Rutgers IJS Greg Burrus Presents Ma Rainey’s Living Tradition Of The Blues
May 3 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Presented by North Jersey Blues Society and the Puffin Foundation.
Join Charlie Apicella Guitar – Avery Sharpe – Bass Steve Johns – Drums, Beareather Reddy – Vocals and Madame Pat Tandy – Vocals at Clement
Rutgers IJS Greg Burrus Presents
Ma Rainey’s Living Tradition Of The Blues
Get ready for an unforgettable in-person event that dives deep into the roots of blues with Ma Rainey’s Living Tradition. Join us at Rutgers for a soulful journey celebrating the legendary blues queen, brought to you by Rutgers IJS & Greg Burrus. Don’t miss this chance to experience the true spirit of blues up close and personal!
Charlie Apicella – Guitarist, Composer, Keeper of the Groove
Charlie Apicella brings a warm, soulful guitar voice shaped by the lineage of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and the organ‑groove tradition. Known for his work with Iron City and his deep respect for jazz history, Apicella blends blues feeling, bebop vocabulary, and spiritual sensitivity—perfect for the Jesus & Jazz sanctuary experience.
Avery Sharpe – Bass Legend, Composer, Cultural Voice
Avery Sharpe is one of the most respected bassists of our time, celebrated for his decades‑long work with McCoy Tyner, his leadership as a composer, and his commitment to telling the stories of African American history through music. His presence elevates any stage—and his sound inside Mt. Zion AME will be nothing short of profound
Madame Pat Tandy
Madame Pat Tandy stands as a natural heir to the classic blues tradition—earthy, theatrical, humorous, and emotionally fearless. Her command of storytelling, her deep gospel‑blues roots, and her decades of stage experience make her an ideal voice to honor Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, the Mother of the Blues.
Beareather Reddy – Soul‑Stirring Vocalist with Gospel Fire
Beareather Reddy– a soulful, room‑lifting vocalist known for her tributes to the Classic Blues women, her performances at iconic venues like The Cutting Room,Terra Blues and Kumble Theatre in NYC, is the founder of the Brooklyn Blues Society and producer of the Big Eyed Blues Festival..
Steve Johns – Master Drummer, Rhythmic Architect
Steve Johns is a drummer whose swing is deep, joyful, and unshakeable. Having performed with jazz greats across generations, he brings clarity, drive, and musical wisdom to every ensemble. His rhythmic foundation will anchor this powerhouse group with grace and fire.
Presented by North Jersey Blues Society and the Puffin Foundation.
Check out the livestream on the Clement’s Place Jazz and IJS Facebook pages and on our YouTube channel Clement’s Place-
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