2025-2026 Season
Free Masterclass: Jaleel Shaw
Friday, September 19 | 1 p.m.
Room 1201, Diehn Fine & Preforming Arts Center
Alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is presently a member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, Tom Harrell鈥檚 鈥淐olors Of A Dream鈥 and the Mingus Bing Band. He has also performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland and Jimmy Cobb among others. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Jaleel was constantly surrounded by music and picked up the alto saxophone at an early age. He immersed himself in the local jazz scene, studying and performing with many of the great musicians and educators that the city has historically produced. After graduating from high school, he received a full tuition scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA from which he received a dual degree in Music Education and Performance. While at Berklee, Jaleel received the Billboard Endowed Scholarship for Outstanding Academic and Musical Achievement (1998), Woodwind Department Chair Awards (1998, 2000), The Boston Jazz Society Award (1999) and The Outstanding Student Teacher Award (2000). He then received a scholarship to Manhattan School of Music in New York where he obtained his Masters in Jazz Performance. Jaleel鈥檚 debut album, Perspective (2005), received rave reviews from The New York Times and Jazzwise Magazine. All About Jazz named the album one of the top five debut albums of 2005. His composition 鈥淭he Heavyweight Champion鈥 received the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.
Any additional information for this event can be found at
Newfound Chamber Winds
Friday, September 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
Hailed as 鈥渕usical in every good way and clearly defined in performance,鈥 Newfound Chamber Winds, formerly 鈥淢aryland Chamber Winds鈥, is a modular, professional wind ensemble that perform in flexible combinations of instrumentation ranging from small chamber pieces to works for the full ensemble. Founded in 2015, Newfound Chamber Winds aims to create a more communal, collaborative, and imaginative world through performances of the highest quality, revitalization of the chamber winds repertoire, accessible education programs, and community engagement鈥攁ll while utilizing our ensemble's artistic excellence, diverse experiences, and passion for education.
In addition to preserving the standard repertoire, NFCW aims to support the growth and awareness of new music through engaging with composers. Since their founding, NFCW has premiered numerous new compositions, transcriptions, or arrangements for chamber winds. NFCW has been fortunate to commission composers Molly Joyce, Kris McCormick, Michael Mogensen, Cassie Wieland, and Theo Chandler as Composers-in-Residence during their annual Festival.
From 2015-2023, NFCW hosted the annual each June. Performing throughout Frederick and Washington counties, NFCW provided a wide array of performances as part of their annual series. Regular partnerships with the Washington County Public Schools, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, and local businesses have allowed them to offer classes and concerts for young people and children throughout western Maryland.
During the summer of 2020, NFCW released their debut album titled 鈥樷 on the featuring world premiere performances of Theo Chandler鈥檚 鈥楾railing Wings鈥 for Saxophone and Winds and 鈥楶reludes and Recitations鈥 for wind dectet.
Alexander Boldachev, harpist
Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
鈥淏oldachev's music is as boundless as his traveling.鈥 -- HARPCOLUMN
Founder of World Harp Day and the Zurich Harp Festival, Swiss-Russian artist Alexander Boldachev captivates audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and innovative approach to the harp. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Boldachev began his musical journey at the age of five, studying the harp, piano, and music composition. His education took him from St. Petersburg to the Czech Republic, France, and finally to Switzerland, where he graduated from the Zurich University of Arts in performance, education, composition, improvisation, and conducting.
Boldachev has performed in over 45 countries across five continents and artistic collaborations span various fields, including ballet, theater, and visual arts. He has composed for theatrical productions and films, and his performances often blend classical and popular genres. As an official Salvi Harps artist, Boldachev represents both classical and modern electro-acoustic instruments. In 2018, he performed his own composition on the Delta Electric Harp at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony alongside Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina. He has appeared at festivals such as Burning Man, Musical Olympus, New Names, Mozart+, Davos and Gstaad in Switzerland, the Big Russian Ball in Rome, and the SKIF Sergey Kuryokhin International Festival. He has performed in fashion shows for Dolce&Gabbana and Burberry, on the BraVo International Music Awards, and collaborated extensively with the Bolshoi Theatre as arranger and harp soloist.
Orchestral highlights include the London Philharmonic, Bayerische Philharmonie, Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Swiss Orchestra, Sinfonica de Santos, Banat Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in Romania, and the National Philharmonic of Russia.
Boldachev's extensive discography reflects his boundary-pushing creativity, with evocative titles such as The Harp as an Orchestra, HarpTime Meditation (2015), Celebration (2016), Musical Adventure (2017), From Russia with Harp (2021) and Harp Stories (2022). Fr茅d茅ric (2020) offers a fresh take on Chopin鈥檚 piano works arranged for harp and his Pop Meets Classical series (2023, 2024) blends popular and classical genres.
