Martha Thomas
LANSING, MI — Organizers of the annual Lansing JazzFest announced Tuesday the exciting lineup of performers for the 2013 outdoor music festival, including the Rodney Whitaker Quartet, Terell Stafford and Mardra Thomas. The three have decades of performing experience between them, and will play before crowds of thousands at mid-Michigan’s premier free outdoor jazz event of the summer.
The festival is produced annually by the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA). On August 2 and 3, Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood will host the 19th annual Lansing JazzFest.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these exciting, virtuosic performers to this year’s Lansing JazzFest,” said Terry Terry, President of MICA. “From Terell Stafford’s expert trumpet solo work, to the mesmerizing strains of the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Experience, this year’s JazzFest will have something for everyone. We encourage jazz fans from all over Michigan to bring old friends down to Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood, or to come down and make some
new friends.”
Rodney Whitaker Rodney Whitaker is an internationally renowned bassist, considered one of the leading performers and teachers of jazz bass in the United States. He is Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, where he has built one of the country’s leading jazz degree programs. Whitaker’s quartet will play two sets, featuring the striking vocalist Rockelle Fortin and the vibrant trumpeter Terell Stafford.
Terell Stafford was described as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by legendary jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. Stafford is currently a member of the Grammy-winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra as well as several other groups. He has recorded six albums as band leader and has appeared on over 90 albums.
Mardra Thomas’ musical career started when she performed for Dizzy Gillespie’s 70th birthday. Her mesmerizing vocals have been touted by critics for their control and phrasing. The Mardra & Reggie Thomas Experience also features pianist/organist Reggie Thomas, and will be joined at JazzFest by talented drummer Montez Coleman.
This was printed in the July 28, 2013 – August 10, 2013 Edition
