VIRGINIA BEACH — The Z (Zeiders American Dream Theater) is excited to welcome GRAMMY-winning artists Samara Joy (New Artist, Jazz Vocal Album, New Artist) and säje (Best Arrangement), alongside jazz legend Stephanie Nakasian to the 2024 Festival.
This year’s festival will reunite student Samara Joy with her former teacher and festival artistic director Alexis Cole.
“It’s an incredible experience to see Samara go from a talented kid in my studio to a worldwide sensation,” said Cole. “The opportunity to continue to work with her in this professional capacity is every teacher’s dream.”
The Vocal Jazz Summit brings together emerging and established artists, industry leaders, and vocal jazz fans for a unique, intensive weekend dedicated to performance, connection, and education. This year’s events are no exception to the expanding weekend packed full of events.
Highlights from the Weekend:
Thursday, June 6
5-9 p.m. — VJS Vocal Jam Session at the Town Center Fountain Plaza
Friday, June 7
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Breakfast + Beach Day*
5 p.m. — Registration Opens
7 p.m. — säje Performance
8:30 p.m. — Jam Session (Studio: Featuring Alison Crockett, Mark Winkler, Alexis Cole
Saturday, June 8
10 a.m. — Erin Bentlage Workshop: Ear Training / Musicianship
11:30 a.m. — Johnaye Kendrick Masterclass
Johnaye Kendrick will share her unique approach to singing and performance and work live with students.
2:30 p.m. — Amanda Taylor Workshop: Reimagining in Arranging
4 p.m. — Sara Gazarek Masterclass
Sara Gazarek will share her unique approach to singing and performance and work live with students.
7:30 p.m. — Samara Joy Performance (Sandler Center)*
9:15 p.m. — Jam Session Hosted by Lynn Veronneau + Ken Avis
Sunday, June 9
10 a.m. — Meet The Artist: Samara Joy
Get a peek behind the curtain as Samara Joy and VJS producer Liz Brydge talk touring life, winning Grammys, upcoming projects and all things jazz!
11:30 a.m. — Mark Winkler Lyric Writing Workshop
2:30 p.m. — Stephanie Nakasian Rhythm of Release Workshop
4 p.m. — Industry Panel: Mary Foster Conklin & Mark Winkler
6 p.m. — Stephanie Nakasian Performance
The Vocal Jazz Summit runs from Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 10. Individual tickets to concerts and jam sessions are available for purchase. All-access passes unlock all the workshops, panels, performances, and events at one low price! Learn more at vocaljazzsummit.org.
Zeiders American Dream Theater is located at 4509 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Zeiders American Dream Theater is funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission. Additional contributing sponsors include Audacy and Mitsa Group.
Vocal Jazz Summit: Fourth annual festival
The Vocal Jazz Summit brings together emerging and established artists, industry leaders, and vocal jazz fans for a unique, intensive weekend dedicated to performance, connection, and education. Leading jazz vocalist Alexis Cole and the team at JazzVoice.com lead the festival events, with workshops and masterclasses scheduled alongside non-stop performances and jam sessions.
About Zeiders American Dream Theater
Zeiders American Dream Theater, known as The Z, is a professional, nonprofit performing arts company whose mission is to provide a wide range of highly entertaining artistic experiences to the community by fostering and introducing new works and exceptionally gifted artists in all areas of the performing arts. The Z is a community hub for celebrating creative growth and entertainment. With intimate performance spaces and unique programming that generates an exciting connection between the performer and the audience, The Z inspires audiences and performers alike to tap into their own creative spark, unleash their dreams, and achieve their full potential. thez.org
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