Summer Music Series: Jazz In the Park

Over the many decades of evolving music and culture, there is one genre that remains unchanged… JAZZ. We are The Atlanta Jazz Players, playing the music we love and the music you love to listen to. We are not defined just by jazz music alone, but we incorporate other genres of music like soul music, R&B and classical music into our unique blend. It is our mission, not only to have fun fulfilling our passion but also to touch hearts and lives through our music.

A few years ago, on Sunday afternoons between the hours of 3 pm and 5 pm, a group of guys with various levels of proficiency would show up for what was called Sunday Jazz Jam at the Sam Ash Music store in Atlanta to play and learn various styles of jazz music. After a while, several of the musicians were not content with just playing on Sunday afternoons. Many of them hinted at the idea of one day putting together a band to play this interesting montage of music on a more regular basis.

On February 12, 2016, The Atlanta Jazz Players were formed. It was during a Valentine’s Day event where the group played music for a small audience and were well received. There was a collective feeling among the musicians that this group could one day become something greater. Originally, the name “Men of Distinction” was tossed around, and then it came…the name, The Atlanta Jazz Players, it defines our signature style and our sound.

Over these last four years, the band’s personnel has transformed tremendously. The core musicians now include Vic Morton, bandleader/drummer; Ray Akers, Band Coachand keyboards; Maurice Fischer, keyboards; Robert Miller, guitarist; Don Moors, vibes; Vince Hankins, Bass guitarist and trombone; Ryan Jackson, trumpet; Evonnee Mitchell, violinist; and Dahmeneekah Mitchell, vocalist. Our extended family of musicians also includes Walter Stewart, guitarist and Myles Tate III, keyboardist/music producer.

Although we are a fairly new musical group, each of us is not new to music and its effect on its listeners. Our goal is always to provide fantastic entertainment and excitement to our audience. It is our passion to inspire and enlighten our listeners with our unique style and approach to the Jazz genre.

The young generation has not experienced the sensational live music performances that the beloved musical legends created years ago. Our purpose is to revive and renew a healthy respect for Jazz and live music among listeners young and old. Music is more than just notes on a music scale or a musical score. Music is a language that is understood and spoken by all who hear it. Music should bring healing, comfort, and joy to the listener. Music inherently brings together all races and cultures as it is the language of the universe. This is what we believe in and what inspires us to hold fast to the organic love and inspiration music brings to each one who experiences it.

We are The Atlanta Jazz Players, touching hearts and lives through music!

Summer Music Series at Greenville Park – Originally only taking place two months out of the year, but through a sponsorship by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the event has been expanded to four months for 2021. This year the series features local jazz artists who are introduced to the community through the A.R.T. Facebook series. The event was first established in 2016 by Yvette Jones who continues to serve on the NCAC commission and spearhead the event each year. The Summer Music Series is a free family event featuring food trucks, music, and more.

For more information about the Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected]