STELLAR LINE-UP FOR JAZZANOOGA 2015

JAZZANOOGA'S "SUNDAY BEST!"

(Chattanooga, TN.)-Jazzanooga 2015 is almost in the history books, but now before one of the biggest headliners in the music festival's 4 year history takes center stage. Take 6 is the 10 time Grammy Award winning; multi-platinum selling,  ensemble celebrating 25 years in the industry with a stop in Chattanooga. Jazz and gospel lovers like VISION/VOICE/VARION applaud Jazzanooga organizers for truly "presenting their Sunday Best" with climax of the music festival.  The "smooth and sultry sounds" of Gretchen Parlato and Alan Hampton are also apart of the 2015 line-up.  

Photo Credit:  Jazzanooga.org

Jazzanooga started in 2010 as a one day community festival and has grown to a month-long celebration that honors and promotes Chattanooga as "the destination for arts and culture" during Jazz Appreciation Month in April.  Ticket sales support local youth Jazz education activities and music scholarships.

Gretchen Parlato  PHOTO CREDIT:  Jazzanooga.org

The April 26th performance will be held at The Robert Kirk Walker Community Theater, a smaller more intimate venue at the famed Memorial Auditorium. Organizers tell VISION/VOICE/VARION they are committed to making certain every single note of Jazzanooga 2015 is "savored" until the last performance.  Tickets are still available at the theater box office.  For more information on this incredible event that rivals New Orleans and Memphis in May visit:  www.jazzanooga.org.  

BACKSTAGE WITH ALEXIS SPIGHT

ALEXIS SPIGHT---"BREAKING THE MOLD!"

Alexis Spight and Varion Walton-The 28th Annual Stellar Awards- Photo: "E" Elpwe Ray

(NASHVILLE, TN.)---Her sound, her music and her style are nothing like your grandmother's "Rock of Ages!"  The first thing you notice about Alexis Spight is her spirit.  Of course you're going to notice her "trademark red Mohawk" that's a given, but I've discovered there is something more authentic about this young lady than the color of her hair.

Over the years I've interviewed many recording artists: secular, gospel and contemporary Christian alike.  I found it absolutely refreshing to meet a young woman, barely out of high school who is determined to stay strong in her faith.  She is clearly bringing her strong Christian values to her new found celebrity status.  Throughout the weekend, I can't tell you how many times I heard Alexis Spight say "please and thank you." This is one teenager who gets it; good manners and being polite will take you a long way in this industry.

Though relatively new to the game, 19 year old Spight has become something of an "old pro" when it comes to "red carpet" arrivals and the glare of the cameras. We met recently at The 28th Annual Stellar Awards in Nashville and instantly Alexis' "personality," not her crimson-colored hair drew me into her aura.

Last year the Buffalo, New York native became insanely popular on BET's "Sunday Best," though she didn't win the covenant title.  Just the same, the "runner-up" walked into The Stellar Awards a real winner. Alexis Spight is staying true to her "Pentecostal" roots and she knows 'it takes more than just hitting the right notes to make it in the music business.'
  

I caught up with her backstage minutes after she participated in an impromptu tribute to Andrae' Crouch during ASCAP'S 4th Annual "Morning Glory Breakfast." Alexis stood stage left, surrounded by other   Gospel icons like Andrae' Crouch, The Williams Brothers and Maurette Clark-Brown.

Spight was the literally "the new kid on the block," but she didn't appear to be intimidated in the least.  In fact she was very humbled and respectful to those who paved the way for her. "My family will  never let me forget I am standing on some giant shoulders, said Spight.

Her much-anticipated debut CD, "L.O.L (LIVING OUT LOUD)" features the new single "STEADY!"  Fans can also look for Alexis' amazing rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Imagine Me."

So here's to the bold, "out of the box" thinking, non-traditional newcomer who is turning Gospel on it's ear. Alexis, your strong faith and humble spirit will always be "the perfect melody" to ensure you'll transcend Gospel for many generations to come.

             
                        (ASCAP's "Morning Glory Breakfast" honoring The Legendary Andrae Crouch)

                                 On Stage: Alexis Spight, Maurette Clark-Brown, The Williams Brothers and More

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ORDER HER NEW CD: "L.O.L"

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