Concerts in Boston-Edison 2024

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 5 at 10 am!

We are excited to welcome you to our community for the 2024 edition of our house concert series featuring six performances with world-class musicians across multiple genres. The concert series is presented by the Historic Boston-Edison Association and Michelle May, Music Director of the Sounds of Music House Concerts™ organization. The address for the concerts will be given following ticket purchase. Please note this format change: dinner will be served before the concert (performances will be 75-90 minutes).

• SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024 - 6 PM DINNER, 7 PM CONCERT (no rain date, concert will be indoors) - Multi-genre jazz with pianist Brendon Davis and Muze Society at the Berry Gordy Mansion
• SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024 - 6 PM DINNER, 7 PM CONCERT (RAIN DATE IS SUNDAY, JUNE 9 6:00 PM DINNER, 7:00 PM CONCERT)- Jazz Fusion concert with Emmy-winning producer and pianist LaShawn Gary and his ensemble
• SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2024 - 2 PM LUNCHEON, 3 PM CONCERT (no rain date, concert will be indoors) - New Orleans Music with the award-winning Paxton/Spangler Band at the former home of musicians Dr. James Allen Jones and (later) Wes Borland (formerly of Limp Bizkit)
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024 - 6 PM DINNER, 7 PM CONCERT (RAIN DATE IS SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 6 PM DINNER, 7 PM CONCERT) Latin Jazz Dance Party with the Tumbao Bravo ensemble
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 - 2 PM LUNCHEON, 3 PM CONCERT (RAIN DATE IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2 PM LUNCHEON, 3 PM CONCERT) - R&B and Soul/Jazz with vocalist Angela Davis and her ensemble
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 - 6 PM DINNER, 7 PM CONCERT (no rain date, concert will be indoors) - Opera Stars of Detroit featuring pianist Alvin Waddles, soprano Nicole Joseph, tenor Gregory Ashe, tenor, and Lawrence Mitchell-Matthews, baritone

Tickets are $65; $70 beginning 10 days before each concert.

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase all 6 concerts at $360 per ticket--a savings of $30! Must purchase by Friday, May 17, 2024.

ALL TICKETS ARE BY ADVANCE SALE ONLY; NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR. TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, BUT MAY BE TRANSFERRED (contact: [email protected]). The Concerts in Boston-Edison series reserves the right to make program changes as necessary.

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024 7:00 PM (dinner at 6 pm) - no rain date, concert indoors

Brendon Davis, pianist, and Muze Society

Brendon Davis is an incredible talent and an in-demand composer and performer leading his own ensembles as well as performing with major artists across multiple genres including Jazz, Gospel, Classical, R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop. He completed both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees with Honors at the University of Michigan. He has been a headliner and ensemble performer at such venues/events as the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, The Blue Llama, Hill Auditorium, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall, the Charles H. Wright Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Disney All-American College Band, the Mackinac Island Jazz Festival, among many others. He leads Muze Society, a collection of musicians with equally stellar talents.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024 7:00 pm (dinner at 6 pm) - RAIN DATE JUNE 9 same times

LaShawn Gary

Composer/Producer/Arranger/Pianist LaShawn D. Gary, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College, and a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville. LaShawn also studied orchestration and arranging with jazz composer/arranger John LaBarbera. He was also a trumpeter, student arranger and Band Captain of the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. LaShawn is currently on staff as a composer for the new television mini-series “Terror Lake Drive” featuring Malik Yoba, Shannon Kane and Lamman Rucker.

LaShawn has toured professionally as a pianist with jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield and the late jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. He is multi-talented and has composed, produced, performed and arranged music for recording artist such as: gospel great, Yolanda Adams, Howard Hewitt, Keith Washington, and L.J. Reynolds. LaShawn’s remarkable musicianship landed him studio time and work with Detroit’s legendary Music Producer Michael J. Powell. He was also the understudy and copyist for one of the world’s most sought-after string arranger and composer, Motown Arranger Paul Riser. Gary also served as Co-Director of Music for the nationally televised funeral of Rosa Parks, Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, while serving as Director of Music for Oak Grove AME Church.

LaShawn works as a composer/arranger in commercial advertisement with Burrell Communications, Global Hue and Yessian Music. His musical talents were displayed on television in the production of the Toyota Avalon “Son-in-Law” commercial, the introductory advertisement of the Ford Fiesta, Xfinity “Unplug” Commercial and the Happy’s Pizza Jingle featuring the Four Tops. LaShawn was the Choir Director for the McDonald’s 365 Black Awards directing the Southern University Gospel Choir with Erica Campbell and directed the Louisiana Leadership Institute Drumline performance with American Idol winner, singer, and actress Jordan Sparks. In March 2015, LaShawn worked with Grammy Award winning singer Patti Austin, Greg Phillinganes, and Sanchez Harley as the Assistant Choir Director for the Charles H. Wright Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration “Oh Freedom”. In 2015, LaShawn released his debut album, “Love, Peace, and Praise.” Two singles, “Now Is the Time” and “Love, Peace, and Praise” charted on iHeart Radio and SmoothJazz.com in 2019.

