Elena Gilliam and the George Gilliam Quintet - Celebrating the Dream with Jazz!
George and Elena have enjoyed success and achievement in their individual careers, but something special happens when they come together. Their collaborative performances shower the their audience with powerful, deeply impactful, yet measured straight ahead jazz that will linger in the soul for days.
George began his musical journey at only 13 years of age, in Gary, Indiana with Wilson Crump and the Mellow Tones. Soon after, his family moved to Chicago where his band “The Rocking Soul Brothers” became a success when he teamed up with Hashan Khan, Darnel Hagen and a little known vocalist named Chaka Khan. With the encouragement of his saxophonist father, George formed a Big Band featuring Jimmy Ellis, Bill Yancey, and Willie Pickens. They debuted at the Saber Room in Hickory Hills and became another Chicago favorite.
As a student at Xavier University in New Orleans, where a young Wynton Marsalis was just beginning his career, George performed with some of New Orleans biggest talents such as, the Neville Brothers, Luther Kent and Trick Bag. He made regular appearances at The New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festivals every year. He also found a steady niche with the renowned James Rivers Band, more recently featured in Clint Eastwood’s film, “The Bridges of Madison County”. Touring with the band in South American, James Rivers bragged of George’s natural skills to play the blues.
It was natural for George to move to California to further his music and career. It was here he discovered an aspiring vocalist and soulmate, Elena, who he later married. Her style is inspired by Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, making Elena and George a perfect pair, who have performed together ever since.
Honored as a Living Legend of Jazz, Elena Gilliam is an astonishing vocalist with a rare, natural depth. Her performance is widely applauded as analogous with such jazz greats as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and the like. Her rich, eloquent tones and brilliant phrasing take you on a musical journey of jazz, swing, standards, latin and blues. Elena charms you with her animated "scatting” that exemplifies her musical versatility, while she cleverly connects you to song lyrics. She is a true songstress.
Elena has been featured at festivals and venues all over Southern California frequently with us right here at Campus JAX. Elena’s recording career began at Capitol Records with the prestigious Charles Rutherford Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Pacific Orchestra. Dr. Rutherford became her mentor as he showcased her phenomenal talent at live concerts and events. Elena's 2018 release, Then Another Turns featuring the Michael Le Van Trio is available at GilliamJazz.com as well as all music streaming platforms.
Join us for a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Jazz!
"Jazz speaks for life." MLK. Dr. King loved all types of music, especially jazz. This celebration honors his legacy with music, special videos of his journey and anecdotes from his legacy. After last year's success, we decided to present the 2nd annual show featuring outstanding jazz from Elena Gilliam and the George Gilliam Quintet. The evening promises to shine a light on the legacy of Dr. King, as we continue to aspire to his dream of peace and equality.
6:30pm-8:00pm Show
5:00pm Doors Open
Online sales end 4 hours before show time.
Please call (949) 261-6270 for availability if tickets are no longer offered online.
1 ENTRÉE PURCHASE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (a $10 surcharge will be added if no entrée is purchased, there are no drink minimums)
All sales are final, but if for any reason show is canceled all purchases will be refunded.
Must be 21 years old to drink alcoholic beverages.
No outside beverages are allowed.
George and Elena have enjoyed success and achievement in their individual careers, but something special happens when they come together. Their collaborative performances shower the their audience with powerful, deeply impactful, yet measured straight ahead jazz that will linger in the soul for days.
George began his musical journey at only 13 years of age, in Gary, Indiana with Wilson Crump and the Mellow Tones. Soon after, his family moved to Chicago where his band “The Rocking Soul Brothers” became a success when he teamed up with Hashan Khan, Darnel Hagen and a little known vocalist named Chaka Khan. With the encouragement of his saxophonist father, George formed a Big Band featuring Jimmy Ellis, Bill Yancey, and Willie Pickens. They debuted at the Saber Room in Hickory Hills and became another Chicago favorite.
As a student at Xavier University in New Orleans, where a young Wynton Marsalis was just beginning his career, George performed with some of New Orleans biggest talents such as, the Neville Brothers, Luther Kent and Trick Bag. He made regular appearances at The New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festivals every year. He also found a steady niche with the renowned James Rivers Band, more recently featured in Clint Eastwood’s film, “The Bridges of Madison County”. Touring with the band in South American, James Rivers bragged of George’s natural skills to play the blues.
It was natural for George to move to California to further his music and career. It was here he discovered an aspiring vocalist and soulmate, Elena, who he later married. Her style is inspired by Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, making Elena and George a perfect pair, who have performed together ever since.
Honored as a Living Legend of Jazz, Elena Gilliam is an astonishing vocalist with a rare, natural depth. Her performance is widely applauded as analogous with such jazz greats as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and the like. Her rich, eloquent tones and brilliant phrasing take you on a musical journey of jazz, swing, standards, latin and blues. Elena charms you with her animated "scatting” that exemplifies her musical versatility, while she cleverly connects you to song lyrics. She is a true songstress.
Elena has been featured at festivals and venues all over Southern California frequently with us right here at Campus JAX. Elena’s recording career began at Capitol Records with the prestigious Charles Rutherford Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Pacific Orchestra. Dr. Rutherford became her mentor as he showcased her phenomenal talent at live concerts and events. Elena's 2018 release, Then Another Turns featuring the Michael Le Van Trio is available at GilliamJazz.com as well as all music streaming platforms.