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HOSTS/MODERATORS
HOSTS/MODERATORS
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER
Artistic Director
Artistic Director
Over the course of a multifaceted career spanning four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning Jazz giant Dee Dee Bridgewater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards, as well as taking intrepid leaps of faith in re-envisioning jazz classics.
Ever the fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer and keeper of tradition, the three-time Grammy-winner most recently won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee. Bridgewater’s career has always bridged musical genres. She earned her first professional experience as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band, and throughout the 70’s she performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. After a foray into the pop world during the 1980s, she relocated to Paris and began to turn her attention back to Jazz.
Bridgewater began self-producing with her 1993 album Keeping Tradition (Polydor/Verve) and created DDB Records in 2006 when she signed with the Universal Music Group as a producer (Bridgewater produces all of her own CDs). Releasing a series of critically-acclaimed CD's, all but one, including her wildly successful double Grammy Award-winning tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Dear Ella - have received Grammy nominations. Bridgewater also pursued a parallel career in musical theater, winning a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz in 1975. Having recently completed a run as the lead role of Billie Holiday in the off-Broadway production of Lady Day, her other theatrical credits include Sophisticated Ladies, Black Ballad, Carmen, Cabaret and the Off-Broadway and West End Productions of Lady Day, for which Bridgewater received the British Laurence Olivier Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She also served as the namesake host of the long-running syndicated NPR radio program JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, produced by Becca Puliiam for WBGO.
As a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bridgewater continues to appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger. In April 2017 was the recipient of an NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award with honors bestowed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In December 2017, Bridgewater was presented with the ASCAP Foundation Champions award acknowledging her charitable contributions. In 2018, Bridgewater received the prestigious Doris Duke Artist Award. 2019 brought her induction in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to music and in celebration of her latest CD, "Memphis, Yes...I'm Ready.” That same year, Bridgewater launched The Woodshed Network, a non-profit partnership with 651 Arts created to mentor, connect, support, and educate women in Jazz. Bridgewater serves as Artistic Director, along with Associate Artistic Director and Program Curator Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski with lead support by The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
TULANI BRIDGEWATER-KOWALSKI
TULANI BRIDGEWATER-KOWALSKI
Co-Artistic Director
Co-Artistic Director
& Program Curator
& Program Curator
Born in New York and raised across the globe, Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski was born into music. Her mother is legendary Dee Dee Bridgewater (Tony and multi-Grammy award winner, NEA Jazz Master, ASCAP Champion, and more). Her father is Hard-Bop titan Cecil Bridgewater (Loud Minority, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Max Roach).
Testing the waters early on with Island Records while earning her B.A. from Vassar College, she relocated to Los Angeles and legendary talent firm, Ken Fritz Management, working with clients, George Benson, Michael Feinstein, Rebekah del Rio and Sandy Knox. She then went on to associate manage jazz artists, such as Kurt Elling and Billy Childs with Open Door Management.
Transitioning into the world of television, Tulani helped rebuild the Talent department of kid-cabler, Nickelodeon, handling celebrity and network talent for domestic and international outlets, both on and off-air. Her projects include “Blue’s Clues,” “Little Bill,” “Rugrats,” SpongeBob Squarepants,” “Dora the Explorer” “Snow Day,” The Big Help,” “The Kids’ Choice Awards,” and more. After nearly four years with the network, she decided to resume her career in music management and production.
Together with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tulani expanded DDB Productions into a full-fledged international management and production firm. She also helped develop DDB Records, which has put out Grammy award-winning titles for Dee Dee Bridgewater and released Theo Croker's critically acclaimed "AfroPhysicist". Croker’s subsequent releases “DVRKFUNK” and “Escape Velocity” have been called the future of Jazz.
Dee Dee's most recent album, “Memphis...Yes, I’m Ready”, was co-produced by Bridgewater-Kowalski and has been an unprecedented foray into R&B and Blues fused with Jazz and is being heralded as one of Bridgewater’s finest albums to date. 2019 brought the anticipated release of Theo Croker's newest album "Star People Nation" (Sony Masterworks). After appearing on albums for J.Cole, Ari Lennox and Common, SPN was lauded as a breakthrough.
Bridgewater-Kowalski served on the leadership team in development and growth of the forward-thinking social platform theWoolfer, which was acquired by Silicon Valley startup HelloRevel (an online space providing community and resources to women globally), in addition to content creation, contributing host for the (R)aging Gracefully podcast and video programming. This naturally dovetails with her efforts with The Woodshed Network, which seeks to build community, support and mentorship for Women in Jazz.
ALUMNAE PRESENTERS
ALUMNAE PRESENTERS
AKUA ALLRICH
AKUA ALLRICH
Year II Alumna
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Jazz vocalist and DC-native Akua Allrich has proven herself to be a musician of extraordinary talent and crowd-moving passion. With finesse and charisma, this vocalist, composer and teacher, has successfully etched out a place for her unique musical expression, electrifying audiences in and around the nation’s capital with sold-out performances.With the launching of her freshman album, A Peace of Mine, and second album, Uniquely Standard, Akua Allrich Live! the young artist’s music and concerts created a significant buzz with critics and music-lovers alike. Said Franz Matzner of All About Jazz, “Akua Allrich’s music flows with a free, natural energy as engaging as her equally ingenuous personality.” Her appeal soon reached across US borders and attained international attention. In early 2011, Allrich signed a distribution deal with Japanese record label AGATE/Inpartmaint Inc.
With a stellar line up of musicians, Akua’s newest release Soul Singer, presents the artist in a whole new light, highlighting her talent for composition as well as her ability to merge different sounds & genres into one complete beautiful musical experience!
Allrich’s style is fluid and ever evolving. Her musical roots run deeply into blues, soul and rhythm and blues, with a clear grounding in jazz and pan-African music. She sings in many languages including Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Xhosa, and Twi. Given her ability to capture the essence of a broad range of musical genres, Allrich is often likened to legendary artists such as Oscar Brown, Jr., Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley and Nina Simone. She has developed popular tribute programs involving the latter two women and other great African American women of jazz.
Akua Allrich was educated at Howard University, where she obtained her BM in jazz vocals and a master’s degree in social work. She was taught, coached and mentored by talented musicians such as world-renowned singer Kehembe V. Eichelberger, singer/drummer Grady Tate, and pianist Charles Covington.She is the child of a musical family (her father, Agyei Akoto, was a founding member of the jazz group, Nation, and recorded two albums during Allrich’s youth). Her home held a wealth of cherished recordings that she and her siblings were invited to explore. In fact, she did not buy any albums until her second year in college because her parents had such an amazing collection of jazz records. One of the first jazz albums she bought was John Coltrane’s Live at the Village Vanguard: The Master Takes.
Allrich has established herself as a musical treasure with massive stage personality and vocal style that is fluid and ever evolving. Offering an artistry that she aptly (and perhaps playfully) summarized as “Jazz+ Neo Afro-Soul- Blues-reggae- funk-rock- folk music,” she can carry a tune across these many genres with stunning authority.
Akua Allrich has already proven her abilities as a performer and bandleader by producing and performing many successful solo and group programs. In addition to focusing on her own engaging compositions, she keeps an ear to the rest of the world and to other eras and artists. Akua Allrich has inspired music lovers from all walks on an international scale, who enjoy her exceptional work and expect nothing short of brilliant artistry from each of her offerings.
WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter
Jazz vocalist and DC-native Akua Allrich has proven herself to be a musician of extraordinary talent and crowd-moving passion. With finesse and charisma, this vocalist, composer and teacher, has successfully etched out a place for her unique musical expression, electrifying audiences in and around the nation’s capital with sold-out performances.With the launching of her freshman album, A Peace of Mine, and second album, Uniquely Standard, Akua Allrich Live! the young artist’s music and concerts created a significant buzz with critics and music-lovers alike. Said Franz Matzner of All About Jazz, “Akua Allrich’s music flows with a free, natural energy as engaging as her equally ingenuous personality.” Her appeal soon reached across US borders and attained international attention. In early 2011, Allrich signed a distribution deal with Japanese record label AGATE/Inpartmaint Inc.
With a stellar line up of musicians, Akua’s newest release Soul Singer, presents the artist in a whole new light, highlighting her talent for composition as well as her ability to merge different sounds & genres into one complete beautiful musical experience!
Allrich’s style is fluid and ever evolving. Her musical roots run deeply into blues, soul and rhythm and blues, with a clear grounding in jazz and pan-African music. She sings in many languages including Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Xhosa, and Twi. Given her ability to capture the essence of a broad range of musical genres, Allrich is often likened to legendary artists such as Oscar Brown, Jr., Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley and Nina Simone. She has developed popular tribute programs involving the latter two women and other great African American women of jazz.
Akua Allrich was educated at Howard University, where she obtained her BM in jazz vocals and a master’s degree in social work. She was taught, coached and mentored by talented musicians such as world-renowned singer Kehembe V. Eichelberger, singer/drummer Grady Tate, and pianist Charles Covington.She is the child of a musical family (her father, Agyei Akoto, was a founding member of the jazz group, Nation, and recorded two albums during Allrich’s youth). Her home held a wealth of cherished recordings that she and her siblings were invited to explore. In fact, she did not buy any albums until her second year in college because her parents had such an amazing collection of jazz records. One of the first jazz albums she bought was John Coltrane’s Live at the Village Vanguard: The Master Takes.
Allrich has established herself as a musical treasure with massive stage personality and vocal style that is fluid and ever evolving. Offering an artistry that she aptly (and perhaps playfully) summarized as “Jazz+ Neo Afro-Soul- Blues-reggae- funk-rock- folk music,” she can carry a tune across these many genres with stunning authority.
Akua Allrich has already proven her abilities as a performer and bandleader by producing and performing many successful solo and group programs. In addition to focusing on her own engaging compositions, she keeps an ear to the rest of the world and to other eras and artists. Akua Allrich has inspired music lovers from all walks on an international scale, who enjoy her exceptional work and expect nothing short of brilliant artistry from each of her offerings.
JORDYN DAVIS
JORDYN DAVIS
Year II Alumna
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Jordyn Davis (b. 1995) is a bassist, composer, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist from Inkster, MI. In May 2019, Davis became the first African-American woman to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from Michigan State University as well as the first Michigan State student to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition and Jazz Studies concurrently. Since recently completing a Masters’s Degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, she has moved to Brooklyn, NY & is the Grant Programs Associate at Chamber Music America, one of two inaugural Jazz Leader Fellowship recipients from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and is a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
She has composed & arranged over 20 works for film, various contemporary classical chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, as well as various jazz ensembles including octet, and big band. She has also performed and worked with artists such Rodney Whitaker, Micheal Dease, Bruce Barth, Wycliffe Gordon & The Black Excellence Trombone Choir, Ingrid Jensen, Rick Roe, Etienne Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maria Schneider & Melanie Charles. Additionally, she is the proud leader of her own band “Jordyn Davis & Composetheway”.
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Jordyn Davis (b. 1995) is a bassist, composer, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist from Inkster, MI. In May 2019, Davis became the first African-American woman to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from Michigan State University as well as the first Michigan State student to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition and Jazz Studies concurrently. Since recently completing a Masters’s Degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, she has moved to Brooklyn, NY & is the Grant Programs Associate at Chamber Music America, one of two inaugural Jazz Leader Fellowship recipients from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and is a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
She has composed & arranged over 20 works for film, various contemporary classical chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, as well as various jazz ensembles including octet, and big band. She has also performed and worked with artists such Rodney Whitaker, Micheal Dease, Bruce Barth, Wycliffe Gordon & The Black Excellence Trombone Choir, Ingrid Jensen, Rick Roe, Etienne Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maria Schneider & Melanie Charles. Additionally, she is the proud leader of her own band “Jordyn Davis & Composetheway”.
SARAH HANAHAN
SARAH HANAHAN
Year I Alumna
Year II Presenter
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Sarah Hanahan is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist in New York City and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Jazz performance at The Juilliard School. Now a resident of New York City but originally from Marlborough, Massachusetts, Sarah grew up listening to a wide variety of music, but always had a special love for jazz. Her father, who plays drums and percussion, introduced Sarah to music and gave Sarah her first saxophone at the age of 8. Sarah played lead alto sax for the Marlborough High School jazz band. As a high school senior, Sarah was lead alto for the New England Conservatory Prep Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Ken Schaporst, who taught her much about the history and tradition of big band music. She also studied with tenor saxophone great, Jerry Bergonzi.
In 2015, Sarah was awarded a full scholarship to study jazz performance at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz within the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford). Her college professors include well-known jazz saxophone performers Javon Jackson and Abraham Burton. The Jackie McLean Institute has also afforded Sarah the opportunity to receive instruction from and perform with accomplished jazz musicians such as bassist Nat Reeves and trombonist Steve Davis. She recently graduated with her Bachelors of Music in the spring of 2019.
In the fall of 2020, Sarah started pursuing her Masters Degree at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. She is focusing on Jazz performance and is studying with some of the best musicians in the business including Bruce Williams, Ron Blake, Kenny Washington, Marc Cary and others.
