GMercyU Celebrates Black History Month with Jazz in Pink

As part of its Black History Month celebrations, Gwynedd Mercy University welcomed the world-renowned, all-female band, Jazz in Pink, for a free concert at the Julia Ball Auditorium on Friday, February 1, 2019.

The concert was open to the community. Students, friends and family enjoyed the night of Jazz despite the snowy and cold winter weather.

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Voices of Gwynedd Carol Evans invited the all-star ensemble after having the opportunity to hear them performed this past summer. "Jazz in Pink is really the best female Jazz you will ever hear," Evans commented as she introduced the band.

The audience was immersed as the talented and charismatic musicians filled the room with in the colorful tempo of Jazz. The band members inspired many students, especially GMercyU music minors, through their interactive and genuine Q&A.

"This was kind of like a homecoming and it was really heartwarming to perform at GMercyU," said Gail Jhonson, the band's leader, who was also a Philadelphia native. "Music is a choice. If you want to make a choice, you can do it all because it is your passion."

Based in California, Jazz in Pink has performed numerous concerts around the world. The band's mission is to promote women in Jazz by providing live performance opportunities. Jazz in Pink consists of Gail Jhonson, playing keyboard and is the leader; Zuri Appleby, playing bass; Tamina Khyrah-joi, vocalist and Jhonson's daughter; Tomoka NomuraJarvis, playing saxophone and flute; Darlene "D'Love" Moreno, playing guitar; and Danielle "Dee Simone" Thompson, playing drums.

To learn more about the band and their upcoming performances, please visit www.jazzinpink.com.