Saturday-Sunday, Sept 16-17th Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Saturday-Sunday, Sept 23-24th
Old Fort Harrod State Park | Ten Year Celebration!
Be sure to check out more FREE Jazz events below!
Adrian Crutchfield is known around the world for his neo-soul sound. His smooth, unique timbre reflects his proficiency in a wide variety of genres including jazz, funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and many more. Known as the last horn man to perform and record (2012-2016) with Prince. Adrian is featured on many of Prince’s final masterpieces including the 2017 Grammy-Nominated Hit-N-Run Phase 2, and the unreleased, but highly anticipated “Black Is The New Black” album.
Adrian also has played sax for many of today’s brightest stars such as Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, CeeLo Green, R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia Barrino, K-Ci and JoJo, The Gap Band featuring Charlie Wilson and hip-hop superstar Young Jeezy. In jazz, Mr. Crutchfield has been featured by artists including Kim Waters, Mike Phillips, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, and Branford Marsalis. He also has performed with the legendary group Fourplay. Find out more by clicking here.
The Campbellsville University Faculty Jazz Band is a crowd favorite at the KHJF. The ensemble features Saulo Mouro (piano and bass), Denis Santos (sax and flute), and Chad Ford (percussion). During his early twenties, Mr. Moura was performing with some of the finest bossa-nova, jazz, and samba musicians in Brazil and in Europe, as well as being in the cello section of the Brazilian National Symphony Orchestra. An accomplished and versatile performer and music educator, the multi-instrumentalist Denis Santos (Saxophone and Flute) is originally from Ceará, Brazil. Throughout his career, he has participated in several groups and ensembles such as Bellas Artes Quintet, Camerata da Unifor, and Eleazar de Carvalho Chamber Orchestra. In 2011, Denis formed the Almeida Duo, creating an original sound that has captivated audiences in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and throughout the USA. Chad has performed throughout the United States, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Japan, South Korea, and Trinidad and with multiple international tours as drummer for the Brazilian-based group, Almedia Duo.
Jamey Aebersold
The KHJF is honored to welcome back renowned jazz educator and saxophonist Jamey Aebersold and his quartet. Jamey is joined in his quartet with Doug Elmore on upright bass, Jonathan Higgins on drums, and Wade Honey on piano. Jamey is the recipient of the 2014 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the appreciation, knowledge, and advancement of jazz. For over 60 years, Jamey has been the leader in Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Education. Jamey’s renown weeklong summer Jazz Workshops have been held in 7 countries. His jazz quartet has preformed dozens of programs which encourage students to play music and make healthy lifestyle choices. Jamey’s company, http://www.Jazzbooks.com has produced 133 book/audio jazz Play-A-Longs. Jazzbooks.com also sells thousands of jazz related items to encourage musicians of all ages to explore playing jazz. Jamey is a driving force in jazz, and continues to kindle the fires of musical imagination in those with whom he comes in contact.
SPHERICAL AGENDA is a jazz-rock fusion band consisting of the midwest region’s top musicians. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, their sound not only draws from the cutting edge of today’s fusion but harkens back to the reckless abandon and pure energy of groups like Tony Williams Lifetime, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Return to Forever. Featuring Matt Wiles on bass, Brandon Coleman on guitar, Ben Tweedt on keyboards and Devon Leigh on drums, Spherical Agenda is a powerhouse band whose unique chemistry gives rise to infectious grooves, daring solos, and captivating energy. Despite the band itself being fairly young, the collective is cultivating an ever-growing list of accomplishments. The band’s members have credits including performances with the Snarky Horns, The Drifters, Fareed Haque, Grammy-Nominated Dan Pugach Nonet, and Sam Blakelsee Quintet and Large Ensembles, clinics and masterclasses both nationally and abroad, and recording credits such as the television series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow soundtrack and the upcoming “For the Love of King”, a compilation series by the Bootsy Collins Foundation benefiting the restoration of historic King Records.
BiGG SuGG and the JaZZ Funkers makes music that has roots in Jazz-Funk Fusion, New Orleans Music, Memphis Soul, and Chicago Blues. Each member of the band is a phenomenal performer in their own right but what happens when the band comes together is transcendent. The undeniable groove and soul flowing off the stage takes everyone bearing witness to another world at every show. Whether it’s the mind-blowing virtuosity of the solos, the brute-force of the band’s funk grooves, or the heart-wrenching blues there is something for everyone every time they perform.
