Black History Month Trio Salutes to Mahalia Jackson and Milt Jackson

NEW YORK - Feb. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- Sunday Brunch Salutes to Mahalia Jackson & Milt Jackson

Glory Hallelujah Gospel!: A Salute to Mahalia Jackson

Sunday, Feb. 16, brings the actress and singer Sandra Reaves-Phillips in a trio salute to the great 20^th century queen of gospel Mahalia Jackson. Ms. Phillips is joined by Esther Blue on keyboard and piano, and Larry Williams on drums.

Some recall her playing the character Buttercup in "Round Midnight" with Dexter Gordon. in "Lean On Me" with Morgan Freeman she was a music teacher. But her story goes much deeper. From Carnegie to Lincoln Center to theatrical performances, jazz festivals, and cabarets around the world, Sandra Reaves-Phillips is in fact a keeper of the black music flame. The recipient of a Drama League Recognition Award for Outstanding Performer for Broadway’s “Rollin' on the T.O.B.A.,” Ms. Reaves-Phillips will wail, moan, coat her voice with velvet or dust it with gravel for a joyous, rafter-raising gospel experience. She even toured Europe with her Gospel Show, singing for an audience of 8,000 at the Vatican and has completed a CD Tribute to "The Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson.

Bags’ Groove: A Salute to Milt Jackson

Joining forces for the first time on Feb. 23 to salute vibraphone master Milt Jackson are vibist Monte Croft and two members of Jackson’s own rhythm section, pianist Mike LeDonne and bassist Bob Cranshaw. Jackson’s sound and musical concept on vibes from the bebop era upward holds a permanent place in the pantheon of jazz. This multi-generational trio will play songs by and associated with “Bags” over his decades of performance with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Croft, a 1983 graduate of the Berklee School of Music, has long desired the chance to honor one of his musical idols. LeDonne, 57, joined Jackson’s ensemble in 1988 and became his music director. Of LeDonne, Jackson once said: “Hearing Mike LeDonne was a startling revelation. I was knocked out.” Cranshaw, 81, was a member of Jackson's group when LeDonne joined. A pioneer of electric bass, Cranshaw is also known for his 50+ year association with tenor sax colossus Sonny Rollins.

Chef Kenneth Collins (formerly of Ida Mae's and Gospel Uptown in Harlem) presents all-you-can-eat buffet stations featuring an Omelette & Waffles station, Market to Table inspired Salads, Lunch Entrees and Pastries.

Location: MIST Harlem, 46 West 116^th St. (between Lenox and Fifth Avenue)

Seating times for Brunch 11:30 am & 1:30 pm

Showtimes 12 pm and 2:00 pm

Brunch & Show $24.99 (tax, gratuity and beverages not included)

Reservations 866 317-1152