O.Henry live Jazz

Over the years (since January 2015!), O.Henry has become quite a hotbed for live jazz. Enjoy vintage craft cocktails and delightful seasonal Mediterranean tapas while enjoying The O.Henry Trio and an impressive list of rotating vocalists who perform varied styles of jazz in the O.Henry Social Lobby. We’re honored to be a part of this extraordinary world-class local jazz community!

Thursday Night Cocktails and jazz

6-9 PM 

Every Thursday, Artists Dave Fox (piano), Neill Clegg (saxophone, clarinet and flute) and Matt Kendrick (double bass) will be joined by guest vocalists (see below), who cover The Great American Songbook and jazz classics including swing…and modal classics from the late ‘50s to early ‘60s, as well as Brazilian jazz from the early ‘60s.

Select Saturdays Jazz Series

On select Saturdays you can enjoy vintage craft cocktails and delightful tapas garnished with an eclectic array of jazz artists performing in the styles of contemporary jazz from 7–10 PM. We’ll post upcoming dates as they arise.  

O.Henry Jazz Package

Take advantage of the O.Henry Jazz Series Package, which includes one night’s gracious accommodations, limited preferred seating at O.Henry jazz in the Social Lobby and $50 dining credit. Blackout dates apply. Please note that we are only able to hold limited preferred seats for packages up until 6:30 PM (on Thursdays) and 7:30 PM (on Select Saturdays), after that time, seating in the lobby will be first come, first serve. Package available only on our Jazz nights.

Dave Fox | Piano See Bio

Neill Clegg | Flute, Clarinet, Sax See Bio

Matt Kendrick | Bass See Bio

Thursday, May 1:
6-9 PM

Alyson Williams

Alyson Williams is an Emmy award winning Jazz and R&B singer.

With a voice so hauntingly pure, Alyson is able to transport you to your very own utopia while effortlessly showcasing she really can do it all.

Actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and radio host, are just a few of the other hats, renowned Harlem raised recording artist Alyson Williams wears.

Growing up, Alyson was surrounded by and exposed to great music. Her father, celebrated Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, Bobby Booker was a major influence in her life. It was at four years old, when Alyson first demonstrated her stage talents. With a strong passion for performing, Alyson was inspired to study dance under the supervision of, Arthur Mitchell, founder of The Dance Theatre of Harlem. She also studied with Alvin Ailey and performed with numerous other dance companies with the determination to enhance her skills. After years of hard work and dedication to perfecting her craft, Alyson was granted a scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College. She later attended City University of New York, as a member of the Aaron Davis Center for the Performing Arts Program and studied under John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. It was in college, that Alyson also joined I.N.C.A. (Institute of New Cinema Artists) headed by Ruby Dee, Ozzie Davis and Cliff Frazier. Through I.N.C.A., Alyson was awarded an internship to work side by side with Benny Ashburn, manager of the world famous Commodores. Before she knew it, she was singing background in the studio with iconic artists such as, Melba Moore, Evelyn Champagne King and Kurtis Blow. After a plethora of collaborations with Kurtis Blow, Alyson became the quintessential “hook girl” for the rap and hip hop genre. Alyson’s internship turned out to be life changing. In a short amount of time, her talent was recognized. Alyson became an in-demand studio session singer. She also became a featured member of the 80’s vocal group “High Fashion” on Capital Records.

Following her path of success, Alyson instantly grabbed the attention of Def Jam label CEO, Russell Simmons and became the first female R&B artist to sign with the label. As a founding member of Def Jam, Alyson helped to further Russell’s vision. Fueled by excitement and passion, Alyson recorded two albums on Columbia Record’s “OBR” (Original Black Records) label and remained with the label when it made its switch to Sony. Her first album titled “Raw” spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and went gold in the UK. Altogether, the album produced four top five singles, one of which is the sultry and ever popular hit, “Just Call My Name.” Her second album, self-titled, featured songs produced by Al B. Sure and Babyface and also boasted several chart-topping singles. Read More

Thursday, May 8:
6-9 PM

Zac Covington

Zac Covington is a North Carolina native drummer, composer/arranger, session musician, videographer, video producer, and kind soul. His musical nature comes from his family who have a long history of being musicians. Zac has been a sought-after drummer for many genres including pop, funk, jazz, singer-songwriter, folk, rock, and everything in-between. He spends his working hours playing gigs, working on recording projects (either drumming, engineering, mixing, or all three!) and doing video work for both himself and bands he plays with, as well as other musical artists and corporate clients. When working on recording projects, he works out of his shared studio space called Black Rabbit Audio, with a control room, live room, and iso room to get any combination of sounds. Aside from playing, Zac loves to teach. He has been teaching the West Forsyth High School drumline (his alma mater) since 2016 years, and has done other marching band clinics/teaching at other local high schools. He also enjoys teaching private students in his studio, or over the internet, including his new online studio, The Better Drummer! When Zac is not playing drums or doing his dishes, he enjoys cooking new foods, hanging out with his partner Ally, and playing tennis. He is willing to take on new challengers, but be prepared for his 115 mph serve and competitive nature.

Thursday, May 15:
6-9 PM

Vaughan Penn 

Vaughan’s smoky-contralto vocals and songwriter chops are influenced by Etta James, Tina Turner, Koko Taylor and Stevie Nicks.  Two of her original jazz songs – Miss You Most and Don’t Make Me Wait have been featured on NBC’s Go-On and E-Channel’s The Arrangement. A North Carolina singer/songwriter, recording artist/producer, Vaughan’s original music has been featured over 155 times in television shows and movies including Grey’s Anatomy, L-Word, Californication, MTV’s The Hills, Laguna Beach and the Oscar Winning film The Big Short to name a few

Thursday, May 22:
6-9 PM

Lydia Salett Dudley with Special Guest Lou Padro

Lydia Salett Dudley is a jazz pianist and singer living in the Raleigh Durham area. Her first exposure to music came from the local Baptist church in Cleveland Ohio which was instrumental in providing experience in playing for various groups of children and adults. In 2003 she branched out into another genre of music under the guidance of Professor Ed Paolantonio and Dr. Stephen Anderson releasing her first single entitled “Green” in 2008, and her composition “Sunsets” was featured on UNC-Chapel Hill’s project TENOR VIBE in 2010.

In 2011 her passion for music education eventually led her to start The Salett Art Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide music enrichment for underserved youth. She has volunteered at various camps and organizations in Raleigh and Durham, providing sessions on jazz and blues for youths between the ages of 5-17. She also sits on the board of the Heart of Carolina Jazz and completed her masters in Jazz Composition at North Carolina Central University in December 2016 under the direction of Dr. Ira Wiggins. She has played for many venues including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in 2011 and 2012, the African American Festival in 2017 and provides music for all occasions!

Thursday, Apr 10:
6-9 PM

Ken Kennedy

From his gospel roots growing up in North Carolina, to the studios of Memphis and Nashville, to traveling the world with his band and as a big band jazz vocalist, to performing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, to recently creating and performing his show ‘Here’s to Frank’ with symphonies, Ken Kennedy is known as the “entertainer’s entertainer”. A multi-instrumentalist, Ken is recognized for his remarkable voice, diverse musical palette, and natural ability to connect with audiences of all ages and genres. He has shared the stage and the recording studio over the past 50 years with a who’s who of musical greats from the fields of Rock, R&B, Jazz, and Country.

Dixie Penn & Andy Baillee

George & Dixie Penn  |  Performing together since the late 1950’s, 18 year old sax player, George, met young jazz singer, Dixie Hendrix, while performing together on the Russ Carlton Orchestra at the Carowood Club in Collinsville, Va. They fall in love and have four girls who all perform together today! With their busy individual production schedules, they are fortunate to come together several times a year for their “REUNION” shows. Penn Family Music celebrates the music of the Great American Songbook.

Andy Baillee | Andy, a recent arrival in North Carolina, has spent the last forty years performing with various bands in the UK, most notably Railroad Bill, Wales’s premiere Skiffle band, who had a thirty-year career which took them to Street, Folk, and Jazz festivals all over Europe and to the Far East, and had them performing with Skiffle legends Lonnie Donegan, Chas McDevitt and Geoff Nichols, as well as numerous network TV appearances and recording releases. In the five years before arriving here, he turned more to Jazz and Swing music, playing mandolin and singing with Cardiff based Western Swing band Rev. James and the Swingtown Cowboys, as well as singing regularly with Jazz quintet Belleville Rouge, Cardiff’s collective songwriting project The Naked Citizens, and sitting in with Bluegrass outfit The Lucky Truckers.

As a result of these diverse influences, and since moving to the USA last Spring, Andy is developing an eclectic mixed set of Great American Songbook classics, mixed with Blues, Jump Jive, and a sprinkle of Jugband Hokum. Currently without a band, he sings a regular guest spot at Tates, Winston-Salem on Tuesday evenings.

Janinah Burnett 

Janinah Burnett’s artistry is profoundly carving her place as one of the most versatile, accomplished, and change-making singers of this generation. Ms. Burnett has performed with most of the opera houses in the USA including the Metropolitan Opera where she was a soloist for 8 seasons. Ms. Burnett also debuted roles in several notable international Opera houses including Teatro Dell’Opera di Roma, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris to name a few. Not only on the operatic stage has Ms. Burnett made tidal waves, but also on Broadway. Ms. Burnett began her professional career in Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohéme on Broadway which won her the Theater Alliance’s Ovation Award, gave her Tony Award recognition, and allowed her to appear on the Tony Awards with the show.  In 2023, Ms. Burnett was a closing cast member in the iconic musical theater masterpiece, Phantom of the Opera on Broadway in which she made appearances as Carlotta Giudicelli.

Ms. Burnett recently released her debut recording project from her label CLAZZ Records entitled Love the Color of Your Butterfly. On this album, Ms. Burnett breaks fresh ground and ever so naturally transcends traditional genres and parameters in marrying jazz and classical music styles in a term she calls “CLAZZ”. Through collaboration with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians, Ms. Burnett creates a recorded and live concert experience that creates a compendium of the boundless musical elements of her life and career including opera, art song, oratorio, and the American indigenous music genres: spirituals, blues, jazz and soul available everywhere music is sold and at www.janinahburnett.com .

Past Performers

Al Zaid & Herb Stephens

Al Zaid known as the man with a thousand voices started singing at the age of nine. There is no limit to his vocal ability. He has performed R&B, Pop, Jazz and Broadway Musicals. Al Zaid is the lead singer of Zola Taylor’s Platters. Zola Taylor (an original member of the Platters). This show is unmatched and a must see show of historical value. Al Zaid has opened for some of the worlds best artist such as Al Green, The Emotions, Bobby Wormack, Isaac Hayes, Etta James, and the Temptations. Not only is Al Zaid a dynamic vocalist he is also a magnificent performer. Al Zaid has performed tributes and voice makeovers of such artist as Tony Williams of the Platters, Sam Cooke, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Kendricks, Curtis Mayfield, George Benson, Al Jarreau and Johnny Mathis. Al Zaid has great tonation on all levels of his four octave ranges. Singing 1st tenor, 2nd tenor and baritone keeps the music lively, which adds that special something to your event. Al Zaid’ s CD ‘U That I Need’, is a musical dynasty of his ability as a vocalist and songwriter. You will greatly appreciate the artist and his ability as a vocalist. Al Zaid has magnificent voice control and a list of songs numbering well over 200. Al Zaid believes in working with the best musicians and giving more than 100 percent. Read More

