a service of the Baltimore Jazz Alliance
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Tarsha Fitzgerald Productions and RJY Chick Webb Council Presents:
Musical Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Historic Chick Webb Rec Center
The Best of Jazz and Soul consist of Renowned National and Local Musicians and Singers
William “Chick” Webb, the renowned King of Jazz Drummer, born in 1905 and raised in East Baltimore wished to provide a youth center for Negro youth as a deterrence from delinquent activities. Chick Webb died on June 16, 1939, before his desire could occur. Fortunately, Webb shared his aspiration with his physician and friend, Dr. Ralph Jonathan Young on his death bed. Dr. Young made calls across Baltimore to raise money for the center, which would later become the Historic Chick Webb Memorial Recreation Center. Black renowned artists, such as Joe Louis, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Nicholas Brothers, came together in 1940 and held a Benefit Concert at the 5th Regiment Armory. The Historic Chick Webb Memorial Recreation Center is the ONLY recreation facility in America built with the help of nationally known Black Entertainers.
Craig Alston is Baltimore born and based multi-instrumentalist and composer specializing in woodwind, brasswind, keyboard and bass guitar in genres such as jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, hip hop and gospel. He is best known for his complex yet soulful sound on the saxophone. Craig received the 2013 Jazz Journalists Jazz Heroes Award and was the winner of the 2011 Chick Webb Jazz Combo Competition.
Christie Dashell (Vocalist) With her sultry soulful flare and cutting edge compositions, D.C. – based vocalist Dashiell has become one of the most sought-after artists on the scene today. As a member of Afro-Blue, Howard’s premier vocal jazz ensemble, Dashiell appeared on NBC’s “The Sing Off.” She has twice received recognition in DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards as Outstanding Soloist and Best Vocalist in the Graduate College division and was selected as a semifinalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Vocals Competition.
Allyn Johnson, native Washingtonian, is a multi-talented musician, composer, arranger and producer whose trademark sound gives brilliance and fortitude to the art of jazz improvisation. While a student at the University of the District of Columbia, Allyn was mentored by the late great jazz legend Calvin Jones, a venerable figure in the international jazz community.
Romeir Mendez, bassist, is a native of Baltimore, MD, and over the years has become one of the most sought after musicians in the Washington DC/Maryland area. Having studied with legendary bassist Steve Novosel at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Romeir continues a legacy of great bassists from the DC area. Throughout his growing popularity, Romeir has also had the privilege of gracing the stage of some of the world’s most revered venues, such as Carnegie Hall, The Walt Disney Theater and The Sydney Opera House.
John Russell Lamkin, III (drums) is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and the son of UMD Jazz Studies professor and trumpeter John Lamkin, II. He began playing drums at the tender age of four. He was named by the Washington CityPaper in their December 2013 “Jazzies” as the best jazz drummer in DC. John maintains a deep respect and appreciation of those who’ve set standards in the music world.
TARSHA FITZGERALD PRODUCTIONS, Executive Producer is very profound in creating Magical Concerts with Extraordinary Music, Great Vibes, and Memorable Experiences all around the United States.
::club date/restaurant, Keystone Korner Baltimore::In-person, Live-streamed, Indoor
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