National Jazz Artist Yancyy Added to Pepsi Stadium Club Concert Series
With more than 20 years of experience, Yancyy is a proven entertainer for music enthusiasts of every generation. His signature fluid sounds and interpretive mastery are the mélange of refined raw talent, diligent and continued study, with an intense passion for music and the listener. Yancyy's impeccable styling and artistic charisma are not confined to genre distinction, enchanting the jazz-heads, serenading classical aficionados, inspiring the ecclesiastics and electrifying pop, rock, funk and hip hop fans.
"We're very happy to have a performer the caliber of Yancyy decide to have his CD Release party here" said Fifth Third Ballpark's Facility Events Manager Dan Glowinski. "With the intimate setting the Pepsi Stadium Club provides it's sure to be a can't miss show for any music fan."
Yancyy recalls hearing a saxophone solo in church at the age of 13, and was gripped by the impact on the congregation, captivated by its penetration of the heart and mind. Yancyy envisioned himself orchestrating this melodious emanation healing and deliverance, and knew that becoming one with the instrument; he would bring peace and delight to all who were able to hear.
Yancyy's ambition was so undeniable that his father soon surprised him with an alto sax, and he blossomed overnight as a self-taught prodigy. He joined his high school band, and within two years, renowned classical saxophonist Donald Sinta sponsored Yancyy's attendance at the prestigious Interlochen Fine Arts Academy. He continued his pursuit of artistic excellence, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance at University of Michigan's acclaimed School of Music, and remains a faithful academic, amassing a collector's dream of instruments, equipment and a respectable library of instructive materials. While an accomplished saxophonist, Yancyy often favors audiences with his panache on clarinet, flute and piano. He is also a gifted composer and arranger, contributing keyboards and vocals on his first solo release. His latest release, 'Sax Chronicles, Volume 1' incorporates several talented composers and Grammy Award winning producer Phil Davis.
Yancyy has been nominated for Gen Art & Hearst Magazine's Cultural Icon Award. A few of his performance highlights include The Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), VooDoo Lounge (Las Vegas, Nevada), Ronnie Scott's (London, England), Lionel Hampton Jazz Club (Paris, France), and The High Museum (Atlanta, Georgia) where he was artist in residence for two years.
Yancyy has opened for scores of contemporary music giants, including Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, Temptations, Neville Brothers, Jean Luc Ponty, George Benson, Four Tops, Yellow Jackets, Pieces of a Dream, Earl Klugh, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Atlantic Star, Ohio Players, Kem, as well as peers Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and George Howard.
He is an indelible addition to any act, and has added his captivating sounds to such greats as George Clinton, Will Downing, Howard Hewitt, Marvin Winans, Maysa, Chico DeBarge, Freddie Jackson, Aaron Neville, Jean Carne, Ray Parker Jr., Calloway Brothers, Billy Paul, Tony Rich, Contours, Adina Howard, Michael Henderson, Alexander Zonjic, Gene Dunlap, Marion Meadows, and Straight Ahead, Cindy Bradley and many others.
Yancyy is also a dynamic motivational speaker, lecturing for Detroit's Center for Creative Studies, as well as Ford Motor Company's UAW Adult Education Series. He partners with community, youth and other charitable organizations, and currently sits as Board President of Little Scholars Performing Arts Program. His constitution remains: "I believe music is a spiritual art form that denotes the life and times of our culture. I use music as a medicinal tool for the listener's soul. From an early age, I knew I was called to create rhythmic vibrations of joy and melodic inspiration. Over the years, I have witnessed music's ability to uplift, motivate, transform and penetrate the hearts of humanity. Armed with my horn, I will continue to knock down barriers; awaken the spirit and serenade the heart."
The Pepsi Stadium Club at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps in Comstock Park, has become a multi-use facility that has hosted events ranging from holiday parties, business luncheons and weddings, in addition to its primary role as an exclusive group outing venue for Whitecaps baseball games.
Tickets are $20 and are on sale now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com or at the Fifth Third Ballpark box office. Seating is very limited at all shows. Doors open one hour before concert start time and parking will be free. Juice boxes for the Kids Food Basket program will be collected at the door; fans are urged to bring juice boxes to donate to the cause.
Below is the full Pepsi Stadium Club Concert Series Schedule:
Friday, February 19 - John Wesley Harding with Drew Nelson and Dag Juhlin of Poi Dog Pondering Friday, March 5 - Yancyy Saturday, March 6 - Richard Shindell with Antje Duvekot Saturday, April 10 - Cheryl Wheeler with Nicholas James Thomasma Friday, April 30 - Paul Thorn with Greg Nagy Sunday, May 23 - Lucy Kaplansky with Ralston
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