Under the direction of Dr. Michael Shults, University of Memphis Jazz Combo 1 is the top performing small group jazz ensemble at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. The all-star combo specializes in compositions by post-bop jazz masters including Wayne Shorter, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett, and Memphis’s own James Williams.
While James Otis Sexton is widely known as a versatile drummer, having performed, toured, or recorded with several world renowned and Grammy-winning artists, he is least known as a composer. For this reason, “The Otis Mission” was created, and it will solely perform James’ original musical compositions.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the jazz department at the Stax Music Academy will present a tribute to the pioneers and powerhouses that have blazed trails for women worldwide in jazz. The concert will feature SMA’s jazz vocal ensemble, Kind Of Blue, named after the iconic 1959 Miles Davis album. The vocalists will be accompanied by a band of instrumentalists from the SMA Jazz Department. This tribute includes nods to the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, and even contemporary artists like Esperanza Spalding and Jamila Woods.
Memphis-based jazz aficionado Michael Kelley presents his collection of photographs of jazz luminaries preserving the deep, rich history of the artform.
Iron & Wine’s music has captured the emotion and imagination of listeners with their distinctly cinematic songs. As the world continues to spin — so do Iron & Wine continue on their path of releasing new music and touring.
A concert of musical dedications: Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony headlines this concert, paired with works dedicated to him by two South American composers, Reynaldo Hahn and Heitor Villa-Lobos. Young composer and performer, D.J. Sparr brings his breathtaking electric guitar concerto, also dedicated to his musical inspiration: his grandmother, Violet Bond.
Red Bull Dance Your Style is returning to Memphis — challenging some of the best dancers in the US. Competitors will enter epic 1-on-1 battles, bringing improvisation to a new level. Unpredictable tunes, from mainstream hits to timeless classics, fire up the dance floor, allowing dancers to showcase their skills and wow the crowd!
Morgan James is a Juilliard trained singer, actress, songwriter and recording artist in New York City. She independently released her studio albums of original soul music, entitled Memphis Magnetic, and A Very Magnetic Christmas recorded to analog tape in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Crosstown Strictly Jazz Series, presented by Strictly Jazz Entertainment in collaboration with Crosstown Arts, is designed to salute classic jazz music as contemporary musicians perform the work of the legends.
Nathan Graybeal is a product of his time, growing up in the digital information age and utilizing his long history of videography by mixing it with his love for the saxophone. Within 4 years, he has accumulated over 20 million views on his YouTube channel known as “Saxologic.”
Makaya McCraven is a prolific drummer, composer, and producer. His newest album, In These Times, is the triumphant finale of a project seven-plus years in the making. It’s a preeminent addition to his already-acclaimed and extensive discography, and it’s the album he’s been trying to make since he started making records.
SpiralPhonics isn’t burdened by the long-cast shadows of guitar/sax/drum trios that have contributed to the lineage of creative music. In fact, with each twist and turn, these guys challenge your own lens of expectation.