Free Masterclass: Ana茂s Reno
Diehn Fine & Preforming Arts Center, Room 1201
New York-based jazz singer and composer Ana茂s has been artistically very active, involved in the performing arts since age 8. After winning the 2016 Forte International Competition鈥檚 Platinum Award at Carnegie Hall, she won the Jazz Award in the American Traditions Vocal Competition, the Mabel Mercer Competition, and the Julie Wilson Award.
Ana茂s has had a rapidly growing career as a singer with a love for jazz and the Great American Songbook. Since age 10, she has had the opportunity to perform in prominent venues such as Birdland, Carnegie Hall, Rose Hall, The Django, Dizzy鈥檚 Club, Chris' Jazz Caf茅, Madison Square Garden, the Caramoor Jazz Festival, PizzaExpress, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and others. At these venues, she has been joined by and hired by a slew of acclaimed jazz musicians such as Gary Smulyan, Chris Byars, Emmet Cohen, Peter Bernstein, and many more.
Free Talk: Kevin MaC and Keith Stegall
Tuesday, March 24 | 12:30 p.m.
Room 1201, Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Kevin MaC鈥檚 special guest will be legendary country music producer, songwriter and label president Keith Stegall, who will help discuss the future of the music industry and how to create revenue.
Kevin MaC is the epitome of entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and the power of adaptability. With the respect from Titans in Entrepreneurship and business such Mark Cuban, Rick Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports/Nascar), and David Heath (Bombas Socks) as his journey spans the ever-evolving worlds of music, tech innovation, and spirits, demonstrating his exceptional ability to pivot, lead, and succeed in multiple industries. Through his experience as the founder and CEO of MaC Music Group, TIKPIK, and Elsie Marshall All American Strait Bourbon Whiskey, Kevin鈥檚 story is one of transformation, creativity, and perseverance鈥攓ualities essential for modern entrepreneurs and dynamic teams.
Building and Leading Teams:
Leadership isn鈥檛 just about making decisions鈥攊t鈥檚 about inspiring, managing, and growing a team. Whether managing artists and event staff or running a product-based company, Kevin has honed his ability to build high-performing teams that collaborate seamlessly across all business functions. He has developed a strategic vision, from securing investment funding and leading creative product development to managing marketing teams and brand partnerships. Kevin鈥檚 experience across multiple sectors enables him to speak to both small and large teams about the importance of fostering a positive, results-driven company culture.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges:
As an entrepreneur, Kevin鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been without obstacles. From securing initial funding and navigating the complexities of product design and manufacturing to negotiating high-stakes partnerships with global brands like Fender and Disney, Kevin has faced鈥攁nd overcome鈥攃ountless challenges. His resilience, combined with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, allows him to speak authentically about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. His experiences are not just inspirational鈥攈e offers actionable insights on how to turn setbacks into comebacks.
Marketing and Brand Strategy:
Kevin鈥檚 expertise in marketing shines through his track record of successful product launches and brand-building initiatives. TIKPIK鈥檚 rise to the #1 selling guitar pick on Amazon, working with Disney, Marvel, and Fender Guitars, his partnerships with Guitar Center and Musicians Friend, and his ability to craft compelling marketing strategies for Elsie Marshall Whiskey prove Kevin鈥檚 deep understanding of what it takes to create and scale a brand. He can share the key principles of brand differentiation, leveraging influencer partnerships, and harnessing the power of social media to drive consumer engagement and loyalty. His talk is invaluable to students and professionals alike looking to understand the art and science of marketing.
A Creative Vision:
Beyond strategy, Kevin MaC embodies the role of the creative entrepreneur. Whether he鈥檚 producing records with Grammy-winning artists, crafting the world鈥檚 most innovative guitar pick, or developing an iconic whiskey brand, Kevin operates with a deep sense of artistic passion, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset. His talk demonstrates how creativity and business acumen can blend seamlessly to produce results that are not only profitable but also change the game in their respective industries.
Nashville Songwriters Night: Kevin MaC and Keith Stegall
Wednesday, March 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
Join country music songwriter and entrepreneur Kevin MaC for an unforgettable Nashville songwriter night featuring multi-platinum, legendary producer and songwriter Keith Stegall. The evening brings behind-the-scenes stories and live insights into some of country music鈥檚 biggest hits, including songs that helped launch the careers of Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, and collaborations with Jimmy Buffett. A night of music, memories, and storytelling straight from the heart of Music City.
Born and raised in the heart of Virginia, Kevin MaC is a country artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has built a career on a 鈥渄on鈥檛 quit鈥 attitude and a rare ability to bridge musical worlds and business. Keith Stegall is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and artist, recently named one of the Top 5 Country Music Producers of All Time by Billboard.
Keith Stegall is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and artist, recently named one of the Top 5 Country Music Producers of All Time by Billboard.
He has produced more than 55 No. 1 hits and multiple platinum albums, most notably shaping the career of Alan Jackson鈥攕elling over 60 million records together鈥攁nd helping launch the Zac Brown Band. A prolific songwriter, Stegall鈥檚 credits include classics like Alan Jackson鈥檚 鈥淒on鈥檛 Rock the Jukebox,鈥 George Strait鈥檚 鈥淚 Hate Everything,鈥 and 98 Degrees 鈥淚 Do (Cherish You).鈥 His work spans genres and generations, collaborating with artists from George Jones and Keith Whitley.
He currently leads Dreamlined Entertainment Group, where he continues to develop artists and oversee publishing.
Free Talk: Damon Whittemore on Creative Career and Networking
Thursday, April 2 | 12:30 p.m.
Room 192, Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Join Grammy Award winning audio engineer and producer Damon Whittemore as he speaks about his career, focusing on the importance of networking and maintaining positive relationships in creative endeavors.
Diehn Composers Reading Room (192), Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Damon Whittemore has been making records for over 30 years under the moniker ValveTone. He won a Grammy in 2018 for his work recording the Jazz Vocal Album of the Year with C茅cile McLorin Salvant, and he has engineered on several other Grammy winning records including Arooj Aftab鈥檚 鈥淰ulture Prince,鈥 C茅cile McLorin Salvant and Sullivan Fortner鈥檚 鈥淭he Window,鈥 Christian McBride鈥檚 鈥淟ive At The Village Vanguard,鈥 and B茅la Fleck鈥檚 鈥淭hrow Down Your Heart.鈥
With producing, engineering and mixing experience earned in studios around world, including Norway, Pakistan, India, South Africa, Egypt and beyond, Damon鈥檚 breadth of experience and unparalleled passion for making great records puts artists in very capable hands. He cut his teeth in the years before the digital revolution, and he is equally at home with traditional analog studio techniques and modern digital workstations. His portfolio of work spans all genres, with a heavy emphasis on rock, bluegrass, classical, jazz and world music.
In addition to well-honed chops as a producer, tracking engineer, mixing engineer and Dolby certified Atmos mixer, Damon brings years of experience to the mystery-shrouded art of mastering. He has also recorded numerous shows and concerts on location for clients including NPR, WNYC/WQXR/NYPR, the CBC, the BBC, and BuzzFeed, and for artists such as Paul McCartney (Ecce Cor Meum Live at Carnegie Hall).
Rex Richardson, trumpet
with the John Toomey Trio
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
"A startling display of virtuosity...This was something very different, played by a performer of rare gifts indeed." -- 4barsRest.com, in a review of Rex Richardson's performance at the 2013 World Music Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands
Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music featuring the trumpet as a solo voice, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year, has been called 鈥淥ne of the finest virtuosos of our time鈥 (Brass Herald, 2018).
A veteran of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Rhythm & Brass, jazz legend Joe Henderson's Quintet and Sextet, William Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist appearances include festivals and ensembles on six continents, such as the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England's Fodens Brass Band, and the U.S. Air Force's Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble.
His latest CD Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical and public acclaim, and named a top-ten finalist for 4barsrest.com鈥檚 2018 Solo CD of the Year. The Journal of the International Trumpet Guild called it 鈥淎 triumph of virtuosity and musicianship鈥(March, 2019).
Richardson taught at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2002-2024 and is the newly-appointed trumpet professor at University of South Carolina. He served as International Tutor in Trumpet at England鈥檚 Royal Northern College of Music from 2012-2015 and at Austria鈥檚 JAM Music Lab University since 2018.
Jazz Residency Schedule
Thursday, April 16
- 3:00 p.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 4:30 p.m. Open rehearsal with 国产伦理 Jazz Orchestra. Chandler Hall
Friday, April 17
- 10:00 a.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 1:00 p.m. Open rehearsal with 国产伦理 Jazz Choir, Chandler Hall
Sunday, April 19
- 4:00 p.m. Concert, 国产伦理 Jazz Choir, Jazz Combo and Jazz Orchestra, Chandler Hall
Monday, April 20
- 1:00 p.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 7:30 p.m. Concert with John Toomey Trio, Chandler Hall
Free Masterclass: Jaleel Shaw
Friday, September 19 | 1 p.m.
