We’re thrilled to have hosted this incredible lineup of artists that performed at the 2024 Jazz at Drew! This highly anticipated event featured a diverse array of talented musicians, bringing an unforgettable mix of jazz, R&B, and soul to the stage.
From seasoned legends to emerging stars, the roster captivated and inspire music lovers of all ages for a day of exceptional performances, community celebration, and the vibrant energy that only Jazz at Drew can deliver.
Morris Day and The Time
Morris Day and The Time, the legendary funk band from Minneapolis, is known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits like “Jungle Love,” “The Bird,” and “Get It Up.” Morris Day, the charismatic frontman, originally rose to fame in the iconic film *Purple Rain*. Reuniting with original band members, Morris continues to captivate audiences with his smooth vocals, sharp dance moves, and impeccable style. As they perform classics and new tracks, Morris Day and The Time prove that their infectious energy and funkadelic grooves are as irresistible as ever.
Norman Brown
Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown has been captivating audiences worldwide for over four decades with his soulful performances and masterful technique. Celebrated by George Benson as “one of the greatest guitarists out there,” Brown’s latest album, It Hits Different, launched in March 2024, showcases eleven original tracks blending Jazz, R&B, Pop, and Blues. Known for his dedication to balance and spiritual cultivation, the Atlanta-based musician’s career began at age eight. Brown continues to inspire with his music, striving to connect deeply with his fans and spread joy and harmony.
The Lao Tizer Band featuring Eric Marienthal
Hailing from Boulder, CO, with a career that now spans nine albums over nearly a quarter of a century. Lao Tizer is the son of hippies with a Russian-Jewish background, and the mix of that ethnic family heritage, parental new age influence and growing up with the sights and sounds of ’80s and ’90s pop culture (alongside the music of the ’60s and ’70s he heard from his parents) have brought him to a place in his artistic life where he was ready to embrace a wider range of influences and stretch himself and his players.
He will be joined on stage by the Lao Tizer Band featuring ten-time Grammy Award-nominated, and two-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal.
DW3
Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3 offers a perfectly artful balance between smooth, seductive ballads and up- tempo dance/funk jams. Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel set the high energy mood for DW3. Hailing from East L.A and growing up in the Los Angeles areas of El Sereno and Lincoln Heights, Eric and Billy began their musical careers in high school by playing club dates with their parents; their father is a bass player, and he and their mom are singers. DW3, an outgrowth of that original family band, has been an evolving collective of musicians since then. Damon, born in South Central L.A, also had musical influences by his parents. His mother and father have been playing and singing in the church for over 40 years. Eric, Billy and Damon have been the core DW3 (Down With 3) members since 2003.
Erin Stevenson
Erin Stevenson’s journey from a career at NASA to the music stage is as inspiring as her performances. She has performed as a background singer for Justin Timberlake, Duran Duran, Rihana, John Legend, Janet Jackson, JLo and more and is now generating her own heat as a music star. Known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Stevenson brings a mix of R&B with modern vibes that’s sure to captivate the Jazz at Drew audience.
James “J.Anthny” Barber
James “J.Anthny” Barber, an artist from Los Angeles, found his voice in music after overcoming a challenging childhood. Placed in the system due to his parents’ struggles with addiction, J.Anthny transformed his pain into powerful lyrics, evolving from a rapper to a singer inspired by his favorite artists. His music, filled with raw emotion and motivation, resonates with listeners on a deep level. J.Anthny, part of the IT Department at Charles R. Drew University, will open the Jazz at Drew concert, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.