Jazz Ain't Dead

2010-06-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

Jazz Ain't Dead shows it's McSteamy Side at Bowery Poetry Club

2010-06-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

Jazz Ain't Dead throws down again with a hot new joint arranged by no other than our own music arranger, Chris Rob at New York City's Bowery Poetry Club for Mo Beasley's UrbanErotika show. Our new edition to the Jazz Ain't Dead family, singer, Diandra Patrick and our two dancers Shakirah Stewart and Carmen Carriker were smokin' performing to our new rendition of "My Man's Gone Now," a Porgy and Bess favorite made famous by Nina Simone.

Hope to see you all at the next show!

Check out what Mo Beasley, host of UrbanErotika, had to say about our JAD performance:

Mo Beasley: "Candice, you, Diandra, and your dancers were OUTSTANDING at UrbanErotika Saturday night. You set wonderfully high bar for the show and got the show off to powerful start!! THANK YOU!! It was honor and joy to have you in our house. Please come back in September. I will call/email soon to work out the details. Keep doing what you do and keep me posted on upcoming performances. I'll be there every chance I get. ;-)...."

Woot! Woot! Go JAD!

Photography by Neil Tandy

Jazz Ain't Dead
www.JazzAintDead.com

Jazz Ain't Dead's New Widget

2010-02-21T18:55:00.002-05:00

Jazz Ain't Dead Needs Your Help....

2010-01-28T02:32:00.001-05:00

Jazz Ain't Dead New Music & Dance Fund Campaign

Jazz Ain't Dead is launching a new campaign to raise $10, 000 by December 31, 2010!

Funds collected will support the development and creation of new concerts, recordings, and videos of Jazz Ain't Dead.

Ya'll know we got a lot of mouths to feed... with ten live dancers and a ten piece band, Jazz Ain't Dead got a lot going on. Many times we are asked to perform for shows, but we can't afford the travel and must forgo the opportunity. Many times we have new songs in the works, but can't afford the VERY expensive studio time that it costs to make even a rehearsal recording. Other times, the JAD Band and dancers are asked to perform for charities with our fees waived. We would love to perform; however, the rehearsal studio rental in New York City alone could be too expensive an undertaking to just do the appearance.

With your help, we can make new shows, take on venues with no allowance for travel and support the community with performances pre-subsidized by our fans.

Can you be our angels and help us?

Every little bit counts. Support JAZZ AIN'T DEAD by clicking "Chip In!" today!

Thanks so much!
www.JazzAintDead.com

Jazz Ain't Dead is reviewed by iDANZ Online Magazine for Dancers

2010-01-21T03:22:00.000-05:00

As seen on www.iDANZ.com
Click Here for the Direct Link

Dance Review: Jazz Ain't Dead Rips APAP 2010 Showcase

On Sunday, January 10, 2010, I head downtown on the 1 train to Dance New Amsterdam, as they host a slew of cutting edge New York City dance companies in the 2010 APAP Showcase! Not gonna lie... Dance New Amsterdam’s address is very confusing, and I find myself walking around aimlessly wishing for an iPHONE or some other sort of gadget that will lead me straight to the doorstep of DNA. Instead, I curse at my Zack Morris-esque Verizon cell phone. However, a quick phone-call and slice of pizza later, I am being greeted by the front desk of DNA, aka two chicks in snuggies.

Upstairs is a frenzy of activity, a feeling I miss since not having performed in awhile, that pre-show anticipation. Girls and guys going over choreography, putting on their make-up, ironing costume pieces…. It’s no wonder we love this business! I feel the excitement and energy racing through my bones. Although there are several companies that I had the privilege of watching, what I believe to BE the most fun piece of the night is Candice Michelle Franklin’s JAZZ AIN’T DEAD.

Jazz Ain’t Dead brings DNA alive with its brand new fiery orchestrations of Porgy and Bess songs…Jazz standards with a house beat and funky atmosphere. Opened by M.C. Michael Forde, a chicly dressed hype man complete with fedora and booming voice, the piece teaches us a little about the history of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and the significance it has had on not only African Americans, but jazz music, and the profile of the America that we are today.

Downstage of the live jazz band and vivacious lady singer, Kenyetta Coffee, golden-clad dancers are on and off the stage like wack-a-mole heads… one minute you see them, the next you don’t! Franklin creates an intricate web of action that leaves you screaming out things like “She better work!!” or “GET ITTTT!!!” Fierce legs, gorgeous turns, hot unison sections, wild hair, and sexy partnering all took their place in the “circus” that Franklin calls it with a laugh. Not to mention the entourage of audience members who make their support warmly felt throughout the performance!

