NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk
Dorthaan Kirk
Dorthaan Kirk is a highly respected figure in the jazz community and was honored as a 2020 NEA Jazz Master for her contributions to jazz advocacy. Born on July 13, 1938, in East Orange, New Jersey, Dorthaan has been a major force at WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, Newark Public Radio, working in various roles for over four decades. She is often referred to as Newark’s First Lady of Jazz and has been active as a curator and producer of jazz events primarily in and around Newark, New Jersey. Dorthaan grew up in Texas and lived in California before moving to the East Coast in 1970 with her husband, the legendary jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. After Rahsaan’s unexpected death in 1977, Dorthaan continued to work in the jazz industry and was one of the original employees when WBGO was launched in 1979.
Learn More: National Endowment to the Arts https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/dorthaan-kirk
Throughout her career, Dorthaan has coordinated numerous jazz events, including the WBGO Jazz-a-thon and the WBGO Children’s Jazz Series, which offers free jazz concerts for young people. She has also been involved in organizing the Jazz Vespers at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, featuring renowned jazz performers.
Wayne Winborne – Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies
Wayne Winborne
Wayne Winborne is the Executive Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS) and proprietor of Clement’s Place Jazz Club at Rutgers University-Newark. The IJS is the largest and most comprehensive archive and library of jazz and jazz-related materials in the world. Wayne Winborne is also an Assistant Professor in the Arts, Culture, and Media department at Rutgers University. He is a frequent presenter on topics such as jazz, art and culture, democracy, civic engagement, racial reckoning, non-profit management, and race and intergroup relations. Wayne Winborne has numerous publications and is the editor of a three-book series on race and intergroup relations. He has also produced several recordings for various jazz labels and has won awards for his short documentaries.
https://www.facebook.com/wayne.winborne.3
https://www.instagram.com/wcwjazz/
Lynette Sheard – Singer & Director of Mental Health Association in New Jersey
Lynette Sheard
Lynette Sheard is a gifted and versatile vocalist with a five-octave range. She is also an accomplished actor, producer, and director. Lynette has been acknowledged in numerous publications, including the New York Times, The Record, and the Chronicle. She is known for her performances in Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul, and Pop music throughout the tri-state area.
Some of her notable theater credits include principal roles in “Dream Girls,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Ragtime,” “Swing,” “Aida,” and an encore performance as Lena Younger (Mama) in “A Raisin in the Sun”. Lynette has received countless awards and recognition for her musical service work with children, the elderly, and veterans. She is also a founding member of the Guiding Stars, a medical missions group of professional performers who volunteer to entertain veterans and children.
Gregory Burrus – Live Music Producer
Gregory Burrus Productions
Gregory Burrus, a fervent advocate in the music and arts scene, is the creative force behind Gregory Burrus Productions. Specializing in organizing, promoting, and recording live music events, as well as community and private activities, his mission is to empower local groups, the towns and nonprofits to achieve their goals while embracing the beauty of everyday life.
Known for hosting diverse live music shows encompassing jazz, gospel, blues, rock and R&B genres, Gregory Burrus Productions has made a substantial impact on the thriving music culture of Greater New Jersey and New York. Collaborating with numerous esteemed organizations like the New Jersey Performing Art Center, the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, the South Orange Performing Arts Center, the Newark Parks and Recreation Dept, Maplewood Arts and Recreation & Newark Essex County Commissioners Office. His production company has curated memorable events ranging from the Newark North To Shore Festival, City of Orange Food Truck and Jazz Festival, Bloomfield Township Latino Festival , South Orange Downtown to Rutgers Clements Place Jazz
In addition to his live music event producing prowess, Gregory delves into various forms of creativity such as photojournalism, videography, arts writing, blogging, business reviewing, and community event reporting. His passions have led him to write for TAPInto SOMA, South Orange Patch, JerseyIndie, Harlem World Magazine and other news outlets. Join him in celebrating artistry and uniting communities through the power of live music.
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