The Oakland Jazz Choir, (OJC) a non-profit, has been an East Bay institution for over 27 years. During this span the group has taken many shapes, sizes and forms but the common denominator has always been the same: Joy of expression, using the voice to communicate the triumphs, as well as the turbulence, of the human spirit. We are committed to bringing vocal jazz to underserved audiences in the Bay Area and beyond. Choir membership includes 18 singers, as diverse in age, religion, and race as our hometown. Artistic director Ben Flint, a native of Memphis TN, is steeped in gospel, jazz and R&B, but applies his diverse musical experience to finding a uniquely Oakland sound. This multicultural, multi-talented group of people volunteer their time, energy and skill to produce some of the sweetest harmonies around. OJC delivers exquisite 5 and 6 harmonies performing original and contemporary arrangements that include pieces by hit makers such as Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington, Pat Metheny, as well as Michael Jackson, Thelonius Monk, Tower of Power & Tears for Fears.
Over the past 27 years, OJC has performed with such notables as: singers Madeline Eastman. Faye Carol, and most recently, Kenny Washington, Darryl Rowe, and The Bobs, and collaborated with rhythm dancer Keith Terry and percussionist, composer John Santos. They’ve gigged at such venues as: Yo-shi’s and Piedmont Piano in Oakland, both the San Francisco and San Jose Jazz Festivals, the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, the Valhalla Boat-house Theatre at Lake Tahoe, the Grass Valley Center for the Arts, B Street Theatre in Sacramento, The Sound Room in Oakland, and auditioned and won a coveted spot to perform in the prestigious International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE).
It is their continued passion to bring a new spirit, new joy and new jazz to the Bay Area and beyond.
Visit their website at: www.oaklandjazzchoir.com/ourstory
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