Louisville Jazz Fest
Friday 8/02/2024
Brian Culberson
Avery Sunshine
Gerey Johnson
Artist Biographies
BRIAN CULBERTSON
Over the course of crafting a 25-album catalog and architecting nearly 40 Billboard No. 1 singles as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Brian Culbertson has charted his own unique course in music. Label him jazz and he makes a funk record. Call him an R&B artist and he drops an acoustic jazz trio collection. Brand him pop and he creates a 32-minute New Age opus. And you’d be hard pressed to name another instrumentalist of his ilk who can mount an elaborately designed concert production that will keep him on the road for three consecutive months. Culbertson burst onto the scene in 1994 with a chart-topping album that he recorded in his college apartment featuring keyboard-led contemporary jazz tracks. “Long Night Out” landed him a lengthy record deal and signaled that a star was born. Flash forward to present day, Culbertson composed thirty songs that populate the three albums in “The Trilogy” that describes the three-part arc of a long-term relationship: the hot and steamy “falling in love” phase, the rocky middle when perhaps they even break up for a bit, and the couple reunites to live “happily ever after” phase. “Hearing the three albums in a row provides the context. All the songs on ‘Red’ (October 2021) were clearly about passion and love. ‘Blue’ (January 2022) is melancholy and sad songs, breakup songs and ‘losing people’ songs. Once you get to part three, ‘White’ (May 2022) is all about songs that have an uplifting feel to them. Stylistically, they all feel similar even though they are emotionally broad” said Culbertson. Whether you’re listening to music from “The Trilogy” on record or live in concert, you’re hearing an eclectic, entertaining and engaging set from an artist at the peak of his power.
Boney James
LOS ANGELES (July 15th, 2022) – Chart-topping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James released his new single “Bring It Back” today, featuring critically acclaimed composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, and trumpeter, Dontae Winslow. The track is available today via all streaming services and marks the first release from James’ forthcoming 18th studio album, Detour, out September 23rd on Concord Records. The new 10-song collection is a subtle stylistic turn that builds on the commercial success of 2020’s Solid, James’ highest charting release ever on the pop charts, peaking in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.Also featuring vocals from 5-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathway, Detour was recorded largely at Boney’s L.A. home studio (live drums and percussion were tracked at venerable Sunset Sound). The album was produced by Boney with co-production from in-demand writer/producer, Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee (Anderson.Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton) among others. Additional musicians on the album are keyboardist Tim Carmon (Eric Clapton), longtime drummer Omari Williams and bassist Alex Al, renowned percussionist Lenny Castro and guitarists Big Mike Hart and Paul Jackson Jr.“We’ve all been on a detour these last few years,” says Boney. “This album reflects how my music and I have been affected by the times we’re in.”James is currently on the road for select dates across the U.S. which will take him well into 2023. Promising to bring James’ iconic 30-year career to the live stage, including selections from Detour, the multi-city trek will hit a number of major markets. For further information on the tour, dates, and on-sale info please visit https://boneyjames.com/.
AVERY*SUNSHINE
Avery*Sunshine takes no detours in creating melodious music for the masses. She makes the kind of music that undeniably satisfies the soul leaving her audience full and invigorated. Born Denise White in Chester, Pennsylvania, with her roots grounded in the church, the singer, pianist, and composer has created a signature sound that mixes soul, jazz, R&B, and gospel.Avery’s sound is uplifting, vibrant, and exactly as her namesake suggests, full of sunshine. She brings people together through her riveting performances, candid and often humorous stage banter, and optimistic anthems about love and life.Avery’s newest album, Four Songs & A Boot Leg, showcases her captivating and euphonious voice. The lead single “Lucky” has climbed the charts making it to the Billboard Top 30 Adult R&B National Airplay. Fans will be pleased to soak in the live portion of her album recorded in Atlanta in 2019, just before the pandemic. The quintessential artist that Avery is, she continued to work during the pandemic with the thought of mind that this project would raise spirits in a much-needed way.Avery and her musical partner, guitarist, and husband Dana “Big Dane” Johnson empower and encourage audiences through their platforms. Besides the stage, the “Hey Sunshine Show” is another offering for fans who can join by visiting www.averysunshine.com. The collaborative brings exclusive content to fans wanting to delve further into the inspiration that is Avery*Sunshine.In addition to Avery’s music, her creative spirit extends to her illustrious cosmetic line Lou*Mack Beauty. This endeavor is simply another way to connect and encourage, specifically women of color; to celebrate who they are and their lineage unapologetically.Avery is currently rocking it out on stages all over the US as she has done at multiple international venues including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the UK. Avery’s aspiration is, “I am always striving to fill the space that I was created to fill. And I pray that the small space that I occupy in this world reminds everyone to SHINE no matter what”.
