UptownWestChester.org

The Virtual Jazz Cocktail Hour Winter Concert Series Hosted by Sara Michaels

Soulful Jazz

January 21, 2021

ABOUT UPTOWN!

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center - a first-class performing arts venue right in downtown West Chester!

With live entertainment for every taste, Uptown! presents theatre, music, jazz, opera, movies, speakers, education, summer camps— and so much more.

Through classes and community outreach, thousands of young people are experiencing the joy of live performance — first-hand — and often for the first time.

All of this amazing activity takes place in our award-winning theater — the result of the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of the 1916 West Chester Armory.

Through our programming and outreach efforts, the theater has become a special gathering place in the community, reflecting the demographic and cultural diversity of our region.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Vocals, Sherry Wilson ButlerA Platinum award participant recipient from Teddy Bear Enterprises for Teddy Pendergrass’ CD “It’s Time For Love,” Sherry Wilson Butler is a well respected veteran in the music industry, as well as the Arts Education community. While many have expressed an interest, Butler has participated and is deep rooted in the “Philly Sound.” Sherry is a performing & recording artist/entertainer, artist & development teacher and coach, music educator, lyricist, educational administrator, actress, and short story writer. Her career spans over thirty years in the music industry, and 20 years in education. She has performed and recorded at world renowned recording studios, television and radio stations as a lead & background vocalist, and voice-over artist throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. She has performed with Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Smooth Jazz artists- Gerald Veasley, Monnette Sudler, John Blake, Derrick Hodges-bassist with Terrance Blanchard, trumpeter-Duane Eubanks, Justin Faulkner-drummer with Branford Marsalis, the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, bassist-Terry Tyler, and percussionist Doc Gibbs- Emeril Live Show, among others. Sherry’s work is exemplified in a diverse repertoire of upbeat contemporary jazz, R&B, pop, and gospel selections. A favorite on the Jazz, and R&B Festival circuit, Sherry has performed at the Cape May, West Oak Lane, Rehoboth Beach, Anguilla West Indies Jazz festivals, Circle Theater, L.A. Greek Theater, the London Palladium, among others. Butler has competed and placed in numerous competitions, which include her performances as a finalist in Savannah’s International Vocal Sing, and the Washington, DC Jazz Network’s vocal contest. Butler has taught at the Perkins Performing Arts Center, performed as a PennPAT Performing Roster Artist on Tour.; Teacher for Musicopia, the Philadelphia Clef Club for Jazz & Performing Arts, Philadelphia Arts Education Network, & her own SherrVocalise Studio & Co. A deep resonating contralto voice Butler’s performances haunt audiences with influences of Betty Carter, Diane Reeves, Phyllis Hyman, Tramaine Hawkins, and Sarah Vaughn, yet she unmistakedly stands on her own dynamic accord.

Pianist, Aaron GravesAaron Graves was raised in Reidsville, North Carolina. He learned to play various instruments including piano, bass, organ, and drums, in the church where his father, a great musician with a musical family, was pastor.Aaron eventually moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of sixteen to play bass guitar with Richard Smallwood and attended The Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts. This where he began haring the art form that some call jazz.After touring with various artists that included Richard Smallwood, Myrna Summers, The Voices Supreme, and Henry Davis, Aaron entered Howard University and received a Special Talent Scholarship. After two years study he transferred to the University of the District of Columbia to study with Jazz Master Calvin Jones. While studying at UDC Aaron auditioned for a National Endowment of the Arts grant, was accepted, and studied with Jazz Master Kenny Barron. He has also studied with Jazz Masters Barry Harris and Stanley Cowell.Aaron has been blessed to perform and/or record with greats that include Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Brown, Jr., Dakota Staton, Houston Person, Ernie Andrews, Marlena Shaw, Linda Hopkins, Cassandra Wilson, Antonio Hart, Greg Osby, Keter Betts, Bill Lee, Grady Tate, Kenny Burrell, Frank Foster, Grover Washington, Jr., Vanessa Rubin, Earl May, The Blackbyrds, The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Jann Parker, Donald Byrd, James Moody, Kevin Mahogany, , and many others.He performed on the soundtrack for the movie “Ashes and Embers” by independent filmmaker Haile Gerima; was the conductor on Broadway for “Truly Blessed” about the life of Mahalia Jackson, written and performed by Queen Esther Marrow; was the conductor or “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” with Criss Calloway in Edinburgh, Scotland; and was the conductor for “Essentially Ellington” at The Prince Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has also performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.His television credits include The award-winning documentary “Eyes on the Prize with Sweet Honey and the Rock”, “The Bill Cosby Show”, and “The Lou Rawls Show”

Sax, Nasir DickersonNasir Dickerson, BA, MA, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Dickerson. Born in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Camden, NJ. Graduate of University of the Arts, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone Performance, 2006; and a Master’s Degree in Music Education, 2007. Nasir is a teacher of music at Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy in Camden, NJ. He received the Teacher of the Year award in 2010, Followed by, an Emmy Award in 2011, as part of a music teaching team who used a “Vertical Articulation” teaching method. Nasir is the leader of the jazz sextet, “Nasir Dickerson & The Renaissance Messengers,” and has produced two albums “Journey to Father Land” & “The Revealer.” He is also, an artistic/music director for “The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.” In 2011, Nasir performed in the movie “WARRIOR” by LIONSGATE starring Nick Nolte. He has performed with artist such as, rappers The Roots Crew, Vocalist Bilal, Vocalist Maysa, Rappers Beanie Sigel, State Property, Stalley, and The legendary Stylistics, . He has opened for legendary jazz greats, such as Dr. Donald Byrd, Robert “Bootsie” Barnes, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Heath, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Duane Eubanks, Jymie Merritt, Mickey Roker, Stanley Wilson and Sid Simmons. Nasir is also a World Champion 6th Degree Master Black Belt in the Martial Arts, and has been inducted into two Martial Arts Hall of Fames.

