Javon Jackson's Meet the Masters All Stars

Javon Jackson brings his Meet the Masters All Stars to The Side Door — an all-star ensemble of faculty from his celebrated summer jazz camp

Javon Jackson – Tenor Saxophone

Rich Goldstein – Guitar

Jeremy Manasia – Piano

Corcoran Holt – Bass

McClenty Hunter – Drums

The Meet the Masters Summer Jazz Workshop is one of Connecticut's most beloved jazz education programs — an intensive annual week-long program held at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford that connects jazz students between the ages of 13 and 18, as well as adult musicians, with internationally recognized jazz masters. Under Jackson's direction, the mission of the camp is to offer participants advice, feedback, playing tips, and historical narrative on America's greatest art form, culminating in a public performance by all participants at the end of the week. This performance at The Side Door brings that same spirit to the stage — the Meet the Masters All Stars are the faculty of the camp itself: Rich Goldstein, Jeremy Manasia, Corcoran Holt, and McClenty Hunter — a group of master musicians who work together each summer to pass the tradition forward.

One of the most storied saxophonists in jazz, Javon Jackson left his studies at Berklee College of Music in 1986 to join Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers — one of the most celebrated bands in the history of the music — where he played alongside pianist Benny Green, trumpeter Philip Harper, and trombonist Robin Eubanks. He remained a fixture in the Jazz Messengers until Blakey's passing in 1990, and has since built one of the most distinguished careers in contemporary jazz. He joined Elvin Jones' group in 1992, recorded his Blue Note debut in 1994 under the direction of Betty Carter, and has gone on to release over 22 recordings as a leader — touring and recording on over 150 albums with jazz greats including Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Haden, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and Ben E. King. He was the recipient of the prestigious Benny Golson Award from Howard University in 2012 for recognition of excellence in jazz. Since 2013, Jackson has served as Director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School — one of the country's most respected jazz programs — and in 2016 founded the Meet the Masters Summer Jazz Workshop. As Jackson has said of his educational mission, "Today's students won't get to know Art Blakey or Freddie Hubbard or Elvin Jones. But they can know them through me."

This is a rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary ensemble in an intimate setting — a night that honors both the tradition and the future of jazz.

The Side Door Jazz Club is a dedicated jazz listening room located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are reserved seating. Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the show receive 10% off their dinner bill.