Tenor Saxman JERRY WELDON & B3 Organist AKIKO TSURUGA

Get Ready!!! Here’s a warning for all Jazz Fans who plan to attend the Friday, October 17th Jazz Organ Concert with dynamo Akiko Tsuruga on Hammond B3 and Tenor Sax powerhouse Jerry Weldon. These two kinetic performers will light it up like sparklers on the 4th of July as they crank out mesmerizing takes on the Jazz Classics and some of Akiko’s ‘Killer’ B3 Compositions!

DR. LONNIE SMITH, NEA JAZZ MASTER & LEGENDARY ORGANIST says of Akiko:
Akiko’s playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay. Making Japan proud after just a few short years in the USA!

Fresh off launching her career in Japan…she had the great fortune to meet and perform with Grady Tate…ultimately driving her on to America…she landed in the mecca for jazz, New York City. It didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark – it was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew attention of the great Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.

Then came Akiko’s Debut Album in 2007, garnering her the “Best Of” in Downbeat Magazine! Performing at Festivals & Clubs Internationally, Akiko Tsuruga continues to enthrall, excite & enchant Jazz Audiences at every Event & Venue. She’ll bring ‘All That’ & more when she teams up with Internationally renowned veteran Saxman Jerry Weldon!!!

A dominant player on the jazz scene for more than 45 years. With eight CD’s as a leader and more sideman sides than even he can count…or remember, this native New Yorker’s performance/recording résumé reflects his venerable tenor tenure and reads like a virtual “Who’s Who of Jazz.”

In 1981, Jerry joined the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra and continued his association with Hamp into the new millennium. Next came a long, rewarding stint with master organist Jack McDuff & his “Heatin’ System.” Additionally Jerry has worked with organists Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, Bobby Forrester, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Mel Rhyne, trombone great Al Grey, piano giants George Cables and Cedar Walton, drum legends Roy Haynes and Jimmy Cobb as well as guitarist/singer George Benson, guitarist Earl Klugh, bassist Keter Betts, singer Mel Tormé and a host of other legendary musicians. In 1990, Jerry became a charter member and featured soloist with Harry Connick Jr.’s newly formed big band..& continues on with the HC Big Band today!

Akiko Tsuruga & Jerry Weldon in Boardwalk Plaza’s True Blue Jazz Showroom
promise to deliver an uncontainable energized force of Jazz that just may take some recovery time! Buckle Up for a wildly entertaining ride…..