Join BRIC on October 19, 20, and 21 for our ninth annual BRIC JazzFest! This acclaimed marathon Jazz festival, which is one of BRIC's premiere performing arts programs, will take place across three days and two stages.
The 2023 BRIC JazzFest lineup brings together legends and rising stars from both inside and outside the jazz genre. This year, we're blending the worlds of jazz and Hip-Hop and celebrating some of our favorite genre-crossing artists. Plus, we’re bringing you an extra special panel discussion and film series.
This year’s carefully crafted lineup is curated by artist Melanie Charles along with Brice Rosenbloom and BRIC Producer Viviana Benitez.
If you are interested in covering BRIC JazzFest, please submit a media request here.
NIGHT 1 LINEUP | THURSDAY OCT 19, 7PM
NIGHT 2 LINEUP | FRIDAY OCT 20, 7PM
NIGHT 3 LINEUP | SATURDAY OCT 21, 7PM
**LINEUP**
THURSDAY
Terrace Martin
A three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist/producer/multi-instrumentalist from the Crenshaw District, Terrace Martin is renowned as being one of the top jazz musicians in the world and has become a creative engine at the epicenter of LA's progressive hip-hop scene. His noteworthy production has included major collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (good kid, M.A.A.D. city & the GRAMMY-winning To Pimp a Butterfly), Travis Scott, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, and many other influential artists. Among the most versatile musicians and producers of his generation, Terrace's path is leading him in parallel with the greats including Quincy Jones and Dr. Dre, while also launching his vibrant, progressive, genre-crossing record label, Sounds of Crenshaw.
Melanie Charles / Orrin Evans Duo
There are very few artists whose sound can capture the sentiments of a generation. The Brooklyn born and raised, Melanie Charles, is one of these artists. Over the past few decades, she has made a name for herself through dynamic engagements with jazz, soul, and R&B. Her bold genre-bending style has been embraced by a range of artists including Wynton Marsalis, SZA, Mach-Hommy, Gorillaz, and The Roots.
During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century as a professional jazz musician, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions. Never supported by a major label, Evans has ascended to top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument, as affirmed by his #1-ranking as “Rising Star Pianist” in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll. Grammy nominations for the Smoke Sessions albums The Intangible Between and Presence, by Evans’ raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band, stamp his bona fides as a bandleader and composer. In addition to CBBB, Evans’ multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; Evans’ working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; and Tar Baby (a collective trio of 20 years standing with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits). One of Tar Baby’s two 2022 releases will be released on Evans’ imprint, Imani Records, which he founded in 2001 and relaunched in 2018.
Isaiah Collier
Isaiah Collier is a Chicago/Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, curator, activist, motivational speaker and educator. Collier is most known for his work as a saxophonist, in addition to being a drummer. Collier's sound and approach is drawn from the influences of master saxophonists such as John Coltrane, Roscoe Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Ari Brown and Gene Ammons. Collier has shared the stage with many musicians both locally and internationally such as Chance the Rapper, Lewis Nash, Wadada Leo Smith III, Antonio Hart, Junius Paul, James Carter, Rene Marie, Carl Allen, Paul Rogers, Bennie Maupin, Rudy Van Gelder, Angel Bat Dawid and many more.
Reggie Workman’s Works In Progress Featuring Ayana Workman, Jen Shyu, and Jason Hwang
Reginald “Reggie” Workman (born June 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is recognized as one of the most technically gifted American avant-garde jazz and hard-bop double bassists in history. He is a teacher, composer, and jazz advocate whose style ranges from Bop, Post Bop, and beyond.
