Featured Artist of the Week: Marion Meadows

Meadows was born in West Virginia and grew up in Stamford, Connecticut. He began playing the clarinet and studying classical music at the age of nine. He started playing tenor sax in high school, and then migrated to soprano sax. His passion for various types of music led him down an eclectic musical path. He was intrigued by the styles of jazz musicians, like Stanley Turrentine, Sidney Bichet, Johnny Hodges, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderley, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson, Grover Washington and many others. After studying jazz at Rippowam High School in Stamford, CT with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music. There he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNY Purchase School for the Arts. During his college years he played in a number of bands including disco, R&B and various jazz ensmbles. I got a lot of sideman jobs in college, and I have always said I got my real graduate degree playing clubs, says Meadows, who perfected his craft studying with Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson, Dave Liebman and Eddie Daniels. “Not long after I finished school, (drummer) Norman Connors recorded one of my songs, “Invitation” and then asked me to join his band. I later produced his Passion album with my colleague Jacques Burvick (Aquarium Dream) . Things just fell into place. Meadows first hit the airwaves in 1991 with “For Lovers Only”, but his career really began one day in the late ‘80s at New York’s Grand Central Station. He had been a sideman with Connors for three years, with only vague notions of eventually going solo. One day, while waiting for a train, he pulled out his horn and began playing under the huge dome. His sweet sound caught the attention of fellow traveler, producer and TV composer Jay Chattaway, who happened to be passing by on his way to the train. Chattaway was so impressed with Meadows’ sound that he hooked Meadows up with legendary keyboardist Bob James. Meadows and James collaborated on a recording which unfortunately went unreleased. The experience put him on the road to his eventual success. Meadows hooked up with numerous artists and musicians and became a well known sideman in his own right, recording or performing over the years with Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing , Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, John Lee, among many others. In the late ‘80s, Meadows stretched his boundaries by becoming a member of a New York avant-garde band called the Aboriginal Music Society.

5.10-12.2024

Marion Meadows

Marion Meadows first hit the airwaves in 1991 with “For Lovers Only”, but his career really began one day in the late ‘80s at New York’s Grand Central Station. He had been a sideman with Connors for three years, with only vague notions of eventually going solo. Meadows hooked up with numerous artists and musicians and became a well known sideman in his own right, recording or performing over the years with Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing , Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, John Lee, among many others.

Fri, May 10: 7pm and 9:15pm
Sat, May 11: 6:15pm and 8:45pm
Sun, May 12: 6pm and 8:30pm

5.09.2024

Epic Proportion Party Band performs the Soul Legends: Aretha, Stevie, AL Green, Whitney and more

Epic Proportion’s musical repertoire appeals to music lovers from all walks of life and is a hit at any celebration. The band covers a wide scope of genres including Motown/Beach, R&B, Jazz, Country, and Hip Hop guaranteed to keep your guests entertained and on their feet from the first note to the last. Join us for a night of Soul Legends: Aretha, Stevie, Al Green , Whitney and more on Thursday, May 9th at 7pm!

5.15.2024

Albert Cummings

Albert Cummings arrived strong right at the beginning and has kept growing over a course of endless tours and nine previous albums, right up to today with the release of the album TEN. Music being one of the world’s tried and true joys of life, has always had a way of bringing healing and inspiration to listeners, and at no time in recent decades has it been needed more than now. Join us on Wednesday, May 15 at 7pm!

5.16.2024

Rodney Shelton & Eric Brice present Jay D. Jones: The Songs of Bobby Womack, Luther Vandross, and Freddie Jackson

On Thursday, May 16 at 7pm, join us for another jazz jam! This week, Rodney Shelton and ERIC BRICE present Jay D. Jones: The Songs of Bobby Womack, Luther Vandross, and Freddie Jackson!

5.17-18.2024

A Night with World Renowned Jazz Pianist Alex Bugnon

Alex Bugnon has been a prolific, energetic force on the contemporary music scene for almost three decades. A renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Bugnon hales from the picturesque town of Caux, Switzerland- 4 miles above Montreux, site of the world famous Jazz Festival. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown and in his own home, of some of music’s most illustrious names played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career, as did his early friendship with Herbie Hancock. The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision. He will be at Middle C on Friday, May 17 at 7pm and 9:15pm and Saturday, May 18 at 6:15pm and 8:45pm!

5.19.2024

Award-Winning Gospel Artist Christian Anderson

In addition to the release of the new single, Christian Anderson has also released a concept music video for “Yeshua”. Directed by Tomeka Allen of I Inspire Productions with Videographer/Cinematographer Jermaine Studwell of Jaysnaps Media behind the camera, “Yeshua” was brought to life with a unique and inspiring creativity. An actress who has appeared in a number of church plays as well as Langston Hughes’ famed musical, “Black Nativity”, Christian is excited about the dramatic element in the new music video and believes the presentation will touch believers. Join us on Sunday, May 19 at 6pm!