Under the direction of Harrodsburg native Larry Griffin, Capriccio Columbus Choir will be back by a jazz ensemble and performing Will Todd’s Mass in Blue. Their last performance at the Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival was in 2015, we are excited to have them back!
The Music Department is a vibrant part of the ministry of Asbury University located in Wilmore, Ky. The AU Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Glen Flanigan, is one of many fine music instrumental and vocal ensembles at Asbury. AU jazz band is a seventeen piece, big band that includes talented musicians attending Asbury as well as community members. The band performs at numerous functions both on and off campus, including the annual High Bridge Film Festival on the Asbury campus, as well as touring ministry mission trips throughout the United States.
Transylvania University Jazz Band
Eastern Kentucky
Morehead State University has developed a fine reputation for a strong music program. Jazz I is MSU’s premier jazz ensemble and maintains an active performing schedule on campus, throughout Kentucky, and beyond. Regular appearances are made at the Marshall Jazz Festival, UK ‘Battle of the Bands’, and the Morehead State Jazz Clinic. The group has performed with many internationally renowned jazz artists and has received outstanding recognition at past Jazz festivals. The ensemble consists of students from all disciplines and membership is by audition. Morehead State is the oldest, and offers one of the finest, Jazz degree programs in the state of Kentucky. For more information about Jazz I and/or Jazz studies at Morehead State University contact Ryan McGillicuddy.
Blue Groove Jazz Quartet is a classic jazz ensemble with members from Harrodsburg and Danville, KY. The band is comprised of seasoned musicians, collectively having very diverse and extensive musical experiences, all with a common love for jazz. The musical genres of BGJ are equally diverse, ranging from swing, bebop, and Latin, covering artists ranging from Miles Davis to Steely Dan. BGJ has already garnered a loyal following in central Kentucky and has performed at gala events for the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College and Talon Winery’s annual Jazz on the Porch Series. The members of BGJ are Sam Carr (Alto and Tenor Sax), Eben Henson (drums), Pete McCaffery (bass), and Mark Gardner (keyboards).
Paladin was formed by the gifted New Orleans trumpeter James Millard Poole III in 2013 to perform “Organa” or free-spirited improvised jazz. The stellar rhythm section of Paladin consists of equally gifted musicians including drummer Brehnan Miller, a Harrodsburg native currently residing in Louisville, bassist Tom Covello, and keyboardist Mark Gardner also residing in Mercer County. Paladin has played to enthusiastic audiences across Kentucky, including the “Jazz on The Porch” series at Talon Winery. James is also one of the directors of the Lexington Jazz Arts Foundation.
Led by drummer and composer Sofia Goodman, The Sofia Goodman Group is a jazz fusion band based in Nashville, TN, U.S.A. The group performs original music, as well as arrangements of tunes in the jazz genre. Sofia had the honor of performing in a youth ensemble led by teacher and Grammy award winning artist Esperanza Spalding in Boston in 2005 and Esperanza’s encouragement motivated Sofia to keep perfecting her craft. Sofia has been described as “brilliant” by Tony Rounce of Ace Records and radio host “Wildman” Steve Bronson had this to say after the group’s performance at Alex City Jazz Fest: “The surprise of the night was The Sofia Goodman Group. Excellent band, jazz-fusion fun!” They have performed at notable festivals like The Elkhart Jazz Fest, The Alex City Jazz Fest, USM Jazz and Blues Fest, Fort Harrod Jazz Fest (3x), West Georgia Jazz Fest, and Jazz on the Point (2x). In 2018, the group released their debut album “Myriad of Flowers” and it has been streamed worldwide. In 2019, the album was nominated by NIMA for Best Jazz Album. In 2020, Sofia was nominated by NIMA as Best Jazz Instrumentalist. Currently, Sofia is working on a new album and completed her Master’s degree in Music Composition at Belmont University.
Brooks Giles III is an international saxophonist and vocalist. Brooks has taken his high energy musical mixture of Jazz and Blues Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Santiago, Chili where he recorded his CD, “Romance de Los Andes” with “The Pancho Aranda Trio”. His first CD, “Somewhere on the Earth, The Bangkok Sessions” was released in 2002. That same year Brooks and his ensemble were featured on the first ever “Hennessy X.O. Smooth and Mellow Jazz Tour.” After rave reviews the ensemble was invited to perform again in 2003. Brooks has performed with Donald Byrd, The Drifters, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Charli Persip, Eldee Young, Ron Affif, and Peter Duchin. After obtaining his M.F.A. from Queen’s College’s Aaron Copland school of music in Queens, New York, Brooks toured Europe with the Broadway musical “Bubbling Brown Sugar”. In 2005 he performed on the soundtrack and appeared on the DVD of the original stage play “It’s a Hard Bop Life” by Gregory Charles Royal. Brooks continues to perform in large and small ensembles throughout the United States of America and The World. Band Members include: Brooks Giles III – Saxophone & Vocals, Clay Moore – Guitar, Winton Reynolds – Keyboards, Tom Covello – Bass, Kiko Sebrian – Drums.
