Master son
gwriter, pianist and conductor Damien Sneed is one of the headliners for the 2013-2014 Concert and Education Season at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center. JALC announced its new season and Abyssinian: A Gospel Celebration featuring Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with the 70-voice Chorale Le Chateau conducted by Damien Sneed is one of the highlights.
Marsalis composed the Abyssinian Mass in 2008 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church on West 138th Street in Harlem. The JALC Orchestra and Chorale Le Chateau will embark upon a multi city U S tour during the month of October. Sneed will also host 2 Jazz Meets Gospel concerts as part of the Jazz for Young People Series.
Melvin Williams of the acclaimed Williams Brothers and solo artist in his own right, has been named US Music Ambassador by the US Department of State, Jazz at Lincoln Center initiative. Williams has assembled a new group called the Melvin Williams Group as he travels with 9 other ensembles chosen to be US Music Ambassadors for the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program.