Events

V. Shayne Frederick & Co:
A Joyful Jazzy Holiday

V. Shayne Frederick is a vocalist, pianist, recording artist, composer and educator with  performances spanning two decades. He has been featured at TEDx, NPR, a multitude of music fests, museums, and jazz clubs throughout the country, in addition to curating weekly musical series at South Jazz Kitchen and JG Skyhigh, Four Seasons Comcast within the last few years.

An ASCAP member, V. Shayne also scores for film and commercial. One animated short film he scored, “Testimony,” has garnered critical acclaim and screenings internationally, winning an award at the Black Star Film Festival. His musical production work has appeared in Visit Philadelphia commercials and other film media.

V. Shayne grew up on a church piano bench next to his vocalist-pianist mother in rural North Carolina; his father performed contemporary Jazz saxophone in Philadelphia. V. Shayne’s first performances, however, were in the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, for which he quickly rose to be the director by the time he was a sophomore.

Years later, V. Shayne has been cited by the Broad Street Review as “one of the region’s busiest and best jazz singers,” appointed “one to watch” and a “shining light” by All About Jazz, and called “soulful” in Downbeat Magazine. According to WRTI, “Frederick […] could sing about breakfast cereal and make me believe in a higher power,” and according to WXPN, “his stunning baritone effortlessly soars; sometimes a seductive whisper, sometimes an exuberant belt.” Come spend some carefree time with us listening to holiday music with one of the most incredible singers! You need this. We all do!

The Bill Corvino Trio

Besides being our go to musician for our artist receptions, guitar and mandolin teacher, Bill now has a jazz trio! Here's a bit about him:

He has performed and/or recorded in the past with Kenny Vaughan, Paul Evans, The Drifters, The Penguins, The Dovells, Jim Heffernan, George Rabbai, The DTM Project, The Country Majestics and many others. He has performed live for many years throughout the region as well as nationally (NYC, Nashville, LA, Las Vegas, Austin, Houston, Washington DC, etc.) and abroad (U.K., France). Many thanks to Burlington Auto Group for their generous donation which helps us bring these concerts to our center!

April Varner Quartet

NYC-based jazz vocalist with the curly red hair from Toledo, Ohio, April Varner is a name you won’t soon forget. She began her studies as a classical vocalist and pianist at age 8 and 6, respectively. No stranger to the stage, April began performing and competing at age 5, displaying vocal, musical theatre, drama and piano talents at the local, regional, national and international levels. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (Voice) from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in the spring of 2020, at the young age of 26, April has already performed/studied with an array of renowned artists. These include Sachal Vasandani, Jane Monheit, Darmon Meader, Tierney Sutton, Peter Eldridge, Walter Smith III, Kurt Elling, Kate McGarry, and Michael Feinstein. Countless appearances at many of the city’s top jazz spots have followed, including The Django, 55 Bar, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, Ornithology Jazz Club, Birdland Theater, Minton’s Playhouse and more. She will be making her Birdland Jazz Club and Mezzrow Jazz Club debut in Spring of 2024. April graduated in May of 2022 with her Master’s degree in Jazz Voice Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She most recently was awarded the 2023 Winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. She is excitedly awaiting the release of her debut full-length album, entitled “Dear April”, on June 28th, 2024. It was produced by GrammyAward winning drummer, producer and educator, Ulysses Owens Jr. The personnel of the album include Russell Malone, Benny Benack III, Dayna Stephens, Theo Bleckmann, Reuben Rogers, Miguel Russell and Caelan Cardello.

Stoned Soul Picnic: Joni, Carole, Laura! A concert in honor of three superstars.

Join us for a celebration of three iconic singer/songwriters, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Laura Nyro. The illustrious band includes: Elise Morris, Janie Barnett, Andy Huenerberg, Sam Bryant, Doug Katsaros, Larry Saltzman, and Diane Garisto.

Wanishi: A Tale of Burlington Island
By Brie Knight

Middle-school siblings Quinn and Jamie are in trouble. As punishment,  their Dad is making them pick up trash on Burlington Island, often seen  by them as a lump of land and “that thing out there in the river”. As  they reluctantly clean up, they find a magic rock that whisks them back  through time to meet the diverse ancestors that make the history of the  Island. As they try to find their way back home, they learn just how  important Burlington Island is and the vibrant people who make its  story.

Wanishi: A Tale of Burlington Island
By Brie Knight

Middle-school siblings Quinn and Jamie are in trouble. As punishment,  their Dad is making them pick up trash on Burlington Island, often seen  by them as a lump of land and “that thing out there in the river”. As  they reluctantly clean up, they find a magic rock that whisks them back  through time to meet the diverse ancestors that make the history of the  Island. As they try to find their way back home, they learn just how  important Burlington Island is and the vibrant people who make its  story.

East Meets West
Summer Breeze Chinese Jazz Fusion

Please join us for this amazing Chinese jazz fusion group that is taking the east coast by storm! The ensemble's sound and style are rooted in the Latin/Jazz tradition with stylistic references to John Coltrane, Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Tito Puente, and Gato Barbieri. Lina Zha and her gift and style is at the center of everything the group creates. The result is a true fusion of East meeting West and a testament to the beauty of both worlds. Check out more by clicking the link: