Hartt School of Music graduate and vocal star Shenel Johns will be featured at the March 16 Pops ‘n Jazz show at West Hartford’s Hall High School.

Hartt School graduate Shenel Johns will be the featured performer on March 16 at Pops ‘n Jazz at Hall High School. Submitted photo

Submitted

Vocalist Shenel Johns will be the featured artist at the March 16 performance of Pops ‘n Jazz at William H. Hall High School. An emerging star of her generation, Johns’ versatile style ranges from jazz to rhythm and blues to Gospel, all incorporating influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Abbey Lincoln and Sarah Vaughn into a very personal vocal approach.

A native of Hartford, CT, Shenel Johns graduated from the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in music management, where she studied with such jazz legends as Rene McLean, Jimmy Greene, and Nat Reeves. Since graduating Johns has performed regularly at notable New York venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and Smoke Jazz and Supper Club. In 2015 she spent time in Qatar where she served a musical residency at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Johns has also honored Billie Holiday as part of JALC’s New York production of “Billie and the Boys”, and has performed a tribute to another of her idols, Lena Horne, at New York City’s famed Appel Theater.

Shenel Johns has shared the stage with music royalty including Curtis Fuller, Hank Jones, Dionne Warwick, and Sheila Jordan. When not performing, she works behind the scenes in programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Harlem Stage, and other non-profit organizations that advocate for and support the arts.

The 59th annual Pops ’n Jazz opens Friday, March 10, with additional performances March 11, 16, 17, and 18. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Pops ’n Jazz 2017 features more than 100 student performers; the school’s Concert Jazz Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Jazz Dancers, Choraliers (jazz singers) and I Giovani Solisti. The program, which varies slightly each night, offers an array of American jazz classics from all eras, performed in big band and combo settings, highly choreographed jazz productions, and featured solo performances. The show is known for its eclectic blend of music, ranging from traditional and progressive jazz to pop-rock and Broadway. This year the program will revolve around a New Orleans theme, featuring scenes and music from the Crescent City.

In addition to Johns, guest artists this year include Elliot Mason (trombone) on March 11, and three-time Grammy-nominated John Daversa (trumpet) on March 17.

Ticket website is http://hallhighjazz.tix.com. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for students. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Hall High box office and online. Box office hours are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m. Like us on Facebook at pops ’n jazz. Follow us on Twitter @pop_jazz. For more information, please call the Pops ‘n Jazz hotline at (860) 929-5151, or visit www.hallhighjazz.com.