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Artists

MAJACE always delivers the most electrifying performances and artists.
You can learn more about each artist performing at the festival by clicking on the pictures below.

Meet the Host

The 2 X’m Grammy and Stellar Award Nominated artist is an incredible act and one worth watching, saxophonist Marcus Anderson is the golden child shining among stars. With 15 studio albums on his list of accomplishments and 5 Billboard number 1s. , the fusion jazz artist brings R&B, Pop, Rock and Funk to make music that puts listeners in another atmosphere. Charting number one in both categories of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM’s Watercolors with numerous hits the Spartanburg, SC native is delivering major music in a humble way. His work with the late Prince and the New Power Generation led him to join stages with the likes of Ceelo Green, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Benet, Stevie Wonder, and Brian Culbertson just to name a few, where he had become a key contributor in these touring band. Prince also featured Marcus on his last release Hit N Run Phase 2, playing on “Revelation” and “Look at Me Look at You”.
Anderson is an act that puts on a show for and with household names. Whether he is performing for dignitaries such as President Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Hillary Clinton or blazing the stage with Sheila E., Anthony Hamilton or Miguel in a collaborative effort, Anderson is always the man of the hour, delivering stellar musicianship every time. Stevie Wonder, CeeLo Green, Lailah Hathaway, Eric Benet, Brian Culbertson, Jennifer Holiday are just a few out of the numerous world-renowned artists that Anderson has opened for and with whom he has shared the stage.
Both near and far, audiences of all musical tastes have made their way to hear Marcus Anderson and his band “The Creatives”. He and his band present a show in which no other instrumentalist has ever brought to the stage. High-spirited and welcoming, Anderson is a multi-instrumentalist who is not afraid of “giving it his all” He’s a fan-favorite at highly recognized festivals such as Essence Music Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival, Seabreeze Jazz Fest, NAPA Valley Getaway, the Dave Koz Cruise and many more. He has also appeared with headliners on top-ranking shows like The Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Jimmy Fallon.
“A couple of firsts…”
Anderson, is 8 years into the coffee business serving his own brand of coffee “AND Coffee. He also host the very first ever Jazz AND Coffee Festival held in Durham, NC. Marcus has also most recently ventured into the world of comics and animation also being the first jazz artist in history to create his own comic book and cartoon animation.
Anderson’s Favorite quote given to his by his dad is “work smarter not harder”.
Taste The Music!

Artists

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Regina Belle

She is an entertainer of immeasurable musical talent. This New Jersey native has earned distinction as an international treasure. Her luminous vocals on the Peabo Bryson duet, A Whole New World, (Grammy’s Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994) solidified her place as music royalty.
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Paula Atherton

New York based sax player/vocalist and songwriter Paula Atherton has shared the stage with such contemporary jazz notables as The Rippingtons, Nick Colionne, Chuck Loeb, Cindy Bradley, Brian Simpson, Althea Renee, Four80East, David Sanborn, Bob James, Marc Antoine, Hiroshima, Gerald Albright and Chieli Minucci.
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Karen Briggs

Violinist / Composer and arranger, Karen Briggs has been performing internationally in over 50 countries worldwide for over four decades. She has performed and or recorded with everyone from The Royal Philharmonic, Yanni, Stanley Clarke, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Annie Lennox, Nasseer Shamma, and Wu Tang Clan and others.
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Darren Rahn

With multiple Grammy nominations to his credit, and 28 #1 Billboard singles as a producer, mix engineer, and solo artist/saxophonist, this multi-talented, Canadian born, Denver based musician’s multi-faceted journey reaches yet another key milestone with the release of his latest album “Rock The World”, a hallmark project that taps perfectly into the Zeitgeist of current times while revealing an ever-evolving artist at the pinnacle of his creative, melodic, spiritual and sonic expressions.
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Quintin Gerard W

Veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W. known as The Fnkysax Player, is an O.T.S. Music! recording artist and voting member of NARAS, also known as The Grammy®. He is a SESAC songwriter publisher and has produced, recorded, and commercially released four urban contemporary smooth jazz albums since his debut CD release “Fnkysax,” introducing “The method of playing saxophone characterized by incorporating elements of Funk, R & B, Gospel, Blues and Jazz supported by the underlying foundation of the urban culture and experience.”
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Lemek

“Rising Star Guitarist” LEMEK is a trippin N Rhythm recording artist and two time back-to-back Billboard #1 Contemporary Instrumental Smooth Jazz charting soloist with a combined 9 weeks at #1. Currently a Billboard Top 10 End of Year Chart holder, LEMEK has amassed over 1M Spotify streams and counting. Local to the New Orleans Metro area, LEMEK is a uniquely unapologetic artist who has a lot of unlimited artistic creativity to share in his fruitful journey in instrumental music!
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Nathan Mitchell

  • Grammy Nominated Producer / Composer Signed Artist w/ #1 BILLBOARD Smooth Jazz Label ‘Trippin N Rhythm’
  • International Contemporary Jazz / Gospel / Soul Artist whom has toured over 38 countries sharing his love of music and message of hope and love
  • Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Vocalist, and Composer
  • 3x Consecutive NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Jazz Album’s
  • 2019 Smooth Jazz Breakout Artist of the Year Nominee
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Eric Darius

With a trademark jump and crowd-captivating energy throughout his live show, Eric Darius is breaking the mold of modern jazz. The Billboard chart topping, American saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer shines in a vibrant new light as he reinvents himself through ‘Unleashed’, an expansive and ambitious genre-spanning album brimming with passion and purpose, soul and sweat, charisma and charm.
“It’s called Unleashed because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone on this project and truly unleash my full musical potential in a live studio setting,” Eric shares. “This album is an honest reflection of myself and my growth both musically and personally over the past several years, and it really takes the listeners on a musical journey from start to finish! This album feels like it’s the first time I’ve truly expressed myself in every single way in a musical sense and I’m unleashed like never before. 
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Elan Trotman

Saxophonist Elan Trotman, has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers as he continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, teacher and recording artist. Trotman’s playing, though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Najee, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. So much so that the New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions.
The master’s thesis must be written at a high academic level in order to receive a positive evaluation. The student should keep this in mind and, if necessary, contact a writing agency masterarbeit ghostwriter agentur to ensure maximum professionalism for his master’s thesis.
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Regina Belle

