Jazz and Art Elevation: An Unforgettable Evening Concert at Jazzway 6004

Sep 14

2 min read

Updated: Sep 15

I will be performing live with the Ronny Smith Band on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Jazzway 6004 in Baltimore. Jazz and Art Elevation is a special interdisciplinary evening that brings together live jazz, visual art, history, and community in one of Baltimore’s distinctive listening-room settings.

I’m honored to join guitarist Ronny Smith, pianist Jeff Knoettner, trumpeter Gerald Chavis, and bassist Jesse Powers for the concert portion of the evening.

Schedule

6:00 PM - Doors open
6:30 - 7:30 PM - Art Salon Experience with AJ Wheeler Art
8:00 PM - Ronny Smith and his band in concert

Art Salon Experience

The evening begins with Portraits, Personalities and Parallels, a modern-day Art Salon Experience led by visual artist Andrea Jane Wheeler, known as AJ Wheeler.

The program explores a creative dialogue between Wheeler’s contemporary work and that of her great-aunt, distinguished Harlem Renaissance painter Laura Wheeler Waring (1887–1948). Through historical archives, artwork, storytelling, and live accompaniment by former U.S. Navy Band bassist CC Wilson, the presentation examines how art preserves history, celebrates humanity, and connects generations.

AJ Wheeler’s work has been exhibited with the Black Art Today Foundation and at venues including DuPont Underground and Eaton DC. She is also currently involved with ARTbae, LLC’s Baltimore Westside revitalization project.

Ronny Smith in concert

At 8:00 PM, Ronny Smith and his band will present a program of straight-ahead and contemporary jazz. Ronny’s sound draws on jazz, soul, funk, blues, gospel, and Latin influences, combining memorable melodies, expressive improvisation, and a deep groove.

Jonathan Widran of The JW Vibe wrote:

“Ronny Smith’s energetic vibe and traditional-meets-contemporary, blues- and gospel-spiced approach to standards and original compositions have instantly captivated audiences and helped him form a powerful connection to them.”

Ronny’s single “Can’t Stop Now” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s BDS New and Active smooth-jazz chart and later reached No. 25 on the Billboard BDS Top 30. The concert will include selections from his latest album, Velvet Vibe, as well as tributes to Wes Montgomery and George Benson.