Room 1201, Diehn Fine & Preforming Arts Center
Alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is presently a member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, Tom Harrell鈥檚 鈥淐olors Of A Dream鈥 and the Mingus Bing Band. He has also performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland and Jimmy Cobb among others. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Jaleel was constantly surrounded by music and picked up the alto saxophone at an early age. He immersed himself in the local jazz scene, studying and performing with many of the great musicians and educators that the city has historically produced. After graduating from high school, he received a full tuition scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA from which he received a dual degree in Music Education and Performance. While at Berklee, Jaleel received the Billboard Endowed Scholarship for Outstanding Academic and Musical Achievement (1998), Woodwind Department Chair Awards (1998, 2000), The Boston Jazz Society Award (1999) and The Outstanding Student Teacher Award (2000). He then received a scholarship to Manhattan School of Music in New York where he obtained his Masters in Jazz Performance. Jaleel鈥檚 debut album, Perspective (2005), received rave reviews from The New York Times and Jazzwise Magazine. All About Jazz named the album one of the top five debut albums of 2005. His composition 鈥淭he Heavyweight Champion鈥 received the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.
Any additional information for this event can be found at
Newfound Chamber Winds
Friday, September 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
Hailed as 鈥渕usical in every good way and clearly defined in performance,鈥 Newfound Chamber Winds, formerly 鈥淢aryland Chamber Winds鈥, is a modular, professional wind ensemble that perform in flexible combinations of instrumentation ranging from small chamber pieces to works for the full ensemble. Founded in 2015, Newfound Chamber Winds aims to create a more communal, collaborative, and imaginative world through performances of the highest quality, revitalization of the chamber winds repertoire, accessible education programs, and community engagement鈥攁ll while utilizing our ensemble's artistic excellence, diverse experiences, and passion for education.
In addition to preserving the standard repertoire, NFCW aims to support the growth and awareness of new music through engaging with composers. Since their founding, NFCW has premiered numerous new compositions, transcriptions, or arrangements for chamber winds. NFCW has been fortunate to commission composers Molly Joyce, Kris McCormick, Michael Mogensen, Cassie Wieland, and Theo Chandler as Composers-in-Residence during their annual Festival.
From 2015-2023, NFCW hosted the annual each June. Performing throughout Frederick and Washington counties, NFCW provided a wide array of performances as part of their annual series. Regular partnerships with the Washington County Public Schools, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, and local businesses have allowed them to offer classes and concerts for young people and children throughout western Maryland.
During the summer of 2020, NFCW released their debut album titled 鈥樷 on the featuring world premiere performances of Theo Chandler鈥檚 鈥楾railing Wings鈥 for Saxophone and Winds and 鈥楶reludes and Recitations鈥 for wind dectet.
Alexander Boldachev, harpist
Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
鈥淏oldachev's music is as boundless as his traveling.鈥 -- HARPCOLUMN
Founder of World Harp Day and the Zurich Harp Festival, Swiss-Russian artist Alexander Boldachev captivates audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and innovative approach to the harp. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Boldachev began his musical journey at the age of five, studying the harp, piano, and music composition. His education took him from St. Petersburg to the Czech Republic, France, and finally to Switzerland, where he graduated from the Zurich University of Arts in performance, education, composition, improvisation, and conducting.
Boldachev has performed in over 45 countries across five continents and artistic collaborations span various fields, including ballet, theater, and visual arts. He has composed for theatrical productions and films, and his performances often blend classical and popular genres. As an official Salvi Harps artist, Boldachev represents both classical and modern electro-acoustic instruments. In 2018, he performed his own composition on the Delta Electric Harp at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony alongside Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina. He has appeared at festivals such as Burning Man, Musical Olympus, New Names, Mozart+, Davos and Gstaad in Switzerland, the Big Russian Ball in Rome, and the SKIF Sergey Kuryokhin International Festival. He has performed in fashion shows for Dolce&Gabbana and Burberry, on the BraVo International Music Awards, and collaborated extensively with the Bolshoi Theatre as arranger and harp soloist.
Orchestral highlights include the London Philharmonic, Bayerische Philharmonie, Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Swiss Orchestra, Sinfonica de Santos, Banat Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in Romania, and the National Philharmonic of Russia.
Boldachev's extensive discography reflects his boundary-pushing creativity, with evocative titles such as The Harp as an Orchestra, HarpTime Meditation (2015), Celebration (2016), Musical Adventure (2017), From Russia with Harp (2021) and Harp Stories (2022). Fr茅d茅ric (2020) offers a fresh take on Chopin鈥檚 piano works arranged for harp and his Pop Meets Classical series (2023, 2024) blends popular and classical genres.
Free Masterclass: Ana茂s Reno
Diehn Fine & Preforming Arts Center, Room 1201
New York-based jazz singer and composer Ana茂s has been artistically very active, involved in the performing arts since age 8. After winning the 2016 Forte International Competition鈥檚 Platinum Award at Carnegie Hall, she won the Jazz Award in the American Traditions Vocal Competition, the Mabel Mercer Competition, and the Julie Wilson Award.