In addition to her heavy gigging schedule, Sarah and her band have had many amazing opportunities over the last few years to play at festivals and clubs, such as opening for Helen Sung at the Paul Brown Bushnell Park Monday Night Jazz Series 2018 Finale, debuting at the Side Door Jazz Club, the Walnut Hill Jazz series at the New Britain Museum of Art, Rubber City Jazz Festival and many more. Sarah Hanahan Quintet was awarded 2019 Best Jazz Band by CT Now Readers Poll.
Sarah was also awarded the opportunity to participate in many Jazz programs over the last few summers. These programs have provided Sarah with mentorship from some of the best in the jazz world and have been invaluable experiences. She participated in prestigious programs such as the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center 2019, Jazz Aspen Snowmass with Christian McBride 2019, Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency 2019, Woodshed Network with Dee Dee Bridgewater 2019, and Ravinia Steans Jazz Institute 2018. These programs included working with jazz greats such as Christian McBride, Jason Moran, Gregory Hutchinson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, Tim Hagans, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Shelly Berg, Casey Benjamin, and many other greats. Sarah was also a part of Dee Dee Bridgewater’s 2019 inaugural WoodShed Network program which comprised of 8 young women in jazz talking about business and female empowerment in the industry. Sarah has been working a lot with her band but has also had the privilege to be a side person for many of her heroes and mentors. Recently Sarah has been working with Sherrie Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra playing second alto and touring nationwide. She has also been working with Jason Moran as part of a collaboration with the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Sarah lives in NYC and can be found playing at various clubs in the city including Birdland, Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club and others!
Sarah is currently a Boston Sax Shop Brand Ambassador and plays BSS reeds along with other saxophone accessories. Sarah’s main horn is the Yanagisawa A-991 alto saxophone.
CANDICE HOYES
CANDICE HOYES
Year II Alumna
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Candice Hoyes is a vocalist, composer, archivist and curator of "chill-inducing range" (Vogue). The prolific singer and songwriter has been dubbed “an artist with the most eclectic and delicious voice ever" by JazzFM (UK) as she brings “Black history into the present” (NPR).
Born to Jamaican parents, Candice Hoyes gravitated towards music at an early age. Influenced by jazz and soul of the 70’s and 90’s, operatic music and feminist icons found in her parents’ record collection as a kid, she began penning and performing her own interpretations of these gems. Her honey-dipped five-octave range and storyteller's wit garnered recognition and she graced such stages including 2020 NYC JazzFest, Detroit Symphony, and the Blue Note as well as opening for Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Her 2021-22 dates include Carnegie Hall, NYC Winter JazzFest, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Caramoor, The Public Theater and several universities and artist residencies.
WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokYouTube
Candice Hoyes is a vocalist, composer, archivist and curator of "chill-inducing range" (Vogue). The prolific singer and songwriter has been dubbed “an artist with the most eclectic and delicious voice ever" by JazzFM (UK) as she brings “Black history into the present” (NPR).
Born to Jamaican parents, Candice Hoyes gravitated towards music at an early age. Influenced by jazz and soul of the 70’s and 90’s, operatic music and feminist icons found in her parents’ record collection as a kid, she began penning and performing her own interpretations of these gems. Her honey-dipped five-octave range and storyteller's wit garnered recognition and she graced such stages including 2020 NYC JazzFest, Detroit Symphony, and the Blue Note as well as opening for Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Her 2021-22 dates include Carnegie Hall, NYC Winter JazzFest, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Caramoor, The Public Theater and several universities and artist residencies.
BERTA MORENO
BERTA MORENO
Year II Alumna
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Berta Moreno is a multi-awarded jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator from Spain based in New York City who has captured the eye of the audience and grabbed the attention of the US and European press. Critics usually define her as "Driven and Determined"- Downbeat Magazine, "a storyteller"- WBGO and "a highly thoughtful and precise soloist, with well-planned statements that don't waste any notes" - All About Jazz.
With an extensive career, she has been touring and performing as a bandleader and sidewoman in some of the leading jazz festivals, including North Sea Jazz or TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and some of the main venues and theatres, TV and Radio programs both in Europe and US including NPR, WBGO, NJPAC, Lantaren Venster or The Kimmel Center. She has shared the stages with some of the most established jazz musicians, such as Arturo O'Farrill, Steve Wilson, Troy Roberts, Francisco Mela, Shai Maestro, Manuel Valera, Edsel Gomez, Ralph Alessi or Santi Debriano.
After moving to New York, Berta released her debut album "Little Steps," which won a Global Music Awards -Gold Medal- for Best Jazz Album in 2017, and received a nomination for Best Jazz Album by the 16th Independent Music Awards (US), and The MIN Music Awards (Spain).In 2021 she released "Tumaini," her sophomore album, nominated one of the TOP 10 Best Albums 2021 by NPR Alt. Latino and her composition "Karibu" has been a finalist at the prestigious John Lennon International Songwriting Contest for Best Jazz Composition 2021.
She is deeply involved in the Jazz, Latin, and World Music scene, both as a player and a composer and teaching in organizations such as MMC in partnership with Columbia University and the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance in New York.
WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
Berta Moreno is a multi-awarded jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator from Spain based in New York City who has captured the eye of the audience and grabbed the attention of the US and European press. Critics usually define her as "Driven and Determined"- Downbeat Magazine, "a storyteller"- WBGO and "a highly thoughtful and precise soloist, with well-planned statements that don't waste any notes" - All About Jazz.
With an extensive career, she has been touring and performing as a bandleader and sidewoman in some of the leading jazz festivals, including North Sea Jazz or TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and some of the main venues and theatres, TV and Radio programs both in Europe and US including NPR, WBGO, NJPAC, Lantaren Venster or The Kimmel Center. She has shared the stages with some of the most established jazz musicians, such as Arturo O'Farrill, Steve Wilson, Troy Roberts, Francisco Mela, Shai Maestro, Manuel Valera, Edsel Gomez, Ralph Alessi or Santi Debriano.
After moving to New York, Berta released her debut album "Little Steps," which won a Global Music Awards -Gold Medal- for Best Jazz Album in 2017, and received a nomination for Best Jazz Album by the 16th Independent Music Awards (US), and The MIN Music Awards (Spain).In 2021 she released "Tumaini," her sophomore album, nominated one of the TOP 10 Best Albums 2021 by NPR Alt. Latino and her composition "Karibu" has been a finalist at the prestigious John Lennon International Songwriting Contest for Best Jazz Composition 2021.
She is deeply involved in the Jazz, Latin, and World Music scene, both as a player and a composer and teaching in organizations such as MMC in partnership with Columbia University and the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance in New York.
ASHLEY PEZZOTTI
ASHLEY PEZZOTTI
Year II Alumna
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A singer who represents the jazz vocal tradition with the elegance, rhythmic sense, and joy of her predecessors, Ashley Pezzotti is a new and exciting voice emerging from the New York jazz scene. She began taking voice lessons at only 4 years old, and in 2018 she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music with a full tuition scholarship. In 2019 Pezzotti moved to New York City to further her career, and since then she has performed and/or toured with jazz giants such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as acclaimed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, and piano virtuoso Joey Alexander. She has performed at prestigious venues Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, The Jazz Showcase, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.Her 2019 encouragingly titled album “We've Only Just Begun” features an array of original compositions inspired by the Great American Songbook. She is accompanied by renowned musicians such as Emmet Cohen on piano, Alex Weitz on tenor sax, Kyle Poole on drums and Bob Bruya on bass. Ashley is featured on Wynton Marsalis' 2020 album release on Blue Engine Records, The Ever Fonky Lowdown, along with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The album is a sweeping Marsalis suite that captures the artist's insight on culture and society.
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A singer who represents the jazz vocal tradition with the elegance, rhythmic sense, and joy of her predecessors, Ashley Pezzotti is a new and exciting voice emerging from the New York jazz scene. She began taking voice lessons at only 4 years old, and in 2018 she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music with a full tuition scholarship. In 2019 Pezzotti moved to New York City to further her career, and since then she has performed and/or toured with jazz giants such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as acclaimed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, and piano virtuoso Joey Alexander. She has performed at prestigious venues Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, The Jazz Showcase, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.Her 2019 encouragingly titled album “We've Only Just Begun” features an array of original compositions inspired by the Great American Songbook. She is accompanied by renowned musicians such as Emmet Cohen on piano, Alex Weitz on tenor sax, Kyle Poole on drums and Bob Bruya on bass. Ashley is featured on Wynton Marsalis' 2020 album release on Blue Engine Records, The Ever Fonky Lowdown, along with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The album is a sweeping Marsalis suite that captures the artist's insight on culture and society.
AMINA SCOTT
AMINA SCOTT
Year I Alumna
Year II Presenter
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Amina Scott is an upright and electric bassist, composer, and arranger. While rooted in the tradition of Black American Music, Scott’s influences range from Ron Carter to J Dilla to traditional New Orleans music. She combines these various facets of Black Music to create stories about her own life that she shares in hopes of connecting all that she meets with one another. Currently based in New Orleans, Amina leads her own band and she has performed with various artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Steve Turre, Wessell, Nicholas Payton, David Murray, Jamison Ross, Joanne Brackeen, Herlin Riley, and more.
MENTORS & PRESENTERS
MENTORS & PRESENTERS
MONIFA BROWN
MONIFA BROWN
Website | Facebook | TwitterA graduate of Temple University with a degree in Music Therapy and a concentration in classical voice, Monifa Brown is a publicity veteran with over 25 years of experience. She has served as VP of Publicity for the lauded independent record label, Shanachie Entertainment since 2001. Brown has created and spearheaded publicity campaigns at Shanachie for such eclectic Grammy-winning artists as George Clinton, Angie Stone, Soweto Gospel Choir, Meshell Ndegeocello, Inner Circle, Najee, Randy Brecker, Will Downing and Deniece Williams, among numerous others. In addition, the New York native has also had the privilege of leading publicity campaigns for Blue Note Records, Columbia Jazz, Warner Bros. Jazz, Sony Classical and Verve Records, working campaigns for such notables as Geri Allen, Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano and Dianne Reeves, among others. She has been the Host of WBGO’s “Saturday Afternoon Jazz” since 1996 and spent two-years as a host on SiriusXM’s “Pure Jazz Channel.” In the late 90s Brown was an on camera reporter for the BET program “Future Wave” hosted by Herbie Hancock. Her resume also includes a stint at George Wein’s Festival Productions and a role as both Assistant and Associate Producer for NPR’s ‘JazzSet with Branford Marsalis.’ She has written numerous liner notes and contributed to both Down Beat Magazine and Essence Magazine. Brown considers herself to be blessed to have been the recipient of a composition penned by master pianist and Jazz Messenger George Cables called “The Mystery of Monifa Brown,” which appears on the album The George Cables Songbook and the Cookers’ new recording Look Out!
PROF. TONYA BUTLER, JD, LLM
PROF. TONYA BUTLER, JD, LLM
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Professor Tonya Butler, J.D., LL.M. is CHAIR OF MUSIC BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT AT BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. She is the first woman, and the first person of color to lead the department in its 30-year history. A seasoned veteran of the music industry, Professor Butler has more than 14 years of expertise as an entertainment attorney and record label executive, and 16 years of experience building and running music business programs, as well as teaching classes in entertainment law, copyright, contracts and marketing. Butler has a Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law and a Master of Laws in Entertainment and Media from Southwestern University School of Law, with an international component from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, England. Professor Butler is an award-winning Toastmaster, motivational speaker, and author of the self-published career guide, “The Music Business is Corrupt or Maybe You Just Can’t Sing?”, a book about how to take responsibility for your struggling career. She also hosts a bi-weekly podcast called the B.O.M.B. (Business of Music Bootcamp) Podcast, which uses real life celebrity disputes and high-profile cases to empower musicians, artists, songwriters and producers with the business and legal knowledge they need to protect themselves and their music.
Professor Tonya Butler, J.D., LL.M. is CHAIR OF MUSIC BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT AT BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. She is the first woman, and the first person of color to lead the department in its 30-year history. A seasoned veteran of the music industry, Professor Butler has more than 14 years of expertise as an entertainment attorney and record label executive, and 16 years of experience building and running music business programs, as well as teaching classes in entertainment law, copyright, contracts and marketing. Butler has a Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law and a Master of Laws in Entertainment and Media from Southwestern University School of Law, with an international component from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, England. Professor Butler is an award-winning Toastmaster, motivational speaker, and author of the self-published career guide, “The Music Business is Corrupt or Maybe You Just Can’t Sing?”, a book about how to take responsibility for your struggling career. She also hosts a bi-weekly podcast called the B.O.M.B. (Business of Music Bootcamp) Podcast, which uses real life celebrity disputes and high-profile cases to empower musicians, artists, songwriters and producers with the business and legal knowledge they need to protect themselves and their music.
REGINA CARTER
REGINA CARTER
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Grammy-nominated artist Regina Carter explores the power of music through the voice of the violin in a wide range of genres, including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African. A recipient of the MacArthur “genius” award and a Doris Duke Artist Award, as well as a two-time Pulitzer Prize jurist, she has been widely hailed for her mastery of her instrument and her drive to expand its possibilities.
