SSE Collaborators

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Lil' Maceo
International Saxophonist Kareem Walkes, is quickly becoming one of contemporary jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers, and continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, and recording artist. He’s becoming the go-to sax-man for artists like Cyril Neville, Li'nard's Many Moods, and Blues Hall Of Famer Slam Allen. Kareem's playing, though inspired by Maceo Parker and Candy Dulfer, among others, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. Born and raised in Queens New York, home to many Jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie to name a few, Kareem has been breathing powerful, soulful, raw energy into his saxophone since the age of 18. Kareem's musical journey began as a star tenor saxophonist with his high school band and then quickly sky-rocketed. Soon thereafter, Kareem shared a televised musical stage with a tremendous gathering of jazz legends, including Harold Ousley, Sonny Rollins, Benny Waters, Lionel Hampton, and G. Earl Grice to name a few on the cable program “Harold Ousley & His Circle of Friends”.

Kareem's mastery of the soprano saxophone earned him the laudable nickname “the Black Kenny G" and as a smooth jazz soprano saxophonist, Kareem has recorded 2 albums entitled "Passion" and "Sax and the City." Kareem's 3rd album “Grown & Saxy” a "Pop" jazz album, is slated for a Fall release.

Kareem continues to perform Weekly with Li'nard's Many Moods in NYC and the world but aslo has performed with various well-known artists in and around the New York City area , and the world including Maceo Parker, Cyril Neville, Cindy Bradley, Cheryl “Pepsi” Riley, Milo Z, Slam Allen, Papa J & Mo Soul, Amanda Brown, Jerry Dugger, Antar Goodwin, Shareef Clayton, Chrissy Poland, The Bleecker Street All-Stars, Days of Wild, Yazmin' All Stars, RPM, Sly Geralds Band, Yaz Band, The Unionn, Dean Scala Band, Richard Lee, Dave Kolker, Junior Mac, Grant Green Jr., Frank Viele & The Manhattan Project and the incomparable blues legend Moe Holmes. He has shared the stage and recorded with Gospel artist "Y.O." Yonette Hall. He has also performed with J. Records recording star Gavin DeGraw, as well as Grammy Award Winning Artist John Mayer as well as Grammy nominated artists Joss Stone and music icon Cyndi Lauper.

Lil Maceo Website

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Hazel Mitchell-Bell

Vocalist Hazel Mitchell-Bell is one of Washington, D.C.'s first ladies of jazz. Following her highly praised 2018 recording, Stronger Than Ever, she released Sack Full of Dreams in May 2021. She appears on festival, concert and club stages, enjoying one sellout after another. Working closely with pianist and Music Director Vince Evans, she performs and records with orchestras, big bands and smaller ensembles, stoking the fires of the D.C. jazz scene.

 

The two have worked together since 2016. Stronger Than Ever features standards from the Great American Songbook and R&B hits backed by an 11-piece orchestra. The indie album enjoyed 12 weeks on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Jazz Chart, peaking at #12. Robert Rusch of Cadence Magazine calls her voice: “fresh and compelling and gripping.” Jim Hynes of Making a Scene calls her “one of the most impressive vocalists to enter this incredibly competitive arena of jazz vocalists.”

 

Sack Full of Dreams reflects a heightened level of artistry and broadening of repertoire for Mitchell-Bell, whose influences include Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and Phyllis Hyman. The 12 tracks feature her interpretations of jazz, blues and R&B favorites made famous by such artists as Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross and also include tunes from Broadway repertoire.

 

The stunning songstress has performed in top clubs in the nation’s capital as well as the Kennedy Center, the Preservation Jazz Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival and the Sheldon Cultural Center in St. Louis. She has thrilled standing room only audiences at D.C.’s City Winery and received standing ovations at such spots as the Westminster Jazz Night series.

Element of Surprise
AINAE
A 2021 artist featured on  “The Voice, ”hails Ainae Nielsen, a Washington-based singer and songwriter. Interestingly, before she turned to music, Ainae was a poet. In a truly musical progression, she then began turning the poetry she wrote into music with pop, R&B and hip-hop influences.  She has wonderfully melodic vocals!

