Tennessee Aquatic Project Set to Host “TAP into Jazz” Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Young, African American Scuba Divers
Jazz saxophonist, Nashville native Marcus Johnson featured musician at the fundraising event
A non-profit, youth organization that uses scuba diving as a vehicle to build confidence and spark an interest in science is partnering with acclaimed Jazz Saxophonist Marcus Johnson to host a benefit concert.
The general public is invited to “TAP into Jazz,” on Saturday, February 7, at the Essense Room, 1511 Jefferson Street in Nashville. Doors open at 6 p.m. The concert featuring Johnson as the headline performer starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Essense Day Spa or online at http://www.tennesseeaquaticproject.org/page10.html ....
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Tennessee Aquatic Project Set to Host “TAP into Jazz” Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Young, African American Scuba Divers
Jazz saxophonist, Nashville native Marcus Johnson featured musician at the fundraising event
A non-profit, youth organization that uses scuba diving as a vehicle to build confidence and spark an interest in science is partnering with acclaimed Jazz Saxophonist Marcus Johnson to host a benefit concert.
The general public is invited to “TAP into Jazz,” on Saturday, February 7, at the Essense Room, 1511 Jefferson Street in Nashville. Doors open at 6 p.m. The concert featuring Johnson as the headline performer starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Essense Day Spa or online at http://www.tennesseeaquaticproject.org/page10.html .
The Tennessee Aquatic Project (TAP) is a non-profit program that teaches African American youth between the ages of eight and 18 to swim, serve as lifeguards and scuba dive while building their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math. Organizers say the focus, discipline and responsibility it takes to become a scuba diver can stretch into a student’s everyday life. The program goes beyond the water and stresses the importance of education, making the right choices at school and home and working to save and protect the environment. Students spend several months learning aquatics skills with the goal of traveling to the coast to take tests and earn their scuba certifications.
Ken Stewart summed up his enthusiasm saying, "What excites me the most is this is like a homecoming. Marcus joined TAP at the age of 11, embracing everything TAP had to offer and becoming a Master Swimmer, Master Scuba Diver, traveling the world, and being a true leader. It is fitting that Marcus brings his talent to this event to ensure the legacy that TAP has provided to so many youth continues."
Johnson will bring his signature jazz sound to this community-wide event. The alto saxophonist is quickly rising through the ranks of the New York jazz scene. He began is musical career and developed his passion for music while growing up in Nashville and attending Tennessee State University. His unique blend of jazz, R&B, funk, blues and gospel has led him to perform with artists such as Cheryl Pepsi Riley, the Nate Jones Band and Gifted Soul Band. Johnson has also been on stage with Snarky Puppy, Bradford Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Joe Johnson, Ezra Brown, Hezekiah Walker and Bobby Jones. He recently recorded with Producer Elite who has produced for hip hop artists Jadakiss, Nas, Common and Grammy nominee for “Best New Artist,” J. Cole.
“Everyone is encouraged to come out and celebrate the accomplishments of TAP and be entertained by a truly great jazz performer,” said Stewart.
About TAP
Since 1995, the Tennessee Aquatic Project and Development Group, Inc. (TAP), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has sought to maximize the growth potential of African-American youth by exposing them to activities that build character, leadership, critical thinking skills, scientific knowledge, survival techniques and community awareness. Guided by an all-volunteer staff, TAP uses aquatic training (swimming, lifeguarding, and scuba diving) as the vehicle to master new skills, build confidence and pursue non-traditional careers. TAP youth are swimmers, water safety instructors, lifeguard instructors, snorkelers and scuba divers (open water divers, rescue divers, and master divers). Several TAP alumni are licensed professional divers and have pursued careers in marine biology and environmental science. Those interested in making a donation to TAP can do so on through the group’s website, tennesseeaquaticproject.org.
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