Al Strong and Lynn Grissett, emerging entertainers on the jazz scene, will perform in live concerts this weekend in Kinston.
Strong is a Washington, D.C., native trumpeter, arranger and composer. Since he first emerged on the scene in 1998 as a jazz studies major at N.C. Central University in Durham, he has been an upcoming artist in jazz, described by The Independent as being “among those leading Durham jazz into a resurgence.”
Strong is an integral figure in the Triangle local jazz scene, having performed with or recorded for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Phonte Coleman, Mavis Swan Poole, Yahzarah, Peter Lamb and the Wolves (voted 2011 & 2012 Best Jazz Band in the Triangle), Clay Aiken, Big Daddy Kane, Orquesta Gardel, The Beast, Old Ceremony and the comedian SinBad.
He is an associate professor at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh and an adjunct professor in the N.C. Central University Jazz Studies program. He also is a founder of the non-profit jazz advocacy organization, The Art of Cool Project.
The Al Strong Quartet will perform Friday night.
Lynn Grissett, trumpeter, also has ties to the Triangle area. He is associated with the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program at UNC Greensboro and has played with many jazz performers in venues including the House of Blues in Chicago.
He has teamed with Ryan Hanseler, pianist, to perform classic Ragtime and Jazz, recently at the Beyú Caffeé in Durham.
Ragtime began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before it became popular towards the end of the 19th century. It is considered the first completely American music and enjoyed popularity for nearly two decades before jazz took its thunder.
Grissett will perform Saturday night.
The Red Room is open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with concerts beginning at 9 p.m.
Live at The Red Room
Al Strong Quartet Friday
Lynn Grissett Saturday
Music: 9 p.m. to midnight
The Red Room
221 N. Herritage St., Kinston
Free
Info: 252-520-2000
