Local Jazz Musicians Host Benefit Concert for Rise Richmond
A Richmond Big Band Christmas will host its third annual holiday concert featuring
acclaimed local musicians on Saturday, December 2, 2023, with performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit
Rise Richmond, a nonprofit creating access to excellent, equitable learning opportunities for East End Richmond students.
Following two sold out performances in 2021 and 2022, this year recognized artists will perform a variety of classic and
contemporary sacred Christmas musical selections. More than a dozen of Richmond’s finest big band jazz musicians will
perform at the Byrd Theatre (2908 W. Cary Street). General admission tickets are for sale online and are $15 for children
(12 and under) and $30 for adults.
A Richmond Big Band Christmas is a concert by local musicians for the Richmond community led by Dr. Taylor Barnett,
Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and member of No BS! Brass, who will direct the ensemble
which includes vocalists Laura Ann Singh (Quatro na Bossa, Miramar) and Jessica Fox, as well as members of No BS!
Brass, Butcher Brown, Bio Ritmo, Old New Things, the RVA Big Band, the Upper East Side Big Band, and more.
“We are overjoyed to host this amazing event to raise resources for Rise Richmond programs and ensure the East End
students we serve have a bright future that is within reach,” said Jackie Wornom Griggs, Rise Richmond’s Senior Director
of Development and Operations.
Visit bigbangchristmasrva.com for more information and to purchase tickets. For additional information or sponsorship
opportunities, please contact rvachristmas@riserichmond.org. Learn more about Rise Richmond programs and
community-based initiatives at riserichmond.org.
Ensemble Members include Jessica Fox (vocals), Laura Ann Singh (vocals) Nate Clark (saxophone), J.C. Kuhl
(saxophone), Charlie Frise (trumpet), Sam Koff (trumpet), Reggie Pace (trombone), Calvin Brown (piano), Rick Rieger
(saxophone), Bryan Hooten (trombone), Morgan Burrs (guitar), Cameron Ralston (bass), Billy Williams (drumset), and
Taylor Barnett (music director/trumpet).
About the Ensemble Director:
Ensemble director, Dr. Taylor Barnett is the director of Jazz Studies at Virginia
Commonwealth University and Worship Arts Director at West End Presbyterian Church. He has more than 20 years of big
band experience, including 10 years as a director. He tours worldwide with the critically acclaimed No BS! Brass Band has
performed with the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Frankie
Avalon, René Marie, and John D’earth.
He earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from James Madison University
and his Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance and Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from VCU.
About Rise Richmond:
Since 2003, Rise Richmond has created equitable access to learning opportunities for students in
the East End through Rise Academy, a fully accredited independent high school, Rise After School, and Rise Labs, which
supports workforce training and mentoring. Together with families, neighbors, and community partners, Rise Richmond is
championing students’ potential and bringing the future within reach.
WEBSITE
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EVENTBRITE TICKET PAGE
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@rvabigbandchristmas
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More things to do in and around Richmond:
- The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
- RVA Dog-Friendly Parks
- Orchards and Berry Farms
- Special Resources
- Richmond boat launches and marinas
- Visit Richmond MetroZoo
- Richmond area scenic drives
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