Tuesday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm
National Jazz Museum in Harlem
Step into an evening of rich dialogue and live performance exploring the musical threads that connect generations. Brown to Bruno & Beyond invites you to dive into the evolution of sound from the raw soul and funk of the James Brown era to the genre-blending hits of Bruno Mars.
Curated and moderated by guitarist Solomon Hicks, the evening brings together artists and thinkers for an engaging, intergenerational exchange.
Panel Conversation
An insightful discussion led by Solomon Hicks, featuring voices from across the musical spectrum:
Live Performance
A special performance by Noël Simoné Wippler & Trio
Noël Simoné Wippler
A Black American and Puerto Rican soprano, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Noël Simoné Wippler brings a dynamic and deeply rooted musical voice to the stage. Born and raised in El Barrio, Harlem, she is a graduate of Nyack College, where she studied Vocal Performance on full scholarship.
Her career spans both national and international stages, collaborating with notable jazz artists and participating in influential ensembles. A former member of Geri Allen’s all-female jazz ensemble, she began composing early in her career and has continued to develop a sound that bridges tradition and innovation.
Her accolades include:
Solomon Hicks (Moderator)
A Harlem native, Solomon Hicks is an acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and composer whose work spans blues, jazz, gospel, and beyond. A former child prodigy who performed at the historic Cotton Club, Hicks has collaborated with icons such as Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck, and Buddy Guy.
His debut album Harlem earned the Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album, and his career continues to bridge tradition with modern sound. In addition to performing, he is deeply committed to music education and community engagement.
Beareather Reddy
A vocalist, songwriter, actress, and producer, Beareather Reddy has built a multifaceted career rooted in performance and community engagement. A Georgia native, she holds a degree in performance arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In New York, she has produced major cultural events including the Big Eyed Blues Festival and Ocean Hill Folk Festival, showcasing renowned blues and folk artists from around the world.
JC Hopkins
A Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, JC Hopkins is the creative force behind the internationally recognized Biggish Band. His work has brought together legendary vocalists across genres, and his compositions have been recorded by acclaimed artists. His production credits include notable projects such as a Grammy-nominated children’s album celebrating Tin Pan Alley classics.
Melanie Charles
Brooklyn-born Melanie Charles is a genre-defying artist whose work blends jazz, soul, and R&B into a distinctive and forward-thinking sound. Known for her collaborations with a wide range of influential musicians, she has captivated audiences with her bold musical vision. Her project Make Jazz Trill Againreflects her mission to bring jazz into contemporary cultural spaces and connect it with new generations.
Join us for an evening that celebrates musical legacy, innovation, and the conversations that keep the art form alive.
This program is made possible with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
We are your go-to venue for off-site meetings, receptions, film screenings, workshops, networking events, socials and more. Located in the heart of Central Harlem’s thriving culinary and entertainment district, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is the perfect place to hold your next gathering.