REBECCA JADE
Rebecca Jade is an accomplished singer/songwriter and has been able to turn her love for music into a career for close to two decades. Growing up in a musical home, she had been exposed to a broad range of artists, genres, and styles from her mother, who is also a vocalist. With such influences, it seems a natural progression that Rebecca has followed in her footsteps.Rebecca Jade has performed with some of the most sought-after musicians all over the world, and her versatility has allowed her many unique opportunities to perform: Rebecca toured with the Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. since 2017 and appeared in the Emmy-nominated show, “Let’s Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince” that aired on CBS in April 2020; She also sang background vocals for Sir Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards; Rebecca has appeared as an Artist on the Dave Koz Cruise since 2016; she made her debut on the Dave Koz & Friends 2021 Christmas tour and joined Dave for a repeat appearance in 2022; Rebecca has also been a featured artist on many of Eric Darius’ tour dates since 2022. Rebecca opened for Will Downing and Boney James at a sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Long Beach, as well as opened for Jeffrey Osborne for the Thornton Winery Summer Concert series, both in 2019; Rebecca has done multiple concerts at Spaghettini in Seal Beach and was the singer in the House band at Anthology in San Diego for 5 1⁄2 years.Rebecca Jade has earned the title of “Breakout Artist of Year” from Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. Rebecca also earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut solo album, A Shade of Jade. Rebecca’s new album features songs with Dave Koz and Eric Darius, and she put on a sold-out album release concert at Sycuan Casino & Resort’s Live & Up-Close Showroom. Her first single from the album, “Show Me”, became her first Top 20 Billboard-charting song. Rebecca is also a jazz vocalist and released an album of Cole Porter classics titled, Planet Cole Porter with arranger/producer/jazz guitar virtuoso Peter Sprague, which earned them a 2018 SDMA for “Best Jazz Album”. She was also the frontwoman for the soul/funk band, Rebecca Jade & the Cold Fact, and they collectively earned SDMAs in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and a “Best of San Diego” Award in 2016. The band had the opportunity to open for and Rebecca to sing with El Debarge. Rebecca also opened for Grammy-nominated artist, Musiq Soulchild on two separate occasions. The Cold Fact released two full-length albums, one self-titled and the 2nd one called, Running Out of Time. Prior to the Cold Fact, Rebecca released her debut album collaboration in 2011 titled, The Jade Element.Rebecca has over 30 years of recording studio experience. She has sung background vocals, demos and jingles on many different projects, with people like Kiko Cibrián (Luis Miguel) and Kevin Flournoy (Chaka Khan), and has been involved in a variety of notable works, including being featured on Eric Darius’ newest and billboard- charting album, Unleashed, co-writing and being featured in two songs on DW3’s self-titled album that went #1 on the UK Soul Charts in 2020, and singing backing vocals on Aubrey Logan’s album, Where the Sunshine is Expensive, which went #1 on the Billboard charts in 2019.
JETER JONES
THE KANG OF TRAILRIDE BLUES!
The People's Champ is Here!It was April of 2020 Jeter Jones released 6th album entitled: "Mufassa" immediately followed by his 7th album entitled: The Jones Boys 2 King's Collection, a collaborative album w/ his mentor Sir Charles Jones, both released under his home @ Music Access. Jeter's last 2 albums are currently charting on Blues Critic Charts, as well as gaining nominations for pending awards. Jeter Jones also earned Jackson Music Awards 2020 Soul Artist of the Year, Jackson Music Awards 2020 Song of the Year- "Trailride" w/Sir Charles Jones, 2020 Underground Southern Soul Music Awards Entertainer of the Year, 2020 ZBT People's Choice Award Recipient, 2020 ZBT Awards Songwriter of the Year, 2020 ZBT Awards New Cupid Entertainer of the Year, 2020 ZBT Awards Male Fandemonium, 2020 ZBT Awards Best Collaboration- "Country" -Marcel Cassonova ft, Jeter Jones, 2020 ZBT Awards Nlight Records Best Soul/Blues/Zydeco Record Label of the Year- JBE Jones Boyz Entertainment. January of 2021 Jeter released his 8th album entitled "Da Fish Grease Friday" under Universal Music Group, followed by his 9th album entitled "Trailride Certified Part 2(TC2) also under UMG. In 2021, Jeter's 7th album, 2 Kings ft Sir Charles Jones, earned him #11 Billboard Blues Album Charts, fIve weeks in a row. He also received 2021 Blues Critics Awards Artist of the Year, 2021 Jackson Music Awards Record of the Year (TC2)., as well as 2021 ZBT Awards New Cupid Entertainer of the Year & 2021 ZBT Awards Album of the Year (2 Kings: ft. Sir Charles). Empowered by a combination of determination, military values, a strong work ethic, vibrant energy, and sheer musical talent, Jeter Jones has skyrocketed into becoming a successful legendary Southern Soul artist. Not only has Jeter gained notoriety as a singer/entertainer, he is also known for his incredible writing skills as a songwriter for himself as well as other artists in Southern Soul Music. Jeter is currently CEO of his own independent record label- Jones Boys Ent Worldwide located in Mansfield, Louisiana.
