Wed Aug 12
BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS CONCERT
Your support protects the listening room experience. Help maintain a space where the music comes first. The funds go directly to the musicians of the sponsored concert.
Each $300 sponsor receives these exclusive benefits:
-Ten (10) concert tickets. Invite friends to the show you sponsor, or bank your tickets for any concerts over the next year.
-Reserved front-row seats.
-Your name announced from the stage to acknowledge your support or to honor a loved one.
-Higher donation amounts will receive additional benefits.
If interested, please email Henry at [email protected]
Wayne Escoffery, tenor saxophone
Curtis Lundy, bass
Allyn Johnson, piano
Jacob Smith, drums
Wayne Escoffery is one of today's most respected jazz saxophonists—not because he's flashy, but because every note he plays tells a story. Joining him is legendary bassist Curtis Lundy, whose artistry has shaped recordings and performances with some of the greatest names in jazz, along with DMV favorite Allyn Johnson and rising star drummer Jacob Smith. Join us for a night that reminds you why live music matters.
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery is one of the defining voices of modern jazz. Renowned for his commanding tone, emotional depth and fearless improvisation, Escoffery has performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of jazz legends, including Tom Harrell, Ron Carter, Ben Riley, Eddie Henderson, and the Mingus Big Band, with whom he earned a Grammy Award. A respected educator and Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Yale University, he is a celebrated composer and bandleader. Whether delivering a whisper-soft ballad or an exhilarating swing anthem, Escoffery brings a rare combination of virtuosity, intelligence and soul.
A master of the acoustic bass and revered accompanist Curtis Lundy has spent more than four decades providing the heartbeat for many of jazz's greatest artists. His distinguished career includes landmark performances and recordings with Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Watson, John Hicks, and many other jazz icons. Admired for his rich, singing tone and lyrical approach to the instrument, Lundy possesses an uncanny ability to anchor an ensemble while elevating every musician around him. His artistry has made him one of the most respected bassists of his generation and a treasured figure in contemporary jazz.
Native Washingtonian, Allyn Johnson, is a multi-talented musician, composer, arranger and producer whose trademark sound gives brilliance and fortitude to the art of jazz improvisation. A prodigy who began playing piano at age five, Allyn got his start playing piano for the youth choir in his uncle's church. While a student at the University of the District of Columbia, Allyn was mentored by the late jazz legend Calvin Jones. He was the first recipient of the Felix. E Grant Scholarship Award in jazz performance and graduated magna cum laude in 1997 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies.
Jazz drummer Jacob Smith is a senior at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. He is active in the Isosceles Groove Jazz Trio and G Notes. Jacob has already received considerable recognition as a young jazz musician: YoungArts winner 2019 & 2020 at Vail Jazz Festival; Lincoln Jazz Center Jazz Scholarship recipient; UMass Jazz in July scholarships in 2017, 2018 and 2019; Berklee College of Music Outstanding Musicianship in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and Newport Jazz Festival performer in 2018. Jacob is ranked nationally in the top 10 high school jazz drummers.
Two shows: 7 pm & 9 pm EDT
In-person seats: $35 / $10 full-time students with valid ID
Attendees receive link to the recording to view for one week.
Advance sales end 1 hr before show; purchase remaining tickets at door.
Streaming Cost: $15
Link is revealed 15 mins before show
& will remain active through Aug. 19