“I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone” pairs two legends of jazz and soul music to celebrate an iconic artist. Vocalist Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley lead an ensemble that re-imagines Nina Simone’s work with inventive energy.

Kick off our first performance of our Cecil I. Walker Jazz Series with Sammy Miller and The Congregation! Who are on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. Juilliard trained and drummer on a Grammy® nominated album, Sammy Miller has been hailed as "the perfect player scholar” (The Wall Street Journal).

Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country.

The music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is filled with empathy and conviction, bonding arcs of melody and lamentation to pluming gestures of space and breath.

Jazz pianist Bob Thompson has enjoyed a long and active career as a performer, composer, arranger, and teacher.