“Its a Jam Within a Jam!“

2024 – 3rd Annual James Moody Scholars Jam produced by Gregory Burrus Productions. Join us for a special evening as available James Moody scholarship winners from each year since 2015 come together to jam for the 3rd year on the Clements Place stage. The community is also invited to come on out and jam with the scholars. Sign up and lets us know you coming to jam.

Run of show will be:

7 -7:30 PM Band Q & A by Lynette Sheard

7:30 -8:10 PM Set 1 – Scholars Jam

8:10-8:30 Break

8:30 – 10 PM Set 2 – Scholars Jam with the Community Jammers

Gregory Burrus & Lynette Sheard will be Event Host

Come experience the magic of jazz improvisation as we continue to honor the legacy of Saxophonist James Moody at Clements Place Jazz on Nov 6, 2024 at 7 PM.

Flashing back!!!

2021 James Moody Scholars Jamming at The Blanford Mansion in South Orange NJ

James Moody Jazz Scholarship

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. Do you have a favorite among them, or are you interested in learning more about any specific winner?

One portion of the scholarship application is a student essay answering the question, “How has jazz changed your life and how can you use it to make a positive contribution to your community?” Applicants are also required to submit videos of themselves playing two jazz tunes from a specified selection of songs. 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.

Learn more and how to apply at James Moody | Scholarship

2024 Annual James Moody Scholars Jammer’s on Nov 6 2024

Our Host Interviewer, Opening Vocalist this year will be Lynnette Sheard.

Lynette Sheard is a versatile and talented vocalist, actor, producer, director, and vocal coach. She has a five-octave range and performs a variety of genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul, and Pop. She is also known for her work in theater, having taken on principal roles in productions like “Dream Girls,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” and “Avenue Q”.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Lynette Sheard is an advocate for mental health awareness and has been involved in various community education programs. She is the Director of the New Jersey Mental Health Players, a program that uses interactive theater to educate and reduce stigma around mental health issues.

Birsa Chaterjee-Tenor Sax 🎷- 2015

Saxophonist, Vocalist, Composer, Educator

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 Juilliard 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 Juilliard 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

James Bally-piano 🎹

James Bally is an accomplished jazz pianist who has made a name for himself in the jazz community. He has performed with notable musicians and ensembles, including the Steve LaSpina Trio, where he collaborates with bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Alejandro Luna. James has also been recognized for his talent, receiving awards such as the Outstanding Soloist Award at the NJAJE State Jazz Prelims

Paul Cuffari on bass

who is Paul Cuffari on bass

Paul Cuffari is a young and emerging talent as a bassist and record producer. He has been playing the bass and producing music professionally since he was 18 years old. Paul has performed on three continents and at some of the premier jazz clubs, including the Blue Note, The Bitter End, Blues Alley, and the Jazz Showcase.

When he was just 19, the late trumpeter Wallace Roney hired Paul to be the bassist in his final quintet. Paul continues to collaborate with various artists and is also a teacher at Sweet Music Academy.

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 programs1. 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

Join us

Join us for a special evening as scholarship winners from each year come together to jam on stage for the 3rd year in a row. Come experience the magic of jazz improvisation as we continue to honor the legacy of Saxophonist James Moody at Clements Place Jazz venue on Nov 6, 2024 at 7 PM.

Flashing Back 2022

About the Producer

Gregory Burrus Productions iwas 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