Nishah Dimeo & Dr. John Henry

With unique vocal stylings and a seemingly limitless range, Nishah DiMeo has been recording and performing music for over three decades, covering genres from alternative to zydeco …though jazz has slowly become her favorite. This New Jersey native began her studies at the age of 4 at the Freedom Theater in Philadelphia. In the 80s, her family came back to its roots in Greensboro, NC, where she continued her study of the arts through dance, theater, piano, flute and voice – ni choirs and private classical training. Since then, Nishah’s recorded and graced stages across the country, competing &winning Battles of the Bands, headlining shows and opening for international artists, including The English Beat, Jeff Lorber and Four80East. Her festival performances include the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, a concert boasting a list of notables such as George Benson and Boney James, Levitt AMP Series and the National Folk Festival. Nishah currently performs multiple genres of music with a network of talented musicians, bands and orchestras on the east coast, lends her signature sound to studio projects around the world and can be found singing locally at the Grandover Resort or right here at the O.Henry Hotel.

Ken Kennedy

From his gospel roots growing up in North Carolina, to the studios of Memphis and Nashville, to traveling the world with his band and as a big band jazz vocalist, to performing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, to recently creating and performing his show ‘Here’s to Frank’ with symphonies, Ken Kennedy is known as the “entertainer’s entertainer”. A multi-instrumentalist, Ken is recognized for his remarkable voice, diverse musical palette, and natural ability to connect with audiences of all ages and genres. He has shared the stage and the recording studio over the past 50 years with a who’s who of musical greats from the fields of Rock, R&B, Jazz, and Country.

Wesley McCleary-Small

Wesley McCleary-Small is a native of Asheville who moved to Greensboro in 2013 when he started to attend UNCG for Choral Music Education. His performance experience ranges from musicals, operas, choral chamber ensembles, and singing with the occasional jazz/blues band. He is a 5^th year public school Chorus Teacher and currently the Director of Vocal Music at Penn Griffin School for the Arts in High Point, NC. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from UNCG in 2018. Along with performing in Greensboro, Wesley led This Community Sings, a singing event open to the community in 2018 & 2019. He has also been a part of the creative team for the annual ACOBE (A Celebration of Black Excellence) Festival since 2018, which celebrates Black Excellence among students and adults through the performing & visual arts, education, food, and culture. As he continues to teach, he hopes to continue to perform as much as possible outside of school.

Martha Bassett

Martha Bassett is a singer/songwriter/guitarist living and working in the Piedmont region of NC, where she hosts The Martha Bassett Show. It’s a monthly musical variety show at the Reeves Theater in Elkin which features national, regional, and local musicians and also showcases my music and band. Her programming is heavy on female artists. Collaboration always happens. She livestreams every show on facebook and release portions of shows on TMBS Podcast. Martha also has a monthly jazz residency at the Gas Hill Drinking Room at The Ramkat in Winston-Salem where she performs tunes from the Great American Songbook in a trio format. On Wednesday nights Martha leads music at Roots Revival, an Americana worship service at Centenary UMC which explores the intersection of faith and secular music.  She’s also a long-time scholar of the music of the Shakers. To date, Martha has made 11 records, the last 2 with her current 6-piece band. She plays shows throughout the region and tour and works nationally in all of these capacities.  One of the most important things that Martha has learned from touring is that there’s no place like home.  Her music and her small successes are very much tied to the people who’ve supported her career for over 20 years. She says she’s a lucky woman. marthabassett.com

Angela Bingham

Angela Bingham is an American jazz vocalist who has been a singer her entire life. She began studying piano and performing from the American songbook at age 5 in her home of the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied jazz in her teens and early 20s, and began working professionally as a solo artist in 2000 while living in Salt Lake City. Her singing is characterized by the qualities of honest expression, solid swinging and an emphasis on the blues. With a clear, steady tone and a penchant for improvisation, she communicates a song’s lyric honestly – “as if she were speaking to you directly, over cocktails or supper.” (David R. Halliday, former jazz radio DJ)

Angela moved to New York City in 2005, where she held down a monthly residency for five years at the now (sadly defunct) Total Wine Bar, garnering a delightfully loyal fan base. During this time, she began working with many of New York’s most heavyweight jazz musicians, and sitting in at venues throughout the city. She also held down a steady performance schedule at New York’s famed Bar Next Door, a coveted venue for New York jazz musicians.

Angela has released two studio recordings on the Lone Peak Sound label: “Everything I Love,” a duo album with the virtuosic guitarist Kenji Aihara, and “The Night We Called It a Day,” co-produced and co-headlined by Utah’s well-known tenor saxophonist David Halliday.

Erin Strickland with Special Guest Ben Strickland

Erin Strickland is a very talented vocalist in all genres. Her versatility allows her to easily transition from singing opera on stage one night to fronting a pop band in a club the next all while maintaining the sweetness in her voice for her acclaimed jazz group The Erin Strickland 5tet. Erin Strickand is currently the choir director at Southern Alamance Middle School. A Chicago native, Erin moved to North Carolina 5 years ago after leaving the Nato Band in Naples, Italy with the U.S. Navy Band.

She started her vocal career at a young age with the Palatine Children’s Chorus. At age 9, Erin traveled in and around the Chicagoland area performing for young children and dignitaries alike. She has toured Canada, Europe and was a featured soloist in Carnegie Hall.