Her albums include Paganini: After a Dream (Verve, 2003), based on a 2002 concert in Genoa, Italy, in which she was honored to be the first nonclassical violinist to play Niccolò Paganini’s Il Cannone (“The Cannon”), the legendary violin built by Giuseppe Guarneri in 1743; I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey (Verve, 2006), a reinterpretation of songs from the 1920s to 1940s and tribute to her mother; Reverse Thread (E1 Music, 2010), an exploration of African folk music and the African diaspora; and Southern Comfort (Sony Masterworks, 2014), a musical journey tracing her father’s roots in the American South. Her most recent release, Ella: Accentuate the Positive (OKeh, 2017), celebrates the music and spirit of her inspiration, musical legend Ella Fitzgerald.
Regina tours with her own group and has appeared frequently as a guest soloist, including with such performers as Kenny Barron, the late bassist Ray Brown, Akua Dixon, Steve Turre, Stefon Harris, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Omara Portuondo, Cassandra Wilson, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. She has also been a guest soloist with several major symphony orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo.
In 2018, Regina was named artistic director of the New Jersey Performing Arts All Female Jazz Residency, a unique summer immersion program for aspiring women jazz professionals. She is currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and has been artist-in-residence at the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, resident artist for San Francisco Performances, and resident artistic director for SFJAZZ.
Grammy-nominated artist Regina Carter explores the power of music through the voice of the violin in a wide range of genres, including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African. A recipient of the MacArthur “genius” award and a Doris Duke Artist Award, as well as a two-time Pulitzer Prize jurist, she has been widely hailed for her mastery of her instrument and her drive to expand its possibilities.
Her albums include Paganini: After a Dream (Verve, 2003), based on a 2002 concert in Genoa, Italy, in which she was honored to be the first nonclassical violinist to play Niccolò Paganini’s Il Cannone (“The Cannon”), the legendary violin built by Giuseppe Guarneri in 1743; I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey (Verve, 2006), a reinterpretation of songs from the 1920s to 1940s and tribute to her mother; Reverse Thread (E1 Music, 2010), an exploration of African folk music and the African diaspora; and Southern Comfort (Sony Masterworks, 2014), a musical journey tracing her father’s roots in the American South. Her most recent release, Ella: Accentuate the Positive (OKeh, 2017), celebrates the music and spirit of her inspiration, musical legend Ella Fitzgerald.
Regina tours with her own group and has appeared frequently as a guest soloist, including with such performers as Kenny Barron, the late bassist Ray Brown, Akua Dixon, Steve Turre, Stefon Harris, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Omara Portuondo, Cassandra Wilson, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. She has also been a guest soloist with several major symphony orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo.
In 2018, Regina was named artistic director of the New Jersey Performing Arts All Female Jazz Residency, a unique summer immersion program for aspiring women jazz professionals. She is currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and has been artist-in-residence at the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, resident artist for San Francisco Performances, and resident artistic director for SFJAZZ.
HANNAH CASEY
HANNAH CASEY
Website | Facebook | InstagramHannah Casey is a Master Yoga instructor who integrates the ancient wisdom of yoga with the inherent intelligence of the body, to impart the importance of positive self-talk, meditation, and personal wellness. Her careful modifications ensure that all bodies and abilities can safely participate with joy and ease.
Hannah was certified and initiated by The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in 1995 and since then has immersed herself in the healing arts. She is a certified Raw Food Nutritionist, Shiatsu and Thai Massage Therapist and Sanskrit enthusiast.
Hannah is thrilled to met you and share her holistic approach to yoga with The Woodshed Network for her second consecutive year.
Hannah was certified and initiated by The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in 1995 and since then has immersed herself in the healing arts. She is a certified Raw Food Nutritionist, Shiatsu and Thai Massage Therapist and Sanskrit enthusiast.
Hannah is thrilled to met you and share her holistic approach to yoga with The Woodshed Network for her second consecutive year.
JUDY CHAIKEN
JUDY CHAIKEN
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Judy Chaikin was born in the “melting pot” of East Los Angeles where she attended Hollenbeck Jr. High and Roosevelt High School.
“It was the richest racial environment imaginable and I thought that was what the whole world was like…was I in for a surprise!”
Judy’s love of music came naturally through a songwriter mother who insisted on music lessons for her four children. Judy played the trumpet in her Junior High School Band where she learned early on that boys did not like having girls in the trumpet section. Instead she turned her sights on theater and film becoming an actress, a director, a writer and a graduate of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women.
Judy earned her first Emmy nomination for the PBS documentary, Legacy of the Hollywood Blacklist and went on to become the Supervising Producer/ Director on ABC’s series, FBI: The Untold Stories, Co-Producer of the CBS Movie Of The Week, Stolen Innocence, and Blue Ribbon winner of the American Educational Film Festival for the docu-drama, Sojourner Truth:Ain’t I A Woman, featuring Roscoe Lee Brown.
Her most recent film, The Girls in the Band, premiered at Lincoln Center, and went on to be selected as one of the “50 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES EVER” and placed #4 in the Metacritics ranking of the “25 TOP MUSIC DOCUMENTRIES.”
Judy’s theater directing includes working with such notable stars as Jane Fonda, Lisa Kudrow, Julia Sweeney, Jon Lovitz, Billy Crystal, Alfre Woodard, David Hyde Pearce and John Lithgow.
In 2017 she was presented with the L.A. Music and Arts award at the Grammy museum in recognition of her contribution to the arts in Los Angeles.
Judy Chaikin was born in the “melting pot” of East Los Angeles where she attended Hollenbeck Jr. High and Roosevelt High School.
“It was the richest racial environment imaginable and I thought that was what the whole world was like…was I in for a surprise!”
Judy’s love of music came naturally through a songwriter mother who insisted on music lessons for her four children. Judy played the trumpet in her Junior High School Band where she learned early on that boys did not like having girls in the trumpet section. Instead she turned her sights on theater and film becoming an actress, a director, a writer and a graduate of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women.
Judy earned her first Emmy nomination for the PBS documentary, Legacy of the Hollywood Blacklist and went on to become the Supervising Producer/ Director on ABC’s series, FBI: The Untold Stories, Co-Producer of the CBS Movie Of The Week, Stolen Innocence, and Blue Ribbon winner of the American Educational Film Festival for the docu-drama, Sojourner Truth:Ain’t I A Woman, featuring Roscoe Lee Brown.
Her most recent film, The Girls in the Band, premiered at Lincoln Center, and went on to be selected as one of the “50 BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES EVER” and placed #4 in the Metacritics ranking of the “25 TOP MUSIC DOCUMENTRIES.”
Judy’s theater directing includes working with such notable stars as Jane Fonda, Lisa Kudrow, Julia Sweeney, Jon Lovitz, Billy Crystal, Alfre Woodard, David Hyde Pearce and John Lithgow.
In 2017 she was presented with the L.A. Music and Arts award at the Grammy museum in recognition of her contribution to the arts in Los Angeles.
SARA DONNELLY
SARA DONNELLY
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Sara Donnelly is a seasoned arts grantmaker, cultural connector and advocate, specializing in jazz for more than three decades. She is the Director of Jazz at South Arts in Atlanta, GA and implemented the Jazz Road initiative in 2019. The program has awarded nearly $4 M to individual artists for creative jazz tours and residencies across the US. In April 2020, Donnelly created the Jazz Road Quick Assist Fund, providing $1,000 emergency payments to 450 US-based jazz musicians experiencing acute financial loss at the onset of Covid-19. Based in Washington, DC, Sara has navigated arts funding platforms beginning with the NEA Jazz Fellowships program and its inception of NEA Jazz Masters in the mid-1980s. She has prioritized jazz inclusion in work with the National Jazz Service Organization; Association of Performing Arts Professionals; and Mid Atlantic Arts (Jazz Next, French American Jazz Exchange, Jazz Touring Network).
She has served as a panelist for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, NEA Jazz Masters, Jazz Congress, JazzTimes, International Association of Jazz Education, and multiple region and start arts agencies.
Prior to joining South Arts, Donnelly created BlueSurgeCreative, LLC, to consult to the DC Jazz Festival (creating DCJazzPrix, a competition to showcase emerging jazz bands) among other clients. As a promoter, she has co-produced concerts for Transparent Productions (DC) and Jazz at the Johns Hopkins Club in Baltimore, MD. Sara is a founding Board member of CapitalBop, Inc. in Washington, DC.
Sara Donnelly is a seasoned arts grantmaker, cultural connector and advocate, specializing in jazz for more than three decades. She is the Director of Jazz at South Arts in Atlanta, GA and implemented the Jazz Road initiative in 2019. The program has awarded nearly $4 M to individual artists for creative jazz tours and residencies across the US. In April 2020, Donnelly created the Jazz Road Quick Assist Fund, providing $1,000 emergency payments to 450 US-based jazz musicians experiencing acute financial loss at the onset of Covid-19. Based in Washington, DC, Sara has navigated arts funding platforms beginning with the NEA Jazz Fellowships program and its inception of NEA Jazz Masters in the mid-1980s. She has prioritized jazz inclusion in work with the National Jazz Service Organization; Association of Performing Arts Professionals; and Mid Atlantic Arts (Jazz Next, French American Jazz Exchange, Jazz Touring Network).
She has served as a panelist for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, NEA Jazz Masters, Jazz Congress, JazzTimes, International Association of Jazz Education, and multiple region and start arts agencies.
Prior to joining South Arts, Donnelly created BlueSurgeCreative, LLC, to consult to the DC Jazz Festival (creating DCJazzPrix, a competition to showcase emerging jazz bands) among other clients. As a promoter, she has co-produced concerts for Transparent Productions (DC) and Jazz at the Johns Hopkins Club in Baltimore, MD. Sara is a founding Board member of CapitalBop, Inc. in Washington, DC.
DR. REGINA EDMOND, MD
DR. REGINA EDMOND, MD
WebsiteDr. Regina L. Edmond is a gynecologist and obstetrician in West Hollywood, California.Known for her caring nature and willingness to listen to and respect patients’ concerns about their most intimate of problems without judgment, she has become a trusted resource for many."I am so glad you get it,” one patient told her. “I have asked other doctors and they have told me it is just in my head.”Her lifelong aspiration to practice medicine came into fruition after obtaining her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 2002. She then went on to complete an OB/GYN internship at Martin Luther King/Drew Medical Center, and a residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.Dr. Edmond has a solid background in research and has won numerous awards, including the Humanitarian Resident Award from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Martin Luther King/Drew Medical Center.She has presented at local and national conferences. She has been invited to speak at the National Medical Association's Annual Conference.When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Edmond enjoys spending time with her family, going to the theater, and roller-skating.
JORDANNAH ELIZABETH
JORDANNAH ELIZABETH
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Jordannah Elizabeth is an author, journalist and lecturer. She has worked as entertainment reporter and columnist at the historical Black newspaper, New York Amsterdam News since 2013. Her work as appeared in NPR Music, Village Voice, LA Weekly, Downbeat, Bandcamp, Ms. Magazine, Oprah Magazine and many other reputable publications. She has lectured at Columbia University, Pratt Institute, Maryland Institute College of Art and was an esteemed guest journalist at Harvard University. She currently teaches at The New School in New York City. She is the author of the middle grade children’s book, She Raised Her Voice!: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History.
Jordannah Elizabeth is an author, journalist and lecturer. She has worked as entertainment reporter and columnist at the historical Black newspaper, New York Amsterdam News since 2013. Her work as appeared in NPR Music, Village Voice, LA Weekly, Downbeat, Bandcamp, Ms. Magazine, Oprah Magazine and many other reputable publications. She has lectured at Columbia University, Pratt Institute, Maryland Institute College of Art and was an esteemed guest journalist at Harvard University. She currently teaches at The New School in New York City. She is the author of the middle grade children’s book, She Raised Her Voice!: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History.
EMILY FREDRICKSON
EMILY FREDRICKSON
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Emily Fredrickson is trombonist, composer, and arranger from Clearwater, Florida. She is an artist inspired to create and support honest endeavors by forging powerful, unlikely connections using her diverse background and widely varied skillset. She has arranged over 200 works for big band and orchestra and has 10 years of experience with music nonprofit organizations in programming and education.
Emily has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans, graduating summa cum laude from both institutions. She currently teaches arranging and composition at the University of New Orleans, big band and combo at Loyola University, and directs the Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band. She has worked as an arranger and performer with Tony and Grammy award-winners Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Eric Benét, Kermit Ruffins and many others. She recently made her New York City debut to a sold out show at Birdland. She was featured in French Cosmopolitan as a rising star in music, and has become a regular fixture on the New Orleans music scene.
Her goals include facilitating collaborations between cross-disciplinary artists internationally, providing creative scoring for film and video games, and instructing students in developing diverse, successful careers in the arts.
Emily Fredrickson is trombonist, composer, and arranger from Clearwater, Florida. She is an artist inspired to create and support honest endeavors by forging powerful, unlikely connections using her diverse background and widely varied skillset. She has arranged over 200 works for big band and orchestra and has 10 years of experience with music nonprofit organizations in programming and education.
Emily has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans, graduating summa cum laude from both institutions. She currently teaches arranging and composition at the University of New Orleans, big band and combo at Loyola University, and directs the Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band. She has worked as an arranger and performer with Tony and Grammy award-winners Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Eric Benét, Kermit Ruffins and many others. She recently made her New York City debut to a sold out show at Birdland. She was featured in French Cosmopolitan as a rising star in music, and has become a regular fixture on the New Orleans music scene.