Ana茂s has had a rapidly growing career as a singer with a love for jazz and the Great American Songbook. Since age 10, she has had the opportunity to perform in prominent venues such as Birdland, Carnegie Hall, Rose Hall, The Django, Dizzy鈥檚 Club, Chris' Jazz Caf茅, Madison Square Garden, the Caramoor Jazz Festival, PizzaExpress, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and others. At these venues, she has been joined by and hired by a slew of acclaimed jazz musicians such as Gary Smulyan, Chris Byars, Emmet Cohen, Peter Bernstein, and many more.
Free Talk: Kevin MaC and Keith Stegall
Tuesday, March 24 | 12:30 p.m.
Room 1201, Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Kevin MaC鈥檚 special guest will be legendary country music producer, songwriter and label president Keith Stegall, who will help discuss the future of the music industry and how to create revenue.
Kevin MaC is the epitome of entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and the power of adaptability. With the respect from Titans in Entrepreneurship and business such Mark Cuban, Rick Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports/Nascar), and David Heath (Bombas Socks) as his journey spans the ever-evolving worlds of music, tech innovation, and spirits, demonstrating his exceptional ability to pivot, lead, and succeed in multiple industries. Through his experience as the founder and CEO of MaC Music Group, TIKPIK, and Elsie Marshall All American Strait Bourbon Whiskey, Kevin鈥檚 story is one of transformation, creativity, and perseverance鈥攓ualities essential for modern entrepreneurs and dynamic teams.
Building and Leading Teams:
Leadership isn鈥檛 just about making decisions鈥攊t鈥檚 about inspiring, managing, and growing a team. Whether managing artists and event staff or running a product-based company, Kevin has honed his ability to build high-performing teams that collaborate seamlessly across all business functions. He has developed a strategic vision, from securing investment funding and leading creative product development to managing marketing teams and brand partnerships. Kevin鈥檚 experience across multiple sectors enables him to speak to both small and large teams about the importance of fostering a positive, results-driven company culture.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges:
As an entrepreneur, Kevin鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been without obstacles. From securing initial funding and navigating the complexities of product design and manufacturing to negotiating high-stakes partnerships with global brands like Fender and Disney, Kevin has faced鈥攁nd overcome鈥攃ountless challenges. His resilience, combined with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, allows him to speak authentically about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. His experiences are not just inspirational鈥攈e offers actionable insights on how to turn setbacks into comebacks.
Marketing and Brand Strategy:
Kevin鈥檚 expertise in marketing shines through his track record of successful product launches and brand-building initiatives. TIKPIK鈥檚 rise to the #1 selling guitar pick on Amazon, working with Disney, Marvel, and Fender Guitars, his partnerships with Guitar Center and Musicians Friend, and his ability to craft compelling marketing strategies for Elsie Marshall Whiskey prove Kevin鈥檚 deep understanding of what it takes to create and scale a brand. He can share the key principles of brand differentiation, leveraging influencer partnerships, and harnessing the power of social media to drive consumer engagement and loyalty. His talk is invaluable to students and professionals alike looking to understand the art and science of marketing.
A Creative Vision:
Beyond strategy, Kevin MaC embodies the role of the creative entrepreneur. Whether he鈥檚 producing records with Grammy-winning artists, crafting the world鈥檚 most innovative guitar pick, or developing an iconic whiskey brand, Kevin operates with a deep sense of artistic passion, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset. His talk demonstrates how creativity and business acumen can blend seamlessly to produce results that are not only profitable but also change the game in their respective industries.
Nashville Songwriters Night: Kevin MaC and Keith Stegall
Wednesday, March 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
Join country music songwriter and entrepreneur Kevin MaC for an unforgettable Nashville songwriter night featuring multi-platinum, legendary producer and songwriter Keith Stegall. The evening brings behind-the-scenes stories and live insights into some of country music鈥檚 biggest hits, including songs that helped launch the careers of Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, and collaborations with Jimmy Buffett. A night of music, memories, and storytelling straight from the heart of Music City.
Born and raised in the heart of Virginia, Kevin MaC is a country artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has built a career on a 鈥渄on鈥檛 quit鈥 attitude and a rare ability to bridge musical worlds and business. Keith Stegall is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and artist, recently named one of the Top 5 Country Music Producers of All Time by Billboard.
Keith Stegall is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and artist, recently named one of the Top 5 Country Music Producers of All Time by Billboard.
