JOURNEYS IN JAZZ

An Evening with Evelyn Wright & Michael Shirtz
Featuring renowned pianist Jackie Warren

A concert featuring longtime friends and musical colleagues, jazz singers Evelyn Wright and Michael Shirtz present their duet show featuring singer-songwriter tunes, jazz standards, and stories about their careers and journeys in music. Joining them in this concert is internationally renowned jazz pianist Jackie Warren. Join this trio for a special evening of great music, laughs, tears and a conversation.

EVELYN WRIGHT

A professional vocalist for over thirty plus years, Evelyn Wright, revels in the styles of jazz, R&R and pop. She has toured throughout the United States and Canada performing in top clubs and concert halls, and opening for the likes of Mel Torme, Joan Rivers, Harry Belafonte and David “Fathead” Newman. Some of her most noted featured performances include appearances for First Lady Rosalyn Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and General Colin Powell. In 2008 Wright was given the Jazz Legend Award from Tri-C Community College and last year was honored as one of Cleveland’s Hometown Hero’s from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

MICHAEL SHIRTZ

Michael Shirtz is a performer, educator, composer, and conductor, known for his versatility with jazz, contemporary, and classical music. The grandson of big band leader Tommy Weldon, Shirtz began a singing career in his teens and is a credited “songsmith” as both a solo artist and with his group, the Michael Shirtz Quartet. Working with such artists as Melissa Manchester, Kevin Mahagony, Ellen Winters, and Maureen McGovern, among others, Shirtz’s shows include a tribute to legendary artists in “As We’ve Learned It” and his “Blue Skies” show and album.

JACKIE WARREN

Jackie Warren is the pianist featured with the 3D Jazz Trio, Sammy Deleon y su Orquesta, and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. She recently appeared Off-Broadway with Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra in Maurice Hines’ critically acclaimed “Tappin’ Thru Life.” Jackie has performed at many iconic jazz concert venues and festivals including The Blue Note NYC, Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club, Blues Alley, the Bop Stop, the Vail Jazz Festival, Washington Women in Jazz Festival, and the Festival de Musica La Guarapachanga in Cuba. Other recent career highlights include jazz and Latin jazz performances with Ken Peplowski, Richie Cole, David “Fathead” Newman, Bobby Watson, Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana, and Bobby Sanabria, and Salsa performances with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Tito Puente, Jr., and Ismael Miranda. Her most recent recordings include “After Hours” in 2019, and with the 3D Jazz Trio “I Love to See You Smile” and “Christmas in 3D” in 2020. In 2018, Jackie received the Tri-C Jazz Legend of the Year Award.