Bass, Nimrod Speaks Born in Philadelphia, Pa, Nimrod Speaks is a well-trained bassist, composer and educator both on electric and double bass. He began playing at the age of 16 on an electric fender bass while in high school under the tutorship of Ricardo Jackson. He later was introduced to the double bass during his first semester in college. He brings his individual soulful tone to many styles of music. Much of his musical studies in classical and

jazz concentration include training with Ben Blazer, Ralph Bowen, Douglas Mapp, Conrad Hewig, Maria Cadieux, Scott Lee, Kevin Kjos, Mike Richmond, Victor Lewis, Vic Juris, and Stanley Cowell. While obtaining a B.A in Music Education from Kutztown University and a Masters in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University, these schools landed him opportunities to play with renowned artist of today. Some include Boostie Barnes, Ronnie Burrage, Doc Gibbs, Hannible Lokumbe including performance at premier jazz venues such as the Blue Note in NYC and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.

Drummer, Khary Abdul Shaheed Khary was born and raised in Philadelphia to two highly talented and gifted individuals. He received his first training, And musical hereditary, from his mother Vocalist/pianist Nadirah Barbara And his father drummer/percussionist Kazem Shaheed. Khary began playing music at the early age of two years old. He Became a member of the Electo Egbe Omode dance company playing Djembe & Congas. At 5 years old Abdul Shaheed studied with Master Percussionist Robert “Baba” Crowder where he was introduced to Traditional West African & Afro Cuban ritual rhythms, patterns, songs, cultural dances, and it’s ethnic relationship to each individual percussion instrument, Rudiments, Technique & Tone. While attending The Academy of the Way/Pan African Institute. Abdul Shaheed played percussion with the Blue Nile Drum ensemble directed by Talib Issa. Abdul Shaheed became a student of The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. Just 10years old Abdul Shaheed was playing with the Philadelphia Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble. Under the Artistic direction of Lovett Hines, In 1995 The youth jazz ensemble Feat. Bilal (vocalist) won 1st place In a national competition under the judgment by musical innovators such as Earth Wind and Fire, The O’Jays, & The Isley Brothers. In 1997 Khary applied & auditioned at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, And was accepted to further his studying in music theory and composition with Band Director Kevin Rodgers and Master Drum Instructor Carl Mattola. Khary received an artist endorsement contract and signing bonus with Bosphorus international cymbal company from Istanbul. Khary has since shared the Stage with The legendary musical genius Stevie Wonder At the prestigious Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA. and has toured nationally & overseas in Europe with Master Organist Joey Defrancesco. Khary continues to tour, and travel the world but also share his musical talent, knowledge, experiences and drumming wisdom at the Cross Roads Academy charter school in Philadelphia,PA.

Support Uptown! - Get in on the excitement

We invite you to join other influential community leaders and residents who have further supported Uptown!s mission, to provide and expand our reach with a first-class performing arts center for years to come.

Many ways you can support Uptown! Volunteer (donate your invaluable time) Join one of our many committees Donate (starting at $10) Membership (levels start at only $100) Lasting recognition-Name engraved on one of our seats Corporate Sponsorships Naming opportunities Advertising

Your Membership helps us engage renown artists and local students expand and provide educational programs for children create or support our scholarship program continue to offer diverse live performances make the arts accessible for community members build and sustain a legacy of performing arts in West Chester

In return, we connect you with other like-minded community leaders who share your passion. All members receive; recognition on Uptown! Membership board 20% discount at Mac’s Foxhole, our Uptown! bar discount at local partner restaurants and businesses advance purchase opportunities so you won’t miss an event.

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Buckley Brion McGuire & Morris LLP is pleasedto support Uptown!

An Evening of Love SongsJazz Vocalist Sharon Sable with Guitarist

E. Shawn Qaissaunee and a full band!

Valentines Day Sunday, February14, 7PM

RENTALS

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center offers a vibrant mix of spaces. We can accommodate social gatherings and meetings or training sessions in our 327 seat main stage theater or two event spaces. To receive more information about cost and availability for rentals of the theater or event spaces, please call 610.356.2787.

State of the Art Sound & LightingArtist’s Green Room

A. Roy Smith Bravo Mainstage Theater: Seats 327/50 x 30 foot stage/film & Projection Capability

Univest Room: Seats 80 at tables and chairs, 124 max capacity

Mac’s Foxhole Bar and Concessions Space: Seats 40-50 at tables and chairs, 124 max capacity

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