Step into the world of jazz as Josa Jazz brings a series of enthralling performances to The Center at Eastman, Grantham. From the soulful trumpet of Christine Fawson to the evocative vocals of Kemp Harris, each event promises a unique musical experience. Set between December 2024 and March 2025, this vibrant lineup features an array of talented jazz artists, each bringing their distinct sound and style to the stage. Join us as we delve into the heart of these performances, exploring the rhythms and melodies that make jazz a timeless genre.

Swinging Through Seasons: A Jazz Journey at The Center at Eastman

The Josa Jazz Festival is set to light up Grantham, NH, with a series of unmissable jazz events. Mark your calendars for an incredible lineup that includes internationally acclaimed artists like Greg Abate and Dan Moretti, as well as rising stars like Kemp Harris. With performances scheduled at The Center at Eastman, jazz enthusiasts can look forward to an immersive musical journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz. Dive into the soulful sounds and vibrant atmosphere this festival promises in February and March 2025.

Groove to the Jazz Rhythms: Josa Jazz Festival's Stellar Lineup

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Kemp Harris

The Center at Eastman

Dan Moretti

Jason Palmer

Back Bay Transit

Greg Abate

Amanda Carr

Giacomo Gates

Ron Smith

Christine Fawson

Greg, after playing with Ray Charles in California, and Diamond, after playing lead reed with the Frank Sinatra Jr. Orchestra, connected about 30 years ago while playing in the Duke Bellaire’s Jazz Orchestra. Quickly becoming friends, Greg told Diamond about his recurring dreams of lizards playing saxophones and did he think the two of them should form a duo. The Lizzardo Brothers was born! 

The Lizzardo Brothers

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Ronald currently hails from Northampton, MA and is the director of Music Programs at Northfield Mount Hermon School. 

Ron has been in the New England Area since 1988 performing and developing music programs in public and private schools. During his career, Ron has performed with such artists as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Billy Taylor,Nat Adderley, Wynton Marselis, B.B. King, Paul Winter, Samirah Evans, and Evelyn Harris to name a few. You can follow Ron on facebook with his newly formed trio “ THE G NOTES “ - a Soulful Jazz Trio based in the Western New England.

Ronald R. Smith

(Saxophonist /Bassist/Percussionist / Educator / Private Instructor / Ethnomusicologist)

(Bachelor of Science in Music - Tennessee State University, Music Production & Engineering Studies -Berklee College of Music, Ethnomusicology Studies - Dartmouth College, Semi-Finalist for Grammy Award Teacher of the Year. John Pflug Teaching Fellow Recipient, Chairman of The Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Good Mu Society.)

Alto saxophonist Cercie Miller has been a dynamic presence on Boston’s jazz scene since 1986, when she founded the Cercie Miller Jazz Quartet and the avant-garde jazz collective, Your Neighborhood Saxophone Quartet. 

Cercie Miller & Dominique Eade

Donna Byrne is a jazz singer at the top of her game, a true entertainer whose music is fiery or tender by turns. Her powerful voice, energetic persona, and ability to convey a sense of her life experience gives her music a spiritual feel that captivates jazz fans and leading artists alike. 

Donna Bryne

"...Billy Holiday in bell bottoms…" - Summit Daily News
 "...Her voice will knock you off your chair!…" - Charlotte Observer

In her early years, with influences like Billy Holiday, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington, Mary traveled much of the U.S., soaking up diverse musical styles all along the way. From New York to California, to Texas and New Orleans, she developed a style that is both gritty and pure. 

Mary Fagan

Local music legend, Bill Wightman, pianist/vocalist and JOSA director and founder, has gathered veteran musicians from his rich musical past to assemble a 6-piece group.

Greg gives credit to two key turning points in his career - playing lead alto saxophone with the Ray Charles Orchestra in the mid 70’s, and a collaboration with the great Phil Woods as my guest on 2 recordings. However, it was a trip to Montreal from Boston in a blizzard that catapulted his early career, when one of only 7 people in the club that night opened opportuntities to NYC, producers at Candid Records, and his eventual recording at Birdland with James Williams, Rufus Reid, and Kenny Washington.

“This lady is a study in jazz's cool, its phrasing, its nuance, and its sophistication. Kelly has wowed em all over the world with her classic swing and elegance. Many call themselves jazz singers, but Nancy Kelly is the real deal.” RIJF

"Nancy is one of the premiere female jazz vocalist of our times" Jim Clark Jazz Nightly

Nancy Kelly

“I want to paint the air with my colorful tone. Choices between long or short strokes, quick or slow, high in the canvas or low, brighter color or darker, with a fat brush or a pen. Paint the air one note at a time.” says Tiger of his playing and of his captivation with the playing of Louis Armstrong.

Josa Jazz

Mar 30, 2025

Kemp Harris

Mar 16, 2025

Dan Moretti

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