Third Annual Black Music Month Festival

School of The Getdown presents the third annual

Black Music Month Festival

Presented Free for the Community

The New Parish

1743 San Pablo Ave Oakland, CA 94612

Black Music Month Festival is a dynamic, multigenerational festival celebrating Oakland's finest performers in jazz, hip-hop, blues, gospel, zydeco, Latin, funk, classical, and beyond, presented free for the community at The New Parish

Featuring:

The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio

w/ Joe Warner, Michael 'Tiny' Lindsey, & Dante Roberson

Juan Escovedo

Big Gems Daughter

Andre Thierry

Bernard Anderson

Terry Blinks

Bangin' Black String Quartet

All-Star Youth Ensemble feat. B. DeVeaux & Ayo Brame

Hosted by Viveca Hawkins

June is Black Music Month! Recognized nationally by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates Black music in all its beautiful colors and flavors.

The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio

Joe Warner - piano

Michael 'Tiny' Lindsey - bass

Dante Roberson - drums

The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol is known as an icon in the Bay Area and beyond, highly regarded for her powerful voice, astonishing versatility, and gift of connecting with her audience. Equally at home in jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, funk, latin, and hip-hop, she has developed her own authentic sound and unique delivery, delighting audiences young and old across the globe. After beginning her career with gospel music, Faye Carol made her name singing with Oakland blues and funk legend Johnny Talbot & De Thangs before forming her own trio and gaining fame in San Francisco's jazz, blues, and cabaret clubs of the 1970s and 80s. Over a 60-year career in music, this living legend has developed her own unique acoustic sound and style in Black Music - drawing from funk, blues, gospel, and straight ahead swingin' - and cultivated an audience that remains as diverse as her uplifting music. She has maintained a high level of musicianship in her groups, mentoring some of the Bay Area's brightest young talent including pianist Benny Green, bassist/composer Marcus Shelby, and her daughter, pianist/compser Kito Kamili. Her vocal proteges include international superstars Kehlani and Ledisi.

Miss Faye has shared the stage with Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Pharaoh Sanders, Joan Baez, Billy Higgins, Albert King, Bobby Hutcherson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Buster Williams, Azar Lawrence, Steve Turre, Otis Redding, Dennis Chambers, Bernard Purdie, Lenny White, Robert Randolph, Mistah F.A.B., Henry Butler, Gary Bartz, Cedar Walton, Ledisi, Philly Joe Jones, Dorothy Donegan, Pete Escovedo, David Murray, Roy McCurdy, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Billy Hart, Chester Thompson, Charles Brown, and Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, among others. Miss Faye is also a dedicated educator and founder of School of the Getdown. She has been honored with the proclamation of a city-wide “Faye Carol Day” in the City of Berkeley and inducted into the Oakland Walk of Fame, the Meridian Mississippi Walk of Fame, and the Pittsburg Entertainment and Arts Hall of Fame, and has received countless awards including the 2014 Bay Area Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award, Jefferson Award for Public Service, four Cabaret Gold Awards, Top Star Awards Entertainer of the Year, and a prestigious 2021 Hewlett 50 Arts Commission.

www.fayecarol.com

@thedynamicmiss

At a young age, Juan Escovedo began teaching himself how to play bongos, congas, trap drums, timbales, percussion, and other instruments. When he turned 14, he began playing with his father, Pete Escovedo.

Since then, Juan has been undeniably a musician of complexity, style, and originality. His artistic achievements flow from his rich musical heritage and compassion for his art form.

Juan Escovedo tours, write, and records as a solo artist and with his family – father, Pete Escovedo, brother Peter Michael and sister Sheila E. Currently, they have a new CD titled “The E-Family,” which is quickly rising the charts. Juan co-wrote and produced three of their new songs. The CD features Josh Stone, Gloria Estefan, Earth, Wind & Fire.

Juan Escovedo dropped his first CD on November 8, 2021. He collaborated with several notable musician’s such as El DeBarge, Raphael Saadiq, Martin Kember, sister Sheila E., father Pete Escovedo, and brother Peter Michael Escovedo. Juan Escovedo wrote and arranged all songs on his CD in collaboration with musician Michael Angel Alvarado. His upcoming music video will feature the Curtis Family C-Notes and vocalist Leah Tysse. He’s made notable appearances in videos and film, recording and performing with many of the most notable artists of our time.

Juan has toured, performed, and recorded with many artists, including Prince, Tony Toni Tone, Miguel, El Chicano, Con Funk Shun, Patti LaBelle, Amerie, Chingy, Jody Watley, Lou Bega, MC Hammer, Lionel Richie, En Vogue, El DeBarge, Freddie Hubbard, Barry White, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Teri Lynn Carrington, Bobby McFerrin, Tito Puente, Cheryl Lynn, Raphael Saadiq, Bobby Womack, his sister Sheila E., and, still, his father, Pete Escovedo.

