Thanks for a great 2023 Jazz Festival!
2023 Lineup
Michael Hawkins and The Brotherhood
Saturday, October 7th: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Currently, Michael is focused on promoting himself as a bassist, educator, and composer with a personal goal of sharing the innate qualities of Jazz with his audience. In 2018, Michael realized his goal by forming his band, Michael Hawkins & the Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood consists of the finest musicians currently living in the Richmond Va. area. James “Saxsmo” Gates -Alto Saxophone, Dr. Weldon Hill-piano, and Billy Williams Jr.-Drums with Michael Hawkins on Bass, The Brotherhood is one of RVA’s top Jazz ensembles, performing to enthusiastic audiences locally and within the United States.
The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski
Sunday, October 8th: 11:00 AM Town Green
THE HOT LANES is a 16-piece culmination of a dream Bobby Jasinski had in 2014. Influenced by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Bobby’s focus of The Hot Lanes is to promote jazz in the D.C. metropolitan area through festivals, concerts, educational masterclasses in the public school system and other appearances.
The group features a diverse and talented group of musicians. The Hot Lanes is always looking for opportunities to perform in the area, as well as outside Washington D.C.
Greg Duncan Organ Quartet
Sunday, October 8th: 1:10 PM Town Green
Greg Duncan is a composer and freelance jazz trumpet player currently based in Philadelphia. His ensemble plays contemporary straight-ahead jazz that grooves with a mixture of blues, swing, and even flamenco. He has toured all over the world with various groups and performed at top jazz clubs in Philadelphia, Chicago and Europe.
Duncan moved to Philadelphia in 2020 to become better acquainted with the East Coast scene and create music with his new Organ Trio and the latest version of his Quartet. He recently recorded his fourth album entitled “Sound Duality”, featuring both groups and a mix of original and contemporary songs.
The Funky Knuckles
Sunday, October 8th: 3:25 PM Town Green
The Funky Knuckles is a world class jazz orchestra made up of genetically enhanced cybernetic superman, Wes Stephenson – Bass, Cedric Moore – Drums, Phill Aelony/Ethan Ditthardt – Guitar, Ben Bohorquez – Saxophone, Evan Weiss – Trumpet, Kwinton Gray – Keyboards. They have played at the finest venues around the world delivering mind blowing rhythms and harmonic complexity that will shatter your fragile psyche and leave you drowning in a pool of fresh llama milk.
The band members are as brilliant as they are handsome and they have performed with people such as the legendary Phill Aelony.
John Brown and The Little Big Band
Sunday, October 8th: 5:25 PM Town Green
The John Brown “little” Big Band is an 11-piece band (or a 12-piece band when we add a vocalist) that has a BIG sound! The group packs a punch and has the big band sound without the additional horns we bring along with our Jazz Orchestra.
This group is in high demand for feature performances at concert halls, education residencies and concerts and private events. Experience the powerful sound of the “little” BIG band!
Jazz is Led
Sunday, October 8th: 2:20 PM Amphitheater
Jazz Is Led. The name says it all. The groundbreaking music of Led Zeppelin, reimagined with an entirely new approach; Jazz, Funk, Rock, Instrumental. Founded by Charlotte Drummer/Jazz composer, Curtis Wingfield, Jazz Is Led is mesmerizing audiences with its broad crossover appeal.
With a wide range of styles, textures, and dynamics (just as Led Zeppelin had) these new takes on old favorites range from high energy, deep funk, Latin, and swing grooves to the most delicate ballads and dirty slow blues. Led Zeppelin‘s improvisational approach at their live shows is well documented, and, Jazz Is Led honors this in great supply with each show being a unique experience for the band and audience.
Brass Queens
Sunday, October 8th: 4:30 PM Amphitheater
Brass Queens is a 9-piece brass band that is dedicated to showcasing the talents of female musicians in a landscape that is dominated by male musicians and bandleaders. Brass Queens has developed a signature sound that sits right at the intersection of the Big Apple and the Big Easy: their music is deeply inspired by and pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while injecting the upbeat, multifaceted energy of their New York home into each performance.
The result is a nonstop party: a Brass Queens show will have you singing along to classic pop hits, dancing your heart out to reggaeton, and feeling like you’ve been transported to Frenchman Street.
2023 Duck Jazz Festival Lineup
Saturday, October 7
Town Green
4:00 PM Michael Hawkins and The Brotherhood
7:30 PM Live Jam at The Blue Point
Sunday, October 8
Town Green
11:00 AM The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski
1:10 PM Greg Duncan Organ Quartet
3:25 PM The Funky Knuckles
5:25 PM John Brown and The Little Big Band
Amphitheater
12:10 PM First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band
2:20 PM Jazz is Led
4:30 PM Brass Queens
2023 presenting sponsor
