Althea René with Special Guest Trumpeter Alex Parchment
Some regard Althea René as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational soul-jazz flutists. The multiplatinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”. Althea gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers), and has since developed her creative style. Althea René is the proud recipient of the 2021 Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and is the first soul-jazz flutist ever featured on the prestigious Dave Koz Jazz Cruise. With a passionate mission to mentor women in the entertainment industry, Althea René authored an autobiography titled “Becoming Chocolate Barbie – a guide for professional women in the music business” in June 2018.
Alex Parchment is a dedicated trumpeter, producer, and artist, who’s had the opportunity to perform on wonderful stages including the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Blues Alley with jazz luminaries Patti Austin, Christian McBride, David Sanborn, Chick Corea, Marion Meadows and more. In April, 2020, Alex released his debut album entitled Burnin’ Up, which yielded two placements on the Smooth Jazz Billboard’s Top 30 Chart (“Vibin’ In Time” rising to #1, and “It’s Real” rising to #11 respectively). Through education, Alex endeavors to inspire artists of all backgrounds to look to music as a means of expression and communication. Alex strives to connect a community of artists together to create art that pushes the boundaries of genre and musicianship.
