(NEWARK, NJ) -- Come for a night of renaissance vibes and cabaret... Harlem World Magazine, the premier lifestyle brand representing all things Harlem, partners with Gregory Burrus Productions, the Institute of Jazz Studies, and NJPAC to bring the spirit of Harlem to Clements Place for an evening they affectionately call Harlem Nights Across the Hudson on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 7:00pm-10:00pm.
They invite those who love Harlem and wish to unwind to the sweet syncopated vibes provided by one of Harlem's devotees, award-winning Jazz composer Lee Odom. Stop in for music, conversation, and light refreshments as they honor the work and commitment of Michael Gray, a longtime resident of Newark and former Senior Advisor to U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne.
"Harlem and Jazz go hand in hand as jazz was a prominent staple of both the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Experience."
Saxophonist Lee Odom (shown above), also known as “Sweet” Lee Odom, is a versatile musician and composer. She plays a range of instruments including the clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, and oboe. Her musical repertoire spans genres such as gospel, jazz, R&B, classical, and free improvisation .Originally from North Carolina, Lee moved to New York City in 2011 and quickly integrated into various musical communities. She has performed with numerous notable musicians and groups, including Don Byron, JD Parran, and the David Murray Octet. Lee also leads her own band, Sweet Lee Music, and performs at various venues and festivals across the United States.
Honoree Michel Gray (shown above) is the Current Senior Advisor to United States Senator George Helmy and was former District Director and Senior Advisor for U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. Gray is a strategic and politically astute leader who has accumulated over twenty years of extensive experience across political, governmental, and civic sectors. He specializes in developing and implementing strategies to tackle complex issues at both local and national levels. Michael is highly skilled in leading dynamic teams, nurturing multi-party collaborations, and turning political analysis into effective actions. His innovative outreach methods and sharp political insights significantly enhance public services, resulting in substantial community and organizational advancements. Michael’s expertise lies in handling the complexities of diverse governance structures, balancing multiple stakeholder interests, and ensuring transparency and active engagement in community interactions. He is steadfast in his commitment to exemplary leadership and service within the community.
Recognized for his humanitarian and leadership efforts, Michael has received numerous awards, including the Human Rights Award from the NAACP’s Newark Branch and The Danny Glover Power of Dreams Award. He continues to make a mark through community service and public relations excellence. Passionate about music and community development, Michael is also an executive producer and songwriter of three Singles, Save Our Nations, Sweet Liberians”, and “Wooo”. He is working on an album of inspirational music aimed at supporting his humanitarian projects.
A long-time resident of Newark, NJ, with roots in Liberia, West Africa, Michael has also completed advanced training in emergency management from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. His dedication to improving both local and global communities is a testament to his diverse skills and deep commitment.
Tickets may be reserved online. Clement's Place is located at 15 Washington Street in Newark, New Jersey.
Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies
The Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS) at Rutgers University–Newark is the world’s largest and most comprehensive library and archive of jazz and jazz-related materials1. Founded in 1952 by jazz scholar Marshall Stearns, the IJS has been a pioneering institution in preserving and providing access to the heritage of jazz. Clement’s Place is a jazz lounge that is part of Rutgers University–Newark’s (IJS) located in the Ruth Bader Ginsburgh hall at 15 Washington Street in Newark, New Jersey. Clement’s Place hosts world class jazz events, jam sessions and listening parties, providing a vibrant space for both musicians and jazz enthusiasts to enjoy and participate in live jazz performances. The venue is named in honor of Dr. Clement Price, a historian and devoted jazz fan.
Eyesha K. Marable is a trained dancer, ordained Itinerate Elder, and Pastor at Mt. Zion AME Church in Millburn, She is also the Coordinator of Dance for the 1st Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Ingram. Eyesha founded the National Liturgical Dance Network (NLDN), which gathers, trains, supports, and unites churches and worshippers worldwide. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Spanish, a Master of Science Degree in Nonprofit Management, a Post-Graduate Certification in Organizational Development, and a Master of Divinity. Eyesha also serves as the Director of Community Engagement for New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). NJPAC is a major cultural institution located in Newark, New Jersey. It is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. NJPAC hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and more. It also offers arts education programs and community engagement initiatives.
Gregory Burrus Productions is run by Gregory Burrus, a local live music producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music, making it his mission to keep the music alive by booking bands for private and public events1. Gregory spends his time as a photojournalist, live music producer, videographer, arts and entertainment writer, blogger, business reviewer, and community events reporter. He develops, manages, promotes, and documents live music programs in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area. His work includes organizing outdoor live music events, such as Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies, NJPAC Community Engagement, NJPAC Jazz Advisory Team, Mt Zion AME Jazz and Jesus, Jazzy Nights Live Music performances, Live Music entertainment for Orange’s Farmers Market, Downtown Cranford Summer and Autumn Live Music Series, Downtown South Orange, 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Festival, South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam, etc. Gregory Burrus also books bands for various local and private venues, contributing to the vibrant music scene in the Northern NJ area.
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