“I’m amazingly blessed. I will never ever say that I’ve lived the perfect life to be shown such favor with God or the people but here I am,” declares the incomparable Regina Belle. The Academy Award-winning and Multi Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and actress, with a string of hits including Make It Like It Was, If I Could, Baby Come To Me and This Is Love, Regina Belle has made a career following her heart and moving gracefully between the worlds of R&B, Gospel and Jazz.
She is an entertainer of immeasurable musical talent. This New Jersey native has earned distinction as an international treasure. Her luminous vocals on the Peabo Bryson duet, A Whole New World, (Grammy’s Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994) solidified her place as music royalty.
Belle’s vocal abilities were demonstrated at a young age, with her first solo at the age of 8, at Friendship Baptist Church in New Jersey church pastored by her uncle, the late Dr. Fred M. Belle, Jr.. The entertainer’s natural gifts were further polished at Dwight Morrow High School and the Manhattan School of Music for Preparatory College where she studied classical voice training with Inga Wolfe. Although having received a full scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music, she opted to aim her sights on the elite Rutgers University to study both Africana Studies and Music.
In 1985 Belle left Rutgers University, her senior year, just 15 credits shy of completing her degree, to go on the road with the Grammy Award, World Renown Group, THE MANHATTANS. She remained with them for two years before being spring boarded into her own career.
Thirty years after leaving Rutgers and 10 albums later, Belle started taking online courses, which earned her Bachelors Degree in Africana Studies and a Minor in Music. Belle walked the stage with her ‘new class’ from Rutgers in May of 2015. She states; “This achievement of finishing my degree which I started almost 30 years ago and finally being done, was a bittersweet moment and rates as high as my Grammy Awards.”
Her life was eventful, journey purposeful but not without misfortune. After releasing her first Gospel album in 2008, Love Forever Shines with the hit single God Is Good she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This devastating news came at the height of her gospel career. After two surgeries and 10 months rehabilitation, Belle found herself back at the top of her game ready to take on the world.
Belle’s life experiences and health challenges have made her a champion in area of care-giving, affording her opportunities to wear different hats. She is honored to represent AARP as a spokesperson for caregivers.
Belle has enjoyed career success for which many entertainers can only pray. She can also give thanks for a blessed personal life. She has been married to former NBA player, John Battle, since 1991. The couple has raised five children and blessed to have 3 grandchildren. Rev. John Battle serve as Senior Pastor and Belle, working along side of him as an ordained minister, First Servant and Minister of Music of their two churches: New Shield of Faith Worship Center in Atlanta, Georgia and Spread the Word Ministries in College Park, Georgia.
With her latest release, The Day Life Began, Regina Belle is affirming that her journey continues and that her new recording signifies yet the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Regina concludes, “I draw strength from knowing that I’m operating within the purpose for my life and I’m having a ball doing it!”
Regina’s goal is simple, “If I cannot identify with the songs, and if the music does not move my soul, make me feel better, take me up when I’m down or higher when I’m up, then I don’t want to record it, play it or sing it!”

Paula Atherton

SAXOPHONIST | FLAUTIST | VOCALIST

New York based sax player/vocalist and songwriter Paula Atherton has shared the stage with such contemporary jazz notables as The Rippingtons, Nick Colionne, Chuck Loeb, Cindy Bradley, Brian Simpson, Althea Renee, Four80East, David Sanborn, Bob James, Marc Antoine, Hiroshima, Gerald Albright and Chieli Minucci. Paula has also worked in the traditional jazz field; one of the notable performances being a weeklong engagement at the Blue Note NYC with pianist and jazz legend, Hank Jones. Paula also performed with Grammy award winning singer Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Annenberg Theater, for the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival.
Some tour dates include The Bishop Arts Theater in Dallas, The Empire Theater in San Antonio, The John Ruffin Theater in Chicago, Jazz in the Park in Birmingham, AL, Smooth Jazz Festival in Atlanta, Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Fest in CA, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz fest and Low Country Jazz fest with Jazz in Pink, Smooth Jazz at Sunset in MI (opening for Marc Antoine), Southern Tier Jazz festival in Elmira (opening for Rick Braun), the 3rdannual Women’s Jazz festival in Huntsville, AL, Lake Arbor Jazz Festival in MD, the Hub City Fest in NJ (4 years in a row) and the Pensacola Jazz Festival.
Paula performed at the Hot Smooth Jazz festival in Madrid, Spain, in April 2019 at Maria Guerrero theater. Other 2019 performances include Jacksonville Beach Jazz series, Dauphin County Jazz Fest, Potomac Jazz Festival, Brass City, Grand Rapids, and Legacy Jazz Festival. Paula just released the 1st single from her forthcoming 6th release, entitled “Can You Feel It.” It was produced by Greg Manning and written by Paula and Greg. As of April 4th, 2020, “Can You Feel It”, was #1 on Mediabase, #1 on the Smooth Jazz Network, (for 4 weeks) and as of May 2nd, has been #1 on Billboard for 3 weeks.
Preceding “Can You Feel It,” Atherton has enjoyed 5 Billboard Top 30 charting singles, “Sassy Strut,” “Herbie,” “Between You & Me,” “My Song For You,” and “Into the Night.” Atherton was also featured on Cindy Bradleys’ single, “Girl Talk,” which hit #2 on Billboard.
Atherton’s sixth release, Can You Feel It includes music from a few different producers. Including Greg Manning, Paul Brown, Nate Mitchell, Matt Godina, Schuyler Deale (who produced “Herbie” and “Low Rider” on previous releases), and Lou Gimenez, who has produced the majority of Atherton’s music.

