Hampton Roads Jazz at the Ferguson Center for the Arts

Hampton Roads Jazz (HR Jazz) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and presenting jazz in both performance and educational settings. Based in the Hampton Roads (Norfollk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach), the organization aims to enrich the local cultural landscape by bringing world-class jazz musicians to perform, teach, and inspire aspiring artists.

Founded by Jae Sinnett, a jazz drummer, educator, and radio host, Hampton Roads Jazz Inc. offers masterclasses, lectures, clinics, and showcases for student musicians. The organization also focuses on reaching underserved communities, fostering creativity, and providing inclusive educational programs for individuals of all backgrounds.

This year, HR Jazz Inc. hosted the 27th Ella Fitzgerald Festival with a series of concerts during the week of her birthday. Sinnett along with bassist Terry Burrell and pianist Allen Farnham accompanied San Francisco-based vocalist Kenny Washington - Vocals to a swinging 45 minute set of standards that ended with the 250 fans in attendance giving him an endless standing ovation. After a short intermission Bob Mintzer, Russell Ferrante, Will Kennedy and Dane Alderson, better known as the Yellowjackets, took the stage. Presenting selections from their new album Fasten Up as well older songs the Yellowjackets proved why they have been a fan favorite for 43 years.

A few nights later, Sinnett was back on stage with Farnham and bassist Will Ledbetter this time backing Vanessa Rubin, Tierney Sutton and Rene Marie. The three vocalist each performed individual 30 minute sets then ended the show together on stage. Each singer showed off her vocal chops, singing and scatting, interpreting the Great American Songbook in their own style. The final song featured beautiful harmony.

Hopefully, this will be just the start of a long life for the HR Jazz.

The following are photos from the two evenings.

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