​Antoinette Montague in Newark Jazz & Blues All Stars Bethany Jazz Ves

NJPAC and Bethany Church present an evening filled with soulful tunes at Bethany Jazz Vespers 25 featuring the Newark Jazz & Blues All Stars. Get ready to be serenaded by the incredible vocals of Antoinette Montague with pianist Brandon Mccune, saxophonist Leo Johnson and drummer G Earl Grice. . This event promises to be a night of pure musical magic. Don't miss the chance to experience these talented musicians live!

ANTOINETTE MONTAGUE hails from the Great City of Newark, is loved and highly respected as a great crowd-pleasing New York Jazz, Blues, and more performer. Antoinette is an international entertainer, educator, producer and promoter of events. Antoinette has been mentored by many greats, including Etta Jones, Carrie Smith, Inez McClendon and others. Ms. Montague has mentored many current artists and teaches for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Syncopated Leadership for MBA Students. A few of the noted Clubs she has headlined in with her group, The Antoinette Montague Experience Art are the world famous Blue Note, Dizzys, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Charlie Parker Festival, Jazzmobile Summerfest, Marcus Garvey Park, Grants Tomb, colleges, NJPAC Dorthaan’s Place, Newark Museums Jazz in the Garden series, museums and so much more. Ms. Montague is CEO, of Jazz Woman to the Rescue.
Brandon McCune is a talented and versatile musician with a rich background in jazz, classical, and gospel music. Originally from Chicago, he now resides in Newark, NJ. His musical journey began at the age of three with the Suzuki Method of Classical Piano. Over the years, he has become proficient in various instruments, including piano, organ, drums, trumpet, bass, and vocals. Brandon has worked as a band leader, music director, and sideman for numerous renowned artists such as Abbey Lincoln, Terence Blanchard, Nneena Freelon, Betty Carter, and Wynton Marsalis. He has also served as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa, representing the United States in public and private concerts, master classes, and workshops.
Leo Johnson is a distinguished saxophonist and a true elder of the Newark jazz tradition. He has had a broad career in both the Latin and jazz worlds for decades. Johnson has played in the bands of notable musicians such as Specks Williams, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Bill Doggett, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and Chico Mendoza2. He also served as the musical director for Little Jimmy Scott's band and toured with organist Rhoda Scott. In addition to his performance career, Leo Johnson has been a mentor to many young musicians, including Cassandra Wilson, Winard and Phillip Harper, Terence Blanchard, Victor Jones, Andy McCloud, Dave Eubanks, Alan Watson, and Regina Belle. He holds a BA in music performance and a master's in jazz history from Rutgers-Newark.
Sir G. Earl Grice is a versatile and accomplished drummer and actor based in New York City. He began playing drums at the age of three and has performed with many gospel choirs and groups in the New York area for over 30 years. Grice has shared the stage with numerous renowned artists across various genres, including jazz, gospel, funk, rock, R&B, Latin, reggae, pop, and marching bands. Some of the notable artists he has performed with include Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, and Gary Bartz. Grice has also been featured in over 50 movies and television shows as an actor. He has received several awards, including the 1997 Jazz Award from the Jamaica Development Corp.
Join us at Bethany Baptist Church, located at 275 W. Market Street, Newark, New Jersey for this free event. Free onsite Parking