Truth In This Art Podcast - Your Source for Conversations with Artists, Innovators, Creatives & Cultural Leaders

Larry Jenkins, the assistant band director for the Aristocrat of Bands at Tennessee State University. Join host Rob Lee as he engages in an insightful conversation with Professor Jenkins, a Grammy-winning music educator, and trumpeter, as they delve into his background, experiences, and contributions to the world of music and education.

In this episode, we explore:

• Professor Larry Jenkins' background and how it has influenced his creative and academic journey in music...

Kokayi is a multi-talented artist, producer, educator, and connector of dots. From his preeminent improvisational vocal skills to his diverse accomplishments as a GRAMMY-nominated musician and multi-disciplinary fine artist, Kokayi's creative journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this episode, we dive deep into Kokayi's artistic world, exploring his unique approach and the intersections between art, music, and culture...

Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Wordsmith is a versatile artist encompassing roles as a songwriter, recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Beginning his journey with a full athletic scholarship in football at Morgan State University, his trajectory took an entertainment-driven turn after transferring to Salisbury University...

Ernest Stuart is a versatile trombonist, the founder of the Center City Jazz Festival, and a program director specializing in jazz for the Mid-Atlantic Arts. He has performed with renowned artists such as The Roots, Orin Evans, Billy Paul, Aretha Franklin, Terrell, Stanford Seal, John Legend, Red Barat, and The Teskey Brothers, among others. Ernest is a Philadelphia native and has been deeply involved in the city's jazz scene throughout his career...

Landon White is the founder of the Baltimore Jazz Festival. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Landon has a deep love for his city and a passion for jazz music. He attended Morgan State University and Howard Law School, where he was exposed to the world of live music and developed a strong connection to the music scene. Landon's goal with the Baltimore Jazz Festival is to showcase the rich musical history of Baltimore and bring world-class jazz artists to the city...

Sunny Cowell is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and practicing attorney. She grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, and comes from a musical family. Sunny started playing the piano at the age of three and went on to learn the violin, viola, and guitar. She has performed in orchestras, and string quartets, and collaborated with her father, a jazz pianist and composer...

Meet David Kunian, Music Curator for the New Orleans Jazz Museum and Louisiana State Museum. Delve into David's extensive knowledge and passion for the music of New Orleans as he takes us on a journey through its rich cultural heritage.

David and Rob discussed:

• David's career as a freelance musicologist and his award-winning documentaries on legendary musicians, showcasing his deep appreciation for New Orleans' musical legends...

Lindo Jones is a spoken word artist, and creator of the Lindo Yes! clothing line, and an educator. Born and raised in uptown Philadelphia, Lindo's work is unapologetically black and combines elements of theatrical, poetic, and visual art to address love, masculinity, and social justice.

Lindo shares his background growing up in a working-class neighborhood and how the struggle and lack of resources fueled his creativity...

Henry Wong is the owner of Andy Music, a renowned listening room in Baltimore. He has been running Andy Music for the past 33 years, focusing on promoting music and creating a unique listening experience for the audience. Henry is passionate about preserving jazz culture and providing a platform for both established and emerging musicians to showcase their talent.

Henry shares his background and the inspiration behind starting the listening room...

Sunny Sumter, President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival. Delve into Sunny's remarkable journey as a thought leader in the jazz industry and explore the cultural and educational programs she has pioneered in the nation's capital.

Sunny and Rob discussed:

• Sunny's role as the driving force behind the DC Jazz Festival and her commitment to presenting jazz-related cultural and educational programs...