The Jo Sallins Experience will deliver a high-energy set featuring one original composition, followed by dynamic renditions from the songbooks of Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Hubert Laws, Marcus Miller, and Bill Withers.
Leading the ensemble is multi-instrumentalist Jo Sallins, whose 50+ year career spans international touring with the Blues Brothers’ Matt “Guitar” Murphy, collaborations with artists like Stanley Jordan and Marvin “Smitty” Smith, and innovative music education programs through La’ Jaz Productions.
Joining Jo are:
Kevin Sharpe — award-winning vocalist, percussionist, and educator whose career bridges gospel, jazz, and classical traditions, with collaborations including Archie Shepp, The Harlem Gospel Choir, and Fred Hammond.
Gustavo J. Collazo — gifted guitarist, arranger, and educator from Puerto Rico, known for his versatility across genres from jazz to gospel and popular music, with performance and studio credits alongside national artists such as Michelle Brooks-Thompson and Shana Wilson.
Ron Smith — accomplished saxophonist, bassist, percussionist, and Director of Bands at Northfield Mount Hermon School, with extensive work in jazz education and performance across ensembles including Young@Heart Chorus and the Wildcats.
Samirah Evans — a dynamic jazz and blues vocalist whose career was shaped in New Orleans, where she became one of the city’s most in-demand singers. She has performed with icons including James Brown, B.B. King, Aaron Neville, Trombone Shorty, and Sheila Jordan, and is currently an Artist Associate in Jazz Voice at Williams College.
Together, this group of seasoned performers will bring an exciting and soulful evening of music to launch the festival weekend.
Jo Sallins began his musical journey at the age of nine, mastering orchestral drumming before expanding into African, Latin, funk, fusion, swing, and Latin jazz. Inspired by artists like Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke, Jo taught himself electric bass and keyboard, leading to a versatile career that includes international tours and the formation of his own band, “Two Man Trio”. Beyond performance, Jo is dedicated to music education through his La’ Jaz Productions, offering programs that nurture artistic talent across all ages.
Chuck Langford has been crafting music since his teenage years, proficient in multiple woodwind instruments. His formal studies under jazz greats like Billy Harper and Donald Byrd have shaped a career marked by collaborations with top artists and performances at prestigious venues. Chuck’s albums showcase his deep grooves and soulful expression, solidifying his place in the contemporary jazz scene.
