Jamey Haddad and Friends

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, percussionist/drummer Jamey Haddad holds a singular position in the world of jazz and contemporary music. Haddad’s musical voice transcends styles and trends, and the universal quality of his playing has attracted many international collaborations including Paul Simon, Sting, Esperanza Spalding, Yo-Yo Ma, and many others. Born of Lebanese descent, he is regarded as one of the foremost world music and jazz percussionists in the United States.

Haddad will be joined by saxophonist Christopher Coles, guitarist Bobby Ferrazza and bassist Kip Reed. Concert will feature music of Cleveland Jazz Composer Neal Creque.

Neal Creque established himself as a pianist of virtuosic ability in early childhood. His is remembered for his mastery and for his generosity as an artist and a teacher. Moving to Pennsylvania to attend college, Creque later relocated in New York to pursue Latin jazz and immediately became a sought-after session player. He recorded on numerous LPs with an array of world-class artists, including Stanley Turrentine, Theresa Brewer, Mongo Santamaria, Leon Thomas, Quincy Jones, and was also the musical director for vocalist Carmen McRae. In 1973, Creque moved to Cleveland where he became a prolific composer and arranger. He was unabashedly supportive of the Cleveland jazz scene and shared his passion for music by teaching at Tri-C and Oberlin. Creque was a renowned member of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra until his death.