Erin’s formal training came from Boston Conservatory afterwards moving to Minneapolis, MN to study voice with Elizabeth Mannion and was the runner up in the Schubert Club’s classical voice competition in 2007 where she received a stipend to further her musical education.  In 2008, Erin joined the Minnesota Opera company, singing with them for 2 seasons before joining the U. S. Navy as a vocalist.

While stationed in Memphis, TN, performing with the U. S. Navy Band Erin was also a regular with the Memphis Jazz Orchestra.It was here that Erin received her Masters in Education. Since moving to NC, Erin has taught Kindersmusik, private voice, and music education. Her favorite jobs always include performing with her husband, trumpet player Benjamin Strickland and being a mom to her daughter Rosalie. She is always honored and excited to perform at the O. Henry Hotel.

Wesley McCleary-Small with Special Guests Regan Anderson and the Boon Collective

Wesley McCleary-Small is a native of Asheville who moved to Greensboro in 2013 when he started to attend UNCG for Choral Music Education. His performance experience ranges from musicals, operas, choral chamber ensembles, and singing with the occasional jazz/blues band. He is a 5^th year public school Chorus Teacher and currently the Director of Vocal Music at Penn Griffin School for the Arts in High Point, NC. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from UNCG in 2018. Along with performing in Greensboro, Wesley led This Community Sings, a singing event open to the community in 2018 & 2019. He has also been a part of the creative team for the annual ACOBE (A Celebration of Black Excellence) Festival since 2018, which celebrates Black Excellence among students and adults through the performing & visual arts, education, food, and culture. As he continues to teach, he hopes to continue to perform as much as possible outside of school.

Karon Click McKinney 

Karon Click is a versatile performer who sings traditional and contemporary blues, jazz, bluegrass, as well as American songbook standards. Click studied music as Wake Forest University. Her ensemble, “Karon Click and the Hot Licks,” entertains audiences around the Triad.

Lalenja Harrington with the Lalenja Harrington Trio 

Lalenja Harrington has been singing with her family for as far back as she can remember. There were very few car rides with her dad and sister, or family get togethers that did not involve the joyful rising up of voices in tight familial harmonies. Her mother’s family provided her with a deep love of the blues, jazz, and soul, particularly those seminal women of the jazz era like Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Sara Vaughn, and of course Ella Fitzgerald. Her passion for making music however, did not manifest itself more formally until she Joined her college a capella group, The Tigerlilies, providing her with many opportunities to sink into a mean base line as a second alto, and grow her confidence to even step out of the shadows and make her own individual voice known.

Dr. John Henry

Dr. John Henry, Jr. was born in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Berea High School in Berea, OH, completed both the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Music Education at the University of Akron, in Akron, OH, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Music Education at the University of Houston. He is currently pursuing a Master of Christian Education Degree at Apex School of Theology. Dr. Henry has taught public school music (Band, Choir, and General Music) in Ohio. He served as an Assistant Director of Bands at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX from 1994-2001. Since 2001, Dr. Henry has been teaching at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, NC, where he has served as an Assistant Director of Bands and Music Education Coordinator. He is currently the Director of the Music Program. He also teaches the History of Gospel Music, Introduction to Music Literature, Sight-Singing and Ear Training, and Upper level Music Theory courses. As an active arranger and musician on piano, organ, keyboard, and trombone, Dr. Henry has worked with numerous musical groups in various cities in Ohio, Texas, both North and South Carolina. Dr. Henry plays bass trombone and sings in the Greensboro Big Band, and continues to lead his own group, The John Henry Ensemble. He is currently planning a recording project. In addition, Dr. Henry currently serves in the Music Ministries at Maple Grove Baptist Church in Burlington, NC, and Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Henry is active in the North Carolina Music Educator’s Association (NCMEA), serving on the board as the Historian, and serving as a Member-At-Large on the Higher Education Board. He also serves as the Chair for Region 7 of the National Association of School of Music (NASM).

Sheila Duell with the O.Henry Trio
Special Guest Charles Burns

Sheila performed at O Henry with Jazz Nomads in 2015 for their first Valentine’s Day celebration, with Randy Craven on piano. Also known as “la la,” she has delighted audiences with her renditions of French songs, jazz and Broadway standards, and out-of-the-box interpretations from the Great American Songbook.

Hailing from Indiana, she has sung in venues from Wisconsin (too cold!) to Mississippi (love New Orleans!), the Vatican, in a New York subway, Mack and Mack (Greensboro!), and most recently, in an impromptu performance in the Piazza Navona in Rome, singing “Autumn Leaves” in French (ahhh!).

Ms. Duell has been thinking this performance could be the beginning of her “Farewell Tour” (that could last well into the next decade). However, still on her bucket list is putting together a harmonizing “girl group” (“the la la’s”–?), a hint of which you just might hear at O Henry! Stay tuned.

