2025
Smooth Jazz Series

Jonathan Butler, a native of South Africa, is a guitarist and singer-songwriter who started singing and playing acoustic guitar as a child and began touring at the age of seven. His long and successful career has included recordings from R&B to jazz fusion to gospel, a Grammy nomination and billboard hits.

Brian Simpson

After graduating from Northern Illinois University, keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly began performing with Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, and eventually toured with Janet Jackson. In 1990, he began a decade-long collaboration with jazz great George Duke, leading to work with artists like James Ingram, Anita Baker, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale.

A veteran music director and internationally acclaimed performer, Simpson has toured the globe, with recent appearances in Japan, Australia, South Africa, and across Europe. He is a Shanachie Entertainment recording artist, most recently releasing his eleventh album, Soul Connection (2023).

Jackiem Joyner

Contemporary saxophonist, author, and producer Jackiem Joyner has built a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades. Known for chart-topping jazz albums, bestselling books, and dynamic live performances, he continues to push creative boundaries.

Born in Norfolk, VA, Joyner overcame humble beginnings to release his 2007 debut Babysoul, launching a prolific recording career highlighted by Grammy runner-up projects and global acclaim. He has toured over 30 countries and performed with legends including George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, and Kirk Whalum. With a passion for storytelling and live performance, Joyner remains committed to his craft: “I’ll never stop doing what I love.”