2024 Performers
UMW JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Performance Time | 12:00 PM
Director: Doug Gately
The UMW Jazz Ensemble, made up of students majoring in all areas of study, performs contemporary jazz arrangements as well as standard big band literature. Members receive instruction in performance techniques, jazz history, theory, improvisation, and an analysis of elements of style and interpretation of music found within the jazz idiom. In the Fall, the ensemble presents the Jazz 4 Justice™ concert and in the Spring, the UMW Jazz Ensemble hosts the annual UMW Jazz Festival, performing with national and international “name” Jazz Artists.
SOUNDS OF A&R
Performance Time | 1:00 PM
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. www.soundsofandandr.com
kevin howard
Performance Time | 2:15 PM
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. kevinhoward.net
HEADLINER JAZMIN GHENT
Performance Time | 3:30 PM
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, NY; Long Island, NY; Elmira, NY; Lakeland, FL; Miami, FL and McKinney, TX…. and in King George, VA., in conjunction with Jazz In The Country's 5th Anniversary Jazz Festival. jazminghentmusic.com