Carrie Marshall

An award winning songwriter and featured artist with the North Carolina Arts Council, Carrie’s original songs create a unique, signature sound that’s sophisticated yet accessible. Influenced by jazz, blues, gospel and Southern rock, Carrie “rewards listeners with eloquent compositions intertwined with cool phrasing, smooth vocals and a signature down-to-earth touch.” (Mooresville Weekly) Wrapping her heart and voice around a lyric, Carrie infuses each song with power and poignancy. Carrie moved to North Carolina in 2008 and quickly adapted to her new musical home; singing and writing jazz and blues. By 2010 she had won singer/songwriter of the year from the NC Songwriter co-op for her vocal jazz original song, “Queen City”. By 2012, she was named North Carolina’s Top Charlotte Vocalist by the Carolina Entertainment Network.  Carrie joined forces with several top musicians in the Carolinas, performing a blend of her jazz, blues, and original music in music festivals and events across the Carolina’s, including such notable events as the Democratic National Convention, Theatre Raleigh Songwriter Series, Knight Theater with the Tosco Music Party, The Blumenthal theater with Jazz Arts Initiative, Durham’s Centerfest, and many more. In 2015, Carrie moved yet again to Raleigh, NC, to become the music director, songwriting instructor, vocal coach, and company member at Moonlight Stage Company. In addition to building her classes and private lesson studio at Moonlight, Carrie has written and produced two full-length teen/family-friendly musicals with her songwriting students in 2017 and 2018, and has hosted several Cabaret and Songwriting shows at Moonlight’s black box theatre. She also composed and has been nominated twice for her musical score and theme song for the 11 time award-winning feature film, “Changeover” (currently on Amazon Prime), produced and directed by Moonlight’s founder, Estes Tarver.  She won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the role of “Kacy Davis” in “Changeover” at the Love International Film Festival in Los Angeles in 2017. Currently Carrie is putting the finishing touches on her blues album, Waves, to be released in the fall of 2019.

Jacqui Otana (vocals), Ariel Pocock (piano), Evan Ringel (trombone), Charlton Provatas (bass)

Jacqui was born in New York City and grew up in a diverse home, which informs the way she sees the world and engages with projects. Her Puerto Rican heritage and city upbringing have afforded her many interesting opportunities. Her first project in Puerto Rico was for the National Park Service, producing a series of videos about the preservation of 16th century artifacts and cannon munition shells that are housed in the Forts of San Juan. As a musician, Jacqui is a passionate songwriter and vocalist and loves to play in a diversity of musical settings. With jazz as her focus, her vocal tone alternates between delicate and forward expressions. As a songwriter, she unapologetically narrates vulnerable thematic moments, which are illustrated by high-octane musical climaxes. Her songs are inspired dramatically by nature, travel, and her Puerto Rican Irish heritage.

Nishah DiMeo

With unique vocal stylings and a seemingly limitless range, Nishah DiMeo has been studying, recording and performing music for over three decades, covering genres from alternative to zydeco…..though jazz has slowly become her favorite. Born in New Jersey in 1977, she began her studies at the age of 4 at the Freedom Theater in Philadelphia. Her family came back to it’s roots in Greensboro, NC in 1988, where she continued her study of the arts through dance, theater, piano and flute, in choirs and private classical voice training. Since the age of 18, she’s recorded and graced stages across the country with numerous artists, competing & winning Battles of the Bands, headlining shows and opening for international artists, including The English Beat, Eek-A-Mouse, Jeff Lorber and Four80East. Nishah has been chosen more than once to perform in the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival – a concert boasting a list of notables such as George Benson, Boney James and Al Jarreau and will be appearing in the 2017 National Folk Festival. She currently performs with a network of talented musicians & bands in the Triad, Raleigh & Charlotte areas, a SC based big band and corporate events bands out of Atlanta & Richmond.

Wally White & Elaine Penn

Elaine grew up singing in her family band entertaining audiences with jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, 50’s, 60’s, and Top 40 music. Elaine was a lead vocalist with the Greensboro Big Band for 16 years. She has performed at jazz clubs, festivals, concerts, conventions, universities, and for radio and TV. She wrote and performed the theme song for 5 television documentaries. Elaine is also a songwriter, using her music to spread messages of love and unity. Being a part of the Posi-Empower market, she has had the privilege of sharing her songs throughout the world. There are many brilliant artists who have influenced Elaine’s style and love of music, like Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, KD Lang and Carole King. But her greatest inspiration is her mother, who commands the vocal style of the 40’s and 50’s. Elaine says, “Having a musical family has a deep impact on your heart. It helped me dream big, have faith in something greater than myself, and create bonds with people from all walks of life.”

Noah Powell & Kevin Golden (Guitar) 

Noah Powell is an idiosyncratic stylist and a restless improviser who push the limits of melody and harmony as much as any bebop horn player. The multivoiced Powell is capable of radical, off-the-cuff reworkings of whatever he sings, abruptly changing tempos and dynamics, or rearranging the lyrics into distinctive, off-the-beat rhythmic patterns. He can scat at lightning speed, or drive home an emotion with wordless, vocal gestures . Yet as much as Noah Powell is fascinated by pure, abstract sound, he is also a sensitive lyric interpreter of the ballad when he chooses. Noah Powell is a native of Kinston NC and a graduate of North Carolina Central University (1983). As a working musician he has collaborated with some of the finest musicians in his native North Carolina. From 1984-86 Noah worked with Chip Crawford and in 1985 he replaced Nina Freelon as the vocalist for the William McLaughlin quartet later to be renamed Mastertrax. Noah joined the vocal group “A String of Pearls” directed by Ed. Paolantonio in 1986. Throughout the rest of the 80’s Noah did stints with Brother Yusuf Salim, Eve Cornelius and the Scott Sawyer trio among others. During the first half of the 1990s Noah was front-man for the Stanley Baird group. At the late 90s into early 2000, Noah collaborated with guitarist Bob Tapp. Over the last four years Noah has collaborated and shared the stage with pianist Allison Wiener, Stephen Anderson, Ed Paolantonio and recently the Doug Largent trio. Noah is currently performing throughout the triangle and beyond with units of his choosing

Julian Kennedy

Julian Kennedy was born in High Point, North Carolina on July 4, 2000. He is the grandson of the late Julia Mae Kennedy and the son of LaVonda Kennedy. He began singing when he was just 3 years old. He was actively engaged in the youth choir, praise team, and usher board in church. He commenced playing the piano consistently by ear at the age of 7. He graduated from Ragsdale High School in 2018 and participated in the marching band. His senior year, he served as drum major. At the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, he earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz piano performance (2022). He played an important role in the UNCG Neo-Black Society Gospel Choir as the Tenor Section Leader, Assistant Director, and Music Liaison. Kennedy serves as Minister of Music at St. Mark United Holy Church for 5 years. He was discovered on America’s Got Talent (Season 16), where he advanced to the Semifinals with singing sensation 1aChord. He currently leads a gospel choir by the name of Julian Kennedy & True Foundation. He will be coming back to UNCG for his Post-Bacc degree in Jazz Studies this fall. Everyone who becomes acquainted with Julian continues to find great inspiration in him. Despite having autism, his musical talent motivates him to go above and beyond.

