Jazz at Packard Place - Blanche J
A Tribute to Lalah Hathaway
From the moment Blanche J opens her mouth the dye is cast; you know you are witnessing something pure, something crisp and divine. Expect nothing less than a night of loving transformation when vocalist Blanche J steps up to the mic to perform at Jazz at Packard Place.
Blanche has a name that takes you back. Blanche Johnson, also known as Blanche J, was born and raised in Wildwood, Florida inside a family full of musicians and singers. “By the time I was three I knew I could sing,” she says. Blanche joined the Florida A&M University Concert Choir, and then later their Gospel Choir. She was often called upon to lead Praise and Worship services at several churches in and around Tallahassee. She was the go to voice that could very well save a Sunday service.
Blanche moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, was introduced to the local music scene, and promptly created a name for herself. Her reputation gave her the honor of singing with Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Blanche McAllister-Dykes.
Blanche heaves forth timbre and bass with love and gratitude. Her voice is righteous and full of her great-grandmama’s truth. You will hear a little NeoSoul, a little R&B, a little classical and definitely gospel in everything she sings. Blanche has an incredible ability to take the essential elements of each genre and blend them masterfully into a new indescribable form of music.
Blanche J pays tribute to Lalah Hathaway, daughter of the late great Donnie Hathaway. Her Jazz at Packard Place performance will include songs from her first EP, entitled iAmMuziq, which blends NeoSoul and R&B, with strong a jazz influence.
"Jazz at Packard Place" is a throwback to the Jazz era nightclub experience.
The Garage at Packard Place,once was a showroom for Packard Automobiles, is now designed as a community event space for startups and entrepreneurs to give presentations, Meet-ups, workshops, receptions, and seminars. It is an intimate space that somehow manages to harness the power of live music. “Jazz at Packard Place” is an intense experience - an overwhelming display of improvisation that blows you away.
Uptown Charlotte jazz series "Jazz at Packard Place" continues with one performance Friday, June 26 at 8PM. Tickets are $12 in Advance, $15 at the door and $20 for Reserved table seating.
