Sunday Brunch With Larry Williams and Friends

http://larryowilliamsandfriends.com

From Nancy Wilson (Vino Jazz Festival), to Barbara Morrison (Pips), to Oleta Adams and Poncho Sanchez (Barclay Theater) Jay Jackson has performed in shows with some of the biggest names in jazz.  But no matter who he's singing with, his soulful, rich bass jazz voice stands out as something unique and special. 

Trained at the prestigious LoDuca Brothers Music Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this life long Green Bay Packers fan is one of the most sought after jazz vocalists in Los Angeles.  Performing in venues such as The Vino Jazz Festival, NOLA's, Red, White and Bluezz and the Hollywood Studio Bar and Grille, Jay's voice is becoming a familiar treat for LA jazz fans.

Jay is also becoming a respected jazz historian, who's encyclopedic knowledge of jazz vocal history is impressive to say the least.

"I love how history sets the stage for every performance," says Jackson, who is also an award winning journalist and actor.  

Jay is regularly seen on the hit NBC comedy, "Parks and Recreation", and has appeared on national television shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show","Dexter", "The Mentalist", " The Closer" and CBS News.  Jay is also seen in the blockbusters "Battleship" and "Fast Five".

Cheryl Dyrithe Barnes is a jazz singer of remarkable depth, range and technique, her voice described as “emotionally lush, vibrant,  lovely.”  Ms. Barnes is also the quintessential performer who, with an unerring sense of how to create a musical and personal rapport, has wowed audiences world-wide, whether in intimate club settings or on concert stages.

From the beginning, it was about the music.  Growing up, her Cleveland home resonated with the sounds of Ella, Nat, and Ellington.   Cheryl can’t remember a time when she wasn’t singing.  She was, she says, always singing.  When asked why: “I sing because I must.  I am compelled from within, the force sometimes ebbing, often flowing, the rhythm of it all out of my hands.  I follow where it leads; it is an essential part of my being.”

Her classical vocal training – starting at nine and continuing through college – lead to appearances with symphony orchestras in Denver, Florida and Wisconsin.  The rigorous program reinforced her innate abilities and enabled her to move with ease between musical genres.  But for Cheryl, all led back to jazz.   Of her first jazz gig in high school she says, “It felt natural,” like being home. 

All you can eat whole animal BBQ brunch with fixings featuring a whole lamb and pig showdown. Zadi will prepare the lamb North African Berber style rubbed with ras el hanout, herbs, garlic, and basted with olive oil. Park will prepare a whole hog porchetta with fennel, chile, and orange. Both animals will be smoked American style. Side dishes include red beans and rice, corn, creole mac n' cheese, collard greens, biscuits, cornbread, coleslaw, and smashed potatoes. Desserts include seasonal fruit cobblers and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. $30 per person, $15 for children under 12. $5 craft beer and $7 cocktail specials. Reservations highly recommended. A limited number of lamb and porchetta sandwiches will be available as street food in front of the restaurant. Sandwiches are $6 each and available only for take out or sidewalk seating.


Reservations: (213) 680-3003 or email info@nolasla.com

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Rat Soup is an original funk soul band throwing it down in Southern California. Based in Long Beach, Rat Soup ensures heavy grooves, swinging beats and deep funk are always part of the mix. Individually they are an eclectic group of ingredients. But once mixed, simmered, and stewed together, they create the savory tasty concoction known as Rat Soup.

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