Alexa Tarantino
In the words of Wynton Marsalis, Alexa Tarantino is a !one-woman wrecking crew, [...] an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” Alexa tours worldwide with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Her records (Firefly, Clarity, Winds of Change) and compositions have consistently topped jazz radio charts, and her discography includes 25+ released recordings as a leader and side woman. Tarantino is in-demand internationally as an energetic and impactful clinician, mentor, and coach and also represents Jazz at Lincoln Center as a visiting educator for various programs with students of all ages and levels. She holds a master"s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and bachelor"s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education with a certificate in Arts Leadership from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa is Founder and Artistic Director of the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop in Rockport, Massachusetts (est. 2014). Alexa Tarantino is a Vandoren Artist, a Yamaha Performing Artist, and endorses BAM Instrument Cases.
Panikkar Rosner & Leigh
Panikkar Rosner & Leigh is a bebop and post bop centric jazz octet featuring 3 vocalists in the instrumental vocal style of Lambert Hendricks & Ross. What started as a improvisation group class at The New School for Jazz, under the tutelage of the great bassist Reggie Workman, has developed into a powerful ensemble that delivers a hi-octane performance that recognizes both the directions jazz can take when instruments and vocals are allowed to interact and the tradition of the music before.
FRIDAY
Georgia Anne Muldrow
The music of Georgia Anne Muldrow erases the boundaries between progressive soul, organic hip-hop, and avant-garde jazz. Part of a richly musical bloodline, Muldrow made her recorded debut in 2004 and became the first woman signed to the revered Stones Throw label, releasing her expansive first album, Olesi: Fragments of an Earth, two years later. By then, she was an integral player in Los Angeles' thriving underground scene of beatmakers, instrumentalists, singers, rappers, songwriters, and label operators. She has filled all of those roles with varied solo albums such as Umsindo (2009), Seeds (2012), and the Grammy-nominated Overload (2018), as well as the Vweto series (2011 to 2021). A keen collaborator, Muldrow has recorded a large volume of output with husband Dudley Perkins, including releases on their independent outlet SomeOthaShip, and has been featured on recordings by the likes of Sa-Ra, Erykah Badu, and Robert Glasper.
BIGYUKI
Masayuki Hirano - better known as BIGYUKI - is a ground-breaking songwriter and virtuoso keyboard player who blends jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronica to create a sound that’s wholly his own. Alongside releasing his own inimitable music, BIGYUKI is highly sought-after as a performer and collaborator by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Kamasi Washington, and Lauryn Hill.
George Burton
A true visionary who consistently captivates audiences both on record and on stage, pianist, composer and bandleader GEORGE BURTON has been called “formidable” (NPR), “revolutionary” (Nextbop), and “soulful” (Philadelphia Inquirer); his music “multidimensional” (Philadelphia Inquirer), “sublime” (NPR). His wide range of influences blend brilliantly to create a modernist landscape that draws on the trajectory of jazz going back to the blues, and establishes him as an oracular presence in a new generation of musicians. Burton’s two full-length albums, The Truth Of What I Am > The Narcissist (2016) and Reciprocity (2020), were both received to international critical acclaim, with the latter receiving an Image Award (NAACP) nomination for Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Album in 2021, and the stunning, stop-motion animated music video for the single “Finding" (which Burton also produced) winning multiple film festival awards and honors.
Jonathan Michel: L’Ouverture
L'Ouverture, is a world premiere concert featuring Emeline Michel, Riva Precil and Val Jeanty with a program that will celebrate Haitian women and their vital role in Haitian music and culture. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution leader Toussaint L'Ouverture, the group embraces the meaning of its name, "The Opening," by inviting audiences to experience the essence of Haitian music and stories, while also connecting those from the 'motherland' who may be physically away to keep Haïti in their hearts, minds, and actions. Established in 2012 by bassist, composer, and producer Jonathan Michel, L'Ouverture offers an exceptional program of original compositions and arrangements of Haitian and Black American songs. The group's repertoire highlights the deep connection between these two cultures, exploring both physical and spiritual aspects through music and movement. Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, Jonathan Michel's musical journey has been marked by remarkable achievements including four years as bassist and musical director for Grammy Award-winning vocalist Billy Paul and collaborations with esteemed musicians and groups like Orrin Evans, The Revive Da Live Big Band, ELEW, Godwin Louis, and Laurin Talese. He has worked with esteemed institutions such as Philadelphia’s Clef Club of Jazz, Carnegie Hall, The State Department, and Experience Ayiti. As a producer, Jonathan has been involved in various projects, including his own debut album "MDR" released on Imani Records in 2018. Endorsed by Lakland Basses, Jonathan Michel's passion for music and dedication to cultural preservation continue to inspire and elevate the L'Ouverture collective, making it a profound force in celebrating and promoting Haitian music and culture.