With this sort of background, it's not surprising then that Ainae already has quite a musical repertoire. Her first release was a single called 'Full Plate' in 2017 followed by other releases including an EP 'Contort' in 2018 and the singles 'Dragon Heart Lemonade', 'Summertime Fine', 'Girls' and 'Here Tonight'. 'Here Tonight' was Ainae's only release in 2020.
'Contort' includes a cover of Dolly Parton’s 'Jolene'. Ainae posted a more recent cover of the song, to honor and thank Dolly Parton for her donations towards Covid-19 research. Ainae graduated from St Vincent Pallotti High School and graduated in June, 2021 from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Element of Surprise
Ari Voxx
Ariana Harbin @ari.voxx is a DC-native who's been performing for years. She's mostly known for her jazz and neo-soul vocals from her band Sweet Something, but she's branched out with her first solo project, Ari Voxx. Expect to feel retro vibes from her music, as well as catchy melodies, smooth, buttery vocals, and emotional lyricism. She's just getting started, so expect things to go BOOM soon.
Other Projects: In 2018, Ariana founded the DC-based band Sweet Something. The band's sound is soulful, groovy, and a little bit jazzy with a raw, retro feel - think Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, with a splash of D'Angelo. Featuring catchy tunes like "So Natural", and smooth grooves like in "No Surprises Here," Sweet Something is surely becoming a local favorite. In 2019, Ariana partnered up with trap/hip-hop producer Felipe Osorio and released the poppy single, "Video Star" with their newly established electro-duo, Ari.OZO. This project is more club-ready with danceable beats, modern poppy hooks, and an overall more "produced" sound.

Barry & Amy Brady

Kareem Walkes
Barry Brady plays Guitar, Keyboard, Bass Guitar, Drums and also sings. He has played with The Delfonics, Al Green, King Floyd and DC's own Trouble Funk. Barry plays a variety of styles Blues, Jazz, Rock and Roll, R & B and Reggae. His musical journey began at age 13 playing trumpet in his middle school orchestra. He has traveled and performed internationally. Barry was born and raised in Washington DC but currently lives in Maryland.

Amy Brady started singing in choir as a young girl. She went on to study theater at the University of Maryland where she learned to love many genres of music. Amy has partnered with many musicians such as Ronnie Wells and Ron Elliston, Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, and Terry Scott to name a few. Besides singing, Amy plays the keyboard and flute.



Carly Harvey

Carly Harvey
Based out of Washington, DC, Carly Harvey combines Blues, Jazz, Soul & Americana Roots styles to create a unique sound that calls to mind Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone, with a little Ella Fitzgerald thrown in for good measure.  In July 2018, Ms. Harvey was featured in Big City Blues magazine as one of the youngest artists to watch.  She has had the privilege to share the stage with legendary and iconic musicians like Ron Holloway, Kebbie Williams, Ephraim Owens, Cory Henry, Kofi Burbridge, Junior Marvin, and Susan Tedeschi, another artist whose work has been foundational to her musical evolution.  

Carly is a two-time DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands winner (duo 2016, band 2019) and was proclaimed DC's Queen of the Blues in 2016 by Dr. Nick Johnson of Jazz and Justice 89.3 WPFW FM Radio.  Carly’s band represented DC in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2019 and advanced to the semifinals.  Carly has released a new EP titled Kiss & Ride Vol. 1 and has an international crossover album titled Among the Stars and an EP titled Y.A.M.W.A.O. with Italian producer/composer Taste of Dream.  This project allowed Carly to explore an element of her musicianship beyond the Blues.

Carly is a beautiful soul that is wise beyond her years and her vocals will keep you wanting more.  She will have her CD for purchase at the show!  This is going to be a great night out!

Shirleta Settles

Shirlete Settles
A native Washingtonian, Shirleta Settles is known as “Not Just a Voice, but an Entertainer!” Not just a voice because her performances are not limited to only music.

During her performances she has the innate ability to connect and include her audiences of all ages, whether singing, storytelling, drama, spoken word, staff development or as a recording artist.  Her experience as a Bandleader and lead vocalist for a 10 piece variety band, Marquise for 15 years has given her the ability to share her talent in a variety of venues and genres (R&B, Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Gospel. .

