Ballads And Rhythms at The Spirit Lives Though Jazz Fellowship Series at Canaan Baptist Church

The Spirit Lives Through Jazz Fellowship presents “Ballads and Rhythms.” The afternoon begins with two of the region’s coolest jazz balladeers -- Michael Andrews and Milton Suggs -- followed by the hot Rhythms of Juan “Cuco” Castellanos and an Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring Khary Abdul-Shaheed (drums), Nasir Dickerson (sax), Aaron Graves (keys) and father of Christian McBride, Lee Smith (bass).

Beginning at 12 noon, browse an African Marketplace and feast on delicious food options for purchase from My Blue Heaven Soul Food. The first set – Ballads – is from 1-2 p.m. and the Rhythms set is from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ...

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The Spirit Lives Through Jazz Fellowship presents “Ballads and Rhythms.” The afternoon begins with two of the region’s coolest jazz balladeers -- Michael Andrews and Milton Suggs -- followed by the hot Rhythms of Juan “Cuco” Castellanos and an Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring Khary Abdul-Shaheed (drums), Nasir Dickerson (sax), Aaron Graves (keys) and father of Christian McBride, Lee Smith (bass).

Beginning at 12 noon, browse an African Marketplace and feast on delicious food options for purchase from My Blue Heaven Soul Food. The first set – Ballads – is from 1-2 p.m. and the Rhythms set is from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

$20 (children 17 and under are free). A portion of the proceeds will benefit youth programs at Canaan Baptist Church.

The Ballads

Whether with a small group or a big band, the 2016 Philadelphia Clef Club Jazz Award Male Vocalist of the Year Michael Andrews will enchant you with his velvety smooth bass-baritone voice. He is often compared to the likes of Johnny Hartman, Arthur Prysock & Joe Williams.

Milton Suggs’s voice and approach to music are a reflection of the many great voices in Black music and culture. It is the music, spirit, struggles, triumphs, and stories of the generations that preceded him that make up the foundation upon which his own artistry stands. Whether on stage or in studio, Milton Suggs embraces each opportunity to explore new creative terrain and to do his part in furthering this legacy.

The Rhythms

Juan “Cuco” Castellanos

A multi- talented percussionist, composer, lecturer and educator. Cuco was born in Camaguey, Cuba and has been described as a virtuoso percussionist with the ability to play a large range of percussion instruments and styles (article published by Granma Cuban National Newspaper- 1991). Cuco holds a master’s degree in music education and performance from the prestigious Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba.

Juan’s performing career has keep him traveling all over the United States and abroad. He has performed at Delaware’s Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, Philadelphia’s John Coltrane Jazz Fest, and the San Francisco Jazz Fest. For two consecutive years, Cuco has appeared with the Chieftains at New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.

Khary Abdul-Shaheed

Khary is one of the most complete percussionists on the music scene today. Equally at home on congas, djembe and traps, when you hear Khary, you hear the spirit of the ancestors. Following in the footsteps of his father drummer Kazem Shaheed, Khary continues the legacy of the Philly drumming community. Khary has studied with legendary drummers Greg “Peache” Jarmon, Robert “Baba” Crowder, Carl Matola and Baba Obrafo. Khary can be seen working with everyone from Nasir Dickerson and the Renaissance Messengers to Dahi Devine.

Come and be blessed!

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