He has produced more than 55 No. 1 hits and multiple platinum albums, most notably shaping the career of Alan Jackson鈥攕elling over 60 million records together鈥攁nd helping launch the Zac Brown Band. A prolific songwriter, Stegall鈥檚 credits include classics like Alan Jackson鈥檚 鈥淒on鈥檛 Rock the Jukebox,鈥 George Strait鈥檚 鈥淚 Hate Everything,鈥 and 98 Degrees 鈥淚 Do (Cherish You).鈥 His work spans genres and generations, collaborating with artists from George Jones and Keith Whitley.
He currently leads Dreamlined Entertainment Group, where he continues to develop artists and oversee publishing.
Free Talk: Damon Whittemore on Creative Career and Networking
Thursday, April 2 | 12:30 p.m.
Room 192, Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Join Grammy Award winning audio engineer and producer Damon Whittemore as he speaks about his career, focusing on the importance of networking and maintaining positive relationships in creative endeavors.
Diehn Composers Reading Room (192), Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
Damon Whittemore has been making records for over 30 years under the moniker ValveTone. He won a Grammy in 2018 for his work recording the Jazz Vocal Album of the Year with C茅cile McLorin Salvant, and he has engineered on several other Grammy winning records including Arooj Aftab鈥檚 鈥淰ulture Prince,鈥 C茅cile McLorin Salvant and Sullivan Fortner鈥檚 鈥淭he Window,鈥 Christian McBride鈥檚 鈥淟ive At The Village Vanguard,鈥 and B茅la Fleck鈥檚 鈥淭hrow Down Your Heart.鈥
With producing, engineering and mixing experience earned in studios around world, including Norway, Pakistan, India, South Africa, Egypt and beyond, Damon鈥檚 breadth of experience and unparalleled passion for making great records puts artists in very capable hands. He cut his teeth in the years before the digital revolution, and he is equally at home with traditional analog studio techniques and modern digital workstations. His portfolio of work spans all genres, with a heavy emphasis on rock, bluegrass, classical, jazz and world music.
In addition to well-honed chops as a producer, tracking engineer, mixing engineer and Dolby certified Atmos mixer, Damon brings years of experience to the mystery-shrouded art of mastering. He has also recorded numerous shows and concerts on location for clients including NPR, WNYC/WQXR/NYPR, the CBC, the BBC, and BuzzFeed, and for artists such as Paul McCartney (Ecce Cor Meum Live at Carnegie Hall).
Rex Richardson, trumpet
with the John Toomey Trio
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall
"A startling display of virtuosity...This was something very different, played by a performer of rare gifts indeed." -- 4barsRest.com, in a review of Rex Richardson's performance at the 2013 World Music Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands
Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music featuring the trumpet as a solo voice, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year, has been called 鈥淥ne of the finest virtuosos of our time鈥 (Brass Herald, 2018).
A veteran of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Rhythm & Brass, jazz legend Joe Henderson's Quintet and Sextet, William Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist appearances include festivals and ensembles on six continents, such as the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England's Fodens Brass Band, and the U.S. Air Force's Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble.
His latest CD Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical and public acclaim, and named a top-ten finalist for 4barsrest.com鈥檚 2018 Solo CD of the Year. The Journal of the International Trumpet Guild called it 鈥淎 triumph of virtuosity and musicianship鈥(March, 2019).
Richardson taught at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2002-2024 and is the newly-appointed trumpet professor at University of South Carolina. He served as International Tutor in Trumpet at England鈥檚 Royal Northern College of Music from 2012-2015 and at Austria鈥檚 JAM Music Lab University since 2018.
Jazz Residency Schedule
Thursday, April 16
- 3:00 p.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 4:30 p.m. Open rehearsal with 国产伦理 Jazz Orchestra. Chandler Hall
Friday, April 17
- 10:00 a.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 1:00 p.m. Open rehearsal with 国产伦理 Jazz Choir, Chandler Hall
Sunday, April 19
- 4:00 p.m. Concert, 国产伦理 Jazz Choir, Jazz Combo and Jazz Orchestra, Chandler Hall
Monday, April 20
- 1:00 p.m. Clinic, Diehn 1201
- 7:30 p.m. Concert with John Toomey Trio, Chandler Hall
- Time for Three (Sept.)
- Ensemble 4.1 (Oct.)
- Free Masterclass: Trio con Brio Copenhagen (Feb.)
- DoosTrio (Feb.)
- Canadian Brass (Mar.)
- Ariel Quartet (Apr.)
- Chris Whiteman (Apr.)
- John Sipher, trombone (Sept.)
- Lysander Piano Trio (Oct.)
- Ulysses Quartet Master Class (Dec.)
- Alex DeSocio, baritone with the Norfolk Chamber Consort (Dec.)
- Alkemie Early Music Ensemble (Jan.)
- Jupiter String Quartet Master Class (Feb.)
- Norfolk Letters (Feb.)
- Telegraph Quartet Master Class (Apr.)
- Lisanne Lyons, jazz vocalist (Apr.)
- Sybarite5 (Nov.)
- Seraph Brass (Dec.)
- So Percussion (Feb.)
- John Fedchock, trombone (Apr.)
- Andrew Willis (Oct.)
- Lori Williams with the John Toomey Trio (Apr.)
- Ensemble 4.1 (Mar.)
- Klezmer Conservatory Band (Sept.)
- Blue Heron (Nov.)
- The American Brass Quintet (Feb.)
- Christine Brewer (Oct.)
- Windscape with the Norfolk Chamber Consort (Nov.)
- IRKO (Jan.)
- Third Coast Percussion (Feb.)
- Faur茅 Quartett (Mar.)
- Houston Person with the John Toomey Trio (Apr.)
- Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash (Sept.)
- Jasper String Quartet
With the Norfolk Chamber Consort (Oct.) - Brandon Ridenour (Nov.)
- Ciaramella (Jan.)
- Kristian Bezuidenhout (Feb.)
- Katie Thiroux with the John Toomey Trio (April)
- Ethos Percussion Group (Sept.)
- Maniacal 4 (Oct.)
- Brasil Guitar Duo (Nov.)
- Eighth Blackbird (Jan.)
- Kevin Bobo with the Norfolk Chamber Consort and the 国产伦理 Percussion Ensemble (Feb.)
- Simone Dinnerstein (March)
- Dick Oatts Jazz with the John Toomey Trio (April)
- Birth of an Answer (Sept.)
- Glen Velez and Loire Cotler (Oct.)
- Measha Brueggergosman (Nov.)
- Jim Walker with Oksana Lutsyshyn and the John Toomey Trio (Jan.)
- The Harlem Quartet and Ida Kavafian (Feb.)
- Penelope Crawford and Martha Guth (March)
- Kenny Washington with the John Toomey Trio (April)
- Baltimore Consort (Oct.)
- Apple Hill String Quartet (Oct.)
- 脴ystein Baadsvik with Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn (Nov.)
- Edmund Battersby (March)
- Glenn Wilson and John D'Earth with the John Toomey Trio (April)
2013 鈥 2014
- Andrew Pelletier (Sept.)
- Stefon Harris and the Blackout Band (Sept.)
- Boston Camerata (Oct.)
- Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet (Feb.)
- Lambert Orkis and David Hardy (March)
- Nikki Parrott with the John Toomey Trio (April)
2012 鈥 2013
- Kenneth Thompkins (Sept.)
- Anthony Dean Griffey (Oct.)
- Windscape with Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn (Feb.)
- Edgar Meyer (March)
- John O'Connor (March)
- Darmon Meader with the John Toomey Trio (April)
2011 鈥 2012
- Misha & Cipa Dichter (Sept.)
- Music of Paul Bowles, Norfolk Chamber Consort (Oct.)
- New York Voices (Oct.)
- Anthony McGill (Nov.)
- David Finckel and Wu Han (Feb.)
- Andrew Willis (March)
- Rich Perry (April)
2010 鈥 2011
- Jupiter String Quartet (Oct.)
- Kitka, American Women's Vocal Arts Ensemble (Oct.)
- Tierney Sutton Band (Nov.)
- American Brass Quintet (Nov.)
- Ensemble Galilei, Neal Conan, Norfolk Chamber Consort (Feb.)
- Leon Fleisher (March)
- New York Woodwind Quintet (March)
- Terell Stafford (April)
2009 鈥 2010
- Karrin Allyson (Sept.)
- Sphinx Chamber Orchestra (Oct.)
- Patrick Sheridan (Nov.)
- Trio Con Brio (Jan.)
- Chamber Music and Dance with the Norfolk Chamber Consort (March)
- Lambert Orkis (March)
- Ada Rovatti with the John Toomey Trio (April)
- Trio Mediaeval (April)
2008 鈥 2009
- Julie Kelly (Sept.)
- Giora Feidman (Oct.)
- The Harlem Quartet (Nov.)
- Brian Asawa (Nov.)
- Kevin Bobo with the Norfolk Chamber Consort (Feb.)
- Peter Tak谩cs (March)
- Chuck Redd (April)
2007 鈥 2008
- Jeremy Pelt (Oct.)
- The Trombones of Costa Rica (Oct.)
- Roberta Alexander (Nov.)
- The Tallis Scholars (March)
- CREO, The Synergy of Dance, Visuals, Arts, and Music (March)
- Bart Van Oort (March)
- Scott Robinson (April)
2006 鈥 2007
- Borromeo String Quartet (Sept.)
- Percussion Group Cincinnati (Oct.)