Karen Briggs

Violinist / Composer and arranger, Karen Briggs has been performing internationally in over 50 countries worldwide for over four decades. She has performed and or recorded with everyone from The Royal Philharmonic, Yanni, Stanley Clarke, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Annie Lennox, Nasseer Shamma, and Wu Tang Clan and others. She has been a featured soloist on the stages of prestigious venues such as the Apollo theater, Carnegie Hall, The Taj Mahal, Acropolis, and China’s Forbidden City and more.
Her intricate arrangements on covers such as Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower”, Rimsky Korsokov’s “Scheherazade”, “Amazing Grace” and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” have not been ignored. She easily covers an array of genres on violin including gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, hip hop and classical works, all re-imagined in a way that suits her skillful swagger on violin.
Currently regarded by many as one of the most legendary violinists of our time, Karen serves as both an inspiration for many of today’s contemporary musicians and has continuously proven to be an asset to any project that she’s participated in.
She has recorded independent solo projects and has an exciting new recording “Sonic Woodwork” which is scheduled for release in 2024.

Darren Rahn

With multiple Grammy nominations to his credit, and 28 #1 Billboard singles as a producer, mix engineer, and solo artist/saxophonist, this multi-talented, Canadian born, Denver based musician’s multi-faceted journey reaches yet another key milestone with the release of his latest album “Rock The World”, a hallmark project that taps perfectly into the Zeitgeist of current times while revealing an ever-evolving artist at the pinnacle of his creative, melodic, spiritual and sonic expressions. On this new release, Rahn intuitively and artfully uses instrumental music to reflect not only just how the world has been rocked, but offers a meaningful path forward on how we can rock back, get through the obstacles, and move ahead with hope. True to the empowering and provocative album title, Rahn embraces the stark reality of the moment with optimism, forging and illuminating the road ahead by rocking the world with the gift of music. Musicians on the new album include bassist Mel Brown, drummer Tarell Martin, Jason Rahn on trumpet, guitarists Randy Jacobs, Allen Hinds, Adam Hawley and Paul Jackson, Jr., vocalist Biff Gore, flutist Priscilla Rahn and dynamic all-star guests Brian Bromberg, Dave Koz, Najee, Everette Harp, and Brian Culbertson.
After launching his career producing, engineering and mixing in the late 90s, he became the ultimate urban jazz hyphenate as an artist/producer in the 2000s, following his success with Wayman Tisdale (which included the #1 hit remake of “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now”) with behind the scenes roles as producer, composer, arranger and/or mix engineer for music on five Dave Koz projects (Greatest Hits, Hello Tomorrow, Summer Horns, Gifts Of The Season, and A New Day). His dual careers reached a unique crescendo when his own single “Talk of the Town” hit #1 on the Billboard jazz chart and he scored three consecutive #1 productions (14 weeks in all) on the Billboard smooth jazz chart, holding the top position with Koz, Eric Darius and Tim Bowman. During this time, Rahn held the top three chart positions for several weeks and had as many as four songs in the Top Ten at the same time. Over the years, as his detail-oriented sonic excellence led to more and more hit recordings, his resume has grown to include everyone from Toby Keith, Jonathan Butler and Najee to Bob James, Dave Koz, Melissa Manchester, Rick Braun, Jeffrey Osborne, Phil Perry, Jeff Lorber, Brian Bromberg, Michael Lington, Kirk Franklin, Marcus Anderson, Jonathan Fritzen, Julian Vaughn, Blake Aaron, Lebron, Riley Richard, the late Nick Colionne and many others.

