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Performers

KENNETH CARR AND THE TIGERS

Kenneth Carr_Amazing Love

 
Kenneth Carr is known as one of the world’s premier soulful jazz trombonists. Kenneth is the original recording artist of “shout- band” music, he’s taken his brand of music internationally, with such instrumentation as the sousaphone, bass horn, trombone, baritone, drums, trumpet and the piano.  Kenneth is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina and has been said to be the “soulful jazz best kept diamond” by many of the his industry peers. His music adventure began at the early age of six, when he began playing the trumpet in the church band. He continued to pursue other instruments such as the drums, baritone, bass horn and the piano; he never ceased to amaze the thousands of people listening to him while he played. Kenneth later decided to pursue a professional career as a inspirational jazz trombonist, as a result of this decision Kenneth and his group,  “The Tiger’s” became known as a bona fide fresh sound in the music world. Throughout his career he has shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest musicians, Ramsey Lewis, Wycliffe Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Al Green, Vickie Winans, John P. Kee and Gladys Knight. Kenneth’s music has gained him international news and press; he was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, The Brass Journal News of Switzerland, ITEC International brass Journal of Budapest and BET (Black Entertainment Television), to name a few.  In late 2013 he released his latest project, “Amazing Love”, which reached into top 100 best MP3’s sold on Amazon.  Today he continues to perform and hopes to spread his joy of playing and production to the next generation.

CHARLOTTE JAZZ ORCHESTRA

 CJO Mar 17 2013 2 copy

 

Formed in 2002 under the leadership of the late lead trumpet player Billy Spencer, The Charlotte Jazz Orchestra includes some of the region’s finest musicians. CJO, with vocalist Rene Ebalaroza, is dedicated to performing the world’s finest big band music, from early compositions in the genre to current works, including those composed and arranged by some of the band’s members. CJO performs regularly at various local venues, at festivals, at public events, and in concert at least twice a year.

ROBYN SPRINGER

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Robyn Springer is a professional vocalist whose richly diverse musical background includes a debut R&B solo album (Makin’ Moves, Virgin Records/Cardiac); featured vocal performances on albums by such artists as contemporary jazz saxophonist Najee to Fugees’ alternative/rapper John Forte; and various live tours from London to Greece to New York, where she appeared with such legends as George Benson, Herbie Hancock, and Kirk Whalem. A native of New York City, Springer has recorded on such labels as Atlantic, Transparent and Verve/Forecast.  Springer, a first-alto, boasts a versatile and sultry style known to transport audiences from church pews to Delta juke joints to downtown jazz cafes.  Her latest album, The Acoustic Project, is an eclectic collaboration with guitarist and songwriter Greg Cagle.

Los Trabucos

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Los Trabocos is a dream child of our Director Roberto Alvarez who had to leave Cuba during a time of great turmoil and oppression but was able to follow his dream here in the United States.  A Trabuco is a large caliber traditional firearm from the era of the Spanish when they came to the New World.  Like our name sake we are a powerful band of musicians dedicated to keeping the tradition of Latin, Cuban and Afro-Cuban music alive here in Charlotte NC for the past 15 years.   We represent several countries including; Cuba, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Peru and Panama.  We strive to promote Unity through music much like the great poet Lola Rodríguez de Tío, who penned the words to La Borinqueña, the national anthem, in 1867, wrote that Cuba and Puerto Rico were “two wings of the same bird;”.

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