Rising star Ekep Nkwelle is a 24-year-old Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist. The power of her voice has resonated with jazz luminaries such as Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, and Peter Washington, along with young stars like Emmet Cohen and Endea Owens, leading to countless collaborations.
Ekep Nkwelle, voc
Mark Whitfield, g
Irwin Hall, sax
Sequoia Snyder, p
Kris Funn, b
Kelton Norris, dr
Exclusive in Switzerland!
At Jazzfestival Bern for the first time!
Ekep Nkwelle, a 24-year-old Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist, has carved her musical path from the vibrant streets of Washington, DC, to the heart of New York City's jazz scene. Her journey through the esteemed Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School has been extraordinary. The power of her voice has resonated with jazz luminaries such as Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, and Peter Washington, along with young stars like Emmet Cohen and Endea Owens, leading to countless collaborations. Her presence has also illuminated major festivals, including Newport, Montclair, Hudson, and DC jazz festivals. The year 2023 marked a pinnacle in Ekep's career as she was honored with the prestigious Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, a testament to her artistry and character, nominated by none other than jazz master trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. This recognition followed her enchanting performance on NPR's "Tiny Desk," showcasing her unique arrangement of Geri Allen's "Timeless Portraits & Dreams" in 2022. Continuing her ascent, Ekep collaborated with the illustrious 3x GRAMMY and Tony award-winner Dee Dee Bridgewater during the fourth year of her exclusive, all-women artistic residency, The Woodshed Network. As one of Jazz at Lincoln Center's newest rising stars, Ekep Nkwelle is poised to shape the future of jazz. With a burning passion for music, her artistry knows no bounds as she endeavors to share her soulful melodies with audiences worldwide.
Mark Whitfield was born in Syosset, New York in 1967. At the age of 10 he was already learning to play Jazz. He has since played with Jack McDuff, Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Tommy Flanagan, Al Foster, Roy Haynes, Kenny Barron, Ben Riley, Jimmy Smith, Courtney Pine, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Ray Brown and many other great musicans. He is one of the most sought atfer jazz guitarists in the world.
Irwin Hall was on stage performing professionally and began winning state and national competitions at the age of 11. Since then, his incredible skills on saxophone, flute and bass clarinet have been used by the likes of Melody Gardot, Dee Dee Bridgewater (whom he joined in her working band), Theo Croker, Ms. Lauryn Hill, David Foster and many more.
Concerts
Tue. 02.04. - Sat. 06.04.2024
1st Concert 7:30 p.m.
(Doors 7:00 p.m.)
2nd concert 10:00 p.m.
(Doors 9:30 p.m.)
Venue
Marians Jazzroom
Admission
First Concert CHF 49.-
Second Concert CHF 39.–