Destiny L is an international recording artist and singer/songwriter. Her rich, hypnotic, sultry sound shape her alternative RNB flow. This multi-talented artist has opened for artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Warren G, and Bobby Valinto. She’s also performed in historical venues such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and performed the National Anthem at Paycor Stadium for the Cincinnati Bengals December 2022. Destiny L has two hit singles out on all major streaming platforms called “Numb” and “Spacetime.”
Adrian Crutchfield
Adrian Crutchfield is know around the world for his neo-soul sound. His smooth, unique timbre reflects his proficiency in a wide variety of genres including jazz, funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and many more. Known as the last horn man to perform and record (2012-2016) with Prince. Adrian is featured on many of Princes final masterpieces including the 2017 Grammy-Nominated Hit-N-Run Phase 2, and the Unreleased, but highly anticipated, “Black is the New Black” album. Adrian has also played sax for many of today’s brightest stars including Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Ceelo Green, R&B Icon Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia Barrino, K-Ci and JoJo, The Gap Band featuring Charlie Wilson and Hip Hop Superstar Young Jezzy. In Jazz, Mr. Crutchfield has been featured by artists such as Kim Waters, Mike Phillips, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, and Branford Marsalis. He has also performed with the legendary group Fourplay. Learn more by clicking here.
Sunday Sept. 24th
Fort Harrod State Park
Swing is The Thing with The Upbeats. Bringing the very best of jazz standards from The Great American Songbook to venues and festivals everywhere, The Upbeats feature the vocal stylings of Molly McCormack along with Barry Glick playing jazz guitar, John Scharfenberger on bass, and Mark “Bones” Webb on drums. Molly is a multi-talented musician who has shared the stage with a diverse mix of other artists. Barry has toured the world from New York to Morocco as a jazz musician, working as a guitarist, bandleader, and composer with other great jazz talents. John is a talented jazz and funk bassist from Louisville. Mark, who was born in Louisville but grew up in California, swings his drums with a light touch.
We are excited to welcome to the 2023 KHJF “The Alan Robinson Trio”! The group will bring a unique and exciting fusion flavor to the 2023 KHJF, featuring some of the regions finest collegiate music educators and musicians. The trio includes guitarist Dr. Alan Robinson from Belmont University in Nashville, bassist Dr. Saulo Moura from Campbellsville University, and percussionist Dr. Chad Floyd also from Campbellsville University’s music faculty.
Alan Robinson is an Assistant Professor of Music at Belmont University in Nashville teaching Commercial Guitar and is an active performer and composer. Dr. Robinson received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky, and he holds a Master of Music degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of Music.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saulo Moura was part of the cello section of the National Symphony Orchestra, in Brazil. Moving to America, in 2001, he studied cello performance at Florida International University, jazz bass at the University of Louisville, and concluded his education with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition degree at the University of Kentucky. Moura has been an active performer on stages in Brazil, Argentina, England, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
Chad Floyd has performed throughout the United States, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Japan, South Korea, and Trinidad. Chad’s original compositions and arrangements for percussion are published by Bachovich Publications, C-Alan Publications, Innovative Percussion Inc., Row-Loff Productions, and Tapspace Publications. Chad is proud to be an artist endorser/clinician for Grover Pro Percussion Inc., Humes and Berg Co., Innovative Percussion Inc., Pearl Drums and Adams Musical Instruments, and Remo Inc.
The Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors consists of community musicians and students from the University of Kentucky School of Music’s Jazz Studies Program. This 20-piece big band is under the direction of Artistic Director Miles Osland and Musical Director David Hummel.
The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival is supported by our generous sponsors and donors. Every donation helps us to continue the festival as a FREE event. The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival is a nonprofit 501c3 organized under the Mercer Chamber Foundation, Inc. Should you like to become a sponsor or make a donation please contact us. Donations are tax-deductible.
September 16-17
September 23-24
This event is made possible by the
Mercer Chamber of Commerce
