King Center concerts showcase new generation of jazz artists

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It might behoove jazz fans to set up their tents outside the King Center, because Brevard Music Group has two outstanding jazz concerts back-to-back July 16 and 17 at the Melbourne performing arts venue’s cozy, intimate Studio Theatre.

Grammy and Stellar Awards nominee Marcus Anderson kicks off the show at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 16, joined by special guest trumpeter Ilya Serov.

At 6 p.m. the next day, it’s time for saxophonist Paula Atherton, who will be joined by special guest trumpet artist Cindy Bradley. Tickets for the concerts start at $65 and are available at kingcenter.com.

“For us, it’s a beginning of the new generation of contemporary jazz artists,” said Roland Guilarte, founder of Brevard Music Group.

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Anderson, with 13 studio albums on his list of accomplishments, fuses R&B, pop, rock and funk to make music that puts listeners in another atmosphere.

He and his band, “The Creatives” are fan favorites as events such as the Essence Music Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival, Seabreeze Jazz Fest and many more. He has also appeared with headliners on top-ranking shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arsenio Hall,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Jimmy Fallon.”

“I met Marcus many years ago when I brought Brian Culbertson to Melbourne,” said Guilarte.

‘Marcus plays in Brian’s band as his saxophonist, but Marcus is his own artist, and a tremendous one at that. He’s a tremendous performer and one of the best saxophonists in the industry.”

Anderson's guest performer, award-winning trumpeter, singer, guitarist and band leader Ilya Serov, has a passion for jazz. His live performances and recordings have attracted a solid following, both among jazz fans and seasoned musicians.

In November 2021 he released his third studio album, “Just Friends,” which features platinum-selling saxophonist Dave Koz and award-winning artists keyboardist Greg Manning, saxophonist Alex Hahn, vocalist Matt Cusson and guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno. The album is dedicated to one of America’s most iconic jazz trumpet players and singers, Chet Baker, and is titled after Baker’s classic jazz standard of the same name.

“Ilya Serov is the perfect example of smart, refined, excellent musicianship along with extra ordinary showmanship,” said Guilarte.

Saxophonist and flutist Paula Atherton’s full-length album, “Can You Feel It?” has already begun to garner real accolades with her single, also titled “Can You Feel It?" The song was a #1 hit for three weeks in a row on “Billboard.” She also landed #1 slots on Mediabase and #1 on the Smooth Jazz Network.

Atherton was part of BMG’s “Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway” last year.

Trumpeter Cindy Bradley, who will perform with Atherton, won Best New Artist at the American Smooth Jazz Awards, Brass Player of the Year and Best New Artist at the Contemporary Jazz Awards, and was named Debut Artist of the Year by the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival and “Smooth Jazz News.” She performs at major jazz festivals around the world.

The Anderson/Atherton concerts line up with BMG’s new direction to highlight diversity in the genre, and to open doors for emerging artists. Guilarte also plans to offer more Saturday and Sunday performances in 2023.

“About 40 percent of our jazz audience comes from outside Brevard,” he said.

“For many years, we’ve combined hotel accommodations packages, dining and Brevard attractions suggestions along with weekend concerts," he said.

"Our loyal guests love spending a weekend enjoying our beaches, restaurants, hotels and attractions. Plus they get to enjoy the music they love at affordable prices. Although every artist has his or her fans, many of our regulars stay for weekend concerts and love the opportunity.”

Brevard Music Group is also planning a special Christmas concert produced in-house.

This show is an affordable, fun alternatives to the 'Smooth Jazz Holiday' packages that tour in December,” said Guilarte.

“Expect much more of that in 2023!”

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: King Center concerts feature new generation of jazz musicians