A GREAT GATSBY AFFAIR WITH CONIECE WASHINGTON

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A Great Gatsby Affair

Coniece Washington

Jazz Beyond Borders will present a Great Gatsby-themed performance Sunday, July 18 (rain date July 25), featuring the sultry and sweet stylings of jazz vocalist Coniece Washington. Leading an elite cadre of musicians, she’ll create an atmosphere capturing the zest, flair and fervor of the Roaring 20s and 1930s.

The music will set an enjoyable and festive tone. Patrons will be treated to beloved jazz classics prevalent throughout the Jazz Era, such as George and Ira Gershwin’s “The Man I Love,” Cole Porter’s “What is This Thing Called Love?” and Irvin Berlin’s “Blue Skies.” (See a related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y4zvdox4rM.

Guests are invited to come decked out in clothing from the 20s and 30s. There will be a costume contest between sets and prizes awarded for the most authentic female and best male period outfit. Music lovers are welcome to come in period costume or modern garb if they prefer. The point is to enjoy the summer evening in the courtyard and gardens.

Cafe Mezzanotte serves as the perfect setting with its beautiful and spacious setting, wide selection of wine and Mediterranean cuisine. Ingredients are harvested from their very own garden, a testimony to their commitment to using fresh, organic, locally grown produce.

Based in Washington, D.C., Vocalist Coniece Washington has performed

extensively throughout the National Capital region singing jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel. She has drawn influence from renowned jazz vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae. Her 2019 album Shades of Shirley Horn debuted on the Top 50 Jazz Album Charts, Roots Music Report’s Top 30 and North American College & Community Chart. The album received numerous positive reviews from Midwest Records, Jazz Weekly, Bebop Spoken Here (UK), and other media.

Trumpeter Thad Wilson is a distinguished bandleader, performer, composer, and arranger. He has performed alongside noteworthy musicians such as James Moody, Benny Golson, Cecil Bridgewater, Keter Betts, Johnny O’Neal, Russel Malone, Roy Hargrove and Wynton Marsalis. He leads many musical projects including the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra and tours with the R&B and jazz funk fusion group, The Blackbyrds. He is also a composer of film scores.

Pianist Aaron Hill is an extraordinarily active performer and producer who

established himself as a fixture in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. music scene, playing in the styles of jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, gospel, new age, funk, and classical music.

Bassist David Marsh’s prowess shines through in multiple genres: jazz, R&B, blues, pop, rock, world music, classical, funk, reggae and gospel. He has toured widely (Japan, Italy, Canada, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and the former Soviet Union), with the DC Youth Orchestra, the St. Augustine’s Gospel Choir, and recording artists Nestor Torres and Gil Scott-Heron. He has appeared at prestigious venues such as Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, Warner Theater and Constitution Hall.

Drummer Nick Costa is a sought-after sideman who has played the Baltimore-Washington-Annapolis triangle for over 20 years. He plays multiple styles such as jazz, gospel, rock, reggae, and R&B and has worked with prominent musicians in the area including Clarence Ward III, Rodney Kelley and Ursula Ricks. Jazz impresario Paulina Phillips and vocalist Theresa Sise founded “Sunday Jazz at the Mezz” in 2020 to showcase top performing and recording world music and jazz artists. The concert series has become one the most popular live music attractions in Anne Arundel County, with numerous sellout performances. Cafe Mezzanotte is located at 765 Ritchie Highway (Route 2) just 15 minutes north of Annapolis and 20 minutes south of Baltimore City. The seating for the show is from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST. Tickets are $30 from http://www.instantseats.com. For more information, visit http://www.jazzbeyondborders.com

Now in its sixth year, Jazz Beyond Borders is a cultural diversity project of the Maryland-based Phillips Agency. The organization brings world music and jazz artists to festivals, concerts and classrooms and launches albums and tours in North America and Europe. Events are presented in live, streaming and hybrid formats. The August 15 show features Brazilian music (Daniela Soledade with guitarist Nate Najar), and festivals are planned for the 2021-22 year in Severna Park and Annapolis. Join the mailing list to stay tuned!