The decade ended as the Emmy Award winning producer and fellow producing partners, Bill Bowen and Mike Ellison released “Detroit: One Nation Under A Groove”, a YouTube video featuring the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir which received over a million views in the first month. He was also awarded two Detroit Music Awards for “Outstanding Music Video” and “Outstanding Urban Recording”. LaShawn is currently completing his second album which is scheduled for release in April of 2021, and his new single “Inception (feat. Mark Whitfield)” was released in January of 2021.

LaShawn is a music educator and currently teaches music with Southfield Public Schools. He is currently the President/CEO of the Michigan Fine Arts Institute, formerly known as the Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity, The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2024 3:00 PM (Luncheon at 2 PM) - no rain date, concert indoors

Paxton/Spangler Band

The Paxton/Spangler Band is now touring the Midwest in support of their second CD, “Joys” on the Eastlawn label. The band features Tbone Paxton on trombone and lead vocals, RJ Spangler on congas, tambourine, and background vocals, along with an ensemble of world-class musicians. Tbone and RJ have first-hand experience backing New Orleans greats so that music is always front and center in their shows.

“Trombonist John “Tbone” Paxton, percussionist RJ Spangler and their troupe of happy enthusiasts pass the torch of brightly lit and spark laden, colorful traditions that make ends meet and embellish universally pleasing music. John Paxton is steeped in instrumental Motown, R&B, vintage early blues, mainstream jazz from “Tricky Sam” Nanton to J.J. Johnson, Curtis Fuller and right up to Trombone Shorty.

As a singer whose roots are equally as deep, he’s immersed in New Orleans, Kansas City as well as the Detroit tradition which all are never far behind. Neither is the music of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Slim Gaillard, Louis Jordan, Nat “King” Cole, soul funk of the 1960s or even Jimmy Cliff. He has a keen ability to conjure up engaging vocal images of Dr. John, Professor Longhair or Huey Smith from the Crescent City. His greatest attribute is the pure fun he brings to any setting, as fans have recognized through four decades.”

- IsraBox, Music is Life

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024 7:00 pm (dinner at 6 pm) - RAIN DATE AUGUST 4 same times

Tumbao Bravo

Formed in August 2003 by reedman Paul VornHagen and conguero Alberto Nacif, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically acclaimed CDs of mostly original compositions that have been featured on all the major jazz public radio stations throughout the United States. Winner of the 2005, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band, this combo has performed at all the major Michigan jazz/music festivals including Detroit, Michigan, Lansing, Birmingham, Raisin River, Great Lakes Folk, Blissfest, Wheatland Dance and Ann Arbor to name a few.

The title cut of their 2009 CD was used as a soundtrack for the USA Network TV show, Burn Notice. Five of their songs were also used in the soundtrack for the feature-length romantic comedy, “Bride Plus 1” released in 2018 and filmed in Los Angeles. In September 2018, the band released their 5th Cd, “El Nido-The Nest” which was featured on many National Public Radio (NPR) programs including the top rated, JAZZ AFTER HOURS and Miami, Florida’s WDNA–a mecca for latin jazz recordings. All band members have won or been nominated for individual Detroit Music Awards as well teachers at U of Michigan, Washtenaw CC, Jazz Camps and music studios. For the past 12 years, Tumbao Bravo has been presenting a program called “The Rhythms of Cuba” at numerous libraries throughout southeastern Michigan and the San Francisco Bay area. Other music performance venues include Chicago, Toledo, OH, Windsor, CAN and Oklahoma. Presently, the band performs monthly at the stellar jazz club in Ann Arbor called THE BLUE LLAMA as well as the DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFE in Grosse Pte Woods and the new LUCILLE’S JAZZ LOUNGE in Toledo, OH. Their newest band members include Armando Vega on congas and Kurt Schreitmueller on piano.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 3:00 pm (luncheon at 2 pm) RAIN DATE SEPTEMBER 15 same times

Angela Davis

Angela is an in-demand Detroit Neo-Soul artist with powerful vocals and a jazz twist. She has performed at such notable events/venues as the Ribs N' R&B Festival, the Willis Show Bar, the Detroit Insititute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum, the Fillmore Theatre, the Motor City Casino Soundboard (opening for Dwele), The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater (formerly Chene Park), America's Thanksgiving Parade and numerous performances of the National Anthem at professional sports games, among many others. She has nine independent studio releases.

