Wyatt Michael & His Band

Among the memorable talents to emerge from NBC’s “The Voice” was Virginia’s own Wyatt Michael, now starting the third season of his climb to fame, propelled even faster with the success of his new single, “Buona Sera.”  Whether singing at a black-tie event or visiting an assisted living facility, he always strives to recreate the passion, emotion, and dedication to the craft of musicianship that was present in the golden age of music and honor the legacy of those giants that came before him. Speaking of giants, Wyatt’s band includes John Toomey on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Emre Kartari on drums, and, fresh from Guitar Summit sparring, Chris Whiteman on guitar.

www.SingWithSwing.com

Stephanie Nakasian & Her Band

Stephanie Nakasian is incomparable and phenomenal as a performer, yet generous and gracious as a vocal instructor.  She first came to international attention when she sang and toured from 1983 to 1984 with Jon Hendricks and Company.  She has appeared frequently as a guest artist with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band on their internationally syndicated public radio show, Riverwalk Jazz, to portray a variety of jazz singers. She appears at international festivals and national music education conferences including the MENC, MTNA, and IAJE nationals. She has appeared in concerts as a featured performer alongside important figures in jazz, including Urbie Green, Pat Metheny, Clark Terry, Scott Hamilton, Hank Jones, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, and Annie Ross.  We welcome Ms. Nakasian back to Lake Anna Jazz Fest for her second appearance, joined by pianist Lucy Lawrence Kilpatrick, drummer Keith Willingham, saxophonist Marty Nau, and bassist Karl Kimmel.

Michael Hawkins & The Brotherhood

This Richmond-based group is led by bassist/composer/educator Michael Haskins and features his familiar sidemen, W. Weldon Hill on piano, James “Saxmo” Gates on alto sax, and Kofi Shepsu on drums.

Michael has been a part of many Lake Anna Jazz events since our organization formed in 2021, and his is among the most requested groups, based in our audience feedback.  Today’s performance will include selections from his new album, “On Bass.”

Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood

Tina Hashemi & Friends

Charlottesville native and University of Virginia graduate Tina Hashemi returns to the Lake Anna area after a whirlwind tour of East Asia.  Her nimble voice and precise phrasing blends perfectly with the all-star ensemble accompanying her, drawn from the pinnacle of performers in the Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington music scenes.  They are Garen Dorsey on keyboards, Randall Pharr on bass, and Kofi Shepsu on drums.

Jazz Guitar Summit

Washington’s Steve Herberman and Richmond’s Chris Whiteman lead an ensemble of players in a show that celebrates the range, nuance, and power of jazz guitar. Providing accompaniment is Paul Langosch on bass and Emre Kartari on drums. (Each “side man” on this gig is considered a “front man” on his own instrument.)

Pumphouse

Pumphouse is a powerhouse of blues and jazz that originated in Richmond but has become known nationally for its awesome aesthetic and cool conquest of the Blues genre.  Since their inception in 2012, they have entertained crowds as far west as Palm Springs, CA at venues and festivals such as Floydfest, Rooster Walk, Strawberry Fest, Beer Bourbon & BBQ – as well as private performances at the Jimmy Hendrix estate and multiple live appearances on CBS TV.

Pumphouse.com

Beltway Brass Quintet

The Beltway Brass Quintet (BBQ) was established in 2003 by Zack Smith, best known for his work with the Dixie Power Trio since 1992, having released 8 albums with that group. Zack has been a full-time professional trumpet player since graduating from the University of North Texas in 1986, and he teamed with fellow North Texas classmate Charles T. Peterson a few years ago to establish the BBQ. The band performs mainly in the Washington, DC metro area and can be seen in numerous YouTube videos at their Kennedy Center Millenium Stage appearances.

BeltwayBrass.com

Fredericksburg Big Band

Although they’re rolling in from Fredericksburg, the FBB is known as the premier big band of Lake Anna. The group is made up of a rotation of volunteer musicians with a core of intensely passionate fans and performers of big band arrangements.  FBB has been a fixture of jazz tradition in Fredericksburg for decades and most recently played for the Lake Anna Jazz Big Band Dance Party at Callie Opie’s Orchard Restaurant.

James Bjork

James Bjork performs throughout Virginia as an in-demand side man and headliner on Tenor Sax and Soprano Sax. For his daytime gig, he is a PhD professor at VCU.  We welcome James for his second year at a Lake Anna Jazz event.  For this year’s festival, James will lead the music at the after-party for musicians, sponsors, and anyone who wants to be a donor at the $50 level.  He lends his talent to many events sponsored by Lake Anna Jazz, and this fund-raising reception is one of the ways we can bring this wonderful music to the Lake Anna general audience at no cost of admission.

Tim Holmes

Tim is a long-established favorite for his musical abilities with ensembles and as a solo performer.  This Louisa native performs regularly throughout Virginia for corporate events, dinner clubs, resorts, night spots, and private parties as solo pianist, vocalist, and one-man band.  On top of all that, he is a church ensemble musical director and an in-home personal fitness trainer.  We welcome Tim Holmes for the third year at a Lake Anna Jazz event.

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