Defining Culture Through Authenticity

Trumpeter, Bandleader, Composer, Producer, Educator

Latest News

The Second Line Bebop Article is PUBLISHED 

I’m beginning 2023 with the publication of my article in a peer reviewed journal - Indiana University Press Jazz Education in Research and Practice - it’s a big deal! The amount of research, study and synthesis that went into Second Line Bebop is an indescribable amount of time. At the JEN Jazz Education Network conference who distributes the journal. Many thanks to all of my friends new and old here in Philly and down in New Orleans who contributed. The Second Line Bebop Series film is still available for viewing here. CLICK HERE FOR PROQUEST    CLICK HERE FOR JOHN HOPKINS MUSE

I’m happy to share this manuscript with anyone interested who may not have access to the journal.

Club Quarantine Recap 

This past weekend was a serious musical and cultural experience of fellowship among musicians from all across the country convening in the Kennedy Center's Opera House in Washington, D.C. Club Quarantine Live with D-Nice and Igmar Thomas' Revive Orchestra. A 31 piece melanated orchestra. The special guests included Faith Evans, Too $hort, Israel Houghton, EPMD, Letoya Luckett, Digable Planets, Eric Benet, DJ Clark Kent, and suprise guests Sugar Bear and Kathy Sledge. The house energy was level 100 the entire night.  

https://youtube.com/shorts/AjVNhEbFG9s?feature=share

Philadelphia is a Saxophone City! 

Saxophone City - A tribute to Philadelphia's great saxophone legacy

 

I was awarded a Black Music City grant from REC Philly for this project, celebrating Juneteenth. Featuring Philly Saxophonists Yesseh Furaha Ali, Josh Lee, Tim Warfield, and Kynoebi Simpson. In this video, we play homage to John Coltrane on Impressions. Although he was born in North Carolina, Coltrane began playing saxophone when he moved to Philadelphia at age 17. His North Philadelphia home still stands. He left a profound impact on the city that is still felt today.

 

Sixers Playoff Halftime Show 

Here's a picture from the Philadelphia 76ers halftime show. Round 1, Game 1. An electrifying experience as the Sixers were up during halftime and subsequently won the game. The dancers, entertainers, stuntmen and drum line were featured. The four SnackTime horns filled up the stadium with brass. I've never been in a marching band before, so this was the closest experience because our music, dance, steps and other movements were carefully choreographed. With trumpet players Elliot Bild, Charles Washington, and Banks Sapnar.

Upcoming Events

Previous events

Date Event Location
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Village Vanguard, New York City, NY Village Vanguard, New York City, NY
Marian Anderson Museum presents "The Sound of Liberty Concert - A Tribute to the American Songbook" Chapel of Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, PA Chapel of Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, PA
Essence Festival with Lauryn Hill Essence Festival, New Orleans, LA Essence Festival, New Orleans, LA
Josh Lee and The Family Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, New York, NY Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, New York, NY
Josh Lee and The Family Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, New York, NY Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, New York, NY
 —  — Kimmel Center Summer Camp Kimmel Cultural Campus, Philadelphia, PA Kimmel Cultural Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Josh Lee and The Family Not So Latin House, Philadelphia, PA Not So Latin House, Philadelphia, PA
The Soapbox Presents Harlem, New York City, NY Harlem, New York City, NY
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour Ravinia Festival, Chicago, IL Ravinia Festival, Chicago, IL
Carlos Sanchez Orquesta Del Barrio Morgan's Pier, Philadelphia, PA Morgan's Pier, Philadelphia, PA
PNC Live at Lunch Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia, PA Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia, PA
Temple Community Music Scholars Program Alumni Fundraiser Concert Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia, PA Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia, PA
Josh Lee and The Family St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Ardmore, PA St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Ardmore, PA
Black Music City Festival Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA
Lauryn Hill at Wolf Trap Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Jack Saint Clair Big Band Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Greenville, DE Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Greenville, DE
Andres Cisneros Band Ambler, PA Ambler, PA
West Chester Jazz Orchestra Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester, PA Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester, PA
2023 Arts + Business Council Awards Celebration Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
Orquesta Del Barrio Concillo, Philadelphia, PA Concillo, Philadelphia, PA

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