2024 Performers
Starring jazzmin ghent
Dr. Jazmin Ghent is an award-winning international jazz saxophonist and accomplished music educator. Over her brief career, she has become a decorated leader for the new generation of jazz, R&B, and gospel. Jazmin’s start in the jazz industry was the Show Your Talent competition aboard the Smooth Jazz Cruise (2014). In 2019 she received the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for her third studio album, “The Story of Jazz”. She was subsequently nominated for the award again in 2022 for her fourth album, “Forever Jaz”.
Jazmin has presented workshops to young musicians in Syracuse, New York; Long Island, New York; Elmira, New York; Lakeland, Florida; Miami, Florida and McKinney, Texas, where she was presented the Key to the City of McKinney.
Special guest j.j. sansaverino
With multiple Billboard-charting singles, including a Billboard #1 smash hit with “Style and Elegance” and five highly acclaimed albums, New York guitarist JJ Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, JJ has a "take no prisoners" performance attitude, gracing the stage night after night touring on his own or with reggae legend Maxi Priest and bringing his vibe of Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Reggae. A Berklee School of Music graduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Rick Braun, the Marley Family, and more. JJ even performed for Sir Paul McCartney's wedding in 2002. jjsansaverino.com
kevin howard
National recording artist Kevin Howard is a world-class keyboardist, writer, composer and producer. Born and raised in Pittsburgh PA and now living in Southern Maryland, Kevin recently toured as the musical director for the legendary Ronnie Laws; has recorded and performed with Marion Meadows, Najee, and George Benson, to name a few. He has also shared the stage with Jonathan Butler, Cameo, Roy Ayers, Pieces of a Dream, Joe McBride and John Legend. Notably, Kevin is a staple at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. More at: kevinhoward.net
sounds of a&R
Awarded and named “Best Jazz Group” at the 2019 New York City Reader’s Jazz Awards, this husband and wife duo is the brainchild of vocalist April May Webb and trumpeter/multi-instrumentalist Randall Haywood. These two are not only a dynamic duo but also outstanding musicians individually. Randall was the youngest member to join the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at 15. He also was a featured trumpeter in The Peabody Award-winning PBS program “Marsalis on Music.” April May was the first African American female to graduate from the Jazz Education program at William Paterson University. Also, in 2021, she placed first runner-up at the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition. Pulling inspiration from their deep love for one another, S.O.A.R. expresses that love through beautifully crafted compositions with fresh, innovative arrangements that, pun intended, SOARS. soundsofaandr.com
