Artist Info (Previous Page)

Delfeayo Marsalis – Trombone Master, Producer, Educator, NEA Jazz Master

Delfeayo Marsalis is one of the most imaginative trombonists, composers, and producers of his generation — a Grammy‑winning artist and NEA Jazz Master whose career spans performance, production, and education. Born in New Orleans in 1965, Delfeayo is part of America’s “first family of jazz,” the son of pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. and brother to Wynton, Branford, and Jason Marsalis.

By age 17, Delfeayo was already producing records, and he has since produced more than 125 recordings, earning a Grammy Award and multiple nominations. As a trombonist, he has toured internationally with legends including Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Slide Hampton, while also leading his own acclaimed ensembles. Critics have praised his playing for its technical excellence, inventive mind, and touches of humor — qualities that make him one of the most distinctive trombone voices in modern jazzAll About Jazz.

In 2000, Marsalis founded the Uptown Music Theatre, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through musical theatre training. He has written sixteen musicals and composed more than 100 songs designed to introduce children to jazz. In 2008, he launched the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, a vibrant ensemble celebrated for its joyful, party‑like performances that keep the New Orleans tradition alive.

For the Bradley Beach Jazz Festival 2026, Delfeayo Marsalis brings not only his world‑class trombone artistry but also his lifelong mission of celebrating jazz as a living, breathing cultural force. His performance promises to be a highlight of the festival — a night of swing, soul, and New Orleans spirit led by one of jazz’s true masters.

Lezlie Harrison – Vocalist, Curator, Cultural Beacon

Lezlie Harrison is a radiant force in today’s jazz landscape — a vocalist of deep soul, emotional honesty, and unmistakable presence. Her artistry reflects a lifelong journey shaped by gospel roots, Harlem culture, and a profound love for America’s classical music. Whether she’s singing jazz, blues, gospel, soul, or her own original compositions, Harrison brings a signature blend of vulnerability, strength, and spiritual uplift to every performance.

Raised in a home filled with music — from church hymns to Motown to the rhythms of Spanish Harlem — Harrison absorbed a world of sound from an early age. Her grandfather was a Methodist minister, her mother played piano and organ, and her neighborhood pulsed with gospel, funk, and Latin music. These influences shaped the warm, earthy vocal style that has become her hallmark.

Beyond the stage, Harrison is a beloved voice on WBGO, the world’s leading jazz radio station, where she curates and hosts programs that celebrate the depth and diversity of jazz. Her work as a broadcaster reflects the same passion she brings to her singing — a commitment to honoring the music’s history while championing its future.

Harrison is also a co‑founder of The Jazz Gallery, one of New York’s most important incubators for emerging talent, underscoring her role as both artist and cultural steward. Her journey has taken her from Paris runways to global jazz stages, always carrying the dignity, grace, and creative fire instilled by her elders.

For the Bradley Beach Jazz Festival, Lezlie Harrison brings her full artistic power — a voice that soothes, inspires, and electrifies. Her performances are more than concerts; they are shared experiences of humanity, healing, and joy.

John Petrucelli – Saxophonist, Composer, Scholar, Bradley Beach’s Own

Bradley Beach’s own John Petrucelli is an award‑winning saxophonist, composer, and scholar whose work pushes the boundaries of jazz while staying deeply rooted in its tradition. Described by All About Jazz as “a musician with a burning desire to explore,” Petrucelli is known for weaving cutting‑edge performance practices with a bold, contemporary sound that bridges jazz, classical, and electronic music.

Born in Trenton, NJ, Petrucelli grew up surrounded by the sounds of Richie Cole, Eddie Jefferson, Grover Washington Jr., Miles Davis, and John Coltrane — a soundtrack that shaped his early musical imagination. He began performing professionally at just 11 years old in Trenton’s nightclub scene, quickly earning recognition and even making a guest appearance with Richie Cole at the Trenton Jazz FestivalSaxophone.org.

Petrucelli’s artistic journey includes mentorship and collaboration with some of the most respected figures in jazz: Geri Allen, Victor Lewis, Ralph Bowen, Charles Tolliver, Carl Allen, Sean Jones, Delfeayo Marsalis, Conrad Herwig, Terence Blanchard, Lewis Porter, and Stanley Cowell. His academic path is equally impressive — he earned his Master’s in Jazz Studies at Rutgers University, studying with many of these same luminariesAll About Jazz.

As a bandleader, Petrucelli has released three critically acclaimed albums — The Way (2015), Mischievous Minx (2017), and Presence (2018) — each showcasing his powerful tone, harmonic sophistication, and fearless improvisational voice. Critics have praised his playing as “flowing and intense,” marrying technical brilliance with a deep sense of swingAll About Jazz.

Beyond the stage, Petrucelli is a dedicated educator and founder of SHORE SAX, a boutique woodwind studio and gear shop based on the Jersey Shore, where he mentors the next generation of musicians and curates high‑quality instruments for players across the region.

For the Bradley Beach Jazz Festival, John Petrucelli brings not only world‑class musicianship but also hometown pride — a local artist whose global artistry continues to elevate the Jersey Shore jazz community.

Festival Hosts Friday 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Lynette Sheard Lynette Sheard is a dynamic vocalist, actress, and arts advocate celebrated for her commanding stage presence. She has hosted and performed at countless cultural events, bringing warmth, professionalism, and joy to every audience. As a community leader, she champions the arts through education, mentorship, and creative engagement across New Jersey. Her role as festival host/MC reflects her gift for connecting people and celebrating jazz as a living tradition.	Wayne Winborne Wayne Winborne is the Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s largest jazz archive. A respected cultural leader, he has produced, curated, and hosted countless events celebrating jazz’s legacy and future. His work bridges scholarship, performance, and community, making him a vital voice in New Jersey’s jazz scene. As festival host/MC, Winborne brings knowledge, warmth, and vision to connect audiences with the music’s rich tradition.

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