The Clark Atlanta University Guild hosted the 2014 Jazz Under the Stars concert this past Saturday, May 3, 2014 on the Harkness Hall quadrangle at CAU’s campus. The sold-out performance, which attracted more than 700 jazz enthusiasts, was emceed by jazz vocalist Kathleen Bertrand.
As the sun started to set, attendees mingled with friends at their respective tables and made their rounds throughout the crowd, while a silent art auction was underway. Retiring president Dr. Carlton E. Brown and the first lady Mrs. T. LaVerne Ricks-Brown delivered the evening’s welcome address. Performances by Dr. Curtis Everett Powell, director of Clark Atlanta University Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and James H. Patterson, director of Clark Atlanta University Jazz Orchestra set the mood for the featured performer.
By nightfall, the amazing Lalah Hathaway, with her four-piece band and backing singers on cue, covered hits like “Keep Running” and “Forever, For Always, For Love.” She also had the crowd on their feet dancing and fingers snapping to the beat of her hits, “I’m Coming Back,” which was first recorded by Vesta Williams; and the Grammy Award-winning hit “It’s Something,” which was originally performed by Brenda Russell and produced by David Foster.
Hathaway snubbed her first golden gramophone for the remake of “It’s Something.” She had the crown laughing with her comment that she is patiently awaiting it’s arrival and constantly checking with delivery men for the coveted prize.
Band members included bassist Tim Bailey Jr., drummer Lil John Roberts, a keyboardist, guitarist Joe Clooney and dynamic backing vocalists.