She has traveled nationally and internationally sharing her gift of music and storytelling from festivals, schools, and political arenas as well as private engagements. Shirleta has been featured on FOX 5 News as an outstanding vocalist/entertainer.

It is not unusual to hear of her “SOLD OUT” performances.  So, looking for a talent that will have your audience enjoying and engaged?  She’s the one!

Kevin Howard

Shirlete Settles
Kevin Howard is a world class keyboardist,writer,composer,producer, and businessman. Born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Kevin is President and CEO of Key Chapter Entertanment a company which includes full service recording and production.

Kevin has received several awards which include three “Best Jazz Performer Awards” from renowned local urban radio station WAMO; the WQED Harry Schwab Excellence in the arts award; Best Jazz Performer Champions Association; Pittsburgh City Paper “top three jazz performers”. Kevin, along with his band served as the Pittsburghʼs WJJJ Smooth Jazz Band for more than two years, performing at various events sponsored by the radio station.

Kevin recently toured with and was the musical director for jazz saxophone legend Ronnie Laws, also recorded and performed with saxophonist Marion Meadows, Jonathan Butler, Norman Connors, Lonnie Liston Smith, Najee, and George Benson. In addition has shared the stage with Roy Ayers, Pieces of a dream, Joe McBride and John Legend.

Kevin also headlined concerts in Parkersburg, WV Jazz on the Green and Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-culture Festival, Jazz under the Stars Harrisburg PA, International Festival Baltimore MD., National Urban League Convention, and several venues nationwide.

Kevin has three CDʼs “Random Groove”, “Collage”, and “Special Edition” which includes special guest saxophonist Marion Meadows and guitarist Rohn Lawrence. Kevin's  fourth CD titled “Travels” will be available September 1st 2015 for digital download and physical version September 14th 2015.

Kevin Howardʼs smooth dynamic sound, warm personality and infectious smile will have you yearning for more. Together with his band of world class musicians, the sounds you experience are tantalizing, smooth, dynamic , and mesmerizing. They project energy, passion and charisma in concert that is the essence of the Kevin Howard Experience. Kevin is a true entertainer.

Sol Roots

Sol Roots II
Energetic rock, raw blues, funk, & deep southern soul.

Sol Roots band performs a mix of New Orleans funk, raw blues, energetic rock, deep grooves, and southern soul. Sol Roots is an official Home Grown Music Network artist and a "Next Generation" Music Maker Relief Foundation artist. Sol Roots band has shared the stage with Jon Cleary, Soulive, Dumpstaphunk, The Wood Brothers, Robert Randolph, Eric Lindell, Shemekia Copeland, Booker T Jones, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Jackie Greene and more.

Sol Roots is a fierce guitarist, bassist, and soulful singer who has toured around the world with many roots, funk, and blues legends. Sol and his band create a unique blend of energetic rock, raw blues, reggae, and funk, all delivered with deep soul.

Eugene Chapman

Aaron Rhines

A Sykesville, MD native, Eugene A. Chapman began playing saxophone at the age of nine, but he did not take it seriously until he entered his teens. Once he started focusing on his craft, he knew that he had found his passion.


During his matriculation at Morgan State University, Eugene had the opportunity to perform with the Morgan State University Band and the Morgan State University Choir under the tutelage of the late Dr. Nathan Carter and the Maryland Intercollegiate Band.

Eugene has performed with who’s who of renowned recording artists, such as P-Funk, The Temptations featuring Richard Street, Deniece Williams, Fertile Ground, Atlantic Starr, Frank McComb, Chester Burke Jr., Tres Gilbert, Garret Shider, Jeff Bradshaw, TI, Ashley Jackson, Take 6, Richard Smallwood, Tom Browne, Jean Carne, Michael Henderson, Maysa, Malina Moye, Frederic Yonnet, Brooke Valentine, Marcus Johnson, Grainger Brothers, James Ziegler, Drew Davidsen, Bobby Parker, Jonell, and Vanessa Marquez. He has opened for Erykah Badu on her Worldwide Underground tour with Dead Prez, Ohio Players and for Robin Thicke in support of his debut album, A Beautiful World.


