“Its a Jam Within a Jam!“

Join us for the James Moody Scholars Jam, presented by Gregory Burrus Productions! Experience a unique evening as past scholarship recipients from 2015 to this year gather together to jam in a performance just for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this unique event.

Come experience the magic of jazz improvisation as we continue to honor the legacy of Saxophonist James Moody .

The James Moody Scholars Jam is set to bring together an incredible lineup of talented musicians on Feb 8, 2025 at Bradley Beach Jazz Festival.

This festival will feature past scholarship recipients, including following standout performers:

saxophonists Jalin Shiver,
trumpeter Andrew Wagner,
drummer Mecadon McCune
trombonist Rayner Perez .

bass Paul Culfari
sax – Alex De Lazarri
pianist – Digba Ogunbiyi

Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz improvisation as we celebrate the legacy of the legendary saxophonist James Moody.

James Moody 100 Celebration.

Past Celebrations Honoring James Moody

The James Moody Scholars Jam is not just a concert, but also a celebration of the power and impact of music education. Throughout his career, James Moody was a strong advocate for music education and passing on the tradition to future generations. This event serves as a reminder of his dedication to nurturing young musicians and inspiring them to reach their full potential as James Moody would have been 100 this year.

Press

Making History; Linda Moody Honors James Moody Scholars at 100 Blanchard Road in South Orange

​​James Moody Jazz Scholars​ Honor His Legacy In South Orange NJ

James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration at the Blanchard House in South Orange, NJ (Nov. 17, 2021, 6-9PM)

Past Performances produced by Gregory Burrus Productions Honoring James Moody.

2021 James Moody Jazz Scholars Set 1 Final Produced by Gregory Burrus Productions

2021 James Moody Jazz Scholars Set 2 Final Produced by Gregory Burrus Productions

2022 IJS Presents James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration at Clements Place Jazz

2024 Rutgers IJS and Gregory Burrus Present the Annual James Moody Scholars Jam

James Moody Jazz Scholarship Winners

The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an annual award given to an outstanding high school senior who embodies the qualities of musicianship, creativity, leadership, and community involvement. Here are some of the past winners:

• 2015: Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone
• 2016: Iyonna Herbert – Drums
• 2017: Andrew Wagner – Trumpet
• 2018: Caelan Cardello – Piano
• 2019: Jalin Shiver – Alto Saxophone
• 2020: Rayner Perez – Trombone
• 2021: Paul Reinhold – Electric & Acoustic Bass
• 2022: Ryoma Takenaga – Bass
• 2023: Mecadon McCune – Drums
• 2024: Alex Kevlakian – Drums

Each of these talented young musicians has shown exceptional promise and dedication to jazz.

The panel of judges includes Linda Moody, along with musician-educators  Christian McBride, Renee Rosnes, Mark Gross, and Nathan Eklund. We’re grateful for the aid of the Community Foundation of New Jersey in administering the scholarship.

James Moody Scholars & Jammer’s Bios

Birsa Chatterjee-Tenor Sax 🎷- 2015

Birsa Chatterjee is an accomplished jazz saxophonist and vocalist. He started playing the saxophone in middle school as part of the Jazz House Kids program and quickly distinguished himself. Birsa graduated from The Oberlin Conservatory of Music with degrees in saxophone and vocal performance in 2019, and he received his master’s degree in jazz saxophone performance from The Julliard School.

He has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Club, and has collaborated with jazz greats such as Terence Blanchard. Birsa is known for blending elements of Indian classical music with jazz, creating a unique and authentic sound. He also teaches at the Jazz House, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Julliard youth program

Andrew Wagner-trumpet🎺2017

Andrew Wagner is a talented jazz trumpeter known for his dynamic performances and collaborations with various jazz ensembles. He has performed at numerous jazz clubs and festivals, including Harlem’s Speakeasy Jazz Club and the Center City Jazz Festival in Philadelphia. Andrew is often part of ensembles like the Chris Beck Quartet and his own 5tet, where he showcases his impressive trumpet skills alongside other accomplished musicians.