I also really appreciate the freedom Franklin gives her dancers to show off their “tricks” without shame! So often in the concert world, we get so stuck on our stuffy definitions of artistry that we shun elements that are truly difficult and can be so much fun to watch. Franklin claims that she wants to emulate the feeling of Jazz music and the way the genre is performed in the tradition of its musicians in live performance… when the musicians are allowed to “do their thang”, why shouldn’t the dancers!!? Amen!

The end of the piece brings the entire house down to standing ovation as DJ NYCK Henry spins for the curtain call while the band gets to jam and the hype man conjures more applause from the audience, leading into the ending choreography with the whole ensemble in a wild exciting frenzy! Kudos JAZZ AIN”T DEAD. It certainly isn’t!

Photography by Crystal J. Wilson

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by Sheena DiMatteo
Performance: Jazz Ain't Dead, Celebrates the Legacy of Gershwin's Porgy & Bess 2010 APAP Showcase
Venue: Dance New Amsterdam, NYC
Choreographer: Candice Michelle Franklin
Show Date: January 10, 2010
www.iDANZ.com

Dancers: Jerome Melsaun Warren, Chelsea Arce, Anthony DeCarlis, Shakirah Stewart, Caroline Banks, JoiLynn, Demar Braxton, Careitha Davis, Youthen Joseph

Band Members: Mansa Gory (Trombone), Teodross Avery (Tenor Saxophone), Jimmy Lopez (Congas), Travis Antoine (Trumpet), Gabriel Jennings (Djembe), Chad Giles (Soprano Sax), Kenyetta Coffee (Vocalist), Billy Davis (Vocalist)

Jazz Ain't Dead Members Featured in BroadwayWorld.com

2008-12-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

Jazz Ain't DEAD & Bricktop, Queen of the Night

On December 11, 2008, Jazz Ain't Dead members Saxophonist, Teodross Avery and, Choreographer, Candice Michelle Franklin were on hand at the world famous Apollo performing an opening number to Night Train at a live jazz session for the official launch of the new Broadway musical "Bricktop, Queen of the Night." See below for details.

From BroadwayWorld.com . . . An invitation-only, closed-door jazz session officially launches the Broadway musical "Bricktop, Queen of the Night," (original music and lyrics by Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan) based on the life of Ada "Bricktop" Smith. The musical is being produced by Paul Lambert, Jonas Neilson and Whoopi Goldberg. Read more . . .

Jazz Ain't Dead Dancers Perform at Barack Obama Fundraiser

2008-10-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

Jazz Ain't Dead Dancers Perform at Barack Obama - Billie's Blues Fundraiser

Dancers from Jazz Ain't Dead perform and accompany cast members from the hit play, Billie's Blues, directed by T. Bankole, for a fundraiser for Barak Obama. The Fundraiser was held at Danny Simmons' Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn. The featured performance showcased the star from Billie's Blues, Miss Celine Justice, who performed live, "My Man" along with dancers, Candice Michelle Franklin and Demar Braxton from the music concert, Jazz Ain't Dead. Also on hand, to perform from Jazz Ain't Dead were dancers, Danion Lewis and Careith Davis.

Photos feature Jazz Ain't Dead Dancers (TOP), choreographer, Candice Franklin and Billie's Blues director, T. Bankole, and Candice Franklin and Billie's Blues star, Celine Justice.

Jazz Ain't Dead Dancer Lands iPod Campaign

2008-09-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

Jazz Ain't Dead Dancer Spotted on Side of New York City Skyscraper!

Jazz Ain't Dead would like to congratulate Danion Lewis for landing a coveted position as one of the featured dancers used for one of iPod's major print campaigns!

His image can be seen everywhere all over New York City,
from 100 foot billboards to ten foot bus shelters.

Big Congrats, Danion . . .

Jazz Ain't Dead Loves You!

Danion Lewis is a dancer for Jazz Ain't Dead, a live music concert production.

Jazz Ain't Dead Trademark Announcement

2008-09-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Jazz Ain't Dead has applied for a trademark to be used in conjunction with Jazz Ain't Dead intiatives namely Jazz Ain't Dead musical concerts.

The Jazz Ain't Dead logo will be used on all posters, CD recordings, videos, t-shirts, and other fan promotional items used to promote Jazz Ain't Dead musical concerts.

Jazz Ain't Dead is produced by Candice Michelle Franklin for DIP & Associates with musical production co-produced by Nyck Henry for Rhythm Lounge Entertainment.