Her goals include facilitating collaborations between cross-disciplinary artists internationally, providing creative scoring for film and video games, and instructing students in developing diverse, successful careers in the arts.
JETT GALINDO
JETT GALINDO
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Izotope
Jett Galindo is a Los Angeles-based mastering engineer and vinyl cutter from The Bakery. Jett has worked on albums spanning a wide array of genres and artists such as Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, Lena Raine, the La La Land Original Soundtrack, to name a few. Jett Galindo carries on the legacy left behind by her late mentor, mastering legend Doug Sax of The Mastering Lab.
Outside of mastering, Jett is actively involved with SOUNDGIRLS (an organization that connects women & LGBTQ+ in the audio engineering field), and WOMEN IN VINYL (non-profit that aims to promote education and representation in the vinyl record industry). In addition, Jett serves as a contributing writer for iZotope’s widely popular LEARN portal. Outside of audio, Jett is also an accomplished lyric soprano who specializes in choral ensemble music. Currently singing with Los Angeles-based professional choir Tonality, Jett has performed in various countries spanning across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Recipient of Summa Cum Laude honors and the 2012 Robin Coxe-Yeldham Audio Scholar Award from Berklee College of Music, Jett Galindo was mentored by luminaries in the music industry including George Massenburg; producer Prince Charles Alexander; recording engineer Susan Rogers; and mastering engineer and former AES President Jonathan Wyner. Jett kickstarted her post-Berklee career in Avatar Studios in New York (now known as Power Station) as the recording engineer for producer Jerry Barnes. As Barnes’ engineer, Jett engineered for veteran artists such as legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, Nile Rodgers, Bashiri among others.
Jett Galindo is a Los Angeles-based mastering engineer and vinyl cutter from The Bakery. Jett has worked on albums spanning a wide array of genres and artists such as Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, Lena Raine, the La La Land Original Soundtrack, to name a few. Jett Galindo carries on the legacy left behind by her late mentor, mastering legend Doug Sax of The Mastering Lab.
Outside of mastering, Jett is actively involved with SOUNDGIRLS (an organization that connects women & LGBTQ+ in the audio engineering field), and WOMEN IN VINYL (non-profit that aims to promote education and representation in the vinyl record industry). In addition, Jett serves as a contributing writer for iZotope’s widely popular LEARN portal. Outside of audio, Jett is also an accomplished lyric soprano who specializes in choral ensemble music. Currently singing with Los Angeles-based professional choir Tonality, Jett has performed in various countries spanning across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Recipient of Summa Cum Laude honors and the 2012 Robin Coxe-Yeldham Audio Scholar Award from Berklee College of Music, Jett Galindo was mentored by luminaries in the music industry including George Massenburg; producer Prince Charles Alexander; recording engineer Susan Rogers; and mastering engineer and former AES President Jonathan Wyner. Jett kickstarted her post-Berklee career in Avatar Studios in New York (now known as Power Station) as the recording engineer for producer Jerry Barnes. As Barnes’ engineer, Jett engineered for veteran artists such as legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, Nile Rodgers, Bashiri among others.
JAZZMEIA HORN
JAZZMEIA HORN
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Blessed with a fitting name for her chosen path – it was Horn’s jazz-loving, piano-playing grandmother who chose “Jazzmeia” – the singer was born in Dallas in 1991, grew up in a tightly knit, church-going family filled with musical talent and began singing as a toddler. She attended Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, known for launching such musical greats as Roy Hargrove, Norah Jones, and Erykah Badu, then later attended The New School in New York City. Her education included steering herself to the mentors who would guide her passion for jazz, like Bobby McFerrin, Abbey Lincoln, and Betty Carter. Winner of the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition and the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, Jazzmeia was signed to Concord Records and released her debut album A Social Call to great critical acclaim.In the two years since Jazzmeia Horn bowed with her first album, the GRAMMY Award®-nominated A Social Call, she’s been busy on the road, honing her vocal skills to a finely tuned level, writing songs of personal relevance and social message, and perfecting a fearless approach to improvisation and performance in general. The convergence of this drive and development has resulted in what has brought Jazzmeia her second GRAMMY Award® nomination, Love and Liberation—filled with songs of daring musicality, emotional power, and messages of immediate relevancy.Horn chose the title she did for her second album because, “Love and Liberation is a concept and mantra that I use consistently in my everyday life. For me the two go hand in hand and they both describe where I am in my life and career right now. An act of love is an act of liberation, and choosing to liberate—oneself or another—is an act of love.”
Blessed with a fitting name for her chosen path – it was Horn’s jazz-loving, piano-playing grandmother who chose “Jazzmeia” – the singer was born in Dallas in 1991, grew up in a tightly knit, church-going family filled with musical talent and began singing as a toddler. She attended Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, known for launching such musical greats as Roy Hargrove, Norah Jones, and Erykah Badu, then later attended The New School in New York City. Her education included steering herself to the mentors who would guide her passion for jazz, like Bobby McFerrin, Abbey Lincoln, and Betty Carter. Winner of the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition and the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, Jazzmeia was signed to Concord Records and released her debut album A Social Call to great critical acclaim.In the two years since Jazzmeia Horn bowed with her first album, the GRAMMY Award®-nominated A Social Call, she’s been busy on the road, honing her vocal skills to a finely tuned level, writing songs of personal relevance and social message, and perfecting a fearless approach to improvisation and performance in general. The convergence of this drive and development has resulted in what has brought Jazzmeia her second GRAMMY Award® nomination, Love and Liberation—filled with songs of daring musicality, emotional power, and messages of immediate relevancy.Horn chose the title she did for her second album because, “Love and Liberation is a concept and mantra that I use consistently in my everyday life. For me the two go hand in hand and they both describe where I am in my life and career right now. An act of love is an act of liberation, and choosing to liberate—oneself or another—is an act of love.”
ALISSE KINGSLEY
ALISSE KINGSLEY
I began Muse Media in 2002 after a 13-year stint at Warner Bros. Records with the intention of creating a boutique music public relations firm devoted to "artists' artists" and their craft. My intention has been, and continues to be, working with artists and entities whom I feel great passion for, and whose music conveys a message, story or mood whose sensibilities echo that of my own.
While my focus here at Muse Media tends to be on Jazz (with a few singer-songwriters thrown in for good measure as they are another of my passions), my tenure in the music industry has allowed me to foster numerous long-term relationships with both talent, managers and the media, and I continue to work with many of the artists who I began my relationship with during my years at Warners. Artists and labels whom I have worked with and currently work with include Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, Luciana Souza, Carly Simon, Rickie Lee Jones, Jane Monheit, Don Grusin, Chaka Khan, Nanci Griffith, Peter, Paul & Mary, Josh Groban, Warner Bros. Records, Nonesuch, Universal, Virgin, Blue Note, Starbucks/Hear Music, Concord Records, Verve Records, and Capitol/EMI. My corporate clients include The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Peermusic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and The Playboy Jazz Festival.
Muse Media provides public relations services which include everything from corporate profiling and CD launch to tour/concert support and Grammy awareness campaigns, as well as the preparation of all materials (strategic pr/marketing plans, press releases, bios, etc.). We are happy to attend in-house marketing meetings and strategize/coordinate with your company on not only media outreach, but other avenues of marketing including new media, radio promotion, advertising, cross-promotions and more. Muse Media enjoys being part of a team and working in a very hands-on manner with our artists/clients and their respective “families.”
Prior to my years at Warner Records, I was a publicist with Warner Studios, Media Home Entertainment and Fred Weintraub Productions/MGM. I am a graduate of USC's Film and Television School with an emphasis on Communications, and versatile in several languages having lived in Europe and traveled extensively.
While my focus here at Muse Media tends to be on Jazz (with a few singer-songwriters thrown in for good measure as they are another of my passions), my tenure in the music industry has allowed me to foster numerous long-term relationships with both talent, managers and the media, and I continue to work with many of the artists who I began my relationship with during my years at Warners. Artists and labels whom I have worked with and currently work with include Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, Luciana Souza, Carly Simon, Rickie Lee Jones, Jane Monheit, Don Grusin, Chaka Khan, Nanci Griffith, Peter, Paul & Mary, Josh Groban, Warner Bros. Records, Nonesuch, Universal, Virgin, Blue Note, Starbucks/Hear Music, Concord Records, Verve Records, and Capitol/EMI. My corporate clients include The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Peermusic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and The Playboy Jazz Festival.
Muse Media provides public relations services which include everything from corporate profiling and CD launch to tour/concert support and Grammy awareness campaigns, as well as the preparation of all materials (strategic pr/marketing plans, press releases, bios, etc.). We are happy to attend in-house marketing meetings and strategize/coordinate with your company on not only media outreach, but other avenues of marketing including new media, radio promotion, advertising, cross-promotions and more. Muse Media enjoys being part of a team and working in a very hands-on manner with our artists/clients and their respective “families.”
Prior to my years at Warner Records, I was a publicist with Warner Studios, Media Home Entertainment and Fred Weintraub Productions/MGM. I am a graduate of USC's Film and Television School with an emphasis on Communications, and versatile in several languages having lived in Europe and traveled extensively.
CATHERINE MAYER
CATHERINE MAYER
Website | Facebook | InstagramCatherine Mayer is the head of „Just Jazz International“ (Cologne/Germany) which is one of the oldest and finest „boutique" concert agencies (since 1960) and artist management companies based in Europe and is highly respected by musicians and promoters world wide.
Catherine is a former Tennis Pro and Law major at the University of Bonn and has been in the business all of her life. She was born into a family of Jazz aficionados and supporters. Her late father, Gerd Mayer, was a pioneer in the German Jazz Scene after World War 2. It all started with him listening passionately and secretly to this forbidden Jazz music under the Nazis. Later he made a business out of his passion and founded „Konzertdirektion Gerd Mayer/Just Jazz Int“ (officially 1960). He brought mainly US artists to post war Europe.
Catherine grew up with the family business and experienced tour busses stopping by the house and her mother cooking for the traveling musicians and her parents hosting them. In her childhood, Catherine had the honor to meet a lot of the greats as „Ella Fitzgerald“ or Teddy Wilson, who she called her „uncle“, Slam Steward, Buddy Tate, Harry „Sweets“ Edison and many more. Back in the days her father promoted the Manhattan Transfer and brought her to soundcheck! So little idea she had that many years later she would represent this group (now for about 20+ years) internationally! After the passing of Gerd Mayer in 1996, Just Jazz was taken over by his daughter, Catherine.
Since then she has continuously worked to modernize the agencies jazz roster to create a wider audience for this music of her passion. Mainly an international booking agent, Catherine also manages artists, coaches, produces and consults with various promoters and venues world-wide. She believes that the combination of hard work, passion, professionalism and fun leads to success – along with a network of trusted partners who share the same values of integrity, fairness, honesty, respect of others and love for music.
Her goal is to find more balance between life and work and to continue learning more about this art-form she loves so much.
Catherine is a former Tennis Pro and Law major at the University of Bonn and has been in the business all of her life. She was born into a family of Jazz aficionados and supporters. Her late father, Gerd Mayer, was a pioneer in the German Jazz Scene after World War 2. It all started with him listening passionately and secretly to this forbidden Jazz music under the Nazis. Later he made a business out of his passion and founded „Konzertdirektion Gerd Mayer/Just Jazz Int“ (officially 1960). He brought mainly US artists to post war Europe.
Catherine grew up with the family business and experienced tour busses stopping by the house and her mother cooking for the traveling musicians and her parents hosting them. In her childhood, Catherine had the honor to meet a lot of the greats as „Ella Fitzgerald“ or Teddy Wilson, who she called her „uncle“, Slam Steward, Buddy Tate, Harry „Sweets“ Edison and many more. Back in the days her father promoted the Manhattan Transfer and brought her to soundcheck! So little idea she had that many years later she would represent this group (now for about 20+ years) internationally! After the passing of Gerd Mayer in 1996, Just Jazz was taken over by his daughter, Catherine.
Since then she has continuously worked to modernize the agencies jazz roster to create a wider audience for this music of her passion. Mainly an international booking agent, Catherine also manages artists, coaches, produces and consults with various promoters and venues world-wide. She believes that the combination of hard work, passion, professionalism and fun leads to success – along with a network of trusted partners who share the same values of integrity, fairness, honesty, respect of others and love for music.
Her goal is to find more balance between life and work and to continue learning more about this art-form she loves so much.
MAUREEN MCFADDEN
MAUREEN MCFADDEN
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A greater Philadelphia area native, Maureen McFadden started in the music industry by booking shows in her hometown. She pursued the interest and went on to study her craft, receiving degrees in both audio engineering and music business. Maureen returned to Philadelphia and worked as a product manager at Ropeadope, and then joined DL Media in 2010 spearheading campaigns for artists such as Christian McBride, Kamasi Washington, Stanley Clarke, Bob James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Adrian Younge’s Jazz Is Dead, among others. Maureen has also taken a personal interest in mentorship programs with women and has mentored both artists and young women in the music industry from the inaugural year of Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Woodshed Network as well as NARAS’ GRAMMY U mentorship program. She has also participated in speaking and mentorship engagements through programs like Jazz Congress and Jazz Philadelphia, is a longtime NARAS member, and has consulted various social causes in our industry such as Lift Every Vote. Currently, Maureen is Senior Vice President of Artist Services and Publicity at DL Media where she has worked since 2010, and additionally serves as career manager for Sean Jones and additional project management campaigns.