Elaine Penn

Elaine grew up singing in her family band entertaining audiences with jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, 50’s, 60’s, and Top 40 music. Elaine was a lead vocalist with the Greensboro Big Band for 16 years. She has performed at jazz clubs, festivals, concerts, conventions, universities, and for radio and TV. She wrote and performed the theme song for 5  television documentaries. Elaine is also a songwriter, using her music to spread messages of love and unity. Being a part of the Posi-Empower market, she has had the privilege of sharing her songs throughout the world. There are many brilliant artists who have influenced Elaine’s style and love of music, like Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, KD Lang and Carole King. But her greatest inspiration is her mother, who commands the vocal style of the 40’s and 50’s. Elaine says, “Having a musical family has a deep impact on your heart. It helped me dream big, have faith in something greater than myself, and create bonds with people from all walks of life.”

Sarah Partridge

Sarah Partridge grew up in Boston and Birmingham, Alabama, listening to jazz vocalists around the house, soaking up her father’s albums of Ella Fitzgerald, Chris Connor, Dakota Staton, Irene Kral, and Sarah Vaughan. She spent years honing her technique in Los Angeles and New York City, where she moved in 1994, and instantly bonded with trumpet legend Doc Cheatham, “the first musician I played with in New York.” Attending one of his regular Sunday brunch performance’s at Sweet Basil, her husband convinced pianist Chuck Folds to let Partridge sit in. Her version of “Every Day I Have the Blues” went over well and Cheatham told her “You can come anytime you want,” Partridge recalls. “After that, I sat in regularly and we did some gigs together. I learned so much from him musically, just seeing the obsessive dedication he had. He was a real inspiration.” Partridge released her debut I’ll Be Easy to Find in 1998, a widely acclaimed album (“She’s a pleasure to hear in any emotional guise, whether one of regret or exaltation”—Billboard) featuring veteran jazz greats like Frank Wess, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Gene Bertoncini. She has grown exponentially with each new recording: Blame It on My Youth, 2004; You Are There, Songs for My Father, 2006; Perspective, 2010; and the long-awaited I Never Thought I’d Be Here, 2015 (“Ms. Partridge consistentlystretches both herself and the music. It would not be surprising if a few of her songs became standards in the future”). And now Bright Lights & Promises: Redefining Janis Ian captures an artist fully in command of her craft. Surrounded by an enviably sympathetic cast of collaborators, Partridge has expanded the possibilities for fellow vocalists, bringing the work of an American original firmly into the jazz fold.

Lori Williams Acclaimed international Jazz vocalist Lori Williams has a most impressive resume as a performing artist, music educator, songwriter, producer, musical theater actress, radio voice announcer, business owner (PositiveMusicPM.org), and artist-in-residence with over 30 years of experience. Her annual vocal jazz tour and performance at music festivals have taken her to Europe (Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Ukraine), Japan, British Virgin Islands, and across the USA. Her vocal jazz artist residencies have allowed her to work with and mentor students on college campuses in the United States and abroad. As a veteran educator and private vocal coach, Lori’s received many honors including Outstanding Music Teacher, the 2007 Superintendent’s Arts Teacher of the Year, and the 2010 Vincent E. Reed Teacher of the Year. Lori was nominated for a 2014 Helen Hayes Award as an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical for her role as Ella Fitzgerald. Lori has received letters of recognition for her performances by President Joseph Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner, and Senator C. Anthony Muse. “Immersed in traditional jazz from an early age and earning a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, she hosts a weekly radio program on JazzRadioWETF.org – “Collector’s Choice With Lori Williams”. Her weekly broadcast focuses on women in jazz, the international scene and young performers dedicated to the roots and traditions of the music. Lori is also the producer and host of Sunday Jazz Lounge at St. James Live! Jazz club in Atlanta, Georgia (stjamesliveatl.com). For over three decades, Lori Williams has had the honor of working with many notable artists as lead / background / studio session / guest vocalist including Oleta Adams, Yolanda Adams, David Archuleta, Marcos Ariel, Rob Bargad, Eric Benet, The Blackbyrds, Michael Bowie, Norman Brown, Tom Browne, Peabo Bryson, Chuck Brown, Wayne Bruce, Jerry Butler, Jonathan Butler, Paul Carr, Terri Lyne Carrington, TC Carson, Gene Chandler, Renato Chicco, Stanley Clarke, Nick Colionne, Collaboration, Michael Colyar, Adrian Crutchfield, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, John Davis, John Di Martino, Will Downing, Joris Dudli, George Duke, Nathan East, Rodney Edge, Troy Sol Edler, Kevon Edmonds (After 7), Jorel “JFLY” Flynn (HBIYD), Derrick Gardner, James Genus, Jazmin Ghent, Savion Glover, Chelsey Green, Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Christian Havel, Walter Hawkins, Howard Hewett, Dr. W. Weldon Hill, Tony Hightower, Corcoran Holt, William Hubbard, Daryl Hunt, Jessy J, Al Johnson, Allyn Johnson (Divine Order), Marcus Johnson, Stanley Jordan, Kindred the Family Soul, Ben E. King, James King, Antoine Knight, Saltman Knowles Group, Rayshun LaMarr, Lavahi, Dee Lucas, Timmy Maia, Alex Malheiros (Azymuth), Jimmy Masters, Maysa, Daniel McClain (After 7), Frank McComb, Marion Meadows, Najee, Jimmy Masters, Nathan Mitchell, Milan Nikolic, Julia Nixon, Antonio Parker, Phil Perry, Robert E. Person, Anne Phillips, Benjie Porecki, Lloyd Price, Chuck Redd, Robert Redd, Althea Rene, Lenny Robinson, Gino Rosaria, Ellie Saitoh and The Love Tambourines, Sylver Logan Sharp, Art Sherrod, Dick Smith, John Toomey, Tony Terry, Unit 3 Deep, Gerald Veasley, Chris Walker, Kevin Walker, Kim Waters, Anthony Wellington, Matthew Whitaker, Roz White, Bernhard Wiesinger (Poysdorf All-Stars), Vesta Williams, Larry Wilson, Angela Winbush, Sherry Winston, David Ylvisaker, Frederic Yonnet, et.al. Lori currently has six independent CDs and released a single – “Too Late (It’s My Time)” – in June 2022 . The official music video was released in July 2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWyiUaTjflU) Listen to and purchase her music on all streaming sites, LoriJazz.net and LoriJazz.com.

