By HWM Executive Editor Eartha Watts Hicks
Jazz music provided the soundtrack that drove the Harlem Renaissance, and Harlem World Magazine’s partnership Subscriber event brought music reminiscent of that era.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Harlem World Magazine (HWM) partnered with Gregory Burrus Productions to present jazz music in Newark for the first of many Harlem Nights. Live music ambassador Gregory Burrus and Harlem World Magazine President CC Minton hosted this swank social gathering at Clement’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ. NJPACS Community Engagement’s AVP Eyesha Marable and Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies ED Wayne Winborne also sponsored and supported this event.
The intimate jazz lounge tucked inside the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall of Rutgers University – Newark provided the perfect setting for a sweet montage of classic and contemporary tunes performed by saxophonist Lee Odom, accompanied by her jazz trio, Lee Odom on horns, Tetsuya Itsu on bass guitar, Tim Ford on drums, and Mala Waldron on piano.
The evening began with accomplished vocalist and mental health expert Lynette Sheard, who briefly interviewed the Harlem Jazz aficionado Lee Odom. The multi-instrumentalist spoke modestly about her performances abroad and her passion for the clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, oboe, and other instruments. Then, Lee took to the stage to jam with her band and play sweet music.
After the first set, Harlem World Magazine’s President CC Minton took to the stage to honor Michael K. Gray, a long-time resident of Newark and Senior Advisor to the United States Senator George Helmy, for his outstanding work in the community, serving the city of Newark for over 20 years. Harlem World Magazine’s Executive Editor Eartha Watts Hicks then sat with Mr. Michael K. Gray to discuss his journey before migrating to the United States and the defining moment that forever changed his life. Gray shared about his out-of-body experience as a teen in his homeland, what was then war-torn Liberia, West Africa, when facing the barrel of a rebel’s AK47.
While his uncle begged to negotiate for his life, Gray understood he would serve a greater purpose. Surviving that encounter solidified values that set Michael K. Gray on the right path, preparing him to work with integrity and aligned with the best of mentors, late representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. This positioned Gray for what would become his life’s work. Michael K. Gray has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including the Human Rights Awards from the Newark Branch of the NAACP and the Danny Glover Power of a Dream Award.
Lee Odom and her band rounded out the evening with house-rousing cover renditions of Grover Washington’s “Mr. Magic” and a breakout performance of Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child,” as sung by jazz pianist Mala Waldron. Lee Odom Jazz Trio’s closing number brought the packed house and seated patrons to their feet, dancing.
Harlem World Magazine and the Institute of Jazz Studies commemorated the launch of our Harlem World Magazine’s “Harlem Nights” Across the Hudson event with complimentary refreshments courtesy of Rutgers IJS, red and white cupcakes, and a beautiful Harlem World Magazine cake for attendees to enjoy during the performance. Kool and the Gang, the R&B/Funk band recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, also commemorated the launch by gifting Harlem World Magazine a pink bottle of Le Kool Champagne signed by DJ ‘Prince’ Hakim, son of Robert Bell, the band’s last surviving member.
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CC Minton
CC Minton is the President of Harlem World Magazine: an award-winning lifestyle maven, author, and New York City conversationalist. Gregory Burrus, live music ambassador and arts advocate, curates live performances across New Jersey and Greater New York for social events.
Gregory Burrus is a live music ambassador and arts advocate. He curates social events and live performances across New Jersey and Greater New York.
Harlem World Magazine is the premier lifestyle brand representing all things Harlem. This HARLEM NIGHTS Across the Hudson, bringing the spirit of Harlem to Clement’s Place, was produced by Harlem World Magazine in Partnership with Gregory Burrus Productions and sponsored by Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and NJPAC.
Eartha Watts Hicks
Eartha Watts Hicks is Harlem World Magazine’s Executive Editor and contributing Book Editor. She is the award-winning author of Love Changes, a member of the Harlem Writers Guild, and a NYCHA/NAACP ambassador for literacy. For more information, visit www.linktr.ee/Earthatone.
Photo credit: By Eartha Watts Hicks and Albert Clarke @alclarke_photography/.
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