This year an international jazz band and hometown favorite since 1987 is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Taylor Made Jazz is playing a charity concert in celebration of their anniversary to benefit two not-for-profit organizations, National Inner Cities Youth Opportunities (NICYO) and Students Against Violence Education (SAVE).
Taylor Made Jazz is known for their enigmatic performances and charity concerts. It is truly a group that constantly gives back to their community. An award winning ensemble, the members now consist of vocalists: Joyce Wilson Nixon, Melissa Kate, and Kenny Berry; drummers: Mike Crimes, Lemeul Bryant, and Robert Garrett; guitarists: Jeff Nixon and Nelson Thomas; bassists: Richie Valentino and Jerry Sampson; trumpeter: Brian Freeman; and keyboardist: Van Taylor.
The group has traveled all over the globe to Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba, Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, France, England, and various African countries. Van Taylor, a co-founder of the group as well as the director and producer, says, “You do it, to me, to give back to the community.”
Taylor picked the organizations because he has seen the difference they have made. NICYO operates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Taylor says he has seen how well they fixed it up. SAVE was chosen by Taylor for the work they do with youth in schools.
The show will consist of two sets and according to Taylor, “This one will feature more of our vocalists.” Many performers who have performed with the group in years gone by are coming in to perform on this special occasion. Though Taylor says they are still waiting for some confirmations, there are many members coming back from the group’s Holiday Inn Series they played on Delaware Avenue fifteen years ago.
The show will take place on Friday, April 25th at 7pm at The Tralf Music Hall. You have to be 21 years old or older to get in and tickets are $18 in advance or $20 the day of the show. You can order tickets with Ticketmaster or call 852-5000.
This will not be the only benefit concert that Taylor Made Jazz performs this year for their anniversary. According to Taylor, the proceeds of their next up and coming benefit will go to WBFO. For more information on the group, check out their website: taylormadejazz.com.