A Jazzy Christmas Show featuring The Braxton Brothers, Kofi B, Steve Oliver, Ellis Hamilton, and our local favorite, The Fuzz Band! This show will electrify you with the diversity of talent and is sure to put you in the holiday groove. Come ready to jam to Holiday classics and crank up the holiday season.
THE BRAXTON BROTHERS
The Braxton Brothers, twin siblings Wayne and Nelson Braxton, are celebrated pioneers in the Smooth Jazz genre, blending memorable melodies with infectious grooves to create music that uplifts and inspires. Since their debut in 1997, they have garnered widespread acclaim with multiple #1 hits and albums, including their Billboard #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay hit, Catalina Nights.
Wayne, an accomplished saxophonist, and Nelson, a virtuoso bassist, are the heart of the group’s sound. Together, they seamlessly intertwine their instruments, delivering melodies that are as smooth as they are funky. Their dynamic performances are marked by their joyful energy and undeniable chemistry, making them a favorite at theaters, clubs, and festivals worldwide.
Their music, a unique fusion of rhythm and melody, is both timeless and contemporary, resonating deeply with fans of all ages. The Braxton Brothers are more than musicians—they are storytellers, using their instruments to celebrate life, love, and faith. Through their innovative compositions and heartfelt performances, they have solidified their legacy as beloved figures in the Smooth Jazz community.
STEVE OLIVER
With a career spanning nearly 30 years in music, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, engineer, and producer Steve Oliver is still being heard each day on contemporary/smooth jazz radio around the world.
Steve’s career has produced 14 full-length albums including a “Best Of” album, a “LIVE” album, a Christmas album, a solo guitar album (2022’s “Sojourn”), and a duo album with hit keyboardist and long-time collaborator Brian Simpson which reached the #1 spot on the Billboard and Amazon jazz sales charts (2019’s “Unified”). He’s achieved multiple #1 Billboard hits and over a dozen Top Ten hits as a solo artist and producer in the smooth or contemporary jazz formats.
In recent years, Steve has established a reputation for being a highly respected “one-stop shop” resource for composing, producing, performing, engineering, and editing a wide scope of projects, including contemporary music, television spots, and soundtracks for feature films. He has co-written and produced tracks with GRAMMY award-winning World Music pianist Omar Akram, and he composed, edited, and mixed music for the 2022 film “Leading The Way”, from Oscar and Emmy-winning Director Richard L. Anderson.
His compositions can also be heard on albums by contemporary jazz stars such as Vincent Ingala, Brian Simpson, Paul Taylor, and Will Donato.
KOFI B
From Akron to accolades, Kofi B., the 25-year-old Ohio-born, 2x Emmy® Nominated pianist, producer, and actor, has captivated the world with his innovative approach to music and public speaking. His creative endeavors have resonated globally on social media, drawing the attention of millions. In 2018, Ko earned a Silver medal in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition, joining ranks with luminaries like actor Anthony Anderson and singers Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, & Alicia Keys. While music remains at the core of his artistic expression, Ko’s achievements reach far beyond the stage.
In 2022, Ko won the prestigious Apollo Theater’s “Amateur Night At The Apollo” Competition, securing the title of official winner along with a $20,000 Grand Prize. Not content with just winning, Kofi made history as the first-ever winner to step into the coveted role of host, joining the ranks of illustrious hosts such as Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mo'Nique who have graced the Apollo stage.
Adding to his repertoire, Ko recently made his acting debut in the blockbuster film, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” showcasing his piano skills as the late singer’s pianist and contributing to the film's music alongside Houston’s music director, Rickey Minor. Kofi’s journey includes co-billing and opening for icons like Charlie Wilson, Will Downing, Roy Ayers, Marsha Ambrosius, and Musiq Soulchild. His multifaceted career also led him to a feature on the Tamron Hall Show, further solidifying his impact. As Kofi continues to break boundaries, the journey promises more chapters of success, inspiration, and artistic brilliance from “The Other Kid From Akron”.
ELLIS HAMILTON - Saxophonist
Ellis Hamilton is a self-taught musician and composer, proficient on alto saxophone (primary instrument), drums, and piano. He also plays tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, vibraphone, and flute. Ellis graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music with a dual degree in Film Scoring and Performance. His academic achievements and musical talents have earned him many awards, honors, accolades, and scholarships, including being named one of the 2016 Davidson Fellows by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. This organization honors the top 20 students in the United States for their extraordinary talent and accomplishments in their respective fields.
THE FUZZ BAND
The Fuzz Band is a local band that is uniquely talented and is one of the most sought-after top Bands in the Hampton Roads Region. They will be the house band for the evening.
