Al Strong brings his newest project, the 99 (Nine Nine) Brass Band, to Cary, with special guest Dasan Ahanu! The 99 Brass Band was formed in the Spring of 2018 through an impromptu Mardi Gras celebration at The Durham Hotel. Since that time, the band has performed at various venues in the Triangle area, refining both their sound and repertoire. Co-Directed by renowned trumpet player Al Strong and drummer/producer Jeremy ‘Bean’ Clemons, the band delivers powerfully inspiring arrangements with a New Orleans Brass Band sound that’s unmatched! This group aims to bring the party from the drop of the downbeat to the end of the show. In addition to Strong and Clemons, the band features Yahyah Corbett (trumpet), Zo Hedgepeth (trombone), Blu Thompson (saxophone), JC Martin (guitar), and Stephen Edgerton (tuba), and Jeremy “Bean” Clemons (drums).
Strong is well known in the Triangle’s growing jazz scene. He is a gifted musician, arranger, and composer; a respected instructor in his role as adjunct professor at NC Central University’s Jazz Studies program; and as the co-founder of the Art of Cool Project, a non-profit jazz presenting organization that has been working to expand the audience for jazz in the Triangle since 2011. Strong has performed for artists such as Brandford Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Clay Aiken, and Linda Eder. He has also lent his trumpet playing to an array of talent including The Foreign Exchange, Yazarah, Soul Understated featuring Mavis ‘Swan’ Poole, and Big Daddy Kane, along with a number of others. Strong’s debut album, LoveStrong Vol. 1, showcases his distinctly robust sound and musical versatility. Strong’s focus on displaying a distinctly modern sound is founded in his beliefs of living in the present and being able to take bold risks with the music. Earlier this year, Strong collaborated with Durham artist and curator Zenani Fogg to provide original compositions for an art exhibit in Dubai!
Strong grew up surrounded by music, including both his grandmother’s weekly in-home church services, where gospel hymns on the organ were common, and his grandfather’s more secular music collection, including the likes of Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith, and Donald Byrd, among others. He spent much of his childhood trying to replicate the music he heard, reproducing the sounds with whatever household items he could get his hands on. Growing up in DC continually spurred Strong’s musical curiosity; the influences of Caribbean, go-go, orchestral, and jazz early on allowed him to develop a mature affinity and respect for a variety of music disciplines.
Christopher Massenburg, better known as Dasan Ahanu, is a public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, educator, songwriter, writer, emcee, and loyal Hip Hop head born and raised in Raleigh. In addition to performing, Ahanu has hosted many poetry, jazz, Hip Hop, and cultural arts events across the state. He is one of the founders of Black Poetry Theatre (BPT) where he has been a writer, director, producer, and cast member for their productions. As an active participant in poetry slam, Ahanu has competed regionally and nationally as a founding member and coach of Durham’s own Bull City Slam Team. In 2010 and 2014, Ahanu led the Bull City Slam Team in winning the Southern Fried Southeastern Regional Poetry Slam, the largest regional poetry slam in the country. He also led the team to a 3rd place finish at the 2010 National Poetry Slam and a 2nd place finish in Group Piece Finals at the 2012 National Poetry Slam.
Sertoma was rennovated last year, and it now has wheelchair accessible seating, a paved pathway from the boathouse to the stage, and two new family restrooms at the Kiwanis Shelter. Assistive listening devices will be available at the PineCone information table. Accessible parking is located behind the stage and can be accessed via the greenway, located to the right of the boathouse. Limited parking is available. When possible, please drop off patrons with limited mobility, then park. Map of route to accessible parking and drop-off area
Bring your family, friends, cushions, picnics (no alcohol, please), and join us in Bond Park for a concert you won’t want to miss!