A greater Philadelphia area native, Maureen McFadden started in the music industry by booking shows in her hometown. She pursued the interest and went on to study her craft, receiving degrees in both audio engineering and music business. Maureen returned to Philadelphia and worked as a product manager at Ropeadope, and then joined DL Media in 2010 spearheading campaigns for artists such as Christian McBride, Kamasi Washington, Stanley Clarke, Bob James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Adrian Younge’s Jazz Is Dead, among others. Maureen has also taken a personal interest in mentorship programs with women and has mentored both artists and young women in the music industry from the inaugural year of Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Woodshed Network as well as NARAS’ GRAMMY U mentorship program. She has also participated in speaking and mentorship engagements through programs like Jazz Congress and Jazz Philadelphia, is a longtime NARAS member, and has consulted various social causes in our industry such as Lift Every Vote. Currently, Maureen is Senior Vice President of Artist Services and Publicity at DL Media where she has worked since 2010, and additionally serves as career manager for Sean Jones and additional project management campaigns.
CHINA MOSES
CHINA MOSES
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China Moses is a high voltage soul/jazz diva with a career as a singer as well as presenter for TV, radio and more. The daughter of Dee Dee Bridgewater and director Gilbert Moses was born in Los Angeles and raised in Paris. Her albums brought her work with renowned names like Guru, DJ Mehdi, Karriem Riggins or Meshell Ndegeocello. On her recent album ‘Nightintales’, China is surrounded by a cross-genre cadre of musicians. Besides her weekly radio show ‘Made in China’ on TSF Jazz in France, she also hosts ‘Late Night China Moses’ on JazzFM (UK).
She is multi-dimensional in her pursuits. As a professional vocalist, songwriter, music producer, television and radio host, China balances an international tour schedule with her other professional interests. She has produced documentaries and radio programs through her production company. Additionally, China co-founded Notorious Communication, a full-service public relations firm focusing on Fashion, Culture and entertainment, whose campaigns service top-tier clients, including Vans, Etnies, Nike, Volcom, Rip Curl Pro, Ziggy Marley and Simply Red, among others.
Having signed her first contract with Virgin Records France at the age of fifteen, China has since navigated the French media world while developing her artistic career. In 1999, she launched her TV career on French music channel MCM, then joined the ranks of MTV International, in 2004, as “On Air” talent and music journalist for MTV France, where she continues to work.
She spent a year appearing on France’s prime-time TV talk show, “Le Grand Journal,” airing on Canal+ and hosted a daily on-air show on JazzRadio. Out of these projects, China created a music sponsorship program for the ERDF group, for which she serves as an advisor.
Beyond her professional ventures, China is an active philanthropist. She is developing an ambassadorship program with UNESCO partner, International Music Council, to promote musical diversity and open access to culture. She routinely lends her participation to charitable ventures, such as “Solidarité Sida” (AIDS Solidarity) and “Tout le Monde Chante Contre le Cancer” (Everyone Sings Against Cancer) and is an advocate of the arts in education.
China Moses is a high voltage soul/jazz diva with a career as a singer as well as presenter for TV, radio and more. The daughter of Dee Dee Bridgewater and director Gilbert Moses was born in Los Angeles and raised in Paris. Her albums brought her work with renowned names like Guru, DJ Mehdi, Karriem Riggins or Meshell Ndegeocello. On her recent album ‘Nightintales’, China is surrounded by a cross-genre cadre of musicians. Besides her weekly radio show ‘Made in China’ on TSF Jazz in France, she also hosts ‘Late Night China Moses’ on JazzFM (UK).
She is multi-dimensional in her pursuits. As a professional vocalist, songwriter, music producer, television and radio host, China balances an international tour schedule with her other professional interests. She has produced documentaries and radio programs through her production company. Additionally, China co-founded Notorious Communication, a full-service public relations firm focusing on Fashion, Culture and entertainment, whose campaigns service top-tier clients, including Vans, Etnies, Nike, Volcom, Rip Curl Pro, Ziggy Marley and Simply Red, among others.
Having signed her first contract with Virgin Records France at the age of fifteen, China has since navigated the French media world while developing her artistic career. In 1999, she launched her TV career on French music channel MCM, then joined the ranks of MTV International, in 2004, as “On Air” talent and music journalist for MTV France, where she continues to work.
She spent a year appearing on France’s prime-time TV talk show, “Le Grand Journal,” airing on Canal+ and hosted a daily on-air show on JazzRadio. Out of these projects, China created a music sponsorship program for the ERDF group, for which she serves as an advisor.
Beyond her professional ventures, China is an active philanthropist. She is developing an ambassadorship program with UNESCO partner, International Music Council, to promote musical diversity and open access to culture. She routinely lends her participation to charitable ventures, such as “Solidarité Sida” (AIDS Solidarity) and “Tout le Monde Chante Contre le Cancer” (Everyone Sings Against Cancer) and is an advocate of the arts in education.
JENNIFER MUSSELMAN
JENNIFER MUSSELMAN
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Jennifer is a globally-recognized executive coach and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Francisco, Los Angeles and virtually for high-performing executives and entrepreneurs. With 20 years experience as an executive with Fortune 500 companies like Viacom, consultant for Ogilvy & Mather and tech start-up in LA, she intimately understands the pressures her clients face in balancing their professional goals with their personal happiness. With a collaborative & direct style, she designs practical next steps for flourishing in love and as a leader. She specializes in emotional intelligence, navigating conflict among leaders and couples, driving systemic change(personally and professionally), substance abuse/addiction and anxiety, ADHD, burn-out, stress and depression management. Her clients discover their next life adventure, personally and professionally.
Jennifer's doctoral dissertation in Leadership and Change Management at USC focuses on work-to-life and relationship-to-work stressors that impact performance and relationship satisfaction for entrepreneurs and leaders. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Science. She pairs her education with her executive training at the prestigious Center for Creative Leadership and her own veteran business experience to coach and counsel high-achieving leaders and couples navigate these often competing worlds. Her refreshingly bold, humorously peppered, purpose-driven style gets quick results. To begin working together, give Jennifer a call or begin a dialogue by completing the form in the menu above.
Jennifer is a globally-recognized executive coach and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Francisco, Los Angeles and virtually for high-performing executives and entrepreneurs. With 20 years experience as an executive with Fortune 500 companies like Viacom, consultant for Ogilvy & Mather and tech start-up in LA, she intimately understands the pressures her clients face in balancing their professional goals with their personal happiness. With a collaborative & direct style, she designs practical next steps for flourishing in love and as a leader. She specializes in emotional intelligence, navigating conflict among leaders and couples, driving systemic change(personally and professionally), substance abuse/addiction and anxiety, ADHD, burn-out, stress and depression management. Her clients discover their next life adventure, personally and professionally.
Jennifer's doctoral dissertation in Leadership and Change Management at USC focuses on work-to-life and relationship-to-work stressors that impact performance and relationship satisfaction for entrepreneurs and leaders. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Science. She pairs her education with her executive training at the prestigious Center for Creative Leadership and her own veteran business experience to coach and counsel high-achieving leaders and couples navigate these often competing worlds. Her refreshingly bold, humorously peppered, purpose-driven style gets quick results. To begin working together, give Jennifer a call or begin a dialogue by completing the form in the menu above.
LARA PELLEGRINELLI
LARA PELLEGRINELLI
NPR
Lara Pellegrinelli is a freelance journalist and scholar with bylines in The New York Times and the Village Voice. She has been the commissioned writer for Columbia University's Miller Theatre and its Composer Portrait series since 2018.
Pellegrinelli began reporting locally in New York for WNYC and producing segments for its daily music talk show, SoundCheck. She has been a contributor to NPR's arts coverage since 2008, reporting stories that have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. From 2011 to 2014, she was the coordinator for educational outreach and audience development for NPR's Live from the Village Vanguard and wrote regularly for A Blog Supreme. In 2021, Pellegrinelli led a team of reporters in a data analysis of the NPR Music Jazz Critics poll, published on NPR Music as "Equal at Last? Women In Jazz, By The Numbers."
An ethnomusicologist by training, Pellegrinelli received her Ph. D. in music from Harvard University. Her dissertation, "The Song is Who? Locating Singers on the Jazz Scene," is the first ethnographic study of jazz singing. She currently teaches at The New School in New York City.
Lara Pellegrinelli is a freelance journalist and scholar with bylines in The New York Times and the Village Voice. She has been the commissioned writer for Columbia University's Miller Theatre and its Composer Portrait series since 2018.
Pellegrinelli began reporting locally in New York for WNYC and producing segments for its daily music talk show, SoundCheck. She has been a contributor to NPR's arts coverage since 2008, reporting stories that have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. From 2011 to 2014, she was the coordinator for educational outreach and audience development for NPR's Live from the Village Vanguard and wrote regularly for A Blog Supreme. In 2021, Pellegrinelli led a team of reporters in a data analysis of the NPR Music Jazz Critics poll, published on NPR Music as "Equal at Last? Women In Jazz, By The Numbers."
An ethnomusicologist by training, Pellegrinelli received her Ph. D. in music from Harvard University. Her dissertation, "The Song is Who? Locating Singers on the Jazz Scene," is the first ethnographic study of jazz singing. She currently teaches at The New School in New York City.
MARILYN ROSEN
MARILYN ROSEN
Website
Marilyn Rosen’s music career spans over two decades beginning at the prominent jazz booking and management agency, The Kurland Agency in Boston. Hired as PR Manager and Associate to the Domestic Agent Division, Marilyn soon advanced to the position of International Agent for the territories of South/Central America, Asia/Pacific and South Africa. Her artist roster included the most renowned jazz artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pat Metheny, Patti Austin, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Cassandra Wilson, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins and the legendary Nina Simone among others.
Rosen then saw the opportunity to create a Symphony Division at the agency that would provide a new performance venue for her artists. Combining diverse programming with symphony orchestras became a passion for Marilyn who then set up her own agency in 2013 that specializes in symphony bookings. Marilyn Rosen Presents has become the only agency in North America whose main focus is on symphony performance opportunities which has made Rosen the “go-to” agent for artists aspiring to perform with symphonies.
Marilyn Rosen’s music career spans over two decades beginning at the prominent jazz booking and management agency, The Kurland Agency in Boston. Hired as PR Manager and Associate to the Domestic Agent Division, Marilyn soon advanced to the position of International Agent for the territories of South/Central America, Asia/Pacific and South Africa. Her artist roster included the most renowned jazz artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pat Metheny, Patti Austin, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Cassandra Wilson, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins and the legendary Nina Simone among others.
Rosen then saw the opportunity to create a Symphony Division at the agency that would provide a new performance venue for her artists. Combining diverse programming with symphony orchestras became a passion for Marilyn who then set up her own agency in 2013 that specializes in symphony bookings. Marilyn Rosen Presents has become the only agency in North America whose main focus is on symphony performance opportunities which has made Rosen the “go-to” agent for artists aspiring to perform with symphonies.
DEBORAH RUTTER
DEBORAH RUTTER
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Medium
In an age marked by social and technological change, Deborah Rutter has emerged as one of the nation’s most adroit leaders in the arts, combining artistic daring with fiscal sustainability, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. Ms. Rutter began as President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 1, 2014, and serves as curator of the Kennedy presidential memorial, and artistic and administrative director to the world’s busiest performing arts center.Established as a “living memorial” by act of Congress in 1964, the Kennedy Center honors the 35th president, advancing his vision of excellence and diversity in the arts. In an ever expanding celebration of this legacy, the Center presents theater, contemporary dance, ballet, vocal music, chamber music, Hip Hop, comedy, international arts, and jazz, alongside dynamic seasons with the Kennedy Center’s world-class affiliates: the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. As the work of a living memorial is never finished, Rutter is advancing the Center’s commitment to 21stcentury programming.In her first year at the Kennedy Center, Rutter broke ground on a transformative arts facility, the REACH, which provides flexible indoor and outdoor performance space to nurture new art, community, innovation, arts education, and informal encounters between the artist and the public. Designed by renowned architect Steven Holl, the REACH graces the southern end of the campus and connects the Kennedy Center to the popular pedestrian and bicycle trail along the Potomac River.Today, Ms. Rutter is reshaping Kennedy Center offerings to include more artist-led programming while challenging people across the industry to reimagine creative expression through the lens of cross-disciplinary collaborations. In 2018, she launched the cutting-edge festival of contemporary culture, DIRECT CURRENT, an annual series spotlighting new and interdisciplinary art. An adept team builder, Rutter is drawing some of the world’s most visionary, and most iconic artists to the Kennedy Center creative team, including cellist YoYo Ma, soprano Renée Fleming, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, and DJ and composer Mason Bates; as well as the Center’s first Artistic Director of Hip Hop Culture, Q-Tip. Rutter scored a “coup for the NSO,” according to The Washington Post’s Anne Midgette, by landing the prominent Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda as the National Symphony’s seventh Music Director.Working at the vanguard of community engagement, Ms. Rutter manages one of the nation’s most extensive arts education networks, reaching millions of people of all ages across all 50 states with live performances, as well as providing multidisciplinary arts training and support to schools, students, children at risk, teachers, artists, and civic leaders. Rutter also administers VSA, an international organization providing arts enrichment programs to people with disabilities. In 2018, she forged a partnership with The Second City to co-produce new shows for the Kennedy Center and national stage, and to develop a comedy-centered education program for young people and adults.Committed to art as “an agent for positive change” at the community level, Rutter established the Citizen Artist Fellowship at the Kennedy Center to provide training and support to emerging artists who have distinguished themselves in community activism. A lifelong champion of orchestral music, Rutter forged a partnership with Washington Performing Arts to stage the SHIFT Festival of American Orchestras, a multiyear showcase of ensembles from diverse communities working at the forefront of community engagement.In the area of arts advocacy, Rutter worked with Artistic Advisor at Large Renée Fleming, to create a partnership with the National Institutes of Health to study treatments and health benefits associated with writing, performing, and listening to music. As a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Rutter serves as co-chair of the multiyear Commission on the Arts.From August 2003 through June 2014, Ms. Rutter was President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, leading the internationally renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), the Institute for Learning, Access and Training (now the Negaunee Music Institute), the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for young professional musicians, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and the eclectic concert series Symphony Center Presents. During her time with the CSO, she restored the orchestra to financial health, ushering in an era of record-breaking fundraising and ticket sales while purposefully engaging Chicago’s diverse communities to refashion the orchestra as a broad-reaching civic and cultural institution. In 2008, Rutter scored a triumph in the orchestra world by signing the highly sought-after conductor Riccardo Muti as the orchestra’s 10th Music Director, succeeding Daniel Barenboim who stepped down in 2006. Prior to Muti’s appointment, she turned what was an interregnum into an artistic highpoint through robust programming led by Bernard Haitink and Pierre Boulez. In 2010, Rutter engaged Yo-Yo Ma as a creative consultant to foster community engagement and establish Citizen Musician, an artist-led community service program.Prior to joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Rutter was Executive Director of the Seattle Symphony from 1992 until 2003 where she eliminated the orchestra’s deficit, tripled its annual budget, and grew the orchestra’s endowment by six-fold. During her tenure in Seattle, she oversaw the construction of Benaroya Hall, with two concert venues and the Soundbridge educational facility. Under her leadership, programming grew exponentially, including citywide musical festivals, and a wide range of community engagement activities. From 1986 to 1992, she served as executive director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and prior to that was the orchestra manager of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.Deborah Rutter is a graduate of Stanford University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California. She was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Los Angeles area. She studied piano and violin from an early age, and played in orchestras throughout her student days.
Photo Credit: Creator: © Todd Rosenberg Photography | Credit: © Todd Rosenberg PhotographyCopyright: © Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016
In an age marked by social and technological change, Deborah Rutter has emerged as one of the nation’s most adroit leaders in the arts, combining artistic daring with fiscal sustainability, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. Ms. Rutter began as President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 1, 2014, and serves as curator of the Kennedy presidential memorial, and artistic and administrative director to the world’s busiest performing arts center.Established as a “living memorial” by act of Congress in 1964, the Kennedy Center honors the 35th president, advancing his vision of excellence and diversity in the arts. In an ever expanding celebration of this legacy, the Center presents theater, contemporary dance, ballet, vocal music, chamber music, Hip Hop, comedy, international arts, and jazz, alongside dynamic seasons with the Kennedy Center’s world-class affiliates: the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. As the work of a living memorial is never finished, Rutter is advancing the Center’s commitment to 21stcentury programming.In her first year at the Kennedy Center, Rutter broke ground on a transformative arts facility, the REACH, which provides flexible indoor and outdoor performance space to nurture new art, community, innovation, arts education, and informal encounters between the artist and the public. Designed by renowned architect Steven Holl, the REACH graces the southern end of the campus and connects the Kennedy Center to the popular pedestrian and bicycle trail along the Potomac River.Today, Ms. Rutter is reshaping Kennedy Center offerings to include more artist-led programming while challenging people across the industry to reimagine creative expression through the lens of cross-disciplinary collaborations. In 2018, she launched the cutting-edge festival of contemporary culture, DIRECT CURRENT, an annual series spotlighting new and interdisciplinary art. An adept team builder, Rutter is drawing some of the world’s most visionary, and most iconic artists to the Kennedy Center creative team, including cellist YoYo Ma, soprano Renée Fleming, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, and DJ and composer Mason Bates; as well as the Center’s first Artistic Director of Hip Hop Culture, Q-Tip. Rutter scored a “coup for the NSO,” according to The Washington Post’s Anne Midgette, by landing the prominent Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda as the National Symphony’s seventh Music Director.Working at the vanguard of community engagement, Ms. Rutter manages one of the nation’s most extensive arts education networks, reaching millions of people of all ages across all 50 states with live performances, as well as providing multidisciplinary arts training and support to schools, students, children at risk, teachers, artists, and civic leaders. Rutter also administers VSA, an international organization providing arts enrichment programs to people with disabilities. In 2018, she forged a partnership with The Second City to co-produce new shows for the Kennedy Center and national stage, and to develop a comedy-centered education program for young people and adults.Committed to art as “an agent for positive change” at the community level, Rutter established the Citizen Artist Fellowship at the Kennedy Center to provide training and support to emerging artists who have distinguished themselves in community activism. A lifelong champion of orchestral music, Rutter forged a partnership with Washington Performing Arts to stage the SHIFT Festival of American Orchestras, a multiyear showcase of ensembles from diverse communities working at the forefront of community engagement.In the area of arts advocacy, Rutter worked with Artistic Advisor at Large Renée Fleming, to create a partnership with the National Institutes of Health to study treatments and health benefits associated with writing, performing, and listening to music. As a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Rutter serves as co-chair of the multiyear Commission on the Arts.From August 2003 through June 2014, Ms. Rutter was President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, leading the internationally renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), the Institute for Learning, Access and Training (now the Negaunee Music Institute), the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for young professional musicians, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and the eclectic concert series Symphony Center Presents. During her time with the CSO, she restored the orchestra to financial health, ushering in an era of record-breaking fundraising and ticket sales while purposefully engaging Chicago’s diverse communities to refashion the orchestra as a broad-reaching civic and cultural institution. In 2008, Rutter scored a triumph in the orchestra world by signing the highly sought-after conductor Riccardo Muti as the orchestra’s 10th Music Director, succeeding Daniel Barenboim who stepped down in 2006. Prior to Muti’s appointment, she turned what was an interregnum into an artistic highpoint through robust programming led by Bernard Haitink and Pierre Boulez. In 2010, Rutter engaged Yo-Yo Ma as a creative consultant to foster community engagement and establish Citizen Musician, an artist-led community service program.Prior to joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Rutter was Executive Director of the Seattle Symphony from 1992 until 2003 where she eliminated the orchestra’s deficit, tripled its annual budget, and grew the orchestra’s endowment by six-fold. During her tenure in Seattle, she oversaw the construction of Benaroya Hall, with two concert venues and the Soundbridge educational facility. Under her leadership, programming grew exponentially, including citywide musical festivals, and a wide range of community engagement activities. From 1986 to 1992, she served as executive director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and prior to that was the orchestra manager of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.Deborah Rutter is a graduate of Stanford University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California. She was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Los Angeles area. She studied piano and violin from an early age, and played in orchestras throughout her student days.
Photo Credit: Creator: © Todd Rosenberg Photography | Credit: © Todd Rosenberg PhotographyCopyright: © Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016
JACLYN "JACKIE" SANCHEZ
JACLYN "JACKIE" SANCHEZ
Instagram
She found her love for sound on a merry-go-round. Jaclyn Sanchez (aka Jackie Boom) was a mere toddler when she became completely enamored by music. A natural born artist, Jaclyn continuously entertained her family by performing on the living room stage when she was growing up. Artists such as Selena, Whitney Houston, and NSYNC were on constant rotation. And like many popular and well-respected musicians, Jaclyn’s formidable years were spent dancing and singing in church. This is where she discovered and exercised her own melodic rhythm. “But that’s not all. That was just the beginning,” Jaclyn says gleefully. “I was so into music that I pressured my mom into putting me in violin classes. And although congas were, and still are, predominately male-oriented instruments, I still wanted to beat those drums, which I did.” Since her immediate environment was a culmination of Latin and urban cultures, musically, Jaclyn organically gravitated toward Disco, Salsa, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Hop. “But it was Hip Hop that made me appreciate Jazz,” Jaclyn admits. “I soon realized how jazz and blues laid the foundation for America’s sonic landscape.” Her symphonic curiosity hit its beak while listening to Alicia Key’s debut album. It was also the time she learned that a woman had engineered said LP. This insight shifted the way Jaclyn proceeded to think about her possible career in music. Quite frankly, this was exactly the spark that gave Jaclyn the inspiration to embark on a whole new journey. “I was intrigued by the idea of capturing music in its most essential and raw form, and then adding various layers to it so anyone listening to it would have a superbly enchanting experience. I wanted to be part of that process; a conduit, if you will.”
Honing Her Craft Studying Music Business from 2006 to 2008 in the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami gave Jaclyn the impetus to explore other avenues within the realm of music. Professor Cava Menzies was the catalyst who provided Jaclyn with the tools to venture out into sound engineering. [They say third time’s a charm.] In 2009, after three attempts to secure admission, Jaclyn received news of being accepted into the Music Production and Engineering program at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. This undertaking afforded Jaclyn the opportunity to work with numerous recording artists on their debut projects. “Going to the Berklee College of Music was the best thing I’ve ever done,” laments Jaclyn. “I got to work with the Mario Castro Quintet on his album, “Primavera,” with saxophonist Casey Benjamin, as well as Kenneth “Gizmo” Rodgers on his debut album, “Red Balloon.” The latter was exclusively executive produced by Derek Hodge and features Berklee students, including Grammy-winning percussionist, Jamire Williams.
New City. New GoalsIn 2012, Jaclyn packed up her knowledgeable skills and headed to The Big Apple for some implementation. By the following year she was already applying all of her proficiencies. “I moved to New York City to work with producer/bassist Jerry Barnes (Chic) at the iconic Avatar Studios,” Jaclyn recalls. “Like with any new job, insecurities started to creep into my psyche, but by the time my situation at the studio came to an end Mr. Barnes told me that I was one of the best engineers he’s ever had.” Afterwards, Jackie Boom headed over to the studio of Grammy-winning engineer and producer Ben Kane in 2014. “This is where I really learned how to apply the nuances of analog sound,” says Jacklyn. “Ben also taught me studio etiquette. He believed in my talents so much that he asked me to co-partner with him for the launch of Electric Garden. This studio continues to function as my home base whenever I need it—my home away from home.”
In 2016, Jaclyn was invited to participate in the highly sought-after Lincoln Center Education program as an audio engineer. During her tenure, she assisted recording engineer Joe Zook who has mixed records for the likes of U2, OneRepublic, Katy Perry, Pink, Keith Urban, and many more.
But one of her iconic memories thus far is having the opportunity to work with Ben’s mentor—the multiple Grammy-winning recording engineer and record producer— Russell Elevado who has mixed records for Al Green, D’Angelo, Jay-Z, The Roots, Roy Hardgrove, Alicia Keys, Mark Ronson, and many other influential artists of our time. “My time with Russell not only allowed me to master my profession, but most importantly, it made me feel like I was unstoppable… like I belonged.” Jaclyn says boastfully. “This is when my confidence in the studio began to knockout any and all of my self-doubts.”
Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs As most would attest, the music industry is a man’s world. Sound engineering is no different. And being in such a male-dominated environment, Jaclyn Sanchez has faced her share of challenges. “Folks in the studio would try to discourage me from being in the room simply because I was a woman. They assumed that I didn’t know what I was doing,” Jackie Boom says earnestly. “There’s a level of scrutiny that comes with my biological makeup. As a woman— especially a woman of color—the people around me would always question my intentions. I had to hide the fact that I too am a musician and songwriter because certain individuals actually thought that I was only there to promote my artistry and pass along my demo. I had to prove to everyone that I was actually there because I truly love(d) engineering.” Some aren’t privy to the fact that being an artist has its advantages when being in the mixing room. “I can connect and communicate in ways others cannot. I inhabit a kind of shared sensitivity; for instance, I know when an artist needs to take the time to just breathe.” Today, as a two-time Grammy-nominated sound engineer, Jaclyn Sanchez is tooting her own horn. She’s had the honor of sound engineering for incomparable artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Anderson Paak, Roberta Flack, Bahamadia, Robert Glasper, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, and others. “I’ve worked so diligently hard to get to where I am. I don’t have to work three odd jobs anymore; I can actually make a living out of living my dream. How dope is that? Plus, I don’t have to be controlled by the system. I only work on projects I wholeheartedly believe in and with artists whom I dearly appreciate,” admits Jaclyn. And although her accolades are growing, Jaclyn still finds time to study and master the craft. “Even as I move forward and outward in my career, I will always consider myself a student. As a Sound Catcher, my mission is to help artists create in a space that nurtures and inspires creativity, ensuring the sonic quality caters to what the music asks and needs.”
Undoubtedly, the once timid and reserved Jaclyn Sanchez has unapologetically found her woman’s worth.