Juan tours, writes, and records as a solo artist with his father's Latin Jazz Orchestra and The E Family: his father, his brother, Peter Michael Escovedo, and his sister Sheila E. Produced and arranged by Peter Michael Escovedo, The E Family's latest CD, Rhythm of the Night, is a collection of nine “Old School” _Soul & R&B hits, re-arranged and transformed into an explosion of Latin Jazz articulated through a fourteen-piece Latin Jazz Orchestra. The album features guest vocalists Peter Michael, Simon Russel, Sy Smith, Sheila E., Peter Michael, and Debi, as well as Escovedo's great grandchildren.

Big Gems Daughter is a multi-talented artist who engages her audience with her unique style of rapping. Multiple generations enjoy the diverse content that Big Gems Daughter is passionate about sharing. Subject matters include cultural empowerment through the rich history of African American people, the celebration of the beauty of women, self love, and entrepreneurship.

With a solid background as a pianist, composer, and music teacher, Big Gems Daughter began rapping when she was already a well established professional jazz musician based in the Bay Area, known as Kito Gamble. After deciding to branch out into producing hip hop, she was inspired to flow to the tracks that she originally created to produce for other artists. It was a natural evolution, as she had written poetry throughout her youth & always did love listening to hip-hop.

Her debut album as a rapper REPRESENT, was recorded under the name Sista Kee & was well received by music listeners of many different genres. Currently, the music of Big Gems Daughter demonstrates her personal & artist evolution. The recent EP entitled WE REMEMBER GREATNESS & the 2024 release HAPPY 2024, features uplifting lyrics & original feel good music. It’s Black Friday Every Day, It’s Really Black Music, and Colorism Blues, are singles from her upcoming albums & can also be heard through her website.

Although born and raised in Richmond, California, Andre Thierry's French-Kreole heritage is deeply rooted in Louisiana. He embarked on a path with specific knowledge and extraordinary talents at a very young age. True to his culture and love of music, he has crafted a career well beyond his years as an artist.

Andre grew up experiencing the French Kreole (La-La) dances his grandparents held at their church parish, St. Mark's Catholic Church. The best Zydeco musicians Louisiana had to offer traveled to California to play at these dances. The exposure allowed him to develop his love for traditional French Kreole music. Andre regularly played with visiting bands, such as the late John Delafose and many local Zydeco and Cajun bands, including the late Danny Poullard (California Cajun Orchestra). By age twelve, Andre formed his band, "Zydeco Magic." Andre is self- taught and constantly increases his repertoire.

In his 30's, he had already been deemed a legend. There is widespread agreement that he is an exceptional, multi- dimensional musician with a finely honed ability to merge his accordions with musical mastery.

The Washington Post called Andre "A master at pumping out fast, funky rhythms on an instrument not usually associated with earthy syncopation. A versatile student of the music, Thierry can't be lumped into Zydeco's old-school R&B-influenced camp or its nouveau, rap-inspired one: He and his band lay down both soulful, traditional slow-dances and bottom-end-booming kinetic groovers."

Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom of Zydeco, considered the definitive book on the history of Zydeco music, wrote,"In

America, great migrations produce great music. Just as Delta musicians took Highway 61 to Chicago and electrified their blues, so did the Kreoles and Cajuns migrate to California and establish vital dance communities. Now the California scenes rival anything back home in Louisiana, and that's due to players like Andre Thierry, a standard-bearer for the new generation. Thierry is among the best of both the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, and he combines youthful vigor with a mature appreciation for his inherited tradition."

Andre's style isn't conventional; he and his accordions provide a signature sound by creating magnetic, sonic landscapes. The rhythmic songs drive an atmospheric blend, giving his band a powerful edge, naturally building a dedicated following through performing, touring, and a string of album recordings like "It's About Time," "A Whole Lotta Somthin" and "Are You Ready To Learn".

Thierry leaves his musical imprints on recordings like "Live! At the Woodshop", "Kreole United, Non-Jamais Fait" and "Kreole United, Tu Kekchause A' Korrek", even when singing, songwriting, and producing with a collective of artists, while their contributions are discernible,

In his "Bouncin With The Blues" album, Thierry performs songs written or popularized by music legends: Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Clifton Chenier. Breaking all accordion stereotypes, unforgettable performances with Sammy Hagar (gritty hard Rocker) and David Hildago (influential Latin singer- songwriter, multi-instrumentalist) showcased fabulous fusion with Andre in his musical zone and pumping genre-bending sounds.

The Accordion defies all national and continental borders. Andre Thierry was the first American artist to perform in the

Akkordeonale, International Festival (Program 2016). Representing the USA — Impelling Blues with Kreole Roots- Andre celebrated with audiences touring Germany, delivering awe-inspiring performances, coming together with musicians in a vivid interchange. Though the musicians came from different cultural backgrounds and musical styles, they shared the language of music, creating a thrilling coexistence on stage.

