Annual Benefit Jazz Festival

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming 5th Anniversary Jazz Festival, as we celebrate half a decade of bringing outstanding jazz to King George, Virginia.

This special event on the Potomac shore promises to be a musical extravaganza and also supports the historic Mt. Bethel Retreat Center in King George - Home to Jazz In The Country.

More Than A Jazz Fest
Jazz In The Country is intent on helping preserve Mt. Bethel's rich legacy, dating back to the late 1800s when the property was first acquired. It's the right thing to do! Every generation needs to know history among us.

Schedule:

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.

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.

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.

4 The Road - Accompanying Jazmin Ghent

Jazz, Gospel, or R&B?—4 The Road masters them all. With more than 12 years of shared musical passion, and over 40 years of combined experience in the industry, this talented ensemble brings a wealth of expertise. Their journey includes backing renowned Jazz, Gospel, and R&B artists both nationally and internationally. Sharing the stage with Teddy Pendergrass, Marion Meadows, Jackiem Joyner, Kim Waters, Art Sherrod Jr, Paul Taylor, and Cindy Bradley and countless others infuse their impressive resume.

Whether performing at Blues Alley, the Birchmere, the Capitol Jazz Cruise, or various festivals and venues in and beyond the DMV area, you're guaranteed a soulful experience. Each member of this dynamic group inspires every note and beat with their deep love for music, ensuring that every performance is a memorable one.

Special Guest J.J. Sansaverino

Performance Time - 5:00 PM

With multiple Billboard-charting singles, including a Billboard #1 smash hit with “Style and Elegance” and five highly acclaimed albums, New York guitarist JJ Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, JJ has a "take no prisoners" performance attitude, gracing the stage night after night touring on his own or with reggae legend Maxi Priest and bringing his vibe of Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Reggae.

A Berklee School of Music graduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Rick Braun, the Marley Family, and more. JJ even performed for Sir Paul McCartney's wedding in 2002.

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