Jalin Shiver -Alto 🎷2019

Jalin Shiver is a talented alto saxophonist from Newark, New Jersey. He started playing the alto saxophone in the fifth grade and continued to develop his skills at Newark Arts High School. Jalin has performed with renowned artists such as Christian McBride, Sean Jones, and Jose James. He is currently studying music at New Jersey City University.

Jalin has also been recognized for his exceptional talent, having been selected to perform at the Kennedy Center alongside jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. His unique sound and dedication to jazz make him a notable young musician in the jazz community.

Mecadon McCune -drums 🎻 2023

Mecadon McCune is a talented young drummer, composer, and bandleader from Newark, New Jersey. He comes from a musically rich family, with his father being the esteemed jazz pianist Brandon McCune and his mother, Christine McCune, an opera singer. Mecadon started his musical journey with classical piano but switched to drums in high school, quickly excelling in the instrument.

He has participated in the Jazz House Kids program and has performed with notable artists like Bruce Williams, Mark Gross, and his father. Mecadon has won several awards, including the James Moody Jazz Scholarship, and is currently studying at Montclair State University under the guidance of renowned drum instructors

Alex Kevlakian – 2024

Alex Kevlakian is a talented young drummer and rising senior at Rahway High School in New Jersey. He has been studying drums at the Jazz House Kids program for the past two years, both during the academic year and summer programs. Alex plays at a high level in the award-winning Jazz House Big Band, which is part of the organization’s Pre-College Instrumental Academy.

Recently, Alex was awarded the prestigious James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, which includes a $10,000 scholarship. This scholarship recognizes outstanding high school students who embody the qualities of musicianship, creativity, leadership, and community involvement. Alex will be heading to Montclair State University in the fall to continue his studies in jazz music

Jamming In

As the scholarships are awarded once a year and it’s now in its 9th year, the high school scholarship winners attend various universities and perform in numerous locations around the world. Happily joining the scholars on the Bradley Beach stage will be:

Digba Ogunbiyi – piano

Digba Ogunbiyi is a talented jazz pianist and composer originally from Lagos, Nigeria. He began making rhythmic sounds at the age of 5 and started playing drums at his local church at age 7. Digba studied at the Peter King College of Music in Lagos and later received a full scholarship to the Music Society of Nigeria. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos.

Digba became an active voice in the Nigerian music scene, collaborating with artists like Lagbaja, Etuk Ubong, The Cavemen, Perpetual Atife, and Michael Oloyede. He performed at various festivals, including the Lagos Jazz Festival and the Abuja International Jazz Festival.

In 2016, Digba visited New York City to study at the New York Jazz Workshop, where he took lessons from pianists Frank Kimbrough and Amina Figarova. He later moved to the U.S. to pursue further studies, earning a master’s degree from New Jersey City University and a D.M.A. degree from the Eastman School of Music.

As a bandleader, Digba performs primarily with his quartet, which includes Jalin Shiver (alto saxophone), Chris Paredes (drums), and Bill Moring (bass). His debut album, “Ade’digba,” was released in 2020 and blends Yoruba rhythms with Western harmonies. He is a recipient of several awards including Music Quest award (piano category), Steinway and Sons award for piano proficiency, Ray Wright Prize, and many more.

Alex De Lazzri on Sax

Alex De Lazzari is a talented saxophonist, composer, and educator. Originally from Italy but growing up in the Washington D.C. area, he first picked up the saxophone at age 12 after being inspired by John Coltrane. He has since become a prominent young voice in jazz, performing at numerous venues along the East Coast and overseas, including the Petworth Citizen in Washington DC, Orania in Berlin, the Umbria Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club, and the Blue Note in New York City.

Alex studied under jazz greats such as Mike LeDonne, Bill Charlap, Vincent Herring, Rich Perry, and Harold Mabern at William Paterson University. He now keeps a busy schedule of performing and teaching around the New York City area.

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About the Producer

Gregory Burrus Productions \ founded by Gregory Burrus, who is a passionate advocate for live music and the arts. The company is involved in organizing and promoting live music events, festivals, and other artistic performances. They have been active in various festivals, such as the North to Shore Festival, the Orange Food Truck and Jazz Festival, Maplewood Mayfest, West Orange Jazz Festival in New Jersey, which features music, comedy, film, and technology events