December 2024 – Throughout December, Middle C Jazz is honored to be a gift drop-off for Ronald McDonald House. Consider bringing a new book, stuffed animal, puzzle, coloring book, musical instrument, lego set, or sports equipment to your next show.

For ideas, check out their Amazon wish list OR just drop off an Amazon gift card with Middle C Jazz and Ronald McDonald House will do the shopping for you.

Led by the phenomenal bassist John Dillard, this dynamic group has delivered some of the most electrifying, high-energy performances on the Middle C Jazz stage.

John Dillard, a two-time Grammy-winning bassist, is celebrated for his boundless creativity, energy, and versatility. His career spans global stages, performing alongside renowned artists such as gospel legend John P. Kee, Daryl Coley, R&B icon Stephanie Mills, and smooth jazz stars Brian Simpson, Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa, and many others.

Gena Chambers is an extraordinary vocalist who has toured with smooth jazz luminaries like Oli Silk, Will Downing, and Tom Braxton. She has opened for music giants including Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jonathan Butler, and famously performed the National Anthem at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Mandyl Evans, nephew of R&B legend Wilbert Harrison and cousin of gospel powerhouse John P. Kee, brings a rich musical heritage. The Mandyl Evans Group has opened for legends such as Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight and has toured with R&B icons Stephanie Mills and Calvin Richardson.

Amanda Hampton, a local favorite with a deep love for R&B, jazz, and gospel, has provided backing vocals for national artists and graced the Charlotte music scene with her soulful performances.

This unforgettable evening will feature holiday classics brought to life with the soulful sounds of Motown, showcasing the funky beats and heartfelt lyrics of legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The O’Jays, and more.

A PREVIEW OF JD & GENA… 

A two-time GRAMMY nominee and one of the most in-demand saxophonists, Mindi Abair has been captivating audiences since her debut album in 1999. With twelve #1 radio hits in jazz and blues, Mindi is a familiar face from appearances on American Idol, The Late Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as her tours with Aerosmith.

This holiday season, Mindi returns for another festive extravaganza, showcasing her latest Christmas CD. She will be joined by the incredible chart-topping saxophonist Marcus Anderson and #1 Billboard vocalist Lindsey Webster.

A PREVIEW OF MINDI ABAIR FROM LAST YEAR’S VISIT TO MIDDLE C JAZZ… 

A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM MINDI… 

This performance by Lovell Bradford and Tyra Scott has become a holiday tradition for many, as they bring the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas to life like no other.

Pianist Lovell Bradford is known throughout the community for his incredible depth of jazz musicality and knowledge. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Bradford had his first musical influences in the church where his grandmother played every Sunday. His connection with Jazz emerged during his studies at Central State University and on the up and coming jazz scene in Columbus, Ohio before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2002. Bradford has performed with artists such as Jennifer Holiday, Pharez Whitted, Slide Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Ronnie Burrage, and many others. He is the Adjunct Jazz Piano Instructor at Davidson College and currently serves on the faculty of JazzArts Youth Ensembles + Workshops.

Tyra Scott, a dynamic vocalist, continues to gain attention for her superb musicianship and genre-blending style. As a native of Durham, North Carolina, Scott’s childhood immersion in music and art are truly evident, producing a melting pot of colors and sonic dimensions, that are all her own. Like many in the south, Tyra’s gospel music upbringing, paved the way for a totally unique approach to the idioms of jazz, samba, and pop music alike. With a voice that is often described as, angelic, spellbinding, and pure, listeners are invited to take their own unforgettable journeys throughout the delivery of each song. Tyra is a 2018 Vocal Performance graduate of North Carolina Central University, having shared the stage with artists such as Branford Marsalis, Take 6, Lalah Hathaway, and Nnenna Freelon.

Celebrate the season with live jazz renditions of your favorite tunes, including “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmastime is Here,” as we embrace the magic of Christmas together.

A PREVIEW OF LOVELL AND TYRA AT LAST YEAR’S CHARLIE BROWN PERFORMANCE… 

Joey Santo, a talented vocalist with a deep appreciation for the Great American Songbook, has been captivating audiences throughout the Carolinas with his renditions of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, the Rat Pack, and Broadway show tunes. In 2018, he was honored with the title of “Best Male Vocalist” at the Jampac Records Talent Show.

Joining Santo on stage is the versatile Kristin Randles, a jazz vocalist, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist. Randles has performed at renowned jazz clubs and venues in the Carolinas, collaborated with the Charlotte Symphony, and even opened for the legendary John Pizzarelli. In 2022, she debuted her first one-woman show dedicated to the music of Norah Jones and is currently developing a new show inspired by the iconic Carmen McRae.

This holiday season, Santo will deliver a fresh and youthful interpretation of timeless Christmas classics from the “O.G.” Crooners. From Bing Crosby’s deep baritone to Dean Martin’s cool sophistication and Sinatra’s timeless elegance, Santo’s powerful vocals and tender delivery will evoke the nostalgic spirit of Christmas past.

A PREVIEW OF JOEY SANTO… 

The Voltage Brothers, perhaps America’s #1 show band, bring the energy with top hits from every genre, including R&B, swing, Carolina beach music, disco, funk, hip hop, jazz, Motown, pop, and classic rock. Having toured the world with the Kool Jazz Festival, they’ve shared the stage with iconic artists like Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, The Commodores, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Earth, Wind & Fire. With performances at nine consecutive Super Bowls and four Presidential Inaugurations, The Voltage Brothers know how to deliver the party, from the White House to your house.

Join Middle C Jazz for another unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring the electrifying sounds of The Voltage Brothers.

A PREVIEW OF THE VOLTAGE BROTHERS… 

• Tickets to your favorite music live.

• Elevate the experience with a Baby Grand Membership.

• Wrap those tickets up in a gift box with t-shirts, caps, or wine glasses from Middle C Jazz.

• Reserve a private event at Middle C Jazz, where we’ll take care of every detail, from music to catering.

• Bring the music to your living room with Middle C On Demand.

• Still unsure what to get? A Middle C Jazz gift certificate is the perfect solution.