Chapman has graced the stages of many notable venues from L.A. to D.C., including the Viper Room, Whiskey a Go-Go, B.B. Kings, Blues Alley, Howard Theatre, the Conga Room, Carter Barron Amphitheater, Lincoln Theatre, and the Warner Theater, to name a few.

His theater credits include Marvin on Marvin (Marvin Gaye tribute), Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On (blues revue), If You Don’t Bellevue: A Love Story and Body Language. If You Don’t Believe: A Love Story starred Deniece Williams and Tatyana Ali and went on to receive eight NAACP Theatre Award nominations.


A natural in front of the camera, Eugene has appeared on television in Rod Stewart’s Stardust: The Great American Songbook 3infomercial and on the UPN sitcom Half & Half.
Most recently, Chapman played on the film, score for the independent film Spiral, which went on to receive first place at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in 2007.
Along with his performing experience, Eugene Chapman has been teaching privately for the past 11 years. He teaches woodwinds (all saxes, flute, and clarinet). Teaching all styles and approaches to music. All based on his educational and performing experiences. He teaches beginners to advanced level students. Many of his students have made All-County, Honor's Band, performing arts schools such as Duke Ellington in DC, and first chair in their school's ensemble.

Currently residing in DMV area, He is currently working on is next project the "Guy Next Door" also his original compositions were featured in the web TV series “Who”, from that one of the compositions was featured in the sitcom "Beauty and the Baller" on BET Centric.

Aaron Rhines

Aaron Rhines
Aaron Rhines is a native of Washington, D.C. and now resides in Laurel, MD.  His interest in music began at five years of age with the trumpet, progressing to the baritone horn, and then to piano.

He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he was invited to play piano with the jazz ensemble. This experience fueled a desire to further his development as a jazz pianist and led him to New York City where he received professional jazz training under the renowned Michael Cockran and Greg Murphy.

In 1996 Aaron was part of a musical tour to Jakarta, Indonesia with funk meister Dennis "Menace" Weeden. He has traveled as a producer/studio musician with the legendary house music dj Bert Bevans. As part of this project, he worked in studios in Melbourne, Australia; London, England; and Geneva, Switzerland. Upon returning to the United States, Aaron formed his independent record label and production company, 9th Galaxy Music, and formed his own band which performs throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

In February 2010, Aaron was featured at Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington, De where he introduced students to technical aspects of his composition tool Apple Logic Pro. The highlight of the evening was a performance with his trio the Groove Unit.

In April 2011, he was the featured artist, along with his band, at the event AA Dinner Theater@ held at Modern Maturity, in Dover, DE. Later that year in August, he was again the featured artist for the event AA Sunday Matinee@ at the Delaware Technical Community College in Dover.

Aaron enjoys performing straight ahead jazz, R&B covers, and his repertoire of originals that range from straight ahead jazz, contemporary jazz, R&B and house. His freshman CD, "Nothing But Love.

In 2013, Aaron released  “Clear Skies,” and in June, 2018, he released his EP “On My Grind.” 

His band features the sultry voice of Rene Edwards, vocals; William Allen, Drums; Wardell Howard, Bass and Connal Brown on Congas. 

Rene Edwards

Rene Edwards
Rene Edwards is a native Washingtonian. She studied jazz technique under the late Ronnie Wells and the jazz pianist Ron Elliston. She has performed at the East Coast Jazz Festival from 1995 through 2007. In addition, as a guest she has performed on Carnival Cruise Line Royal Caribbean. Her local performances include: Twins, Blues Alley and numerous private gala events. She has been studying vocals privately in NYC for nearly 18 years. Rene recently received her certification in the Commercial Contemporary Music program in vocal pedagogy at the Shenandoah Institute Conservatory, in Winchester,VA. She is a songwriter, and her debut album "Memories of Green" is due for release. She is a registered songwriter with BMI and she loves to invoke emotions in people with her voice. This lady is the real deal in the world of jazz!