She found her love for sound on a merry-go-round. Jaclyn Sanchez (aka Jackie Boom) was a mere toddler when she became completely enamored by music. A natural born artist, Jaclyn continuously entertained her family by performing on the living room stage when she was growing up. Artists such as Selena, Whitney Houston, and NSYNC were on constant rotation. And like many popular and well-respected musicians, Jaclyn’s formidable years were spent dancing and singing in church. This is where she discovered and exercised her own melodic rhythm. “But that’s not all. That was just the beginning,” Jaclyn says gleefully. “I was so into music that I pressured my mom into putting me in violin classes. And although congas were, and still are, predominately male-oriented instruments, I still wanted to beat those drums, which I did.” Since her immediate environment was a culmination of Latin and urban cultures, musically, Jaclyn organically gravitated toward Disco, Salsa, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Hop. “But it was Hip Hop that made me appreciate Jazz,” Jaclyn admits. “I soon realized how jazz and blues laid the foundation for America’s sonic landscape.” Her symphonic curiosity hit its beak while listening to Alicia Key’s debut album. It was also the time she learned that a woman had engineered said LP. This insight shifted the way Jaclyn proceeded to think about her possible career in music. Quite frankly, this was exactly the spark that gave Jaclyn the inspiration to embark on a whole new journey. “I was intrigued by the idea of capturing music in its most essential and raw form, and then adding various layers to it so anyone listening to it would have a superbly enchanting experience. I wanted to be part of that process; a conduit, if you will.”
Honing Her Craft Studying Music Business from 2006 to 2008 in the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami gave Jaclyn the impetus to explore other avenues within the realm of music. Professor Cava Menzies was the catalyst who provided Jaclyn with the tools to venture out into sound engineering. [They say third time’s a charm.] In 2009, after three attempts to secure admission, Jaclyn received news of being accepted into the Music Production and Engineering program at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. This undertaking afforded Jaclyn the opportunity to work with numerous recording artists on their debut projects. “Going to the Berklee College of Music was the best thing I’ve ever done,” laments Jaclyn. “I got to work with the Mario Castro Quintet on his album, “Primavera,” with saxophonist Casey Benjamin, as well as Kenneth “Gizmo” Rodgers on his debut album, “Red Balloon.” The latter was exclusively executive produced by Derek Hodge and features Berklee students, including Grammy-winning percussionist, Jamire Williams.
New City. New GoalsIn 2012, Jaclyn packed up her knowledgeable skills and headed to The Big Apple for some implementation. By the following year she was already applying all of her proficiencies. “I moved to New York City to work with producer/bassist Jerry Barnes (Chic) at the iconic Avatar Studios,” Jaclyn recalls. “Like with any new job, insecurities started to creep into my psyche, but by the time my situation at the studio came to an end Mr. Barnes told me that I was one of the best engineers he’s ever had.” Afterwards, Jackie Boom headed over to the studio of Grammy-winning engineer and producer Ben Kane in 2014. “This is where I really learned how to apply the nuances of analog sound,” says Jacklyn. “Ben also taught me studio etiquette. He believed in my talents so much that he asked me to co-partner with him for the launch of Electric Garden. This studio continues to function as my home base whenever I need it—my home away from home.”
In 2016, Jaclyn was invited to participate in the highly sought-after Lincoln Center Education program as an audio engineer. During her tenure, she assisted recording engineer Joe Zook who has mixed records for the likes of U2, OneRepublic, Katy Perry, Pink, Keith Urban, and many more.
But one of her iconic memories thus far is having the opportunity to work with Ben’s mentor—the multiple Grammy-winning recording engineer and record producer— Russell Elevado who has mixed records for Al Green, D’Angelo, Jay-Z, The Roots, Roy Hardgrove, Alicia Keys, Mark Ronson, and many other influential artists of our time. “My time with Russell not only allowed me to master my profession, but most importantly, it made me feel like I was unstoppable… like I belonged.” Jaclyn says boastfully. “This is when my confidence in the studio began to knockout any and all of my self-doubts.”
Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs As most would attest, the music industry is a man’s world. Sound engineering is no different. And being in such a male-dominated environment, Jaclyn Sanchez has faced her share of challenges. “Folks in the studio would try to discourage me from being in the room simply because I was a woman. They assumed that I didn’t know what I was doing,” Jackie Boom says earnestly. “There’s a level of scrutiny that comes with my biological makeup. As a woman— especially a woman of color—the people around me would always question my intentions. I had to hide the fact that I too am a musician and songwriter because certain individuals actually thought that I was only there to promote my artistry and pass along my demo. I had to prove to everyone that I was actually there because I truly love(d) engineering.” Some aren’t privy to the fact that being an artist has its advantages when being in the mixing room. “I can connect and communicate in ways others cannot. I inhabit a kind of shared sensitivity; for instance, I know when an artist needs to take the time to just breathe.” Today, as a two-time Grammy-nominated sound engineer, Jaclyn Sanchez is tooting her own horn. She’s had the honor of sound engineering for incomparable artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Anderson Paak, Roberta Flack, Bahamadia, Robert Glasper, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, and others. “I’ve worked so diligently hard to get to where I am. I don’t have to work three odd jobs anymore; I can actually make a living out of living my dream. How dope is that? Plus, I don’t have to be controlled by the system. I only work on projects I wholeheartedly believe in and with artists whom I dearly appreciate,” admits Jaclyn. And although her accolades are growing, Jaclyn still finds time to study and master the craft. “Even as I move forward and outward in my career, I will always consider myself a student. As a Sound Catcher, my mission is to help artists create in a space that nurtures and inspires creativity, ensuring the sonic quality caters to what the music asks and needs.”
Undoubtedly, the once timid and reserved Jaclyn Sanchez has unapologetically found her woman’s worth.
MARIA SCHNEIDER
MARIA SCHNEIDER
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Maria Schneider’s music has been hailed by critics as evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, imaginative, revelatory, riveting, daring, and beyond categorization. Blurring the lines between genres, her varied commissioners stretch from Jazz at Lincoln Center, to The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, to the American Dance Festival, and include collaboration with David Bowie.
With her first recording Evanescence (1994), Schneider began developing her personal way of writing for her 18-member collective made up of many of the finest musicians in jazz today, tailoring her compositions to the uniquely creative voices of the group. They have performed at festivals and concert halls worldwide, and she herself has received numerous commissions and guest-conducting invites, working with over 90 groups in more than 30 countries.
In addition to her seven Grammy Awards, Schneider’s many awards include the nation's highest honor in jazz, “NEA Jazz Master” (2019) (NEA Jazz Master Speech found here), election into the 2020 American Academy of Arts and Sciences, numerous Jazz Journalists Association awards, DownBeat and JazzTimes Critics and Readers Poll awards, an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, ASCAP’s esteemed Concert Music Award (2014), and, most recently, Le Grand Prix de l’Académie du Jazz for Data Lords.
A strong voice for music advocacy, Schneider has testified before the US Congressional Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on digital rights, has given commentary on CNN, participated in roundtables for the United States Copyright Office, has been quoted in numerous publications for her views on Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Google, digital rights, and music piracy, and has written various white papers and articles on the digital economy as related to music and beyond. Musicians have been the canary in the coal mine,” Schneider says. “We were the first to be used and traded for data.”
Maria Schneider’s music has been hailed by critics as evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, imaginative, revelatory, riveting, daring, and beyond categorization. Blurring the lines between genres, her varied commissioners stretch from Jazz at Lincoln Center, to The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, to the American Dance Festival, and include collaboration with David Bowie.
With her first recording Evanescence (1994), Schneider began developing her personal way of writing for her 18-member collective made up of many of the finest musicians in jazz today, tailoring her compositions to the uniquely creative voices of the group. They have performed at festivals and concert halls worldwide, and she herself has received numerous commissions and guest-conducting invites, working with over 90 groups in more than 30 countries.
In addition to her seven Grammy Awards, Schneider’s many awards include the nation's highest honor in jazz, “NEA Jazz Master” (2019) (NEA Jazz Master Speech found here), election into the 2020 American Academy of Arts and Sciences, numerous Jazz Journalists Association awards, DownBeat and JazzTimes Critics and Readers Poll awards, an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, ASCAP’s esteemed Concert Music Award (2014), and, most recently, Le Grand Prix de l’Académie du Jazz for Data Lords.
A strong voice for music advocacy, Schneider has testified before the US Congressional Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on digital rights, has given commentary on CNN, participated in roundtables for the United States Copyright Office, has been quoted in numerous publications for her views on Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Google, digital rights, and music piracy, and has written various white papers and articles on the digital economy as related to music and beyond. Musicians have been the canary in the coal mine,” Schneider says. “We were the first to be used and traded for data.”
SHELBY SHARIATZADEH
SHELBY SHARIATZADEH
SHELBY SHARIATZADEH... With over eight years of touring experience, Shariatzadeh excels as Day-to-Day Manager, Tour Manager, Production Manager and Event Production Manager for live musical and theatrical productions. Shelby has extensive administrative and logistical experience for large scale events in theatre, arena and outdoor settings both domestically and internationally.
Shelby began her behind-the-scenes career in music as an Assistant Tour Manager to the Eagles, supporting each of the legendary band members and industry titan Irving Azoff. She then went on to work as Ticketing and Fan Package Program Coordinator for Rock giants, Van Halen.
She transitioned to Production Management during her work with world-renown magician David Copperfield. Shelby returned to music providing her expertise as Tour and Operations Management for Grammy winning Jazz icon Ramsey Lewis and the Grammy winning contemporary Classical Ensemble, Eighth Blackbird.
Managing a crew of 35+ while touring with a company that performed 500+ shows/ year, Her strong budget preparation and analysis experience, coupled with her strong interpersonal and team building skills make her an indispensable part of the DDB team.
Shelby began her behind-the-scenes career in music as an Assistant Tour Manager to the Eagles, supporting each of the legendary band members and industry titan Irving Azoff. She then went on to work as Ticketing and Fan Package Program Coordinator for Rock giants, Van Halen.
She transitioned to Production Management during her work with world-renown magician David Copperfield. Shelby returned to music providing her expertise as Tour and Operations Management for Grammy winning Jazz icon Ramsey Lewis and the Grammy winning contemporary Classical Ensemble, Eighth Blackbird.
Managing a crew of 35+ while touring with a company that performed 500+ shows/ year, Her strong budget preparation and analysis experience, coupled with her strong interpersonal and team building skills make her an indispensable part of the DDB team.
JULIET TEMKO
JULIET TEMKO
LinkedIn | Decca | Instagram
Juliet Temko is an A&R scout for Decca Records, a division of Universal Music Group. She previously held positions within the music division at United Talent Agency in London. She has been responsible for live international booking operations for over thirty acclaimed jazz, funk and soul artists, which have included Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy and Hiatus Kaiyote. She recently joined the music brand partnerships and marketing division of UTA and is part of the company’s internal A&R team. Prior to UTA, Juliet worked as a broadcast assistant at BBC Introducing in the West. Whilst there she solidified her love of discovering new talent and helped with BBC Broadcasts at Glastonbury Festival. When in Bristol she hosted live Jazz Funk Soul nights in the city. She is also a musician in her own right. Juliet is actively involved in organisations which promote the empowerment and success of women in the music industry, especially women in jazz.
Juliet Temko is an A&R scout for Decca Records, a division of Universal Music Group. She previously held positions within the music division at United Talent Agency in London. She has been responsible for live international booking operations for over thirty acclaimed jazz, funk and soul artists, which have included Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy and Hiatus Kaiyote. She recently joined the music brand partnerships and marketing division of UTA and is part of the company’s internal A&R team. Prior to UTA, Juliet worked as a broadcast assistant at BBC Introducing in the West. Whilst there she solidified her love of discovering new talent and helped with BBC Broadcasts at Glastonbury Festival. When in Bristol she hosted live Jazz Funk Soul nights in the city. She is also a musician in her own right. Juliet is actively involved in organisations which promote the empowerment and success of women in the music industry, especially women in jazz.
SHIRAZETTE TINNIN
SHIRAZETTE TINNIN
Website | Facebook | Instagram (Music) | Instagram (Health & Fitness) | Twitter | YouTube
Drummer, educator, clinician, author and health coach, Shirazette Tinnin was born and raised in North Carolina. As a child she would travel with her parents listening to them sing in large Southern Gospel groups up and down the east coast. Due to her musical family and surrounding peers, her initial gospel influences eventually grew and branched out into jazz, soul, and many other styles of music. From the time that she was 4 years old, she knew that she would play the drums. As she grew, Shirazette would come to share the stage with national and local acts such as Melva Houston, Joe Robinson, The Solos Unit, Lyfe Jennings, and Rehab while attending college.
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling, and Scott Meister. In addition to her academic background, she has also received private instruction and mentoring from great musicians such as Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nash, Terri Lyne Carrington, Sherrie Maricle and Ernie Adams. Shirazette maintained an active life, receiving her degree in Music Industry Studies while simultaneously performing in and out of school with various groups. She also recorded her first album with Sinclair, “Stories of This Land,” during her studies as a percussionist at Appalachian State University. She went on to graduate as one of the top percussionists in her department, earning both multiple jazz scholarships and an athletic scholarship for basketball during her time there.
