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Althea René 

She was born December 25th in Detroit, Michigan and began her musical journey at the tender age four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C. and later gained further musical inspiration from the accomplishments of Yusef Lateef, Ian Anderson, and her father (one of Motown's original Funk Brothers) Dezie McCullers. She has since developed her own creative style.

For more than 10 years she was employed as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff (Detroit, Michigan). Today, she is a full-time performing/recording artist and some regard her as a "master of her craft" and one of the world's most exciting solo improvisational flutists.

In May 2013, she released her fifth project "In The Flow". Collaborating with Grammy award winning producer Michael Broening, (producer for legendary icons George Benson and Paul McCartney) she cowrote the title track. That single became her biggest hit and reached number one ranking on both the Billboard Chart and the Smooth Jazz Chart. Althea René made history by becoming the first flute player in the history of Billboard Chart to reach the number one spot.

In April 2017, Althea René, in collaboration with award winning producer Lew Laing, delivered another solid tour de force. “Gypsy Soul” is the first single release from her powerful, scorching hot CD “UNSTOPPABLE”. Althea Rene also launched her first book in June 2018 entitled "Becoming Chocolate Barbie - a guide for professional women in the music business."

For more information, visit Althea's website at http://www.althearene.com.

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Jeanette Harris

Jeanette Harris is the scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz. This lady understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music are the solid platinum recipe for success. Fans already recognize her for her wonderful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” which hit Billboard’s smooth jazz singles chart from her previous album, Saxified. Classically trained in both sax and piano, a graduate of Boston’s famed Berklee College of Music, and the saxophonist for the late, great Teena Marie’s final year of touring, Jeanette has weathered the fiercest challenges to bring the world her own brand of soulful healing vibes. That baptism awaits in her fourth CD, Summer Rain, on which Jeanette had a hand in writing all of the selections except her lovely cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Here and Now.” Its 11 sunny songs wrap the listener in the glow of fun love grooves and sweet romance. 

“The music of Summer Rain is all about a positive vibe,” Jeanette states. “It’s about staying in love…never falling out of love, feeling good, being faithful and always following a positive route. Great things have happened for me in the last year. I’ve learned what’s really important in life – my family and my music.”

Those looking to hear Jeanette really dig in on her horn should focus on two songs that feature her friend Darrell Crooks on guitar. The first is the dreamy “Take Me There,” a sensual mellow groove that finds Jeanette layering her horn in subtle combinations that tease, tickle and mesmerize the ear. And then there’s “The Ride,” a techno groove that bumps into some truly heated interplay and exchange between Jeanette and Darrell that makes you want to see what all of that energy looks, sounds and feels like live on stage. Other highlights include the playful “Ja’licious” (Jeanette’s sassy melding of the word “jazz” with “delicious”), the radiant “Oh So Good” and the laidback groove “Chillin’.” “My rapper friends say they can really flow on that one,” Jeanette shares with a laugh. 

Extra special are the passionately building “Passing Time” (a song featuring keyboardist George Freeman that initially came to her - out of the blue - in the shower), the lusciously melodic “Just Keep Holding On” (one of two writing collaborations with the prolific Chuck Cymone), and the spicily syncopated “Muy Caliente’” – Jeanette’s maiden foray into Latin Groove on which she also plays some mean piano. Listen closely…ai cuidado!

The love-at-first-sight scenario song/title track of Summer Rain showcases the vocals of Jeanette’s secret weapon singer Joel Bowers – math teacher by day, soul crooner by night. “One of my trademarks is writing a song for a vocalist then having the instrumental version on the same album,” she offers. “On my CD Saxified, I wrote the lyrics first for ‘You Can Dance’ then reworked it for my saxophone. I switched it up for ‘Summer Rain’ and wrote the music first, then the words. I wrote the lyrics with my mother and think it’s beautiful. It’s about a guy who sees a pretty lady in the rain and falls for her instantly. It’s important to remember those moments…especially when that person makes you angry! Reflect on that memory. You’ll be more humble and understanding.” 

Equally inspired, but in a completely different light is Summer Rain’s other vocal piece, “Thankful,” a heartfelt offering of gratitude sent up to Jesus in song. “It’s important to give thanks to The Lord,” she says. “‘Thankful’ came from my heart with lyrics that I truly feel deeply.”

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Special Guest

BeBe London

Chicago native Bebe London an accomplished international performing Jazz & R&B artist with over 25 years of professional experience gifted with a soulful sultry styling reminiscent of the illustrious sounds of some of the best in the business Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday to name a few makes Bebe London one of the most sought after vocalist in our state capital and the force behind in 2018 her being awarded and titled Sacramento California's first & only female artist to be honored & recognized by "The Sounds Of Soul" BMA (Black Music Awards) Sacramento chapter the prestigious " Legend Award" 

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Jazz at 2300 Host 

Neketia Henry

KQCA My58 •KCRA 3

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Neketia Henry moved to California with her mother at the age of 12. As a child, she knew that performing arts was her true passion, and began performing in numerous stage plays and musicals. Since then, Neketia has appeared in numerous film projects and countless commercials and national print ads. For the past 6 years, she has been a Marketing Ambassodor for KQCA My58 which ultimately landed her the role of weekend field reporter for KCRA 3 television NBC network in Sacramento, CA.  She is a devoted wife and mother and advocates for students with disabilities ages elementary through high school.  She works hand in hand with families and various school districts to ensure that students have the resources needed in order to achieve and maintain academic success and truly believes that no child should be left behind.  With the gift that God has given her and her tenacious spirit, she continues to be a voice for the voiceless. Neketia is a professional host who’s witty personality captivates all audiences from concerts to weddings and everything in between....all she needs is one mic!

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