Results for "Virginia"

Hampton Roads Jazz at the Ferguson Center for the Arts

by Mark Robbins
May 30, 2025

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 ...

Walter Blanding, Jr. with the John Toomey Trio at the Attucks Jazz Club

by Mark Robbins
April 21, 2025

Educator, composer, musician, Walter Blanding, Jr is a man for all seasons. Born into a musical family in Cleveland, OH, his parents moved the family to New York in the early '80s where his parents became part of the house band at the Village Gate jazz club. Blanding began playing the saxophone at the age of ...

Stephanie Nakasian at the Attucks Jazz Club and Congregation Beth El

by Mark Robbins
March 29, 2025

Stephanie Nakasian did not start out as a vocalist. Majoring in economics at Northwestern University, she received her BA and MBA, then entered the world of financial consulting for major banks in New York City and Chicago. Growing more and more dissatisfied with her career, she decided in 1981 to leap into the world of music, ...

The Attucks Jazz Club: Fall 2024

by Mark Robbins
February 23, 2025

In 2008, under the auspices of the Virginia Arts Festival and the leadership of professor/pianist John Toomey, the Attucks Jazz Series was born in the historic Attucks Theater. Before becoming a full-time jazz professor at Old Dominion University, Toomey spent time on the road with jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, singers Mark Murphy, Rene Marie, and others. ...

Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade with the Jimmy Masters Trio at the Sandler Center

by Mark Robbins
January 13, 2025

Since the introduction of Brazilian music to the United States in 1962 by Charlie Byrd, artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, Jõao Gilberto, Gal Costa, Astrud Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Claudia Acuña, to name a few, have continued to have a great influence on the American audience. Add to that roster guitarist Nate Naja and vocalist (also ...

Gary Miller

Born: December 6, 1947

Jazz vibraphonist Gary Miller, playing a combination of original compositions, jazz standards, and contemporary jazz, created his musical niche in the region of western Massachusetts. He built his style on a lifelong relationship with music of many genres from classical, rock, country, to Broadway shows, film, and “international” music, as well as his focus on jazz.

Along the way he has made music on several instruments in addition to the vibes, including many years as a professional drummer in a variety of musical settings (The Evergreen Tea Room Electric Band, Wild Country Band, Jazmin, Big Six Jazz Band, Berkshire Big Band, Back Bay Bones, et al). Additionally, he has made music on brass instruments (Williams Brass Ensemble, et al), electric bass, guitar, and keyboard.

Jae Sinnett Quintet Featuring Randy Brecker and Ada Rovatti at the Attucks Theater

by Mark Robbins
November 24, 2024

Since the mid-'70s, when he came to this part of Southeastern Virginia to serve in the Navy, Jae Sinnett's name has become synonymous with excellent jazz drumming nationally and internationally. His first album as a leader, Obsession (Self Produced), was released in 1986 and featured Frank Foster, John Hicks, Wallace Roney, Steve Wilson and Clarence Seay. ...

Tessa Souter with the Jimmy Masters Trio at the Sandler Center for the Arts

by Mark Robbins
November 17, 2024

The Miller Jazz Series began six years ago under the leadership of bassist Jimmy Masters. Held in the 135-seat Miller room of the Sandler Center for the Arts in Virginia Beach, the series has sold out every performance since its inception. The first few years of the series consisted of a different monthly themes, such as ...

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

Born: November 16, 1995

At just 28 years old, Melinda Rose Rodriguez has already established herself as a rising star in the jazz world. She began her professional music journey at The New England Conservatory of Music and completed her degree with distinction at Florida International University under the guidance of Dr. Lisanne Lyons. Since high school, Melinda has been honored with four Downbeat Music Awards and two YoungArts awards.

Her performance credits are extensive, including appearances at the Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and international venues in Bermuda, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Melinda has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Michael Feinstein, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, and Jane Monheit, and has frequently collaborated with jazz luminary Kevin Mahogany.

Janis Siegel with the John Toomey Trio at the Attucks Jazz Club

by Mark Robbins
June 24, 2024

This past April Norfolk, Virginia jazz fans were treated to a wonderful evening of music with the Jimmy Masters Trio and special guest vocalist Janis Siegel. Proving one can never have too much of a good thing Siegel recently returned, this time to the Attucks Jazz Club joining the John Toomey Trio, Toomey on piano, Masters ...