100% of proceeds support our free children’s education
About the Concert
Meet the Artists
Olivia Van Goor
Olivia Van Goor is a Detroit-based jazz vocalist, band leader, arranger, and composer. She has built a reputation of being both an excellent vocalist and leader. Her hard work has yielded two EPs, first “When the Shadows Fall” in 2021 and the second being “Don’t Be Mad At Me” in August of 2023. Additionally, she has released a handful of singles and collaborations. These recordings have taken her to tour in surrounding major cities such as Ann Arbor, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Southbend, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Additionally, she received “Best Vocalist” for the Preservation of Jazz Excellence Award in Detroit, nominations by the Detroit Music Awards and recognition by many Michigan-based publications. Beyond recording, she has produced the show “Duets” with vocalist/bassist Reuben Stump exploring the history of vocal jazz duets and some of her own arrangements as well as an “Anita O’Day Tribute” in which she pays tribute to the legendary vocalist Anita O’Day. She has worked with musicians like Detroit pianist Scott Gwinnell, 2-time JUNO award winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy, Ann Arbor string bassist Paul Keller, and Lansing guitarist Randy Napoleon. Olivia continues to collaborate with many Michigan leaders in jazz in addition to surrounding midwest musicians to spread musical joy.
Artist info
Rufus Ferguson
Rufus Ferguson is a multi-genre pianist and organist raised in Flint, Michigan and based in Detroit, Michigan. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz piano from Western Michigan University under the mentorship of Roger Jones, Jeremy Siskind and Matthew Fries. He began his musical journey at a young age as a gospel pianist and organist and later began playing jazz piano at age 13. His commitment to being well-versed in multiple genres of music has afforded him many unique opportunities such as playing with Grammy-nominated and award-winning artists and groups of all genres. Rufus is an experienced performer who has shared the stage with such artists as The Temptations, The Velveletes, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Rodney Whitaker, Dwight Adams, Brandon Williams, Wycliffe Gordon and so many more. Rufus is currently featured on Grammy Nominated producer Brandon Wiliams upcoming album alongside pianist Taylor Eigsti and Robert Glasper. He is also an experienced arranger, composer and teacher, specifically in the jazz and gospel music genres. His compositions and arrangements have been showcased by his 9-piece ensemble at the 2018 Gilmore Keyboard Festival and his orchestral arrangements have been performed by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra as well as the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Rufus has served as class piano instructor at Western Michigan University where he also directed the University Jazz Lab Band. He has also served as Assistant Professor of Jazz and Popular Music at Albion College. He is currently Professor of music and department chair of Music and Music Technology programs at Mott Community College.
Artist info
Brandon Williams
Detroit bred Brandon Williams’ life has always included music in some capacity. First as a listener, then as a musician, and ultimately, as a producer. He is a musical architect that is quickly making his name and stake as a front-runner in the music industry with the release of his 2014 debut album entitled XII featuring Robert Glasper, Jean Baylor (formerly of Zhane’), Frank McComb, Nicholas Payton, Choklate, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and more. The album has received high praises from musical luminaries such as Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick (Incognito), Maysa Leak, Ledisi, Rahsaan Patterson, Marion Meadows, Dianne Reeves, Sinbad, Jill Scott and many others.
On the music scene since he was 12, his career is quite impressive. A direct protégé of Grammy and Billboard super producer Michael J. Powell (Anita Baker), he is a powerhouse of musical knowledge and abilities, receiving request to perform, engineer, MD, arrange and produce around the clock. Known as one of the premiere drummers on Detroit’s live music scene, he is also known for being one of the “go-to music guys” in general because of his gift to play numerous instruments and his versatile repertoire. In 2009, he collaborated with Vickie Winans on “How I Got Over”. The album earned him 9 Stellar Awards nominations (winning one), a Grammy Award nomination, and a NAACP Image Award.
As a musician and producer he has worked alongside and lent his hand to such artists as; Pharoahe Monch, Bobby Creekwater, Jadakiss, Dr. Dre, Jazmine Sullivan, Alchemist, Xzibit, Lin Rountree, Jay Electronica, Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye, Minnie Ripperton), Eminem, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Don Blackman, Bernard Wright, Jeymes Samuels, and Ryan Leslie. His production work can also be heard in various television commercials which include the 2011 AT&T “Swag/FLY ERRR” TV commercial, the 2015 “Honda Fit” TV commercial featuring ?uestlove (The Roots, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), and the 2016 AT&T "Network Of You" spot featuring Young Guru (Jay-Z).
At 36 years old, he is a tastemaker with an undeniable track record. As an musician, he has performed with Musiq Soulchild, Talib Kweli, Eric Roberson, Wyclef Jean of The Fugees, Raheem DeVaughn, Gordon Chambers, Rance Allen, Ronnie McNair (The Four Tops) Kevin Toney, Kim Burrell, Carvin Winans, Jaguar Wright, Derrick Hodge, Gene Dunlap, Johnny O'Neal, Geno Young, Talib Kweli, Earnest Pugh, Millie Scott, Martha Reeves, The Last Poets, Sy Smith, Zo!, Carmen Rodgers, Conya Doss, Mike Phillips, and Sherry Scott, formerly of Earth, Wind & Fire. He’s also opened for some of the industry's finest including; Faith Evans, Morris Day and The Time, Jose James, The Isley Brothers, Angela Winbush, Janelle Monae, George Duke, Liv Warfield, Regina Belle, P.J. Morton (Maroon 5), Joe Sample, Norman Brown, and Jonathan Butler, just to name a few. He's even performed for MC Lyte, Holly Robinson-Peete, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Curtis Armstrong (Revenge of the Nerds, Ray), Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Spike Lee.
Performing with national tours, and with his own bands, he’s graced the stages of Detroit's premier venues, and he’s also had national exposure at hot spots such as the legendary Bitter End in NYC, the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, and the House of Blues in Dallas. As a producer, Brandon has worked in studios across the world from New York, to The Caribbean and even South Africa. Because of his plethora of abilities, he has acquired the respect of many legendary artists that he now calls friends including; the late artists George Duke and James 'J. Dilla' Yancey, along with Denaun Porter, George Clinton, Lalah Hathaway, Karriem Riggins, Randy Crawford and a host of others. He’s also recorded with the legendary Stevie Wonder.
In his own words- "While always listening to the whispers of God during the creative process, I'm striving to continue to be among the people that bring good music back to the forefront of the world's ear. Real good, feel good, life-altering, soul healing music is what I'm all about."
Artist info
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan Matt, bassist from Detroit, Michigan, was born into a musical family. Matt was exposed to various genres of music from an early age. At just ten years old, Matt picked up the bass and never looked back. Growing up in the Motor City, Matt was surrounded by a rich musical history that heavily influenced his playing style. He quickly developed a passion for funk, jazz, soul, and R&B music through his parents, drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, and Victor Wooten. Over the years, Matt has honed his skills, and has become a highly sought-after bassist in the Detroit music scene. Including performances with artists such as Alex Isley, Chantae Cann, Mike Phillips, Brandon Williams, Quiana Lynell, and more. His ability to effortlessly bind together intricate basslines and grooves, has earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile bassists in the area. As Matt continues to make waves in the Detroit music scene, he remains committed to his craft and dedicated to creating music that speaks to the soul.