WeHa United in Jazz features No. 1 Billboard-charting saxophonist Marqueal Jordan on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2-5 p.m., at Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

Submitted

On Saturday, Sept. 28, WeHa United in Jazz will return with top jazz musicians to Webster Walk at Blue Back Square in West Hartford for a day of music and engagement.

The event is free and open to all. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The rain location is in the auditorium at First Church, 12 South Main St.

WeHa United in Jazz starts at 2 p.m. with a meet-and-greet with professional musicians. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about their careers.

The main event begins at 3 p.m. when the headliner takes the stage. Marqueal Jordan, a No. 1 Billboard-charting saxophonist and vocalist, will perform jazz with guest musicians until 4:30 p.m.

A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been in Chicago’s music-rich city since 1995. Moving to the Windy City after earning a business administration degree at the University of Kansas, Marqueal began paying dues by playing gigs in every musical style imaginable. He earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer in those early years. Marqueal was the frontman for the critically acclaimed local original band Fat Time and a member of the spin-off band Starcandy. By the early 2000s, he was in high demand to perform with the top musicians and bands in the city.

In 2008, Marqueal met Smooth Jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. Over the next 10 years, Marqueal traveled the world with Brian, appeared on two DVDs, and was featured on four albums. The exposure gave him the confidence and desire to become a solo artist.

Marqueal’s solo debut album, Catalyst, was released in October 2013. It helped establish him as an emerging Smooth & Contemporary Jazz artist. In February 2019 he released his second project, Intention & Purpose, a musical journey through Contemporary Jazz, Soul/R&B, and Hip Hop, which showcased his skills as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. The album yielded two Top 20 hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles Chart, “If You Only Knew” and “The Edge.”

Marqueal released a third solo album, All We Have Are Moments, in 2022. The album’s lead single, “Last Call,” was well received by SiriusXM Watercolors and Smooth Jazz Radio.

Marqueal occasionally tours with The Legendary Isley Brothers and the prodigious guitarist/vocalist Isaiah Sharkey. He has also shared the stage with some of the greats in music, performing with legends such as Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Floetry, Aretha Franklin, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Joe, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Frank McComb, Marcus Miller, Najee, Mike Phillips, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Sy Smith, and Kirk Whalum. He still performs locally in Chicago with Brother John Kattke and Midnight Sun Band. Marqueal also collaborates with Chicago-based artist/producer DJ I.N.C. and has been featured on numerous projects of I.N.C.’s since 2000.

Marqueal was proud to be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a Man of Excellence in 2014. A father, mentor, and friend to many, Marqueal Jordan is a humble man focused on achieving greatness through his music and deeds.

WeHa United in Jazz is funded through a grant to the Bridge Family Center’s ‘Turning Points’ program for at-risk youth and young adults. The program aims to connect youth with their greater community, help them improve their academic performance, and avoid high-risk behavior. The event sponsors are the Bridge Family Center, the West Hartford Police Department, and WHAASCO, West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization.

Margaret Hann, executive director of The Bridge Family Center, said, “The Bridge is very pleased to once again offer WeHa United in Jazz in collaboration with the West Hartford Police Department and WHAASCO. Music provides an avenue for connection and celebration of our uniqueness and our similarities. The dedication and vision of Chief Riddick and the late Earl Exum have brought us all together – united in our love of jazz.”

Al Taylor, president of ACT Jams Productions and Founder and chairman of the Brass City Jazz Fest in Waterbury, said, “I am passionate about music, and I understand the vision of WeHa United in Jazz. I am excited to bring top musicians like Marqueal Jordan to West Hartford.”

West Hartford Police Chief Vern Riddick, Jr., said, “Marqueal Jordan will blow away the audience with his music. I am looking forward to this event that not only showcases this talented saxophonist but also allows the police department and the community to come together to hang out, have a good time, and forge relationships in a non-traditional way.”

Kaleea Alston-Griffin, president of WHAASCO, said, “Our organization values opportunities such as WeHa United in Jazz, where our community can enjoy music and camaraderie all in one place.”

WHAASCO’s mission is to foster fair and equitable participation for people of the Black/African diaspora in the civic, political, economic, educational, and cultural activities within the West Hartford community.

The Bridge Family Center and West Hartford’s Prevention Partnership will share resources and information during the event.

Schedule of Events

• 2-3 p.m. Meet & Greet with musicians
• 3-4:30. p.m. Jazz Concert
• 2-5 p.m. Prevention Partnership resources
• 4:30-5 p.m. Closing remarks & Music

Parking is available in the Isham and Memorial municipal garages, the Town Hall municipal lot, and on the street. Fees apply.

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