The Artist
Headliner – Denny Jiosa 8 pm to 9 pm
Denny Jiosa is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the most dynamic and soulful guitarists on the scene today. Jiosa has always pushed the envelope stylistically, swirling in the style of smooth Wes Montgomery inspired playing; to soaring Santana-esc solos; to Jeff Beck technical prowess.
On his seventh release, JIOSA On The Edge, he demonstrates high energy instrumental rock that received rave reviews and featured Jiosa on vocals on the dynamic rock ballad “Afraid of The Dark”.
Pushing the envelope even further, his 2017 upcoming release is a Latin jazz/rock influenced project featuring soaring guitars, dynamic horns, and alluring vocals. He is best known for his six smooth jazz projects, all garnering Top 5, and 10 positions on the smooth jazz charts, as well as delivering his Number 1 hit single “Wounded Warriors” in the UK in 2014.
He is equally at home in the studio as a renowned producer and engineer. With four Grammy nominations to his credit, his production skills range from americana, rock, blues, latin, and jazz, and he has worked with artists such as gospel sensation Yolanda Adams, Master guitarist Phil Keaggy, the late Bobby Hebb (Sunny), Saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Drummer Chester Thompson (Genesis, Santana), Country star Crystal Gayle, Phillip Baily, Ronnie Laws, and Take 6.
Jiosa is a master at twisting meticulous melodies and soulful ambiance from the guitar, bringing the audience to their feet one minute, and to heartfelt tears the next.
His exciting live show is dynamic, compelling , entertaining, and filled with great musical dialogue among the world class players that perform with him. It is truly a night not to be missed!
Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk 3:30 to 4;30 pm
A 10 piece jazz funk band, was originally formed seven years ago in the town of Ellijay located in the North Georgia mountains. Surrounded by southern rock, country, and blue grass bands, husband and wife team, Terry and Venae Ellis, brought together a group of talented musicians who were passionate about playing jazz, R&B, and funk music.
At that time, Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk was officially born and after just a couple of years performing as a popular cover band mastering in a variety of genres ranging from motown to smooth jazz to classic rock to country and infusing their signature funky groove into every song, Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk developed a loyal and diverse fan base who frequently asked when Kharisma would be releasing their first album.
In response, the work began in earnest about three years ago on original music for their debut CD project, “Eye Candy” tapping into artistic influences from such great musical greats as Nile Rodgers, Herbie Hancock, Sade, Jill Scott, Incognito, among others.
Jazz Jones Legacy 6:30 to 7:30 pm
The jazz jones legacy was established in 2008 by Atlanta area jazz musicians Tom LaDow (keyboards), Mark Konzal (guitars) and Detroit native Rudolph Washington on electric and stand-up bass, to bring its audiences a high-energy mix of contemporary jazz, “smooth-fusion” and standards along with some blues, funk, and Latin flavors.
Talented, professional and energetic drummer Allen Gant completes the band’s current line-up. We are regularly joined by vocalist Melanie Dobbins of Atlanta. With her degree in vocal performance from Kennesaw State University and years of big band, small ensemble and solo vocal experience, Melanie brings a dynamic stage presence and a clear and powerful voice to the band.
Taryn Newborne 5 pm to 6 pm
Some people listen to jazz and some people play it, but Taryn Newborne lives jazz music. Born in Memphis and raised in Atlanta, Georgia; Taryn Newborne comes from a family that engrained music into her life at the early age 5. Exposure to music at such a young age inspired the saying that “Taryn loves music so much that it hurts her feelings”.
Taryn Newborne is currently working on her first album, Sing Taryn Swing. The up and coming artist is seemingly moved and inspired by many musical pioneers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Dinah Washington, Anita Baker, Sara Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Joe Sample. Like the renowned artists that she admires, Taryn Newborne embodies the art that is traditional jazz, giving it her own contemporary twist.
Taryn is more than a jazz musician, she has many roles. Outside of singing, Taryn’s role of voice teacher allows her to shape, stretch and develop young local voices. Additional experiences that speak to the professional versatility of Taryn Newborne include the following positions: Director of Vocal Education at Ponier Music Woodstock, actor, choreographer, dancer and Theater Arts instructor at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Her musical credits include Taryn and The Real Deal, Joe Gransden Big Band, Macon Pops Orchestra, and Christian Jazz quintet, Invitation.