Some of her accolades include: 2013 Detroit Black Music Award Female R&B Vocalist, WDIV Super Singer 2015 winner, 2016 Detroit Music Award Nominee, an ambassador for The “Light Up Detroit” song, and featured singer for the 2018 Aretha Franklin Tribute.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 7:00 pm (dinner at 6 pm) - no rain date, concert indoors

Opera Stars of Detroit

Alvin Waddles

Pianist, singer, composer, director, Alvin Waddles began studying the piano at the age of eight in his hometown of Detroit. He continued his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University Of Michigan School Of Music. After returning home to Detroit he immediately immersed himself in the rich musical culture of the city, benefiting from the diverse influences that would eventually shape his own unique style.
Mr. Waddles has worked in the Detroit and Ann Arbor Public Schools and currently serves as Musical Consultant/Musical Director for the Mount Vernon Public Schools, Performing Arts Dept in New York. He has also served as Music Ministries of several churches; among them, the historic New Bethel Baptist Church, Hartford Memorial Baptist and Hope United Methodist in Southfield, Michigan where he has served as the Director of Music since 1995
He has been musical director and/or pianist for numerous theatrical productions including: The Wiz, The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, Chorus Line, West Side Story, Sophisticated Ladies. He served for a decade as Musical Director for The Three Mo’ Tenors, aka Cook, Dixon & Young and their touring productions and recordings.
He received rave reviews as a featured performer in the Detroit Music Hall's long running production of Ain't Misbehavin'. During the 2010-2011 season his diverse gifts were on full display when, within a two week period, he sang the role of Crown for Bolling Green University's production of Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' and played the composer's 'Rhapsody in Blue' with the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra.
Mr. Waddles has delighted Detroit music lovers with performances in a variety of musical events including the international Detroit Jazz Fest and the Detroit Festival of the Arts. He is the featured piano soloist in the often-sold-out annual productions of "Too Hot to Handel" in both Detroit and Chicago and can be found performing wherever music is celebrated from festivals to jazz clubs, and performing arts venues. Waddles received the 2010 Excellence Award from Detroit Musicians Association and the Detroit City Council's 2015 Spirit of Detroit Award. This year he was the 2018 Artist in Residence at the Tuba Bach Festival in west Michigan.
Mr. Waddles' engagements as a soloist and featured artist have taken him to a variety of destinations including Barbados, Beijing, Paris, Barcelona and Ghana, West Africa. He has been blessed to work with some of the world's finest musicians including Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, Brazeal Dennard, Minister Thomas Whitfield, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Placido Domingo, George Shirley, Marcus Belgrave, Jack Jones, Haley Westenra, Stephanie Mills and Tramaine Hawkins.

Nicole Joseph, soprano

As a professional solo artist Nicole Joseph has delighted audiences in a wide range of performances across the country. She received critical acclaim for many recent opera performances, including Magda Sorel (The Consul), with Detroit’s Opera MODO, for which she earned recognition with a nomination for the 2019 Wilde Award for Best Opera Performance. She was also featured as Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites, an Opera MODO production presented at Kirk in the Hills in February 2020. The 2017-2018 season saw Nicole’s Michigan Opera Theatre mainstage debut as Hattie in Daniel Sonenberg’s The Summer King, and she has also been featured with Michigan Opera Theatre’s Community Outreach programs.

As a recitalist and soloist, Nicole performs frequently with orchestras and chamber music festivals across the country, including acclaimed appearances with Portland Chamber Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, and Flint Symphony. Nicole had the honor of performing for the nationally televised Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert held at Aretha Franklin Park in Detroit. She is also a choral singer and soloist in many highly acclaimed ensembles, including the newly formed Exigence Vocal Ensemble, a professional ensemble comprised of Black and Latinx artists as a part of the Sphinx Organization. As a member of the widely acclaimed choral group, Conspirare, Nicole has appeared on three albums, was a featured soloist on their 2015 Grammy award-winning recording, Sacred Spirit of Russia, and was the featured Guest Artist for Conspirare Christmas 2019.

For the past decade, in addition to performing, Nicole has maintained a voice studio in the metro-Detroit area. She is proud of all the students she has had the pleasure to work with over the years, many of whom have gone on to major in music and receive top rankings in regional solo competitions and festivals.

Gregory Ashe, tenor

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Gregory earned his Masters of Music Performance and Bachelors of Music Education degrees from Bowling Green State University. Gregory has been seen in Cincinnati Opera’s young artist program as Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess: Redux; was part of Arias in Motion, a culminating performance of the OperaWorks Emerging Artist Program in Los Angeles, and part of the World premiere opera Buffalo Soldier, where he debuted the role of Herbie Jenkins in Italy. Gregory has also sung roles with Detroit Opera and has been the tenor soloist with numerous groups in Ohio, Michigan, and the surrounding region including Dayton, Cincinnati, and Toledo opera companies. Gregory is employed at Oakland University and is a chorister with Detroit Opera, Rackham Choir, and the Toledo Choral Society.

Lawrence Mitchell-Matthews, baritone

Bio TBA.

Event Venue

Historic Boston-Edison Neighborhood, Boston-Edison Historic District, Detroit, United States