Date: March 2nd, Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA 23220 The Richmond Planet Newspaper was founded by 13 Black men in 1883 in Richmond Virginia. Under the editorial leadership of John Mitchell Jr. “The Planet” served the community by highlighting the progress and trials of Reconstruction. It also fought against the many injustices leveled against the newly freed African American citizens. With a focus on the many lynchings rampant in the country after Emancipation. In the spirit of John Mitchell Jr and “The Planet” The Richmond Planet Foundation seeks to empower individuals thru historical storytelling to embrace history, encourage thinking, participate and focus on Human Equity, Public Education, Economic Responsibility. As director John Mitchell, great great nephew of John Mitchell Jr., uses the platform to host panels, tours and events that fill in the blanks in the historic record by infusing oratory, poems and music into the mix.

Date: April 6th, Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Charles Owens is a master tenor saxophonist, composer, band leader, recording artist, and educator and has been performing, composing, and teaching for over 25 years. After attending the New School and working as a musician in New York City from 1992 to 2004, he is currently living in Richmond, VA. Charles is an integral part of the vibrant music scene there and in Charlottesville, VA. He also travels back to New York City several times a year to perform at venues such as Smalls, The Django, Fat Cat and others, with his trio. He has made 9 albums as a leader and appeared and continues to appear on a plethora of recordings as a hired soloist. He’s performed with such jazz luminaries as Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Omer Avital, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brian Blade, Peter Bernstein, Larry Goldings, Ari Hoenig, Alexander Claffy, Jeff Watts, and Joel Frahm among many others. He has devoted his life to pursuing excellence in music and bringing peace and happiness to his fellow humans with his saxophone playing, performing, and composing.

Date: May 4th Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA 23220 A sought after side-man, Michael's dynamic Bass sound can be heard on numerous recording projects such as Cyrus Chestnuts "You Are My Sunshine" (Warner Bros.), "Genuine Chestnut" (Telarc), and on various performances, and songwriting collaborations. Locally, Michael has been heating up the jazz scene in Greater Richmond, Va. with his current band "Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood". The Brotherhood consists of the finest musicians currently living in the Richmond Va. area. James “Saxsmo” Gates - Alto Saxophone, Dr. Weldon Hill- piano, and Billy Williams Jr.-Drums with Michael Hawkins on Bass, The Brotherhood is one of RVA’s top Jazz ensembles, performing to enthusiastic everywhere they go. The Brotherhood not only signifies the interpersonal relationships between each of the members of the band but also pays homage to the generation of jazz musicians from years past. Michael brings his signature sound to compliment both horn players and vocalists with his huge rich tone. Since 2018, his critically acclaimed quartet has been playing to packed houses across the Richmond area and the region.

Date: June 6th, Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Atiba Taylor, a virtuoso saxophonist, brings his passion for improvisation to the stage. His compositions blend tradition with innovation, honoring jazz legends while pushing boundaries. When Atiba plays, time seems to pause, allowing the audience to savor each note.

Date: July 6th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Phoenix Everlast Band infuses blues and rock with a touch of Southern soul. Led by a charismatic vocalist, their performances evoke smoky juke joints and moonlit highways. Prepare for raw emotion, searing guitar solos, and lyrics that resonate.

Date: September 7th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 900 Catherine Street, Richmond, VA. 23220 Come join a dining experience and sample food from some of the local restaurants in the Carver Community.

Date: October 12th, Time and Location TBA Quentin Walston is a active pianist, composer, and music educator active in the Mid-Altantic region. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His original music has been featured on NPR, PBS, and multiple radio stations and podcasts. He is a Virginia Commission for the Arts “Teaching Artist” with a Jazz Studies degree from James Madison University and has over ten years of professional teaching and performing experience. As a music and jazz educator, Quentin spreads the joy of learning and playing music to individuals of all ages. Quentin Walston released his first jazz EP, “Introduction”, in 2017. This debut recording of jazz standards, performed solo and trio, displayed his arranging and improvisation style. In 2021, Quentin released "The Good Book Suite", composed entirely for his trio. Inspired by his faith, the suite covers a huge musical landscape. Wonderful builds and interplay between the trio are found in the biggest and boldest moments to the most quietly intimate passages. Quentin Walston is thrilled for his newest album coming this April! In Quentin Walston’s piano trio album “Retro Future”, (a title based on space-age artwork of the 1950s) he imagines a jazz of the future, from a past perspective. Taking inspiration from the playfulness and dissonances of Thelonious Monk, to the futuristic and “out” approaches of the Bad Plus, Quentin’s jazz trio album, “Retro Future”, delivers a collection of new compositions and favorites. “Retro Future” releases worldwide on April 19th, 2024 and is available for pre-order on vinyl now! (see below or click here)

Attention, Jazz Lovers! 🎷🎹 We’re thrilled to invite you to offer a discounted rate when you purchase the tickets for the complete series of 2024 Moore Street School Foundation Benefit Music Series, featuring local Jazz artist. Expect high energy sets that will mesmerize you with straight-ahead jazz classics and inventive originals from talented musicians. By attending, you’re supporting the restoration and preservation of the historic Moore Street School. Grab your tickets now at moorestreetschool.org/tickets and be part of this unforgettable evening. Let’s celebrate jazz, heritage, and community together! 🎶🙌 Thank you for being a part of our mission to breathe new life into the Moore Street School. Your support makes a difference! 🌟 Sincerely, Jerome Legions President, Moore Street School Foundation Email: [email protected]. Your name will remain on the guest list when you arrive.