Winard Harper – Jams

Supported by NJPAC

The Bradley Beach Community Jam is in powerful hands this year as Winard Harper, one of the most dynamic drummers and bandleaders in modern jazz, brings his signature blend of swing, soul, and spiritual fire to the festival stage. A longtime torchbearer of the jazz tradition, Harper is celebrated for his explosive technique, deep rhythmic vocabulary, and unwavering commitment to community‑centered music. His performances are more than concerts — they are gatherings of energy, culture, and connection, where every musician onstage is invited to shine.

Joining him is the luminous Mala Waldron, a vocalist and pianist known for her warm tone, introspective storytelling, and genre‑blending artistry. The daughter of jazz legend Mal Waldron and goddaughter of Billie Holiday, Mala carries a rich musical lineage while forging her own path with original compositions and soulful interpretations. Her presence adds emotional depth and expressive nuance to the ensemble, creating moments that linger long after the final note.

Rounding out this powerhouse trio is Christopher Dean Sullivan, a bassist whose sound is both grounding and adventurous. With a career spanning collaborations across jazz, world music, and avant‑garde traditions, Sullivan brings a resonant tone, intuitive sensitivity, and rhythmic drive that elevate every ensemble he joins. His interplay with Harper forms a rhythmic foundation that is both unshakeable and alive with possibility.

Mala Waldron

Vocalist, pianist, and composer Mala Waldron (pronounced MAL‑uh WALL‑dren) is a New York City–born artist whose music reflects a rich tapestry of jazz, soul, calypso, and classical influences. The daughter of two jazz pianists — including her father, the renowned composer Mal Waldron, celebrated for the jazz standard “Soul Eyes” — she grew up immersed in a world of deep musical lineage and expressive storytelling.

Waldron’s first paid performance came at age 15, playing keyboards and singing background vocals with the R&B band Liquid Pleasure, which soon after signed with RCA Records. She later studied African‑American music, jazz piano, voice, and composition at SUNY Old Westbury under mentors such as Makanda Ken McIntyre, Richard Harper, Warren Smith, Andrei Strobert, and Amina Claudine Myers, ultimately earning her B.A. in musicmalawaldron.com+1.

Her career has taken her across the globe, with performances throughout Japan, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Belarus, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. In the U.S., she has graced many of New York’s most iconic stages, including the Blue Note, the Iridium, the Jazz Standard, the 55 Bar, BAM Café, and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

In 2002, she formed the Mala Waldron Quartet, a group known for its dynamic synergy and joyful interplay, performing both her original compositions and her inventive arrangements of jazz standards. The ensemble has appeared at major festivals such as the Catania Jazz Festival and the Hennessy XO Jazz Smooth & Mellow Asian Tour.

Waldron’s discography includes her debut Lullabye — a tribute to her godmother, Billie Holiday — as well as He’s My Father, a duo recording with Mal Waldron, and Always There, which showcases her signature blend of warmth, introspection, and rhythmic sophistication.

Today, Mala Waldron continues to balance an active New York performance life with international touring, bringing her soulful voice, lyrical piano style, and deeply personal storytelling to audiences worldwide.

Christopher Dean Sullivan

Bassist, composer, and bandleader Christopher Dean Sullivan is a critically acclaimed artist whose commanding tone, blues‑inflected phrasing, and genre‑spanning versatility have made him a sought‑after force on the international jazz scene. Born in Chicago and raised in Pittsburgh, Sullivan developed his musical voice in a city rich with jazz history, eventually becoming known for a style that honors bass legends such as Slam Stewart and Ray Brown.

Sullivan’s career has taken him across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe, performing in concert halls, festivals, and cultural institutions while collaborating with an extraordinary range of artists. He has shared the stage or recorded with Archie Shepp, Sheila Jordan, Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard, Della Griffin, Joe McPhee, Christian McBride, Irene Reid, Charli Persip, Charles Gayle, and many others. His discography spans 45s, LPs, and CDs, reflecting a lifetime of musical exploration and creative partnerships.

A recipient of multiple Congressional, Senate, Assembly, County, and Municipal arts awards, Sullivan is recognized not only for his musicianship but also for his contributions to arts education and community cultural development. His work extends across jazz, funk, reggae, Latin, fusion, Caribbean, African, Indian, and Eurocentric traditions, making him one of the most stylistically expansive bassists of his generationcreativesrebuildny.org.

Sullivan’s artistry has also reached beyond the bandstand. He has appeared in television commercials, films, and magazine photo shoots — including Vanity Fair with Grammy Award winner Janet Jackson. His commitment to mentorship and arts programming includes teaching roles with organizations such as TRANSART, where he helps guide the next generation of musicians and cultural leaderscreativesrebuildny.org.

Today, Christopher Dean Sullivan continues to perform, record, and inspire, bringing his deep musical roots, global perspective, and unmistakable bass voice to audiences around the world.

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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