TASHA MAC
Tasha Mac is Jeter Jones' little sister. Let's get that out of the way first, because she has benefitted greatly from her big brother's artistic guidance. Tasha burst onto the scene early last year with a single entitled "Get It My Way". Backed up by Ronald "Slack" Jefferson on the instrumental track and aided by Jeter on vocals, "I'm Going To Get It My Way" has accumulated a staggering (almost a million at this writing) number of views on its YouTube video, which captures Tasha and Jeter dancing through the tourist-filled, Canal Street district of New Orleans.
VOLTON WRIGHT
Louisiana native Volton Wright is a singer songwriter/composer. He is known for his contributions to the jazz/blues and R&b scenes throughout the state. He attended Southern University and joined the prestigious professional music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha. After completing his studies, he began to write and compose many hit singles that received national acclaim. " A Time for Love", "Cutie Pie" and "Stop breaking my heart", were just a few compositions that received rave reviews among radio and professional music distributors around the world. He continues to write and produce other artists through his music company, Music Vision Producers. Also, he's a third member of R&b recording group "O Flava Psi" produced by southern soul singer TK Soul and Platinum super producer Stick Burrell. The soundtrack to the documentary " Beyond Galilee" was recorded at Amore Studios Shreveport, Louisiana produced Johnny Antwine and written by V. Wright and sung also by gospel recording artist, Jackie Antwine
GEREY JOHNSON
Currently the touring guitarist with smooth jazz elites Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Boney James, and Euge Groove, and performing as a solo artist, Gerey Johnson has been on the contemporary jazz scene for years as a musician, songwriter, producer and record company executive. Along with being a band leader and show host here on the Smooth Jazz Cruise, you’ve seen him on stage as a side man with Brian Culbertson, Jeffery Osborne, Brian Simpson, Alex Bugnon, George Duke , and many of the other top names in smooth jazz.As an artist, he has radio success with collaborations with Richard Elliot, Marcus Anderson, Lynn Rountree and his current project with percussionist Ramon Yslas from the “super group” “Chicago. You can find his music on Sirius Radio and wherever you listen or buy music online.As a writer/producer, he has crafted songs for and with Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Down To the Bone, Nicholas Cole as well as writing and producing music for City of Chicago Jazz Festival, Motorola, BMW, and Clear Channel Radio. He has had music featured on the TV show Baywatch and several independent films.With credits on over 80 nationally distributed records, you can hear his work on recordings of number of your favorite jazz artists as well R&B and gospel artists. Of note, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Bilge and Lisa Stansfield and Yolanda Adams.He heads his own record label and production company, JazznNovo Entertainment Inc., where he releases his own music and manages artists in other genres.This marks Gerey’s 10th year on the Smooth Jazz Cruise as a member of the infamous “Red Band” and is the host of the our talent show “Opening Act”, where the winner is the opening performer for the cruise All-Star Show for Sirius Radio.
ABOUT
The Louisville Jazz Fest is an annual event that brings together jazz lovers from all over the world. Our mission is to celebrate the rich history and culture of jazz music, while also providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.
EXPERIENCE
The Louisville jazz festival is in a modern comfortable outdoor covered event park with a rich sound and soothing environment guaranteed to engulf the senses of all in attendance
LOCATION
Iroquois Amphitheater
1080 ampitheater Road
Louisville, KY 40214
Special Deals
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Mall of St. Matthews
400 Sherburn Lane
Louisville, Ky 40207
502-690-3325
Residence Inn By Marriott
401 Bullitt Lane
Louisville, Ky 40222
502-916-6480
*REFERENCE LOUISVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL
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