestocaptivateaudienceswithhisoutstandinglive performances. Aconsummateprofessional and a grateful musician, Lin representsa new generation ofSoul-Jazz artists. If you're looking forsoulful, innovativemusic that pushes boundaries, look no furtherthantheSoul-Trumpeter himself.

Multi GRAMMY® Award nomineeNnenna Freelonisknown worldwideasacompellingand captivatinglive performer.Recently, Nnenna starred inthecritically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: CelebratingtheMusic ofRay Charles - nostranger tothe music ofthemastersinger- shetoured withRay Charles, aswell asmany other great jazz artistsincludingEllisMarsalis, Al Jarreau,George Benson, Earl Klugh, Take6, and others.

Accoladesandawardshaveabounded - performances atThe White House, headliningtheAsia Pacific Economic Summit for three hundred Presidents, Premiers and Headsof State, receiving theYWCA ofNorth Carolina’sinaugural “Legend Award” forher outstandingartistryand herdedicationtoeducation, and somuch more.

Educatingyoungpeople, bothmusiciansand non-musicians, and students ofallages haspropelled heradvocacy - Nnenna toured the United Statesasthe National Spokespersonfor Partnersin Education. Hermasterclassesandworkshops, from “Sound Sculpture” tothe ground-breaking“Babysong,” instructadultsand childrenthat you toocanchangetheworld – evenone personat a time -withheranthem “One Child ata Time” foundon her “Soulcall” recording. From Partners inEducationtothe United Way, Freelon has beena tirelessadvocateand fundraiser for educationand artscauses.

Amid a burgeoningactivity schedule, 2019 and 2020 alsobrought profound challengesand loss. In 2019, Nnenna'shusband for40 years, renowned architect Phil Freelon, passed away afterhis battlewithALS. Within six months, Nnenna's sister, Dr. Debbie Pierce passed away fromcancer.

In hereffortsto find her voiceamidst thesechallenges Nnenna has beguntoemergewithnew ways toshareher feelingsand express her experiences- a new podcast called Great Griefand a new recordingentitledTimeTravelerare onthe horizonfor2021.

From Nnenna'sturninWhat Women Want (featuring her hit "If I HadYou") starring Mel Gibsonand Helen Hunt toher ownproduction(aswriter/composer, singer/actress, producer)of the theatrical musical playThe ClotheslineMuse, tohertriumphant roleincomposer Laura Karpman’sundertaking ofLangston Hughes’ Ask YourMamaat TheApolloTheaterand at The Hollywood Bowl with opera superstarJessye Norman and theindie phenom band TheRoots, shecontinues towow audiencesat SRO shows- evenasshe embarkson new avenues.

Basssist, composer, educatorand actorJohn Brownis anative of Fayetteville, North Carolina, andcurrently resides in Durham, NC. He is agraduate of theSchoolofMusic at theUniversity of North Carolinaat Greensboro andthe SchoolofLawat 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 Symphonysince 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 andnow leads agroupof highschoolstudentscalledthe JAZZFORCE. Johnis alsopart ownerof theHudson BrownAgency andhe has recentlybecome a YAMAHA CertifiedStringEducator.

Photo courtesy of frank@sweetlifestudios

Born and raised inLos Angeles, Albright wasalready anaccomplished saxophonist bythetime he enrolled at the University of Redlands, but he switched to bassafterhe saw LouisJohnson inconcert. A few monthsaftergraduating fromcollege, he joined jazz pianist/R&BsingerPatriceRushen,whowasintheprocess of formingher ownband.Later,whenthebassist left inthe middle ofa tour, Albright replaced him and finished the tour on bass guitar. Playingbothsax and bass, he becamethe consummate session and touringmusicianinthe80s,workingwitheveryone from Anita Baker,Ray Parker, Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptationsand Maurice White to LesMcCann, Teena Marie, the Winans and Whitney Houston. He launched his solocareer in the infancy ofwhat becamethe smoothjazz format,with Just BetweenUsin 1987 and has beena core part ofthe genrewithchart-toppingalbums, countless radio hitsandas amemberofmanyall star tours, including Guitars & Saxesand Groovin’ ForGrover. In thelate 90s, he fronteda big band forand touredwith pop starPhil Collinsand did a dual recordingwithvocal great Will Downingcalled Pleasures of the Night. Between his last twoGrammy-nominated soloalbumsPushing The Envelope (2010)and Slam Dunk (2014), heenjoyed hitcollaborationswithtwo hugehits – 24/7with guitarist NormanBrownandSummer Hornsby Dave KozandFriends (including Mindi AbairandRichard Elliot),whichwere alsoGrammy -nominated forBest Pop Instrumental Albums. He touredwith Brownand Summer Horns, and most recently hasbeen ontheroad withSouth Africa gospel/jazz singerand guitarist JonathanButler. Albright’sotheralbumswhosetitlesperfectly reflect their flow includeSmooth(1994), Groovology (2002),Kickin’ It Up(2004)andSax for Stax (2008).