Quintin Gerard W

The Saxophonist Dad

Veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W. known as The Fnkysax Player, is an O.T.S. Music! recording artist and voting member of NARAS, also known as The Grammy®. He is a SESAC songwriter publisher and has produced, recorded, and commercially released four urban contemporary smooth jazz albums since his debut CD release “Fnkysax,” introducing “The method of playing saxophone characterized by incorporating elements of Funk, R & B, Gospel, Blues and Jazz supported by the underlying foundation of the urban culture and experience.” A student of Jazz Master Ellis Marsalis (Loyola University New Orleans) and Earl Turbinton Jr., protégé to Kenny Garrett with a Hollis Gentry influence, he holds a General Business Management Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.
This former Louisiana All-State Concert Band member and 1st Chair New Orleans District VI Honor Jazz Band Saxophonist’s music credits include, among others, on-stage performances with Jeff Lorber, guest saxophonists Najee and Dave Koz (Worth Waiting For Tour), San Diego’s Under The Lake, Chaka Khan; commercial recordings with Rick James, Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band); and numerous commercial TV and motion picture broadcasts: Levi Strauss, Estee Lauder, Here Comes the Munster’s, BET Original Comic View Theme Song and the forthcoming feature film Abandonment produced by Annie Malee starring Academy Award Winning Actor Richard Dreyfuss.
For more biographical info on Quintin Gerard W.: https://www.quintingerardw.com/bio.

Lemek

“Rising Star Guitarist” LEMEK is a trippin N Rhythm recording artist and two time back-to-back Billboard #1 Contemporary Instrumental Smooth Jazz charting soloist with a combined 9 weeks at #1. Currently a Billboard Top 10 End of Year Chart holder, LEMEK has amassed over 1M Spotify streams and counting. Local to the New Orleans Metro area, LEMEK is a uniquely unapologetic artist who has a lot of unlimited artistic creativity to share in his fruitful journey in instrumental music!
“Having grown up with a dad who’s delighted thousands of contemporary urban jazz fans with his amazing saxophone vibes, LEMEK—the son of Louisiana native saxophonist Quintin Gerard W., is bringing something bigger and bolder to the table of contemporary smooth jazz:– an ever-blossoming guitar artistry with an intense, fiery, sometimes even fusion vibe that incorporates everything from strings to trippy rhythmic textures for an extremely powerful, acoustic and electric guitar driven energy. LEMEK is urban smoothness with high-octane and higher impact modes of expression.”
The 1st Place Winner of the Gibson KRK Guitar Competition (NAMM 2020), LEMEK is a SAG-AFTRA Recording Artist and ASCAP Songwriting Publisher with live, commercial recording and TV broadcast performance credits. He is presently making a true “EMERGENCE” within the future of Contemporary Smooth Jazz Music today!

For more biographical info on LEMEK: https://www.lemekyisraelmusic.com/bio.

Nathan Mitchell

Nathan Mitchell, an accomplished American contemporary jazz / soul (composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist) music educator and humanitarian. A Grammy Nominated, 3x NAACP Image Award nominated and BILLBOARD charting artist with 10 top 30 BILLBOARD hits including three #1 BILLBOARD songs; has become one of the most respected “musical storytellers” in the contemporary jazz industry. This award nominated and winning artist is known best for his electric showmanship, unique talents, and enthusiastic energy.
Nathan’s musical fingerprint was first marked in 2017 with his first national debut release entitled “Smooth Groove”. From this musical work two of his songs accomplished great success on mainstream media “Inspiration”, which made the top 30 on the BILLBOARD charts (#22) and “Smooth Groove” (#20). One of his greatest achievements was his 2nd musical release “Soulmate” which marked his 1st NAACP Image Award Nomination (2020). From this release his hit single “Swing City” accumulated over 1 million streams on Spotify within its 1st year. “Swing City” received great success reaching #7 on the BILLBOARD charts, #7 on the Smooth Jazz Network Charts, and #1 on the Mediabase Smooth Jazz charts. In 2021 Nathan was nominated for a 2nd NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Jazz Album” for his creative release during the global pandemic entitled “Donny, Duke, & Wonder”. In 2022, his release “Love Languages” honored him with his 3rd NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Jazz Album”.
Nathan’s career took a major leap into the eyes of mainstream music lovers all over the world following his 2023 “Rising Star” stellar performance at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City, FL. His performance caught the attention of major festivals, as well as music lovers globally which made him an immediate house-hold name. In addition, the impact of the “Nathan Mitchell Experience” was noticed by national syndicate talk show host Sherri Shepherd who also attended the festival. She acknowledged and featured Nathan in a segment of her show (The Sherri Shepard Show) along with some of the top elite talents of the contemporary jazz industry simply stating, “Nathan, I am a fan!”
Currently signed to the #1 BILLBOARD Smooth Jazz label Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm (TnR) Nathan has made great strides quickly by scoring a #1 BILLBOARD hit with his song “100% Cotton” from his debut TnR release “It’s My Time”. A song of love written as a tribute to his cousin with a cause to bring attention towards kidney awareness.
As a man of great character, faith, and drive to build an impactful music legacy Nathan humbly receives continuous worldwide recognition as “one of the best to do it” in the entertainment industry excelling him to a vast legendary status.

Eric Darius

With a trademark jump and crowd-captivating energy throughout his live show, Eric Darius is breaking the mold of modern jazz.

The Billboard chart topping, American saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer shines in a vibrant new light as he reinvents himself through ‘Unleashed’, an expansive and ambitious genre-spanning album brimming with passion and purpose, soul and sweat, charisma and charm.

“It’s called Unleashed because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone on this project and truly unleash my full musical potential in a live studio setting,” Eric shares. “This album is an honest reflection of myself and my growth both musically and personally over the past several years, and it really takes the listeners on a musical journey from start to finish! This album feels like it’s the first time I’ve truly expressed myself in every single way in a musical sense and I’m unleashed like never before. 

Unleashed is a long time coming for Eric Darius, and without a doubt his proudest work to date. He credits part of that achievement to the creative freedom he’s gained as an independent artist; Unleashed is Eric’s second album released through his own label SagiDarius Music, following 2018’s Breakin’ Thru.
Raised in a musical household in Tampa, Florida, Eric has been making music for as long as he can remember. His Haitian father (a bass player) and Jamaican mother (a singer and piano player) instilled Caribbean influences and a passion for music on Eric and his siblings.

Eric’s energetic saxophone tones can be heard loud, cool, and clear throughout Unleashed, alongside a smorgasbord of traditional and unconventional jazz instruments and collaborations from Eric Roberson, Paul Jackson, Jr., Justin Lee Schultz, Mononeon, Metropole Orkest and many more.

Produced by GRAMMY® Award winning musician Philip Lassiter (Prince, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande) and recorded live in studio, Unleashed transcends the world of contemporary jazz. Inspired by everyone from John Coltrane and Miles Davis to Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley, Eric embraces elements of R&B, hip-hop, gospel, trap, funk, neo-soul, and more in his art. All of these styles coalesce on an organic and deeply expressive record full of searing grooves and soaring sounds. 

“The beautiful thing about all these artists is their music is 100% timeless,” Eric reflects. “It’s just as fresh today as it was 20, 40 years ago. That’s what I’ve always strived to do, too. My goal is to continue to evolve musically: I’m an old soul in a lot of ways, living in today’s generation, so I see both sides and I try to bring both of those sides together musically and bridge the gap.”
Wherever you look on this album, Eric Darius is there breaking the mold. Unleashed is authentic, fresh, and energetic, and Eric invites the world to join in his unbridled, unfiltered musical celebration. 
 
With eight highly acclaimed albums to his name, Eric continues to be a singular force in his world. To date, he has racked up five No. 1 Hit Singles and 17 Top 10 Radio Hits on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. He was Smooth Jazz News Magazine’s Debut Artist of the Year in 2004 and SESAC’s Top 10 Jazz Artist of the Year in 2015, and in 2017 he received the 1st Annual Citril Starz Awards’ Best Jazz, Saxophonist, Composer, Producer & Musician of the Year Award. Recently, Eric was awarded the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival Artist of the Year for 2022, which he received this past October while headlining the festival. 
 
Eric has made TV appearances on Fox’s The X-Factor and TNT’s Mob City, and has shared the stage with such acclaimed and Grammy Award winning artists as Prince, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Carlos Santana, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Wyclef Jean, Lalah Hathaway, and many others. He founded his label, SagiDarius Music, in 2017. 
 
When he’s not wowing crowds with his music or in the studio recording new tracks, Eric works to make a positive difference in communities with “On A Mission in the Schools,” a national campaign he created to partner with schools and colleges nationwide. 
 
“I started my ‘On A Mission in the Schools’ campaign a few years ago to spread the importance of music education, expose students to jazz, and inspire them to follow their dreams musically. One of my life missions with my music is to make a difference in the younger generation,” he explains. “I always want to bridge the gap musically from one generation to the next, and I want to expose the younger generation to jazz by making music that’s accessible to all generations, all age demographics, and all walks of life.” 
 
“At the end of the day I just want to uplift people with my music, and I want people to feel where I come from – feel my heart and soul from my music. My story is hard work, passion, perseverance, persistence, patience, prayer.

Elan Trotman

Saxophonist Elan Trotman, has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers as he continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, teacher and recording artist. Trotman’s playing, though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Najee, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. So much so that the New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions.
The master’s thesis must be written at a high academic level in order to receive a positive evaluation. The student should keep this in mind and, if necessary, contact a writing agency masterarbeit ghostwriter agentur to ensure maximum professionalism for his master’s thesis.
Trotman is also the Executive Producer and host of the Barbados Jazz Excursion, a jazz and golf weekend getaway which brings over 300 music lovers to the island every Columbus Day Weekend. Past performers include Jeff Lorber, Javier Colon, Gerald Veasley, Brian Simpson, Althea Rene, Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Mike Phillips, Avery Sunshine, Karen Briggs, Norman Brown, Maysa, Peter White and Jeffrey Osborne to name a few. Elan is also the founder of the Never Lose Your Drive Foundation – a Non-Profit which directly funds the Headstart Music Program. Headstart Music provides FREE weekly instrument instruction to students ages 7-11 on saxophone, trumpet, flute, clarinet and percussion. In partnership with the Barbados Jazz Excursion and GolfWeekend, the foundation has donated over $50,000.00 to help support tutor salaries, instrument maintenance and supplies for the program.
Born and raised in Barbados, the native island of pop star Rihanna, and educated at the world-renowned Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Trotman approaches jazz in his own way. Blending Caribbean rhythms from his roots with skillful horn textures, his playing is full of surprises. In 2021, Elan returned to his Alma Mater as an Associate Professor in the Ensemble Department. Movie Credits include the 2017 Film “Detroit” by Kathryn Bigelow and the 2022 Whitney Houston Biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, Directed by Kasi Lemmons and features Stanley Tucci, Tamara Tunie, Ashton Sanders and Naomi Ackie. Trotman has recorded and performed with a number of world-class musicians, including Michael McDonald, Roberta Flack, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Johnny Gill, Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E, Marcus Miller, Will Downing, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Peabo Bryson, Brian Simpson and many others. A huge sports fan, Trotman has performed the National Anthem on numerous occasions for such teams as the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers. As an avid sports fan, Elan has provided entertainment for numerous celebrities including The Bronson Arroyo Band, Cold Pizza on ESPN with Woody Page, Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity Golf Classic, Chris Tucker Charity Golf Tournament, Ray Allen Golf Tournament, Hot Stove Cool Music with Peter Gammons and Theo Epstein.