Tue Jul 28
Marcus Mitchell Presents Velvet Groove-Gail Jhonson,Sharon Rae & TonyExumJr
7PM / $30 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
Velvet Groove
GET READY FOR AN EPIC NIGHT WITH VELVET GROOVE
Tony Exum Jr. is an acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist, songwriter, and radio host known for his signature “Rhythm N Smooth” sound — a soulful blend of jazz, R&B, and funk. Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Exum has built a national reputation through his energetic live performances, charting singles, and collaborations with prominent artists in the smooth jazz world. His breakout single “My Name’s Tony” earned international attention with a 12-week run on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100 chart, helping establish him as a rising force in contemporary jazz. His 2024 single "Hold My Hand" and 2025 single "Mr. S A X feat Teri Tobin reached #1 on Urban Influencer Radio Smooth Jazz Charts. Influenced by legends such as Grover Washington Jr., George Howard, Najee, David Sanborn, Charlie Parker and Ronnie Laws, Exum began playing saxophone at age 11 and later studied at the prestigious Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. Over the years, he has shared stages with artists including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Troop, Miki Howard, Surface, Julian Vaughn, Adam Hawley, Adina Howard, Najee, Dee Lucas, while performing at jazz festivals and venues across the country.
Gail Jhonson -Gail Denise Jhonson has spent her career earning the title “The First Lady of Smooth Jazz.” A gifted spiritual soul artist, modern feminist, visionary bandleader, and rhythm-driven musician with roots in Philadelphia, Gail blends jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel into her signature sound. Her extensive career as a recording and touring artist has included performances alongside renowned musicians such as Norman Brown, Mindi Abair, Bobby Womack, Ray Parker Jr., Pink, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Jermaine Jackson, Jonathan Butler and Rain Pryor. Her work spans television appearances, YouTube performances, gospel concerts, composing for musical theater, and major jazz festivals. Gail is also the founder and leader of the all-female ensemble “Jazz in P!nk,” a platform she has used for more than 18 years to showcase acclaimed performers such as Karen Briggs, Althea Rene, and Mariea Antoinette, while supporting countless emerging female artists. In Los Angeles, she also leads her own group, “3 Piece Suit.”
Sharon Rae North - National Billboard charting artist Sharon Rae North kicked off 2026 with the release of ‘Drive’, her fourth Billboard charting song, solo shows at the iconic Blues Alley in Washington, DC, and Reveler in Richmond, VA, and she commanded the stage as a featured vocalist on a show with guitarist Blake Aaron and saxophonist Will Donato at Tin Pan in Richmond.For Sharon, it’s all about the tone, phrasing, articulation and interpretation of a lyric. Her audiences and fans can tell. She is a masterful manipulator when it comes to her voice, making it go wherever she wants it to. She has a wide vocal range and is known for her delivery. She has enthralled and captivated audiences throughout the United States and internationally with her vocal style, subtle confidence and her combination of seriousness and playfulness during shows “Music and singing make me happy,” says Sharon, “It’s a universal artform that everyone understands and enjoys.” Her awareness of that has been keen since she was a little girl in Youngstown, Ohio, listening to some of her parents’ favorite artists, such as Nancy Wilson, King Curtis, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker and so many others. Listening to them and singing along, that little girl envisioned the audiences and venues, and heard the applause…as if they were real. She believed and manifested…and now they are.
7PM / $30 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively Monday thru Saturday, and 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM Sundays.
4. No Photography or Recording of any kind during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.