For the Next two Sundays in July one of the most revered Jazz events in the community will grace the lawn at MLK Park. The 27th annual Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival kicks off this Sunday July 24 followed by Sunday July 31 . A well visited festival, folks from near and far eagerly arrive the wide lawn at the park with their chairs for some serious Jazz fellowship and a healthy dose of what’s new now and next in Jazz Music.
The event is curated by Buffalo’s First Lady of Jazz, Dawn Martin Berry Walker, daughter of the late legend James Pappy Martin who founded the event back in 1996 in collaborated with Councilmember Byron Brown, Darryl Peebles, Council President James Pitts and Steve Porter. The purpose/goal was to implement an innovative community enhancement program entitled Masten Jazz Festival. His beloved daughter continues his legacy of presenting local, national and international artists to perform on the grand stage positioned on the side lawn of the Buffalo Museum of Science in MLK park. “My father, Pappy, built a legacy of offering this free festival so that the best of this music, called jazz, would be accessible to everyone in the community… We uphold his commitment by immortalizing his vision. He left us a great template and solid reputation for producing wonderful festivals, year after year,” Said Dawn.
This years theme, “Celebrating Women in Jazz ,”will showcase the dynamic artistry of both the seasoned and emerging artists.
There are some outstanding instrumental and vocal parings headlining the festival including Bassist, composer and festival favorite Curtis Lundy, best known for his work as part of jazz vocalist Betty Carter’s band who is also the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective’s International Music Director with the savvy vocal grandeur of Brianna Thomas who has an Ella-esque skill and enthusiasm for scatting.
The Baylor Project brings a sound steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. It is made up of husband and wife team Marcus Baylor, former drummer of the GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz quartet Yellowjackets, and his wife Jean Baylor, heavily influenced by artists like Carmen McRae, who made her mark as one-half of the platinum recording duo, Zhane.
Endea Owens & The Cookout led by Julliard graduate Endea Owens, one of the most watched emerging bassists, has been mentored by greats like Rodney Whitaker and Ron Carter. Shamie Royston who was noted by JazzTimes, as “a vigorous, versatile pianist,” performs with her quartet and multi-talented bassist, vocalist, producer Mimi Jones.
Buffalo’s own legendary George Caldwell, who has served with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and as leader of his own ensembles, performs with the melodious range fueled singer songwriter Curtis Lovell.
Other amazing local acts include Darcel Blue, Carol McLaughlin with Joyce Carolyn, Zhanna Reed and Charles Reedy with Sandra Gilliam.
This spirited jazz event among kindred lovers of the art form is sure to lift your spirits and educate your ear on women in jazz !
We look forward to seeing you on the lawn! The event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective , upcoming events or to become a valued member please visit pmljazz.com
Check Out The Jazz Festival Schedule Below
Venue: Buffalo Museum of Science (Rear Lawn) – MLK Park 1020 Humboldt Parkway
Sunday July 24 • 2pm – 8pm
2:00 Charles Reedy Quartet featuring Sandra Gilliam
2:45 George Caldwell with Curtis Lovell
4:00 Shamie Royston with Mimi Jones
5:45 Endea Owens & The Cookout
7:20 Darcel Blue
Sunday July 31 • 2pm -8pm
2:00 Zhanna Reed
2:45 Love Supreme School of Music Students with Faculty
4:00 The Baylor Project
5:45 Curtis Lundy and UMOJA featuring Brianna Thomas
7:20 Carol McLaughlin featuring Joyce Carolyn