The City is “jazzing” up Sunday afternoons with a new four-week jazz series. From 1-3 p.m., each Sunday beginning April 23 through May 14, jazz music will fill the air for everyone to enjoy. Concerts are free and will be in Veterans Park, 118 N. Main St. Food will be available for purchase.
The schedule is as follows:
April 23 – Dwayne Jordan Trio (rescheduled for May 21)
April 30 – Nicci Canada Quartet
May 7 – Brad Bailey
May 14 – John Gurske Band
Dwayne Jordan is drummer, arranger and composer from Charlotte. As a child he was heavily influenced by gospel, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, which developed his listening, giving him a natural ability to play the drums. He has shared the stage with Grammy award winning producer 9th Wonder and Grammy nominated jazz percussionist Joe Chambers, as well as opened up for artists such as Maceo Parker and several others.
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Nicci Canada was destined to sing. Her warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Nicci released her first solo project in 2011 titled “Twenty Twelve,” an eclectic mix of melodies that highlighted her unique vocal ability and introduced her to audiences around the world. She has since gone on to perform with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Tulsa Signature Symphony.
Brad Bailey performs jazz standards such as "What A Wonderful World," "Sway," "Georgia," "Unforgettable," and "Route 66" in a rhythmic style that creates the sound and energy of a full band. Featured in Charlotte Style Magazine and Bass Player Magazine, Brad is a world premiere 8-string banjo player: combining smooth vocals with bass, banjo, and percussive grooves all live on one instrument.
John Gurske graduated from the University of Wisconsin. While there, he studied jazz history and performance with the legendary Richard Davis. John created his own Jam Bands program, giving students the vital experience of playing with others in small group settings. He has six jam bands ranging from 5th graders, to high school seniors. Being a uniquely well-rounded musician, he gives students a solid foundation of musicianship, yet adapts his teaching to various students' tastes in different musical genres.
Dwayne Jordan
Nicci Canada
Brad Bailey
John Gurske Band