Cisco Swank
(Francisco Haye) is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer from Brooklyn, NY. Cisco's critically acclaimed debut solo album "More Better” is a sprawling web of jazz, hip-hop, indie, and R&B that features the likes of Laura Elliott, Ambrose Akinmusire, Luke Titus and more. Praised as “a rising multi-hyphenate” by Okayplayer & i-D, and compared to the likes of MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt by The New York Times, Cisco is cementing his status as a major player in the modern intersection of hip hop and jazz. While completing his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Cisco released the highly lauded collaborative album “Some Things Take Time” with Luke Titus in 2022 and has worked with a diverse roster of artists including Saba, Noname, Braxton Cook, Malaya, and Julius Rodriguez. “It’s just who he is. He is Black music. All of it. It’s in every note.” - Grammy-nominated trumpeter and collaborator Ambrose Akinmusire via The New York Times.
String N Skins
Influenced by their Caribbean and Latin American heritage, the group was founded in Brooklyn by Haitian vocalist and percussionist Okai and Colombian vocalist, dancer, and Latin Grammy Award Winning violinist, Luisa “Lulu” Bastidas. Strings N Skins mixes the acoustic vibrations of the drum and electronic jungle sounds of the violin, pairing their unparalleled sound with drummer and producer Lautaro Burgos and keyboard guru and producer Eric Lane. Strings N Skins has been recognized as one of the most distinct bands of New York City and gives a new twist to originality.
SATURDAY
Amina Claudine Myers Trio
The Amina Claudine Myers Trio features Amina Claudine Myers composer, pianist, organist, vocalist; Jerome Harris, electric bass, guitar, voice; AACM member Reggie Nicholson, percussion. The Trio was created around 1981 in New York City. The musical path of Amina Claudine Myers span from blues, gospel and country music to Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Avantgarde. Coming from the rural area in Arkansas, Amina gained experience in piano playing, organ playing, vocal music as well as composing, arranging and leading. All musical styles are reflected in her compositions and the trio (with bass guitar and drums) are the backbone of her performances. Jerome Harris and Reggie Nicholson form the trio and blend their experience and creative excellence for a dynamic and warm sound.
B. Cool-Aid
Rapper Pink Siifu and producer Ahwlee, who’ve recorded together as B. Cool-Aid since 2017, specialize in suave, crackly music that exists somewhere in between Butcher Brown’s live-band jazz and A Tribe Called Quest–style boom-bap. Kicking off their upcoming album Leather Blvd., their latest single is about keeping faith: “Everything’s gonna turn around someday/Everything gonna make sense, let’s pray,” Siifu croons over a crisp drum pattern and bass. Halfway through, the beat stutters and wears down. The ghostly coos of Liv.e, Jimetta Rose, and V.C.R. waft behind a mellow, flatly-delivered verse from Maurice II, who is done listening to naysayers: “Somebody full of fear, somebody ain’t/Minding they business, wanna talk about how I move.” None of them know where the world is headed, but they’re interested in holding onto what they have—their families, their resolve—and continuing to groove.
Miki Yamanaka Origami Project
Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” - Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most intimate release, “Stairway to the Stars” (Outside In Music), features Jazz masters Mark Turner and Orlando le Fleming. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the “New York Scene” via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow.
