Just returned from a fantastic week of performances at the 30th annual Berks Jazz Festival. Thank you John Ernesto for my itinerary that included:
Monday – Seminar and performance for/with local music students, some of whom jammed with us.Tuesday – My 3rd annual Ladies of Song show which featured iconic local artists Toni Lynn and Annette Hines with special guests Gretchen Patti, Aubrey Logan and my daughter Amaani Lyle!Wednesday – I not only performed with the Berks Bebop Big Band, but got to do an arrangement of ‘Hello Maceo’ from my Ivory Flow’ album.Thursday – Performed in the Chuck Loeb all-star Jam Session with a host of my buddies including Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Everette Harp, Eric Marianthal and many others.Friday – midnight jam with my pal Gerald Veasley.Saturday -Two shows with Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted series which also featured Chieli Minucci and Jazmine Ghent.Whew!
To my fellow artists: It was heart warming to hear the joy coming from your instruments and voices, musical acknowledgment of being able to return to the stage and do what we do best for each other, and the FANS!
It was an honor to share the stage with such great talent, and thank you fans for coming and helping to continue the world’s greatest jazz festival!