- Marian McPartland (Oct.)
- The Baltimore Consort (Jan.)
- CREO, The Music of David Sawyer (Feb.)
- Fran莽oise Thinat (March)
- Harolyn Blackwell (April)
- John D'Earth (April)
2005 鈥 2006
- Pianist Ilan Rogoff (Sept.)
- Glenn Wilson with the John Toomey Trio (Oct.)
- The American Brass Quintet (Nov.)
- Ethel (Feb.)
- Andrew Willis (March)
- CREO, "The Four Note Opera," music by Tom Johnson (April)
- John Abercrombie (April)
- Mark Whitfield (April)
2004 鈥 2005
- Perlman/Schmidt/Bailey Piano Trio (Sept.)
- Baltimore Consort (Oct.)
- Kevin Mahogany (Nov.)
- CREO with guest flutist Natalia Pschenitschnikova (Nov.)
- Eliot Fisk (Jan.)
- Nelita True (March)
- Johannes String Quartet (March)
- CREO "Multimedia Performance" (April)
- Joe Locke with the John Toomey Trio (April)
2003 鈥 2004
- Richard Goode (Sept.)
- The French Chamber Orchestra (Alberic Magnard) (Nov.)
- Paul Badura-Skoda Trio (Oct.)
- Tim Hagans (Nov.)
- CREO, Alan Thomas (Dec.)
- H. Robert Reynolds (Nov.)
- CREO, William Anderson (Feb.)
- Robynne Redmon (Feb.)
- Malcolm Bilson (March)
- Steve Wilson (April)
2002 鈥 2003
- Jon Nakamatsu (Sept.)
- Jason Alfred, Jeffery Kazukiewicz (Oct.)
- Carla Cook (Nov.)
- Fennell's Favorites (Nov.)
- CREO, Tanya Anisimova (Dec.)
- Julianne Baird, Karen Flint (Jan.)
- Philadelphia Brass (Feb.)
- Adele Anthony (March)
- David Breitman (March)
- CREO, The Music of Armenia (April)
- Ken Peplowski (April)
2001 鈥 2002
- David Shifrin (Sept.)
- Jon Hendricks with the John Toomey Trio (Oct.)
- Fennel's Favorites (Nov.)
- Rene Marie (Nov.)
- CREO (Dec.)
- Nathaniel Rosen (Jan.)
- Johannes Quartet (Feb.)
- Harolyn Blackwell and Craig Rutenberg (March)
- Joseph Kalichstein (March)
- Randy Brecker (April)
2000 鈥 2001
- Sir Angel Romero (Sept.)
- Julie Simpson, Gary Arvin (Oct.)
- Kurt Elling (Nov.)
- Paul Tobias (Jan.)
- Gateways Music Festival Chamber Ensemble (Feb.)
- Paul Badura-Skoda (March)
- Bob Mintzer (April)
1999 鈥 2000
- Santiago Rodriguez (Sept.)
- Gateways Music Festival Chamber Ensemble (Oct.)
- Ingrid Jensen (Oct.)
- Yura Lee and Rohan de Silva (Nov.)
- Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg (Feb.)
- Alexei Lubimov (March)
- Frank Foster (April)
1998 鈥 1999
- Marilyn Horne and Brian Zeger (Sept.)
- Kevin Maynor (Feb.)
- David Breitman (March)
- Stewart Goodyear (April)
- Chip McNeill (April)
- William DeRosa (Oct.)
- Mark Murphy (Nov.)
- Gateway Chamber Ensemble (Nov.)
1997 鈥 1998
- John Fedchock with the John Toomey Trio (April)
- Annette Daniels (Sept.)
- Robert McDuffie (Jan.)
- Awadagin Pratt (Feb.)
- Paul Badura-Skoda (March)
- Fred Hersch Trio (Sept.)
- Gateways Chamber Ensemble (Oct.)
- Jorge Mester (Nov.)
1996 鈥 1997
- Lukas Foss (Sept.)
- Clark Terry (Oct.)
- Chanticleer (Nov.)
- Miranda Cuckson with Apollo (Jan.)
- Anton Nel (March)
- Rick Margitza (April)
- Artists from the Gateways Music Festival (1997)
1995 鈥 1996
- Paul Neubauer with Apollo (Oct.)
- The Mulgrew Miller Jazz Trio (Nov.)
- Ursula Oppens (March)
- Mark S. Doss (April)
- The Ahn Trio (Jan.)
1994 鈥 1995
- Rebecca Parris (1995)
- Leon Bates (1995)
- Catherine Cho with Apollo (1994)
- Richard Stoltzman with Apollo (1994)
1993 鈥 1994
- Ramsey Lewis and Henry Johnson
- Kyoko Saito and Dale Dietert
