A celebration of R&B and Strings during the D’Addario-sponsored reception at the ASTA 2025 National Conference will feature several soloists, a band, and a small string section. See the featured performers below on this page.
Honoring ASTA Pioneer Edgar Redmond
Edgar Redmond argued in 1970 for a string curriculum related to American music- including Jazz and related styles.
This podcast interview goes deeper into Edgar Redmond’s story.
Edgar Redmon’s son, Michael Redmond, has worked tirelessly to make several of his father’s scores for strings available. These scores feature works that combine classical and jazz.
Learn more and peruse his music here.
Nicole Yarling (violin, voice, emcee)
Nicole Yarling is a distinguished violinist, vocalist, and educator whose dynamic presence has significantly enriched the jazz and blues communities.
Beyond her performance career, Yarling is deeply committed to music education. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists underscores her significant contribution to the perpetuation and evolution of jazz and blues music.
Website: https://www.nicoleyarling.net/
Okorie Johnson (Cello)
Okorie “OkCello” Johnson is an innovative cellist and composer renowned for his ability to fuse classical cello techniques with contemporary genres such as jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Johnson’s groundbreaking solo project, “Liminal,” exemplifies his mastery in integrating live-looping technology with improvisation, crafting immersive musical experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of the cello. Johnson is passionate about education and community engagement. He conducts workshops and masterclasses, inspiring aspiring musicians to explore the cello’s possibilities beyond conventional boundaries.
Website: https://www.okcello.com/
Ken Ford (Violin)
Ken Ford, often hailed as the “King of Strings,” is a violinist celebrated for electrifying performances that seamlessly blend classical training with genres such as jazz, R&B, and funk.
He has shared the stage with notable artists, including Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Khan, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in modern violin music.
Website: https://www.kenford.net/
Karen Briggs (Violin)
Karen Briggs is a renowned violinist celebrated for her fusion of jazz, classical, gospel, and world music. Best known as the Lady in Red from Yanni Live at the Acropolis (1994), her electrifying solos captivated global audiences. She has collaborated with artists like Stanley Clarke, Chaka Khan, and Kirk Franklin, pushing the boundaries of violin improvisation. A trailblazer in non-classical genres, Briggs continues to inspire musicians worldwide with her dynamic performances and commitment to expanding the role of strings in contemporary music.
Solange Jesselle (Viola)
Solange Jesselle is a dedicated violist renowned for her expressive performances and commitment to music education. Through her platforms on social media, Jesselle showcases her versatility as a musician and educator, continually inspiring others in the field.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesselleee_/
Jelani Brown
Jelani Brown is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends his talents as a violinist, rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, and educator.
His dynamic performances have led him to open for artists such as Kiana Ledé, P-Lo, and The Ohio Players. His commitment to merging classical music with contemporary art forms aims to engage minority communities in America.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjelani/
YUNG Citizen
Born Christopher Williams, YUNG Citizen, is a recording Artist And Masterful Producer Based In Charlotte, North Carolina. YUNG blends his own unique interpretations of alternative Hip Hop, R&B and Pop to create timeless masterpieces that will penetrate and refresh the inner soul. YUNG Citizen’s ultimate goal is to create timeless music that inspires the world.
Website: www.yungcitizen.com
The Charlotte Strings Collective (Rap and strings)
The Charlotte Strings Collective is a group of musicians dedicated to celebrating the music of Black composers through performance and education. Comprising students, faculty, and alumni from institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Davidson College, and Winthrop University, as well as members of the Charlotte Symphony and local educators, the collective aims to highlight works by both historical and living Black composers. Their performances and educational initiatives seek to bring greater awareness to the contributions of Black composers in the classical music realm.
Website: https://charlottestringscollective.org/
Josie Tompkins (violin)
Josie Tompkins is an 18-year-old violinist and vocalist with interests in many genres. She enjoys playing bluegrass and is looking to begin gigging and recording this summer with a newly formed North Georgia group. She began jazz fiddle lessons with Dr. Martin Norgaard in 2024 and also performs with the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (her classical technique instruction is with the ASO’s David Dillard).
Miriam Stern (violin)
Miriam Stern is an accomplished violinist and music educator with a diverse and dynamic career. She has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and promoting string music education. Stern’s dedication to her craft is further exemplified by her pursuit of a license in mental health counseling. This endeavor has enriched her approach to music education and performance. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence and her students’ holistic development.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-stern-5b7b1b27/
Christian Howes (violin, co-emcee)
Christian Howes is a renowned violinist, educator, producer, and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to performing and teaching jazz and improvisation. He has developed online courses and workshops that empower musicians to explore improvisation and expand their musical horizons.
Website: https://www.christianhowes.com/
Martin Norgaard (violin)
Martin Norgaard is a respected jazz violinist and educator known for his expertise in improvisation and his contributions to string music education. He has authored several influential books on jazz violin. Norgaard’s performances and teachings emphasize integrating jazz techniques into string playing, enriching the genre’s educational resources and inspiring a deeper appreciation for improvisational skills among string musicians.
Website: https://www.jazzfiddlewizard.com/
Latonya Peoples (viola)
LaTonya Peoples is a dynamic violinist, violist, vocalist, and producer known for her versatility across jazz, rock, folk, and contemporary styles. She has collaborated with artists like India Arie and Ken Ford, and had her music featured on TV shows like Scandal and Love & Hip Hop. She composes and produces music for film, television, and video games. She teaches at Eclectic Music in Atlanta, inspiring students through her deep passion for string performance.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latonya_peoples/
Chris Tate (Cello)
Chris Tate is a multi-style cellist from Boston, MA. He is known online for his Instagram account @jazz.cello but would like everybody to know that it is a branding tactic and he is still learning how to not suck at jazz. In his free time, he loves to make dubstep, play chess, and eat so, so, much mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazz.cello/
Louis Heriveaux (Pianist, Composer, Educator)
Louis Heriveaux is an acclaimed jazz pianist based in Atlanta, known for his refined touch, deep swing, and harmonic sophistication. He has performed with artists like Marcus Printup, Russell Gunn, and René Marie, and is a key figure in Atlanta’s jazz scene. A respected educator and composer, Heriveaux released his debut album Triadic Episode in 2015 and continues to shape the sound of modern jazz through performance and mentorship.
Webpage: https://www.louiskeys.com/
Dr. Eugen Kim
Dr. Eugen Kim holds the distinction of being the first to receive a Doctorate in Jazz Violin from the University of North Texas, the first public university to offer this degree. She is the founder of the Jazz Strings and Fiddle Society of Texas, a collaborative organization uniting educators to reshape string pedagogy through performance, recording, and ongoing dialogue. Dr. Kim currently teaches at Weatherford College and Founders Classical Academy of Frisco in Texas. At Founders Classical Academy, she developed a new curriculum for the middle and high school string orchestra program, encompassing both traditional and jazz tracks, serving over 200 students.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugenjazz/
The Band:
Hamilton Hardin (Keys)
Hamilton Hardin is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer known for his versatility in jazz, R&B, and gospel genres.
Hardin’s extensive musical talents have led him to collaborate with various artists, including Kirk Whalum, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Lattimore, Ruben Studdard, and Dave Koz. His work continues to influence the contemporary music scene, and his album “Just Wanna Say” is considered a remarkable feat of musicianship. Beyond performance, Hardin is involved in producing, composing, and arranging.
Website: https://www.hamiltonhardin.com/
Cedric Easton (Drums)
Cedric Easton is a distinguished American jazz drummer, composer, and educator, and he is celebrated for his dynamic performances and profound contributions to the jazz community. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Easton’s musical journey began in his family’s Pentecostal church, where his early experiences laid a strong foundation for his rhythmic development.
His versatility has led to collaborations with internationally acclaimed jazz artists, including Wes Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Kenny Banks Sr. Despite his deep immersion in jazz, Easton has remained connected to his gospel roots, performing with prominent gospel figures like Dorinda Clark-Cole and Marvin Sapp.
In 2016, Easton joined Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, where he currently serves as the Associate Director of Education Outreach. In this role, he contributes significantly to the organization’s mission of promoting jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.
Bandcamp: https://cedriceaston1.bandcamp.com/album/letters-from-a-broken-br
Thanks again to our sponsor D’Addario. You can learn more about them and their products on their webpage.
