Save the date and join The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum on Saturday July 26th at 1pm at Lafayette Square in Downtown Buffalo for the 21st Annual Queen City Jazz Festival.
G. Thomas Allen and Brent Birckhead will headline the festival with opening performances from Amari Hawkins, Joel Nicholas, and the Dominic Missana Quartet.
G. THOMAS ALLEN
Renowned for his exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements, G. Thomas Allen emerged onto the Chicago music scene in 2015, captivating audiences with his extraordinary vocal range and innovative approach. His soulful melodies, deeply rooted in sacred harmony, propelled him to become the first male artist in history to secure victory at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Jazz Competition, as recognized by Downbeat Magazine.
Thomas' artistic endeavors transcend multiple genres, evidenced by his notable roles as a Principal Artist of the Los Angeles Opera and lead vocalist on GRAMMY-nominated projects alongside Ricky Dillard and New G (Motown Gospel). Collaborating with esteemed figures such as the late David Baker, renowned jazz educator and conductor of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Thomas has also showcased his virtuosity as a soloist with esteemed ensembles like the Black Pearl Chamber Ensemble, the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers (JMFS).
On the national stage, Thomas has graced the airwaves of National Public Radio (NPR) and appeared on Cable Network News (CNN). He has mesmerized audiences within the hallowed halls of prestigious venues including The Kennedy Center, NJPAC, and Carnegie Hall. His enchanting performances have left an indelible mark in top jazz rooms such as SOUTH Jazz Club in Philadelphia, The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Minton's Playhouse in Harlem (the birthplace of bebop), Keystone Korner in Baltimore, and Dizzy's Jazz Club - to name a few. His presence has also been felt at esteemed performance venues and festivals like City Winery - Chicago, Turpin Lamp Theatre Baltimore, the 50th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the TD Jazz Moody Jazz Festival, and the White Plains NY Jazz Festival.
In 2020, Thomas achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of his self-titled debut album, swiftly claiming the top spot on the iTunes jazz charts. Currently, his band is diligently working on their highly anticipated second project, "Reimagined Dream." The lead single from this upcoming endeavor, titled "Cookie Jar," has already garnered significant attention, courtesy of its iconic tagline, "You've been tempted by the cookie jar!" Thomas' distinct vocal stylings, often drawing comparisons to iconic figures like Philip Bailey, coupled with his admiration for Al Jarreau, have positioned him as one of the foremost countertenor voices of the 21st century.
A double-graduate of Morgan State University, as Vocal Studies Alum, and a second (B.A) in Speech Communication, Thomas further expanded his musical education by earning a Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy (M.M.) from Carthage College. Thomas imparts his vast knowledge and expertise as a Contemporary Voice Specialist, serving on the voice faculty of Columbia College of Chicago.
BRENT BIRCKHEAD
Saxophonist Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, whose aesthetic is an intersectional amalgam of traditional and popular styles. Unbound by genre, Birckhead’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. His place in the continuum of a storied lineage begins with his surname, Birckhead, and extends to his extensive musical education and work ethic as a visionary approach to life as a rising leader.
Educated at Howard University (BME, MM), Birckhead was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat Magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011 Brent was named "Best Alto Saxophonist" by the Washington City Paper. The New York Times calls Birckhead “One of the most riveting young improvisers in New York.”
The Baltimore native's talent earned him the honor of performing and touring with legendary artists including Lauryn Hill, Nas, Wale, Eric Benet, Larry Graham, George Duke and many more.
“A sure fingered sax man that has a clear vision of what he wants to express, this singularity of his message and vision will grab you as much as the playing.” - Midwest Record Reviews
AMARI HAWKINS
At just 20 years old, Amari Hawkins has already built an impressive reputation as a skilled and versatile Drummer. His love for music started early, playing alongside his Father, Wade Hawkins, from the age of five. Growing up in a family of musicians, Amari honed his craft performing with his Father’s Bands and his Uncle, acclaimed Guitarist Kenny Hawkins, gaining rich experience across genres.
Amari has brought his soulful, steady groove to many stages, including performances with local jazz musician Bilal at the iconic Anchor Bar with the house band jazz group. Well-known for his reliability and musicality, Amari has also filled in as a drummer for various local groups, always delivering with precision and heart.
Whether driving a set in Funk, Soul, Jazz or R&B, Amari’s deep musical roots and natural rhythm continue to make him a rising talent in Buffalo’s music scene and beyond.
DOMINIC MISSANA
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Dominic Missana was integrated into the local music scene from an early age, playing his first shows on the saxophone and harmonica with local legends at only thirteen. In high school, he spent all his time in the acclaimed Williamsville East band “wing,” where he further developed his musical talent - and his love of jazz. He eventually won the best soloist award in jazz legend Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Jazz at Lincoln Center Student Competition. The competition introduced him to New York City, and inspired him to start his career there after college.
Dominic attended the renowned Purchase Conservatory of Music, graduating with a degree in Jazz Saxophone, and moved to Manhattan shortly after where he still resides. Today, Dominic specializes within the rhythm section of many groups but is also featured playing saxophone and harmonica all over NYC.
Over the course of his career, Dominic has shared the stage with dozens of acclaimed artists, including Jerry Livingston (Rick James Band), David "Fathead" Newman (Ray Charles Band), Bernard Purdie (James Brown Band), Bruce Johnstone, Bobby Militello, Wynton Marsalis, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Eric Alexander, Charles Blenzig, Zuri Appleby, Ben Williams, Marcus Strickland, Marcus Gilmore, David Frazier Jr., Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Bobby Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Ledisi, Parliament Funkadelic, Snarky Puppy, JoJo Abot, Common, Wyclef Jean, Chika and Action Bronson.
Today, Dominic plays with and or musically directs acts such as Latasha Alcindor, Rosehardt, Gabriel Garzon-Montano, Quantic, Chika, Action Bronson and serves as the musical director for the Special Victims Unit, the house band on VICELAND's Untitled Action Bronson Show.
JOEL NICHOLAS
Joel Nicholas was born in Rochester, NY, then moved to Buffalo, NY in 2012 where he developed his musical vocabulary
within the church community. His church home has been Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church. While in Buffalo, Joel attended Canisius High School in 2019 where he was awarded the “Mr. Canisius Award”.
At Williams College Joel studied under professors Kris Allen, John Nazarenko, and Gregg August. He took a strong interest in music theory, jazz performance and composition, and music production. His senior thesis titled “Detachment” featured the amalgamation of live instrumentation with the technology of 5.1 surround sound. And graduated in the Class of 2023 with a BA in Music and Africana.
Throughout his career Joel has played with world renown artists such as Nkulee Dube, Warrior King, and Marcia Aiken.Now he is working diligently to further develop his music career.
FREE TO THE PUBLIC. RSVP on Eventbrite or Facebook (not required, but encouraged) to stay up to date on the latest information about the event. Questions? Email us at info@thecoloredmusiciansclub.com.