Following her years at Appalachian State University, Shirazette was offered the opportunity to attend Northern Illinois University on a full scholarship for drum set and jazz pedagogy. She accepted, and in 2005 relocated to Dekalb, IL. to study with Ron Carter (saxophonist and jazz educator) as well as get involved in the Chicago music scene. She began by performing in various projects around the Chicago area with flautist Nicole Mitchell as well as representing NIU in the Liberace Jazztet Scholarship Program.
Shirazette also became one of the last recipients of The Sisters in Jazz Collegiate All-Stars for IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Award in 2008. She is a Fulbright Scholar award winner and recently “The 18th Street Arts Center Make Jazz Fellowship” award through The Herb Alpert Foundation (2020).
As her time in Illinois went on, her stage performances grew to include greats such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nicole Mitchell, Alan Harris, Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Renee Baker, and many others. Shirazette also began her international travels to Spain and Peru while at Northern Illinois University. While in Peru she discovered her love for Cajon and world music that followed her as she moved from Illinois to New York City in 2009, ultimately becoming the resident drummer at Tutuma Social Club with the internationally acclaimed Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet.
Currently based out of New York City, Shirazette has performed with Alicia Keys on BET in Black Girl's Rock (2012) and toured withTia Fuller playing at The Umbria Jazz Festival, Molde Jazz Festival and the Turkish Ambassadors in D.C. Currently working with Dee Dee Bridgewater in TWN and musical performances as well as the music coordinator for dance company Urban Bush Women. In addition, Shirazette has performed and shared the stage with various artists such as the WuTang Klan, Diva (Four Play), Tom Browne, Hugh Masekala, Mimi Jones, Pauline Jean, Afrikkanitha, Camille Thurman, Toshi Reagon and many others. She strives to keep the motion of music progressive in all of her endeavors.
Shirazette’s own project, Shirazette and the Experiment Jazztet debuted Humility: Purity of My Soul in February 2014. Her album was recently voted as Best New Talent by the 36th Annual Jazz Station Awards (Arnaldo Desouteiros) The July issue of Modern Drummer features Shirazette in a 2 page lay-out called : Shirazette Takes The Lead for her debut album. Additionally, she released a holiday album in November 2013 entitled How the Groove Stole Christmas.
Shirazette debuted her first season as the house drummer for The Meredith Vieira show on NBC.(2015) and is focusing her energy on a new project called Sonic WallPaper”. New band, new sound and new album released June 4th, 2020 and was Grammy Nominated.
Tinnin just recently completed a Jazz Residency for composition at 18th Streets Arts Center, graciously funded byThe Herb Alpert Foundation. She was gifted the grant to compose music for the second volume to Sonic WallPaper which are compositions for healing the soul.
Besides performing as a professional musician, Shirazette is an active clinician and teacher, constantly sharing her knowledge to anyone open and willing to learn. As an educator, Shirazette is currently teaching at Berklee College of Music in the drum set department as a full time Associate Professor. Her educational work includes Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections at Sing Sing Correctional Center in upstate NY.
She is also the author of two published articles for Modern Drummer and Tom Tom Magazine that focus on the importance of musician health. Shirazette has the skills and mindset to take her to new levels and new pages in her musical career.
Shirazette is endorsed by Canopus Drums, Sabian, Vic Firth, LP, Beato Bags, and KickPort.
Drummer, educator, clinician, author and health coach, Shirazette Tinnin was born and raised in North Carolina. As a child she would travel with her parents listening to them sing in large Southern Gospel groups up and down the east coast. Due to her musical family and surrounding peers, her initial gospel influences eventually grew and branched out into jazz, soul, and many other styles of music. From the time that she was 4 years old, she knew that she would play the drums. As she grew, Shirazette would come to share the stage with national and local acts such as Melva Houston, Joe Robinson, The Solos Unit, Lyfe Jennings, and Rehab while attending college.
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling, and Scott Meister. In addition to her academic background, she has also received private instruction and mentoring from great musicians such as Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nash, Terri Lyne Carrington, Sherrie Maricle and Ernie Adams. Shirazette maintained an active life, receiving her degree in Music Industry Studies while simultaneously performing in and out of school with various groups. She also recorded her first album with Sinclair, “Stories of This Land,” during her studies as a percussionist at Appalachian State University. She went on to graduate as one of the top percussionists in her department, earning both multiple jazz scholarships and an athletic scholarship for basketball during her time there.
Following her years at Appalachian State University, Shirazette was offered the opportunity to attend Northern Illinois University on a full scholarship for drum set and jazz pedagogy. She accepted, and in 2005 relocated to Dekalb, IL. to study with Ron Carter (saxophonist and jazz educator) as well as get involved in the Chicago music scene. She began by performing in various projects around the Chicago area with flautist Nicole Mitchell as well as representing NIU in the Liberace Jazztet Scholarship Program.
Shirazette also became one of the last recipients of The Sisters in Jazz Collegiate All-Stars for IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Award in 2008. She is a Fulbright Scholar award winner and recently “The 18th Street Arts Center Make Jazz Fellowship” award through The Herb Alpert Foundation (2020).
As her time in Illinois went on, her stage performances grew to include greats such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nicole Mitchell, Alan Harris, Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Renee Baker, and many others. Shirazette also began her international travels to Spain and Peru while at Northern Illinois University. While in Peru she discovered her love for Cajon and world music that followed her as she moved from Illinois to New York City in 2009, ultimately becoming the resident drummer at Tutuma Social Club with the internationally acclaimed Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet.
Currently based out of New York City, Shirazette has performed with Alicia Keys on BET in Black Girl's Rock (2012) and toured withTia Fuller playing at The Umbria Jazz Festival, Molde Jazz Festival and the Turkish Ambassadors in D.C. Currently working with Dee Dee Bridgewater in TWN and musical performances as well as the music coordinator for dance company Urban Bush Women. In addition, Shirazette has performed and shared the stage with various artists such as the WuTang Klan, Diva (Four Play), Tom Browne, Hugh Masekala, Mimi Jones, Pauline Jean, Afrikkanitha, Camille Thurman, Toshi Reagon and many others. She strives to keep the motion of music progressive in all of her endeavors.
Shirazette’s own project, Shirazette and the Experiment Jazztet debuted Humility: Purity of My Soul in February 2014. Her album was recently voted as Best New Talent by the 36th Annual Jazz Station Awards (Arnaldo Desouteiros) The July issue of Modern Drummer features Shirazette in a 2 page lay-out called : Shirazette Takes The Lead for her debut album. Additionally, she released a holiday album in November 2013 entitled How the Groove Stole Christmas.
Shirazette debuted her first season as the house drummer for The Meredith Vieira show on NBC.(2015) and is focusing her energy on a new project called Sonic WallPaper”. New band, new sound and new album released June 4th, 2020 and was Grammy Nominated.
Tinnin just recently completed a Jazz Residency for composition at 18th Streets Arts Center, graciously funded byThe Herb Alpert Foundation. She was gifted the grant to compose music for the second volume to Sonic WallPaper which are compositions for healing the soul.
Besides performing as a professional musician, Shirazette is an active clinician and teacher, constantly sharing her knowledge to anyone open and willing to learn. As an educator, Shirazette is currently teaching at Berklee College of Music in the drum set department as a full time Associate Professor. Her educational work includes Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections at Sing Sing Correctional Center in upstate NY.
She is also the author of two published articles for Modern Drummer and Tom Tom Magazine that focus on the importance of musician health. Shirazette has the skills and mindset to take her to new levels and new pages in her musical career.
Shirazette is endorsed by Canopus Drums, Sabian, Vic Firth, LP, Beato Bags, and KickPort.
KIMBERLY M. WANG
KIMBERLY M. WANG
Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Kimberly M. Wang of Eardog Productions uses photography to conquer her clients’ challenges and transform their lives. As a Photographer specializing in editorial, brand storytelling, and modern portrait photography experiences, her clients include couples, families, a wide range of creatives, and small business owners, as well as multi-national corporations and philanthropic orgs including Endeavor Entertainment, Facebook, Vogue, Le Monde, the Metropolitan Opera, and Art for Amnesty.
20+ years spent creating programming as a Director/Producer for Martha Stewart Living, ESPN, MTV, PBS, Food Network, NBC, and a host other major networks taught Kimberly that compelling stories can be a catalyst for change, and she is grateful for every opportunity to capture the wide range of human experience.
Her current passion project, Visionaries: Process and Ritual, focuses on the creative processes and inspirations of renowned, internationally known artists from a variety of disciplines including Contemporary Artists William Wegman, Jacob Hashimoto, Shirin Neshat, Kiki Smith, Betye Saar, the multi-Grammy & Olivier Award winning Mezzo Soprano Joyce DiDonato, MacArthur Fellow Choreographer/Dancer Elizabeth Streb, Hollywood Costume Designer of The Handmaids Tale Ane Crabtree, Dance Theater of Harlem’s Ballerina Ingrid Silva, and the Parisian Patissier Sébastien Gaudard.
Kimberly M. Wang of Eardog Productions uses photography to conquer her clients’ challenges and transform their lives. As a Photographer specializing in editorial, brand storytelling, and modern portrait photography experiences, her clients include couples, families, a wide range of creatives, and small business owners, as well as multi-national corporations and philanthropic orgs including Endeavor Entertainment, Facebook, Vogue, Le Monde, the Metropolitan Opera, and Art for Amnesty.
20+ years spent creating programming as a Director/Producer for Martha Stewart Living, ESPN, MTV, PBS, Food Network, NBC, and a host other major networks taught Kimberly that compelling stories can be a catalyst for change, and she is grateful for every opportunity to capture the wide range of human experience.
Her current passion project, Visionaries: Process and Ritual, focuses on the creative processes and inspirations of renowned, internationally known artists from a variety of disciplines including Contemporary Artists William Wegman, Jacob Hashimoto, Shirin Neshat, Kiki Smith, Betye Saar, the multi-Grammy & Olivier Award winning Mezzo Soprano Joyce DiDonato, MacArthur Fellow Choreographer/Dancer Elizabeth Streb, Hollywood Costume Designer of The Handmaids Tale Ane Crabtree, Dance Theater of Harlem’s Ballerina Ingrid Silva, and the Parisian Patissier Sébastien Gaudard.
THE TWN TEAM
THE TWN TEAM
LINDA WALTON
LINDA WALTON
TWN, Project Manager
Independent Arts Consultant, Linda Walton has a venerable history of supporting the arts and creatives. Serving as Executive Director for the Harlem Arts Alliance and Vice President of Programming for Jazzmobile, Walton's expertise in all aspects of presenting, programming and community outreach and support are integral to the success of her clients, which include The Woodshed Network, 651 Arts, The Apollo Theater, The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and more.
ROBERT W. HENDERSON, JR.
ROBERT W. HENDERSON, JR.
651 Arts, Production Manager
Robert W. Henderson, Jr., has been with 651 ARTS since 2005, managing a wide range of live performance events, including 651’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at the BAM Harvey Theater with the Mississippi Delta Heritage Project, a 2-week celebration of the artistic culture of the Mississippi Delta. He has been the primary lighting designer for Tiffany & Co. Fifth Ave Flagship store since 2011 and the resident lighting designer for Theatre Three Productions in Port Jefferson, NY, since 2005. He has production managed ceremonies for Pratt Institute and NYU Steinhardt at Radio City Music Hall; Brooklyn Youth Chorus’s Silent Voices workshop and premiere at BAM Opera House; Season of Cambodia, a month-long festival featuring 125 Cambodian artists throughout NYC; and Thirsting for Peace, commemorating 70 years of UNESCO at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, among many other events in NYC and internationally.
MONICA L. WILLIAMS
651 Arts, Chief Curator & Director of ProgramsMONICA L. WILLIAMS
Monica L. Williams is a conceptual performance artist and artistic leader who specializes in cross-sector collaborations. Over her 20-year career, she has produced, curated, and directed performances dedicated to the African Diaspora with major cultural institutions including TEDWomen, the World Famous Apollo Theater, National Black Arts Festival, and Brooklyn Academy of Music. Her latest work, In Love and Struggle, produced with The Meteor, is currently streaming on Audible.
She is the creator of LoveHustle, a seven-year exploration of artists work/life balance, and producing artistic director for Bailey’s Cafe As Quiet As It’s Kept. Her design of Kentucky Foundation for Women’s Special Project has received national recognition and philanthropic support for community-based arts with families of the incarcerated. She is the founder of Create Legacy, a creative self-development company and formally full-time lecturer in African American Studies Department at New York City College of Technology. Monica is a 2020 MAP Fund recipient, a 2016 CCCADI Innovative Cultural Advocacy Fellow, a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow, a member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and a graduate of Wright State University and New York University.
FARREN WOOD
FARREN WOOD
651 Arts, Program Associate
Farren Wood is a South African/Australian arts manager, creative professional and fierce community advocate. An inherent and culturally inherited love of storytelling has seen her dedicate her career to either telling the story or cultivating a place and space for stories to be told.
Farren has worked as an actor / writer / performer / producer / event and artist manager. She takes pride in her ability to apply a well-rounded perspective to every part of the creative process. She has created and produced events for multiple West-Australian arts organizations, including Fringeworld Perth. Her most recent work has been in events for the capital city local government, the City of Perth. These range from small community gatherings to large-scale commercial music festivals.
Farren has a BA in Arts Management from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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