Renowned saxophonist Karen Green to perform at Jazz on Main Street

FORT WAYNE—Renowned jazz saxophonist Karen Green is scheduled to light up the crowd in Fort Wayne at 6 p.m., May 17 as part of RBC Productions’ ongoing Jazz & Words on Main Street series.

The Atlanta-based Greene has been compared to sax greats such as Candy Dulfer and David Sanborn.

Originally from northern West Virginia, Greene immediately went on the road upon graduating from college, and began performing six days a week, 48 weeks a year. She initially began her professional career performing with the show band, “Still Creek,” and kept that fast-paced schedule for many years.

Greene spent much of the ’80’s and ’90s in the Triad and Triangle areas of North Carolina. In addition to her own band, “The KGB,” she performed for almost nine years with the R&B/jazz group “Higher Ground.” She was also a member of “The Sam Bruton Group” and the nationally-acclaimed Latin jazz band “Carnivalito.” During this time, she also performed with jazz artists Natalie Cole, Melva Houston, Tom Browne, Rodney Howard, Neena Freelon and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Over the years, she has also opened for Santana, Diane Schuur, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Herbie Mann, Joe Lovano, Richard Elliott, the Rippingtons, David Benoit, the Brubeck Brothers, Najee, America and Three Dog Night. Greene has performed at many jazz festivals on the East coast and has even shared the stage at “Blues Alley” in Washington, D.C. In addition, she has performed with both the North Carolina Symphony and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra on special jazz performances.

In addition to being a musician, she is also a two time Grammy Award-winning audio engineer and director. Her clients have included Yamaha, Ritz-Carlton Hotels Worldwide, Cobra Golf, The Denver Symphony, Dr. Maya Angelou, ESPN, PBS and HBO.

In addition to Greene, the evening is scheduled to feature the comedic talents of funny man, Jeff Crawford. Crawford has appeared on HBO comedy central as well as written comedy for Jay Leno and the Tonight Show and has preformed throughout the region leaving howling masses in his wake.

Also back by popular demand, is the captivating poetic “stylings” of Crystal Renee.

Admission is $12 and includes hors d’oeuvres by Lady Dy’s Cuisine.

For ticket information, call (260) 530-7769 or (260) 530-7766.

This is part of the May 13, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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