Join us for FREE lunchtime performances at Sprite’s Obey Your Verse stage at Levine Center For The Arts Plaza.
Grab your lunch at one of the food trucks 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26 – Friday, Sept. 30.
Monday’s Featured Performance: Buff Dillard Music
Born into a musical bloodline, at the age of six, Buff sparked an interest for singing, drums and playing brass instruments. By the age of twelve, he developed more of a passion to play the trombone and decided to focus on mastering the slide. As a student of Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, his gift allowed him to attend the Philadelphia All-City Jazz Academy, perform with the Philadelphia All-City Jazz Band, jazz sensation Pieces of a Dream, and the legendary Count Basie Band. He was also able to attend jazz workshops instructed by the celebrated jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.
����Years later, Buff worked with the Prince of Gospel, Pastor John P. Kee and was featured as a soloist on the Strength and New Divine Destiny projects. This extraordinary artist has worked with Calvin Richardson, and performed with Willie Clayton, Dave Hollister, KimWaters and Miles Jaye. He’s headlined for numerous artists including Alex Bugnon, Ben Tankard, Shirley Caesar, Helen Baylor, The Williams Brothers, Charles Wollfork Angela Christie, the SOS Band, Jasmine Sullivan, Kevon Edmonds of the group After 7, Faith Evans, Walter Beasley, Boney James and Glenn Lewis. Buff has released a total of 8 independent projects including his latest album titled “Mr. Bonejazz” and three single from this album are in heavy rotation globally. Buff is endorsed by Conn/Sellmer/King Instruments and continues his career as a trombonist, performer, independent international recording artist and CEO of Buff Dillard Music LLC.
Tuesday’s Featured Performance: Noel Freidline Trio
Noel Freidline is a 1991 graduate of the University of North Florida, BA in Music.�� A pianist, vocalist, writer and arranger, Noel has been the leader of his own group since 1991.
Noel performs regularly with the Charlotte Symphony, both as a featured artist and ensemble member.�� Noel also performs regularly with touring Broadway shows, most recently ����Jersey Boys,���� ����Bring It On,���� ����Dream Girls,���� ����Les Miserable,���� and ����Wicked.������ Noel has opened for such diverse artists as Tony Bennett, saxophonist David Sanborn, Kenny G, Rosemary Clooney, pianist Dave Brubeck, vocalist Layla Hathaway, jazz legend Roy Ayers, and vocalist Jennifer Holliday.
Noel was named Best Jazz Musician by Charlotte Magazine in 2006 and in 2009 and was named ����Best Musical Director���� by the Metrolina Theatre Association of the Carolinas.�� A dilettante of pop culture, Noel has become a popular lecturer for theatres and museums, creating and presenting multi-media presentations on everything from Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons to Mel Brooks.�� In 2011 Freidline was chosen for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Association (Charlotte, NC) Center Stage Award in recognition of his excellence in service to the arts.
Wednesday’s Featured Performer: Kevin Jones Experience
The “Kevin Jones Experience” consist of a variety of musical combinations all featuring vocal stylist Kevin Jones; who has been thrilling audiences in for decades. Kevin has enjoyed a music career that spans over three decades and continues to entertain audiences and wow many professional artists he has shared the stage with. Having received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from Alabama State University; Kevin’s unique vocal range and professional stage presence has earned him a reputation that continues to grow throughout the region. Kevin has shared the stage with many professional artists such as B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Bobby Womack, The Commodores Patti Austin, Al Green and too many more to name. Kevin has also worked with some of the best musicians Charlotte has to offer. They include Daryle Rice, Maria Howell, Ziad, Rodney Shelton, Jay R Reese, Michael Porter, Eric Brice, Gena Chambers, John Alexander, Adrian Crutchfield, Side One, A Sign of the Times, and many many more. Through much hard work and diligence; Kevin Jones has established himself as one of the most sought after vocalist in the Charlotte area.
Thursday’s Featured Performer: Lori Spencer Trio
Lori Spencer is a solo instrumental jazz and finger style guitarist based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.�� She has performed throughout the United States winning many national awards for solo and Jazz combo work.�� Lori has played with some of the best jazz bands in the country and has been playing over 40 years.
Friday’s Featured Performer: Adrian Crutchfield
Adrian Crutchfield is known around the world for his neo-soul sound ���� creating music in a variety of genres such as jazz, R&B, pop, funk, soul, hip-hop, and fusion. His high-energy show brings a diversity to jazz never seen before with music for every generation! Adrian has had the privilege of performing with many of today����s brightest stars such as Prince & The New Power Generation, Bette Midler, Lionel Richie, R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia Barrino, KC and JoJo, Adina Howard, Regina Belle, and with hip-hop superstar Young Jeezy. In jazz, Adrian has been featured by names such as Kim Waters, Mike Philips, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, and Branford Marsalis; and with legendary groups such as Fourplay and The Gap Band featuring Charlie Wilson.