Earl Ivey

Earl Ivey
Earl Ivey began started playing drums at the age of five and grew up listening to jazz, swing, and pop music in the 1970s and Soul records from the 1960s. Donnie Ivey, his older brother (and guitarist), introduced him to rock and guitar-based blues elements. Earl's rhythms and tempos have strong influences from 70s funk, jazz/rock fusion, and Chuck Brown's D.C., Go-Go.

Earl began his playing drums in church and school bands as a child. During this time, he began to learn the art of performing and creating a stage presence while blending in with the musicians around him.

Inspired by drummers such as Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, and Louis Bellson who went on to lead their own bands. It was Earl who understood that drums could do more than just keep a tempo, but also add style to a composition. He has a unique style that incorporates gospel, soul, go-go, rock and funk, whether he plays in an acoustic swing trio or with world-class recording artists and vocalists like L A Young.

Earl has performed with notable artists including: Peaches and Herb, Stanley Turrentine, Carl Anderson, Bobbie Humphrey, and Ashford and Simpson. Earl has toured Europe with local DC based band Impresarios.

Javier Starks

Javiar Starks
In a time where "Hip Hop" bears much of the blame for negativity seen in younger generations, Javier Starks is using it to create the polar opposite effect. Not only has he performed alongside some of his musical heroes such as Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper, but Starks has also been seen across the country on major television networks such as Channel 9, Fox, CNN and more. Each day, sharing his mission of hope and positivity. Often people are taken by surprise when they learn he's accomplished all this without ever degrading women or over-glorifying money in his music. His motto? "Changing the world with 100% curse free Hip Hop, 1 life at a time!"

Osai

Osai
Hailed as one of Philadelphia’s “Best Inspirational Singers” at the 2012’s Praise 103.9 FM “The Nation’s Best Inspirational Singer” competition, Jennifer Osaigbovo Mack (also known as “Osai”) is a professional, formally trained classical and jazz singer. Osai began her musical career at the age of three in her hometown of Washington, D.C., singing in her church choir at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. Recognizing her natural gift of voice, Osai’s mother enrolled her at the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. This soon led to her working under the tutelage of legendary Motown musicians,Timothy Whiteside and Christopher Odom. Wanting to improve her talents even more, Osai enrolled at one of Philadelphia’s most renowned arts schools, the University of the Arts, where she furthered her training in musical performance. While in Philadelphia, Osai sang backup for several local musical artists, such as Jehovah’s Children, Topaz, and Taragirl. Also, she worked with artists such as Side by Sol and Hazie Blu Collective. She has performed solo at some of Philadelphia’s most renowned venues and at other locations in the tri-state (NY, NJ, PA) area that include: Warmdaddy’s Gospel Restaurant; The Clef Club; World Café Live; The Arts Garage; The African Heritage Festival; Penn’s Landing; Philly Live Pod; Hard Rock Café; ACANA Festival, where she opened for Bracket, a well-known Nigerian musical duo; and Make Music New York (MMNY). Most notably, Osai was featured on Tim Whiteside’s SANG ENT Showcases, and 2012’s Praise 103.9 “The Nation’s Best Inspirational Singer,” with Jessica Reedy and James Fortune, as one of the top 12 finalists.   She also appeared on Featured on the Track, a local television series for upcoming local artists. In 2012, she released her first single, “Nobody’s Perfect Be You!” The following year, she made an accompanying video to her single.

 In 2014, Osai returned to her hometown, Washington, D.C. Most recently, she has been singing with the State of the Art Band in Washington, D.C. She still travels and performs in the tri-state area. Osai is creating a blog and will be making another accompanying video for her first single. She continues to write new music that combines her gospel, classical, and jazz training. Most importantly, Osai released a Christmas album 2014 "Holiday Cheer". Osai has returned to her roots and is singing in the Combined Choir at her home church, Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. Her musical journey continues. Osai recently just did a concert on March 19, 2016 as the main act with over 400 viewers in attendance. Grammy wimner Largo High School was her opening act! Osai released a Ep titled "Finally" debuted on that day.  keep updated on Osai’s musical journey, please check the following sites: