Join us for “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” featuring Carmen Bradford, Gary Motley and the Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble and Combo in honor of the Ella Fitzgerald Centennial Celebration.

Carmen Bradford
Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Altadena, California, Carmen Bradford grew up with music in her home and in her heart. It was only natural that Carmen would follow in the footsteps of her great family legacy, being the daughter of legendary trumpeter/ composer Bobby Bradford and world renowned vocalist/composer Melba Joyce. Her grandfather Melvin Moore sang with Lucky Millender and Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band in the 1940’s, and sang with the Ink Spots, making Carmen the third generation of incredible musicians. She has carved out a place in music history for herself and is playing an integral role in this uniquely American art form called jazz. Carmen Bradford is Jazz Royalty.

Gary Motley
Gary Motley is a jazz pianist and composer. He is best known for his captivating performances, classic yet current sound, and popularity in the southeastern United States jazz music scene. Motley has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and the American Composers Forum (ACF). Featured on NPR’s Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland, his notable performances also include the premiere of his first orchestral work “The Artist and the Visionary,” duo performances with pianists Dave Brubeck and Kenny Barron, and concerts with Jon Faddis, Eddie Daniels, Benny Golson and others. Motley’s selection by the ACF as an artist-in-residence led to his second composition for string orchestra and jazz trio “The Resolution of a Dream.” He premiered his “Highland Summit: A Suite for String Quartet and Jazz Quartet” with the Vega String Quartet at the Highlands Chamber Music Festival and later performed his “Suite Odyssey” with the ensemble at Carnegie Hall. In 2010, Motley premiered a composition based on a work by Toni Morrison at the Toni Morrison Society’s 6th Biennial Conference in Paris. Recent travels include performances and workshops in South America and Cuba. Cited by his home state for his artistic and educational achievements, Gary was inducted into the Alabama jazz Hall of Fame in 2015.

May 5, 2017 – 7:30pm
Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall

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