Forthcoming about his journey, Andre Thierry's music creations are intoxicating and timeless. Enjoy the unfolding of this charismatic artist as he vibrates Accordion Soul, raising the frequency with stimulating beats, attracting any music lover to the dance floor!

Bernard Anderson blows the saxophone in the soulful styles of King Curtis and Junior Walker, following in the footsteps of East Bay sax legends Bobby Forte and Morris Atchison. He has issued a solo CD, “Yes, There Is a Doctor in the House,” and has been featured on recordings by such artists as Taj Mahal and Queen Ida, as well as performing with dozens of musicians including Charles Brown, John Handy, Joe Henderson, and Mary Wells. The Bay Area Blues Society named Anderson Blues Saxophonist of the Year in 2005.

Pittsburg native Terry Blinks grew up in church. The son of Ester Anita Hill and John Arthur Blinks, he had an ear for music which was developed at an early age by his mother who played both piano and organ. He was raised by his grandmother Wealthy Hill, who was a devoted Church Mother. With the support of his mother and grandmother, he began playing piano at church services at age six.

Mother Beatrice Duffy, an accomplished pianist, was impressed by Blinks and began to teach and mentor him. By age 11, he started playing for church services at the Christ Is The Answer COGIC with the full support of Pastor Eugene Reynolds. During 10 years of service there, Blinks began playing for funerals, weddings and other events.

As his musical talents grew, the 1987 Pittsburg High School graduate began to share his vocal talents as well, appearing with a number of groups and choirs around the state.

A 2019 inductee into the Pittsburg Entertainment and Arts Hall of Fame, he has performed with fellow inductees the Anderson Sisters, Barbara Jean Davis and Zilfert Johnson as well as Emmitt Powell and the Gospel Elites, United Voices of Faith Phase 2, the Duffy Sisters, the Just Jesus Choir, Just Praise Gospel Singers, Lisa Hart, Geneva Reed and Stephanie Thompson.

He also performed at the California Theatre, stepping in to play a pivotal acting and singing role for writer-producer in the gospel musical, 'Don't Mess With God...He'll Wash Your Feet,' when the original actor bowed out two weeks before the scheduled run.

He conducts and mentors local vocal groups and is always on call to share his gifts with families at funerals.

Assembled by legendary vocalist Faye Carol, Bangin' Black String Quartet plays soulful music in the string quartet format. This dynamic ensemble will delight audiences performing Western classical music and pieces from early 20th centry Black compsers as a featured ensemble, as well as performing Miss Faye's original jazz, blues, and funk arrangements with her live band.

Featuring:

Christina Walton - violin

Yeri Caesar - violin

Vincent Tolliver - viola

TBA - cello

B. DeVeaux is a 23 year old non-binary, queer, Oakland Native. B. started singing at just 3 years old in their school choir, following after their older sister Ajali, and that’s when their family knew they had a voice!

B. DeVeaux studied at Oakland School for the Arts (many well known artists are also alumna: Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, & the list goes on!) for 7 years in the Vocal Department. While honing their musicianship, B. DeVeaux was able to learn music theory, music production, extensive performance training, choral training, solo voice training, and also, vocal direction. In their time at OSA, they had the privilege of performing and mentoring with the likes of Patrice Rushen, Kehlani, Adrian Marcell, Daveed Diggs, Ledisi, Tank & The Bangas, and many others. OSA also provided the unique opportunity to perform in the Oakland Fox Theatre annually which houses over 1500 people.

While holding a spot as a soloist every year from 6th grade to 12th, B. DeVeaux also held a top spot in OSA’s premiere ensemble, Vocal Rush, the International Competition for High School Acapella’s (ICHSA) 4x champions (2 of which being won during their time in the group).

B. will perform with Morgan Harrison (piano), James Wiley (bass), and Miles Turk (drums)

Ayo Brame is a 16 year-old up and coming tenor saxophone jazz musician out of Oakland, California. He is a student at Oakland School for the Arts. He is trained by jazz great Richard Howell by way of Oaktown Jazz Workshops. He considers himself a purist when it comes to jazz as he channels late greats such as John Coltrane, and Wayne Shorter. Embraced by the jazz community, he has been very lucky in acquiring additional mentors that he has played with with such as Kev Choice, Howard Wiley, Terrace Martin, Keyon Harrold, Stacy Dillard, Marcus Shelby and Eric Wyatt.This year he is touring in the United States, Brazil and Cuba. In addition to the tenor saxophone, he also plays the soprano & alto saxophones, clarinet, EWI, bass guitar and drums. He composes and arranges music and is currently recording his debut album entitle "Oakland in My Soul!" He plans to study music in New York after high school graduation. .

Ayo will perform with Morgan Harrison (piano), James Wiley (bass), and Miles Turk (drums)