Because Albright’smusical muse hastakenhim to somany fascinatinglocalesalongthecontemporary R&B/urbanjazz spectrum, he’s joyfully defied easy categorizations.

“Toptobottom,” Albright says,“Whetherinconcert, listeningto my music overthe radio orCD player, Ialwayswantmy listeners to betakenona musical journeywithdifferent textures, rhythms, chord progressionsand moods. Iwant peopletoknow whereI’ ve beenand whereI’m going,and toletthem hearthatI’m ina really good placeinmylife.”

In March 12,1951inOakland, California, René Dickerson’s father must have guessed his son’s proclivities because henamedhimafter the Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte. His parentsrealizedthenatural creative talentof their sonand supplied him with art books andart toolswhen hewas a boy. WhenRenéwasjust six years ofage, his father tookhimto visit the studio ofa friendwhowasa painter, and museums toinspirehim becauseheloved to draw. At that young age,René knew he wantedto becomean artist. In High School, hewas alreadyworking on small advertising campaigns inhiscounty. Itwaswhen hewas inhis 20s thathis firstthreemajor art exhibitions took placeat theannual Alameda County Fair,wherehewonseveral art awards. Undeniably, thisautodidactwas to become a star talent.

This natural talent—combinedwith his studyof the Modern Masters of the Early20th Century, the Surrealists thereafter, his own unique techniques honed whileworking asa graphic designer for the United States Military.

In the1970s, subsequent workasa graphic designer in advertising, and years of exhibitinghiswork—renders René’sworks today astruemasterpieces. Bythe 1990s, after years ofrunning his own galleryinOakland, Renéwas exhibiting inthewell-known Union Square Galleryin San Francisco, cateringtoan international clientele. Shortly before this important timeinRené’s career, hehadbeen introducedto Otis Williams,the livinglegend ofThe Temptations. Otis WilliamsattendedRené’s art opening at the Union Square Galleryin San Francisco,

becoming a collector ofRené’sworkhimself, and helping to leadtheway toother art collectors including Berry Gordy and Oprah Winfrey.

In 2001, Renémovedwith hiswife Lynda and son Kendall to the Washington D.C. area on theEast Coast. Hewas initially promotedin the main gallerieswith thehelp ofL&L Fine Art as hispersonal agent. The Washington D.C. international clientele added tohiscollector base andinspiredRené to experiment with styles andtechniques. In 2011,at the Medlin Art Gallery in Leesburg, Virginia, Renéunveiledhis iconic artwork “My Girl.”Renédevelopedtheartworkto commemoratetheSmokeyRobinson songwritten 60 years ago for the Temptations. His friendOtisWilliams and the Temptationsattendedthe unveiling. In 2024, René created a new “My Girl”painting for the 60th Anniversary celebration of the song.

Recently, Renéhasdevelopeda painting style he calls “Linear Art.” Addedto his cubistic and surrealistic influences, his Linear Art is truly uniqueand spectacular. Renéremainsloyal to his subjects of iconic Pop Culture figures in entertainmentandmedia, Abstractcubistic and expressionistic humanactivities of all sorts, Jazzand its musicians, and Motownand its artists. RenéDickerson is a classic andcontemporary modernartist wrapped into one. He is an Americancreative force to betreasured

February 6-8, 2025

The inception of a beach communityon theAtlantic Oceanwhere Blacks couldhavehome ownershipwas createdby awhiteWilmingtonattorneyand former Wilmington Mayor. Attorney Edgar LYow, amid adverse attitudes intheforties. having boughtareas oflandon Topsail Island, AttorneyYow sharedhis idea with Dr. Samuel J Gray, a Blackphysicianin Wilmington,whowas one of his clients. Topsail Islandhadbeen usedduring World War IIasa Navy Surfaceto Air Missile(SAM) firingrange over the ocean for thesoldierswhowere stationedat Camp Davislocated inHollyRidge.The only access thento the islandwasa floatingpontoonbridge across the IslandWaterwayonwhat innow NCHighway 50 and NC Highway 210.