Sarah Elizabeth Charles
Sarah Elizabeth Charles is a vocalist/composer based in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked and studied with artists such as Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, George Cables, Geri Allen and Sheila Jordan and has released three critically acclaimed albums with her band, SCOPE between 2012 and today. As the active vocalist in a number of bands (including SCOPE, Ajoyo, duo with Jarrett Cherner, Jesse Fischer and Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah). Charles has performed at many venues throughout her career. These have included The White House, Carnegie Hall, the first annual Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi, The Kennedy Center, the Rose Theatre with Jazz at Lincoln Center and many more. She has also had a commissioned composition performed at The National Gallery in Washington D.C. via The Canales Project "Hear Her Song" initiative.
Trill Mega Jam Featuring The Jungle And Guests
On October 21st, All Roads lead to the Trill Mega Jam where New York City's most notable jams and sessions of the past decade come together for one night to celebrate the scene's most brilliant musicians MC’s and vocalists to close out the 9th annual Bric Jazz Fest. Brooklyn's own THE JUNGLE PARTY will be our “modern Juke joint” for the night with resident DJ PUDGE and resident vocalist/ pianist Zacchaeus Paul culminating to a massive jam session featuring a rhythm section of Parker Mccalister bass/MD, Chad Selph keys and Jaylen Petinaud (herbie Hancock) on Drums with guest appearances from J Hoard of The Lesson, Ray Angry of Producer Mondays, Nate Jones of Taste the stage, STOUT, Casey Benjamin, Maurice Brown of The Free Nationals, Xiomara and Axel Laugart of the Cuban jam and a rap cypher.
The Jungle is a collaboration of DJ, musicians, and artists to bring you a stimulating sonic experience of art and inspiration across the African Diaspora. The Jungle is a taste of global sounds, flavors, and feelings of the beautiful and expansive African Diaspora. Latin, Jazz, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Percussion, Brazilian, Caribbean, House, Soul and more. The Jungle will close out BRIC JazzFest and lead the Trill Mega Jam. Welcome to The Jungle
Nite Bjuti feat. Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty and Mimi Jones
Nite Bjuti [pronounced Night Beauty] is a trio of Black women artists who weave multiple strands of storytelling using voice, bass, electro percussion, turntables, Haitian drums, dance and visual projections to rediscover the buried Diasporic beauty in the world, transcendent across generations. The name draws from a centuries old Haitian folklore called "Night Beauty,” about a girl whose bones begin to sing in her afterlife, her spirit seeking justice. On this eponymous album, singer/songwriter Candice Hoyes, bassist Mimi Jones, and GRAMMY® Award-winning soundchemist Val Jeanty publicly animate narratives centering Black women across time ranging in subject matter from vodoun, sisterhood, sexual expression, reproductive freedom, magic, and the politics of respectability with archival resources ranging from the letters of Zora Neale Hurston, to the iconic Kitchen Table Series by Carrie Mae Weems. Nite Bjuti, released July 28, 2023 via Whirlwind Recordings, taps into the transcendent communicative powers shared among the trio to delve into their individual journeys and the spiritual intimacies of Black life.
Venue Information:
BRIC House is Brooklyn’s cultural living room: a 40,000 square foot multi-disciplinary arts and media complex in the former Strand Theatre, where emerging and established artists can create work that deepens their practice and engages the diverse communities of the borough.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org
BRIC is committed to welcoming people of all abilities. BRIC's main entrance, located on Rockwell Street, is fully accessible. In addition the main floor of BRIC House has an accessible, all-gender bathroom. The BRIC Media Center, located on the 2nd floor, is accessible via elevator. The Gallery level is accessible via a wheelchair lift. Portable FM assistive listening devices are available for programs on the Stoop and in the Ballroom upon request. To make a specific access request, or to let us know other ways we can provide you with a welcoming experience, please contact Benno Orlinsky at borlinsky@bricartsmedia.org or (718) 683-5637.