Najee grew up in Jamaica, Queens, and he recently released Mind Over Matter on Heads Up International. Like his two previous recordings, Najee's new CD went straight to the top of Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart (and it's still there).

On Monday, November 16, Najee returns to his old neighborhood in Jamaica to present a jazz workshop/performance at York College for the youth about following one's dreams, being a musician and getting into the industry. The workshop/performance is free and open to the public. Start time is 7 pm at the newly renovated Illinois Jacquet Performance Space. York College/CUNY is located at 9420 Guy R Brewer Blvd. in Jamaica, Queens. For more info: 718 262 2000.

In conjunction with Najee's upcoming appearance in Jamaica, a food drive for needy families has been organized by local retailer Hall of Fame Music. (Food Drive runs November 1st - November 16th). For more info on the food drive, please contact Jessica Acosta at Hall of Fame Music: 917 217 6644.

Here is a complete list of upcoming Najee-related events:

THURSDAY, 11/12

10:30 am - Workshop/performance at Bayside High School in Bayside, Queens. As a special highlight, the school band will perform a song from Najee's CD for him.

1:30 pm - Workshop/performance at Louis Armstrong Middle School in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prior to the workshop, Najee will have lunch with the school's principal.

FRIDAY, 11/13

7:00 pm - Listening Party with Najee at Billie's Black Bar/Lounge in Harlem, NY. Hall of Fame Music will sell Najee's new “Mind Over Matter" CD at the venue.

MONDAY, 11/16

7:00 pm - Workshop/performance at York College in Jamaica, Queens. The event is free and open to the public. Hall of Fame Music will sell CDs at the venue.

With two platinum and four gold albums, Najee is a pioneer of contemporary jazz and one of the best-selling instrumentalists in the world. He's also an NAACP Image Award winner.