Artist Stories

With 13 siblings, Mac Arnold’s family couldn’t afford to buy a guitar. He and his brother built their own out of a gas can, bits of wood, nails, and wire from a screen door. The rest is history.

Remember that moment in school that terrified you? For Dawn Anthony, it was 4th grade and it was the moment she discovered her voice.

Success does not happen overnight, rather it is a process over a lifetime, says saxophonist Steve Wilson. His long list of accomplishments include over 150 recordings, tours all over the U.S and Europe, a teaching position at Juilliard, and his most recent album release. He says he continues to captivate audiences because he continues to learn and grow.

High School senior Lovell Bradford Jr has had a memorable month. He received 3rd place in the coveted Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition and Wynton Marsalis knows him by first name. With a scholarship to UNC Greensboro in music, he is looking forward to keep up the momentum. Meanwhile, his experiences in music at his age are inspiration for all of us.

One thing about trumpet. I don’t know anyone who picked trumpet. The trumpet picks you. We caught up with Corey Wilkes between his European tour and his standing Thursday gig in Chicago.