The Alto Madness Sax Summit
The Alto Madness Sax Summit will be performing on Saturday, February 19th at 8:30PM on the main stage. Featuring Tia Fuller, Lakecia Benjamin, and Sharel Cassity; these dynamic divas will take the stage and will show you the sounds and texture of what the alto saxophone is capable of.
MAIN STAGE SESSION 3
Blending technical brilliance, melodic creativity, and the precision drawn from both her academic and stage experience, this Grammy-nominated artist is a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of jazz, pop, R&B, and more. Already established as a leading jazz musician, Fuller was selected to be a member of the all-female band touring with Grammy-winning pop star Beyoncé. She played with the late Aretha Franklin and toured with Beyoncé’s band that also played at the White House. However, you might recognize Tia’s sax from her most recent gig performing as the animated saxophone player Dorothea Williams in Pixar’s latest film, “Soul.” Fuller has appeared in the recording studios and stages with such luminaries as the Ralph Peterson Septet, Rufus Reid Quintet, Wycliff Gordan Septet, T.S. Monk Sextet, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Nancy Wilson Jazz Orchestra, the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Kelly Rowland, Jay-Z, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, Sheila E, Valerie Simpson, Dionne Warwick, Janelle Monáe, Patrice Rushen, Erykah Badu, and the late Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, and Geri Allen. In addition, she produces and directs groundbreaking large production ensembles focusing on the works of major pop innovators Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, and Micki Miller. As an artist, performer, and teacher, Fuller feels that she is fulfilling her purpose here on this earth, which is to “serve as a light for others.”
Charismatic and dynamic; saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin pushes the boundaries of the sax with the fuses of traditional conceptions of Jazz, HipHop, and Soul. Her electric presence and fiery sax work have shared stages with several legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, The Roots, and Macy Gray. Notable awards include being voted by 2020 Downbeat Critics Poll Rising star Alto Saxophonist and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Lakecia takes the classic vibe to a whole new level with sultry alto saxophone creating something special on every cut.
Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Sharel Cassity is high-profile in the New York and Chicago jazz scenes. Listed as “Rising Star Alto Saxophone” in Downbeat Magazine for the past 12 years, Sharel has performed frequently alongside renowned Grammy-winning artists Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Lewis Nash, Joe Chambers & Darcy James Argue; and has appeared at notable venues such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Colbert Show, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Steeped in this classical tradition, Sharel is a proud Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist.