JUSTIN KAUFLIN PRESENTS
GSA JAZZ NIGHTS
Justin Kauflin, the curator of the "GSA Jazz Night" Concert Series, showcases the finest regional jazz musicians in performances for students and the wider community. Thanks to a generous grant from Jane Hotchkiss, all events are free of charge. To sustain this series, we continue to welcome donations and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed!
It has been a thrilling journey to perform alongside the musicians and friends who first introduced me to jazz while sharing this vibrant art with the next generation. While most concerts are held at Governor’s School Miner Music Hall in Norfolk, VA, this year we also utililzed Old Dominion University's Choir room and The Roads Bistro restaurant in Virginia Beach.
The Music of Billy Strayhorn
Jae Sinnett Trio
The Music of Charles Mingus
Liz & Brydge w/Alan Parker
Eddie Williams Quartet
JK's Christmas Hang w Corey Fonville & Jimmy Masters
Michael Hawkins & The Brotherhood
John Toomey & Justin Kauflin duo pianos
Jimmy Masters Trio
Thomas Fonnesbaek & Justin Kauflin
GSA Alumni
JK'S WEDNESDAY NIGHT HANG
The "Wednesday Night Hangs" began during the pandemic shut down, featuring the music of some of my favorite musicians, including Clark Terry, Mulgrew Miller, Derrick Hodge (interview w/Derrick), Oscar Peterson (interview with Celine Peterson), 3 episodes of The Beatles, James Williams (Harry Potter, Star Wars), The Disney Songbook, James Horner, Cole Porter, Hank Jones, Song Writers and Listener Requests (JK's Jukebox).
SUNDAY HYMNS & THINGS
The "Sunday Hymns & Things" also began during the pandemic shut down. This excerpt from "Come Hang with Me" says it best: "I’ve been brainstorming on how to stay active in this new climate, and landed on something with which I feel ok. When I lost my sight completely, there were three elements in my life that allowed me to turn what could have been a time of turmoil and depression, to a relatively smooth transition into the life I have now. These three factors were my faith, my family, and the piano. Anytime I felt any emotions at all, I gravitated towards prayer and practice. Some of my most cherished musical memories are playing with no agenda late at night for myself, but most especially for God. It’s something I’d like to try to bring back in my own life."
CHRISTMAS HANGS & MARATHONS
As the Advent Season approached, I chose to host an extra live stream every Thursday in December, culminating in a special "Marathon Christmas Eve or Day Hang." The intention was to offer background music for activities like wrapping, baking, and opening presents, but it's been a bit of a 'double-edged sword' as I’m also able to enjoy reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new listeners of this tradition! Despite life getting busier, the Christmas Marathon will carry on for as long as I can manage!
VIRTUAL STUDIO TECHNOLOGY
ITALIAN GRANDS: This episode features 2 sampled Italian 10 ft pianos. The song is Duke Ellington's "All Too Soon."
MODERN UPRIGHTS: This is a back-to-back improvisation using identical midi performances to illustrate the different types of uprights I like to use.
CONCERT GRANDS: The song is an untitled, bootlegged composition of Robert Glasper in the early 2000s and features 2 sampled Yamaha CFX concert grand pianos.
STEINWAY GRANDS: This video is inspired by the classic Bill Evans recording “Conversations with Myself." I decided to use all of the Steinways available from Synthogy.
COLLABORATION: This features the music of my good friend from London, Andre Louis.