Dr. Gray, feeling that hecould notdevote time from his practice tohelp with theproject, approachedhis friends, theChestnuts [Bertram, Wade, Robert and Louise (Johnnie Thompson)]. Dr. Grayand each of the Chestnuts bought a tract of land onthe island. Wade Chestnut II conceived the idea of naming the1-miletract, OceanCity,as it is presentlycalled.

In 1949, stockwas soldandaninter-racial corporation (Ocean City Developers,Inc.)wasformedfor ownership of theland inthearea. Thecorporationwas filed with theNCSecretary of State on September 19,1949and dividedtheland into a business and residential area.

Thecommunitywaspromoted toBlackprofessionals by WadeChestnut and a designatedgroup of “Directors (Realistswith the Carolina Real Estateand Builders Association)” The first homeswere built in1949 to homeowners Mr. andMrs. Wade H Chestnut ii of Wilmington , followedby Mr. and Mrs. StephenRogers of Fayettevilleand Mr. andMrs. Henry Mallette, Sr. of Wilmington in1950. Arestaurant, OceanCityTerracewas constructedfrom anabandoned Navy missile observation Tower, now recognizedasOperation Bumblebee Tower 6, in1950. Streets inthe community

bore the names of community family membersand famous Black Americans. In1953, WadeChestnut IIand a partner, William M Eaton,a contractor fromFayetteville, NC. built a motel,OceanCityMotor Court. By1954, there were 15homes inthe community, but with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel twelve of thehomeswere destroyed. All of thehomeswererebuilt.

In1955, Oceanside Episcopal Camp was established and wasthe first Episcopal camp for Blacksin the Diocese of East Carolina. TheReverendEdwinKirton, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church inWilmingtonwas Director ofthe summer camp andwasinstrumental in establishingthecamp. Thecamp washeld for25 years in OceanCity until it wasdissolve in 1985. In 1957 theSt. Mark’s Episcopal Chapelwas built byWilliam Eaton andwas later named the Wade HChestnut Memorial Chapel. Mr. Eatonwould go onto buildmorethanthirtyhomes at Ocean City, the Camp Oceansidedormitoriesandthe dining hall.

TheOceanCityFishing Pier, Inc. wasformedin 1958and theOceanCity Fishing Pier waserectedat thesite of the OceanCity Terrace Tower, The 700 ft. lightedpier was dedicated onJune 15, 1958 making it the onlyOceanpier on the South Atlantic coast open toBlackpatronage. Thepier remained inoperationuntil its destruction in1996 by HurricaneFran,resultingin the selling of theland.

Following the untimelydeath ofWadeChestnut II, in 1961, hiswifeCaronell Chestnut leadthecontinued advancement ofthecommunity. By1979, Ocean CityBeach contained about onehundredhomes of AfricanAmerican ownership. In August of 1983,OceanCity Developer,Inc. was dissolved andtheOcean City Beach CitizensCouncil was established tomanage community affairs. During Hurricane Frana large number of homes and the Motelwere destroyedandnot re-built. Commemorative street signswere donated from the Townof NTB in 2012. In 2014 the Communitywas added tothe Jacksonville-Onslow AfricanAmerican Heritage Trail and in 2022 totheNCCivil Rights Trail

Current challenges of thecommunityarelack of funding and lack of awareness of its historical value. Toanswer this challenge,theOceanCityBeach Citizens Council,a 501(c)(3) hosts theOceanCityJazz Festival during theJuly4th weekend. Themission of the OceanCity JazzFestival is to expose and entertaina diverseaudience of Jazz aficionados, young Jazz enthusiasts andaspiring musiciansto therich heritage of Jazzas anauthentic form of traditional music and celebratetherich history ofOcean Citywhile sustaining thecommunityanditsresources.

Please share and support our GoFundMe Project for the OceanCommunity