The Working Artist Project

The influence that drummers have had in creating hip hop is undeniable. Grooves from different cultures were sampled to create some of the most defining moments in hip hop history. Join us on the next episode of The Working Artist Project to hear and learn how rhythmic expression and hip hop are intertwined.

Connect with A.J. Here: ajhallmusic.com

Join The Working Artist Project News Letter: SecondLineArts.org/newsletter

We all strive to live in the moment, constantly reaching to allow ourselves to experience the fullness of life. When I listen to George Burton, I get the feeling that he has mastered this concept. Join us on the next episode of The Working Artist Project to hear, see and feel what it means to be a fearless creator.

Connect with George Here: GeorgeBurtonMusic.com

Join The Working Artist Project News Letter: SecondLineArts.org/newsletter

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian and Gregory discuss the process of entering a music what it takes to enter a music scene, make a statement, and find the connections to help you achieve your musical goals all while maintaining what makes your sound unique with Marvin Sewell.

Bio:

Marvin Sewell was born and raised in Chicago. He learned how to play the guitar by hanging out with many Chicago basement bands. At that time, Marvin was exposed to a variety of styles of music such as: Blues, Gospel, and Soul. Rock, and Fusion. In high school, he started playing with the Malcolm X Community College Big Band. From there he started playing with many famous local Chicago musicians such as Von Freeman, Ramsey Lewis, Billy Branch, Jody Christian, Big Time Sarah, and Barbara La Shore. Marvin later moved to New York in 1990. Since he began living in New York, Marvin has played with various bands of different styles of music, ranging from acoustic to electric music. In 1992, Marvin made his first major Jazz band when he began working with Jack Dejohnette’s Special Edition. In 1995, he began playing with Cassandra Wilson with whom he played a variety of string instruments for six years. In 2002, Marvin did a tour of eastern Africa with the Newsome, Sewell, and Harris Trio. Today, Marvin spends most of his time writing music for his own band, The Marvin Sewell Group. 

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Gregory and Darrian discuss New Orleans' educational lineage and its impact on generations of musicians with John Michael Bradford and Brian Richburg Jr.

Bio:

John Michael Bradford is a trumpeter/singer/composer from New Orleans, Louisiana. John Michael’s passion for music was sculpted by the sound and spirit of NOLA. Bradford's musical gift has now taken him from the streets of New Orleans to performance halls around the world, playing shows in Japan, in Switzerland, Carnegie Hall, and the Grammys. 

Brian Richburg was born and raised in New Orleans, and began playing in his father's church at an early age. While growing up, he was exposed to the diverse sounds and cultures that define the uniqueness of that city. Richburg's drumming incorporates the African and Caribbean inspired rhythms of the New Orleans street bands. He has appeared with Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison Jr., Ellis Marsalis, Christian Scott, Delfeayo Marsalis, Amina Figarova, and many others.

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian and Gregory discuss the power of happiness with Joshua Starkman. You wouldn't think that going through a divorce would lead you towards creativity, happiness and peace, but in Joshua's case, it did just that. 

Bio:

Joshua Starkman, sometimes known as "The Have a Great Day Guy", will bring a smile to your face and sweet music to your ears. Joshua has lived in New Orleans for the past decade. He enjoys making people smile, playing guitar and watering his plants. Guaranteed to make you have a great day or your money back. Have a Great Day, we love you!

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Gregory Agid and Darrian Douglas explore how finance and music collide with Wilbur Thompson. Wilbur quit his six-figure job in finance to follow his passion to become a full-time musician.

Bio: Wilbur Thompson is a passionate bass player from South Carolina that exudes emotion every time he plugs up. Before moving to New Orleans in 2015, Wilbur worked in the financial services industry from 2005-2015. He worked as a relationship banker for BB&T Bank, an information consultant, for LPL Financial independent advisors, and an Integration Manager for LPL Financial.

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Gregory Agid and Darrian Douglas explore the modern world of tap dance with Michela Marino Lerman. Support this programming at SecondLineArts.org

Bio:

Michela Marino Lerman, winner of the 2019 Hoofer Award, is a globally sought after tap dance artist, performer, choreographer, educator and all-around creative spirit. The Huffington Post has called her a “hurricane of rhythm” and the NY Times has called her both a “prodigy” and has described her dancing as “flashes of brilliance” and Quincy Jones has said she is an “absolute tap dancing star who knows her roots.” She very proudly, was mentored by some of the masters of tap dance including Gregory Hines, Buster Brown, Leroy Myers, Peg Leg Bates, Marion Coles and Mable Lee. Lerman has performed, choreographed, produced, and directed many projects throughout her career.  Some highlights include leading her own band Love Movement and being a member of the band Mwenso and the Shakes, whom she tours with regularly. Some performance highlights include the Newport Jazz festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, opening night of The Shed at the Hudson Yards, The Other Palace on London's West End, and co-producing the documentary American Tap. She has had the honor of working with such masters as Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Anna Deavere Smith, Jon Bastiste, Quincy Jones, Steve McQueen and many more. www.michelataps.com @michelataps

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Gregory Agid and Darrian Douglas explore Joe Dyson's newest recording aptly entitled "Look Within". The three of them explore the importance of introspection, community and creativity. 

Bio: 

Spirituality has been a major theme in drummer/composer Joe Dyson’s work. Dyson thrives at the intersection of the church, traditional study and apprenticeship. This trinity, combined with sounds and sights from touring the world, has culminated in a stunning debut album. LOOK WITHIN is an emotional and introspective journey that allows us a glimpse into the mind of Joe Dyson.

In this episode of The Working Artist Project Darrian, Gregory and Tim discuss the importance of digesting all styles of music.

In this episode of The Working Artist Project we discuss the importance of culture and relationships in the non profit space.

Bio:

Ashley Shabankareh (she/her/hers) is a musician, music educator, arts administrator, and music education and creative economy advocate. She received her M.M. and B.M.E. from Loyola University, New Orleans, with a concentration on conducting and brass instruments. Ashley is a certified K-12 music educator and spent her early years in New Orleans teaching PK4 through 8th grade students. She transitioned from full time music instruction to assist in the creation the curriculum and program guidelines for the Tulane University Music Rising Program. In addition, for the past 13 years, Ashley served as the Director of Programs for Preservation Hall Foundation, working with culture bearers and serving over 35,000 per year in programming in schools, detention centers, and community centers. In 2016, she was named a Top Female Achiever by New Orleans Magazine, a New Orleans Hero by the Times-Picayune, and a Woman of the Year by New Orleans City Business. In 2017, she was named a Top Millennial in Music by the Spears Group and I Heart Media.

Today, Ashley currently serves as the Collaborative Action Strategist for Artist Corps New Orleans, and also works with the New Orleans Jazz Museum and Upbeat Academy. She also serves as the Vice President for the Jazz Education Network, Board Chair for the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO), and Board Member for Elan Academy Charter School. By night, Ashley performs as both a trombonist and vocalist, performing with notable musicians including Aretha Franklin, Allen Toussaint, Theresa Andersson, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and in her own projects, Marina Orchestra and the Asylum Chorus.