Siren Series Jazz Siren Series Jazz is Karon Click and Diana Tuffin, two dynamic Winston-Salem, NC jazz singers. With soaring harmonies, counter-punctual jazz scatting, fun banter and effective audience interaction these two exceptional vocalists really make it happen. Besides offering an entertaining and artistic concert experience, the Sirens have a mission: to offer aspiring female vocalists encouragement and coaching as they develop their talents, and as well as a performance spot with the Siren Series Jazz Band on Monday nights in Winston-Salem. Diana Tuffin is well known in the triad and performs regularly at the O.Henry Thursday Cocktails and Jazz. Karon Click, a multi-genre singer, has fronted her popular band Karon Click and the Hot Licks for over a decade, as well as being another favorite at O.Henry. Both of these songbirds are in demand and maintain a busy performance schedule. As a duo they put on a swinging show that is no0t to be missed!

Liz Penn & Georgianna Penn (Vocalists) 

Georgianna Penn. Growing up singing on her parent’s dance band, for Georgianna and her three sisters, Saturday nights were always gig nights, gracing places like Green’s Supper Club and Sam’s Canterbury Inn.   For decades, Georgianna and the Penn’s have performed with an array of Triad musicians and enjoy regular gigs with the Piedmont Swing Dance Society, MUSEP and Well Spring Retirement.  Georgianna has performed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and currently sings with the Greensboro Big Band, Mike Day Swing Machine and Reggie Buie Trio.  Her unique Julie London/Diana Krall vocal styling has most been instilled in her by her parents and jazz musicians, George and Dixie Penn who began their musical fair as teenagers in the 1950’s.   Liz has spent years as a singer, dancer and show producer at Universal Studios, Opryland and Busch Gardens.  She is currently director of entertainment at Gaylord National.

Liz Penn. With the vocal dimensions of jazz, music theatre, and swing; Liz Penn brings a bold and entertaining approach to the Great American Song Book. Liz is a seasoned performer, event & show producer, director, and choreographer working at venues such as: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Gaylord National Resort, Regency Cruise Lines, and the Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin. Liz gains her muse from vocalists and entertainers alike, channeling inspiration from Bette Midler, Julie London, Rosemary Clooney, and Judy Garland. Liz began singing with her family swing band Penn Family Music at age 13. It was in those early years that she developed her inner heart beat for swing and knew the stage was her home. Liz holds a BFA in Theatre, Dance, and Jazz Studies from UNCG where she studied saxophone with Craig Whittaker and dance with Jan Van Dyke. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. Specializing in Performing Arts Medicine, Liz has an extensive Broadway portfolio including such shows as: Wicked, Beautiful, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard, Great Comet, Ground Hog Day, Once, and Evita where she works as a backstage physical therapist. Liz is thrilled to have returned to NC after being away for over 20 years and is overjoyed to be part of the Jazz Series at the O.Henry Hotel. www.penncreativecollaborations.com

Elaine Penn & Vaughan Penn  Vaughan’s smoky-contralto vocals and songwriter chops are influenced by Etta James, Tina Turner, Koko Taylor and Stevie Nicks.  Two of her original jazz songs – Miss You Most and Don’t Make Me Wait have been featured on NBC’s Go-On and E-Channel’s The Arrangement. A North Carolina singer/songwriter, recording artist/producer, Vaughan’s original music has been featured over 155 times in television shows and movies including Grey’s Anatomy, L-Word, Californication, MTV’s The Hills, Laguna Beach and the Oscar Winning film The Big Short to name a few Elaine has been a musician all her life, and still performs with her family band, Penn Family Music, to this day. As a singer-songwriter, Elaine has co-created 3 CD’s of original music with Nancy Pitkin that inspire others to achieve their dreams and overcome perceived limitations. Her engaging music is weaved throughout her keynote talks, workshops, and retreats.

The Mondre Moffett Jazz Society

Mondre Moffett is a prolific trumpeter, composer, educator, and bandleader. He has appeared in concert with a who’s who in Jazz music. Early national and international performances with his noted family members under the direction of his father drummer Charles Moffett, and his work as a trumpeter with the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra, highlights an extensive musical career.

Moffett has several recordings published on the Venus Record label. His compositional work and trumpet credits can also be heard on the Blue Note record label, RCA, Paidrum, MoJazz and Silkheart records. His most recent CD releases include an original jazz musical score entitled “Royal Decree”, preceded by his acclaimed Symphony composed for orchestra, chorus, and jazz soloist entitled The Wishbone Suite.

The Mondre Moffett Jazz Society is a swinging ensemble that performs jazz music as America’s classical music, and also contemporary works of a global dimension. From Dizzy’s “ A Night in Tunisia” to Basie’s “April in Paris”, listening to the MMJS is an experience that is reminiscence of listening to jazz masters such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk,  “The Count Basie Orchestra”, “The Duke Ellington Orchestra”, and other giants in the field of jazz music.

Drorester Alexander

Drorester O. Alexander II is a Jazz pianist from Charlotte, North Carolina. He began his musical journey as a percussionist in the 5th grade and found his love for piano at the age of 11. Drorester graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a BA in Music. He also attended North Carolina Central University as a graduate student in Jazz studies/piano performance. He studied under jazz professor Ed Paolantonio, artist in residence Joey Calderazzo (pianist) and artist in residence Branford Marsalis (saxaphonist).

Drorester is currently a music educator in Guilford County Schools. He stays active in the community as a volunteer jazz pianist in The Greensboro Big Band, Titus Gant Quartet, Roberto & Friends and serves as the pianist for other bands in the surrounding areas including his own Alexander AllStars. Drorester’s music is solidified with a jazz sound influences of classical embellishments and improvisations that speak to the soul. He is an advocate for advancing music in America as well as around the World. His favorite music quote is “Music of the mind tingles, music of the heart fulfills” by Michael A. Washington.

Joey Barnes “I’m stepping out, no turning round…” croons Joey Barnes in his song “The Wire (Act One)”. The native of Greensboro, NC released his third solo EP, Change, through Nascent Republic Records in February. Featured on VH1’s Top 20 Countdown, a portion of the EP goes directly to NextAid, where the proceeds are helping build a community center in the slums of Nairobi. Change follows previously released Always and Second Chances. The albums were recorded during breaks from his touring and recording schedule with multi-platinum and award winning rock band Daughtry, of which he was a member from 2007-2010. Beyond writing his own music, Joey uses his talents to produce music for other artists on the Nascent Republic label and beyond. Joey’s abilities are becoming more widely known around the world, as he was chosen to be sponsored by Vic Firth drumsticks and Paul Reed Smith guitars. He is also a featured artist on Matchless Music, an independent music placement company, and has songs in rotation on iHeartRadio’s New! Uncover and Discover station. Joey’s music was also chosen by Pandora Internet Radio to have its own station. In addition, his albums can be found on over 40,000 TouchTunes jukeboxes across the country. Watching Joey perform onstage makes one realize the difference between a regular musician and a true artist. The passion he emits while playing makes you appreciate the honesty behind every note. “And honesty,” Joey maintains, “be it pretty or brutal, is something that’s contagious. People dig that.” He concedes that he has no problem getting onstage and bleeding for hours during a performance. It’s this type of rare quality that sets Joey apart from the majority of the music industry today. His humble confidence and desire to stay true to himself as opposed to what’s popular with the mainstream is going to give him the longevity to stay in the spotlight as long as he desires. With his talent, intellect, and creative drive… Joey Barnes truly is destined for the sky.

Lauren Meehan

Lauren’s musical career ignited at an early age and became professional at the age of 16. Her musical influence began from the classic early Jazz and Swing era of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Billie Holiday and the Big Band sounds of Duke Ellington, The Dorsey Brother’s Orchestras and Glen Miller. Modern inspiration which influenced her career came from the iconic Diana Krall and Broadway artist Linda Eder.  Lauren has appeared in the iconic Jazz clubs throughout New England, down the Eastern coast and Internationally in the U.K. She has had the privilege to perform with the Boston Pops, the Broadway touring cast of Phantom Swings, opening for comedian Don Rickles, and appeared at the famous Ryles Jazz Club with guest trumpeter extraordinaire Wayne Bergeron, among many more esteemed accolades.  Lauren is a featured recording artist on two Big Band Albums, Bandwidth and Time After Time, and in 2022 released Nature Boy, a Jazz quartet combo album.

Matelyn Alicia

A multi faceted artist, Matelyn Alicia has utilized every opportunity and platform afforded her over the last 30 years, to hone her skills as an entertainer, life coach, and overall leader. A much sought after workshop facilitator and conference speaker, Matelyn was the Akron Chapter NAACP’s 2018 Annual Life Member/ Scholarship Luncheon Keynote speaker, as well as a featured panelist for Leadership Akron’s 2019 “Arts and Culture” Discussion, holding her own as the only woman on the panel. That same year Matelyn was awarded the 2019 Ohio Black Women’s Leadership Caucus’ “Woman Paving the Way” award. Having laid a solid foundation for a long and steady career in entertainment, her vision to build an organization that would advance the cause of Creatives, has finally been given space. In 2018, after having completed multiple European Gospel and Jazz tours, releasing her debut music project “God’s Butterfly LIVE!” and touring the U.S. to promote the project, she embarked on her next adventure – God’s Butterfly THE MOVEMENT! With Akron OH as its home base, God’s Butterfly THE MOVEMENT proudly serves both Northeast Ohio and the Triad area of North Carolina. Promoting healing, wholeness, and freedom for all through an artistic approach to holistic health and well-being, GBTM exists to provide a safe space for Creatives to express artistically, cultivate their artistry, and find healing through the arts! Currently serving as Lead Organizational Consultant of GBTM, she is excited to offer her skills, talents, and network to the Creatives the organization serves. Her daily motivation is simple – She is driven by the vast ways in which she envisions the organization impacting each and every community it enters, for the betterment of the people and the arts!