Miles Davis and John Coltrane are among the most iconic musicians in the history of Jazz. This special benefit show celebrates their legacies.

Bassist Jason Jenkins has gathered an impressive ensemble of some of this region’s finest Jazz musicians for a musical tribute – MILES & TRANE @ 100 - in honor of the 100th anniversary of their births. Similar centennial celebrations are occurring around the world.

The featured performers are internationally renowned band leaders, recording artists, educators and record producers representing Richmond, Hampton, Virginia Beach, New York City and Japan. Many are Grammy-recognized and have performed alongside such notables as Roy Hargrove, Kenny Garrett, Cyrus Chestnut, Jeff “Tain” Watts and others.

Clockwise from the top left: Jason Jenkins, Duane Smith, Toru Dodo, James “Saxsmo” Gates, Billy Williams, Jr., Keith Willingham, Jason Arce, and Charles Owens.

Duane Smith is a dynamic trumpeter, composer, and music innovator who developed his craft within New York’s vibrant jazz scene. He co-founded The Fuzz Band, which toured internationally on USO missions and performed at high-profile events, including President Obama’s inaugural ball and major Jazz festivals. A pioneer in electronic trumpet performance, he helped shape modern approaches to electronic brass. His work spans Grammy-nominated projects and national campaigns for brands including Coca-Cola and Apple. In 2020, he was endorsed by DaCarbo, an award-winning company renowned for its innovation in music instrument design.

Keith Willingham is a versatile and accomplished RVA based multi-instrumentalist who works professionally as a Jazz trumpeter and drummer. He has performed with numerous ensembles and contributed to recordings and live performances spanning Jazz and commercial radio projects. Keith is rooted in the Jazz tradition while embracing modern influences. He brings adaptability and expressive depth to every performance, whether on stage or in the studio.

Jason Arce is a Grammy Award–winning saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of professional performance experience. He has toured and recorded with major artists including Adele, Weezer, Joe Jonas, CeCe Winans, Blood Orange, and Cory Henry. He has appeared at major global festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and on national television programs including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Jason is an RJS Joe Kennedy, Jr. Jazz Scholarship recipient and holds a B.A. from VCU and a Master’s Degree from NYU. He is an endorsed artist for Cannonball Saxophones, BARI mouthpieces, BG France, and Gonzalez Reeds.

James “Saxsmo” Gates is one of Richmond’s premier saxophonists, known for his powerful tone, expressive playing, and deep commitment to Jazz education. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and North Carolina Central University where he received his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies. He is a prolific recording artist and has performed with legendary artists including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Roberta Flack, Walter Davis, Jr., Larry Willis, Marvin Gaye, Larry Carlton, Alex Bugnon, Steve Wilson, Lonnie Liston Smith and Karen Briggs. He is the founder and director of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program at Virginia State University.

Charles Owens is a master tenor saxophonist, composer, bandleader, recording artist, and educator with over 25 years of experience. After working extensively in New York City from 1992 to 2004, he established himself as a key figure in both the New York and Virginia Jazz scenes. He has released nine albums as a leader and contributed to numerous recordings as a featured soloist. His collaborations include Jazz luminaries such as Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brian Blade, Peter Bernstein, Larry Goldings, Ari Hoenig, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. He performs regularly at Smalls, The Django, and Fat Cat in New York City while continuing to shape the Richmond and Charlottesville Jazz communities.

Toru Dodo is an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated Jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose career spans more than 25 years. Originally from Japan, he is a graduate of Berklee College of Music’s Jazz Composition program. As a leader, he has released five albums that blend lyrical sensitivity with rhythmic sophistication and improvisational depth. He has performed with Jazz legends Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, and Curtis Fuller, and appeared at major festivals and venues such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival and Blues Alley. His recording credits include Somi’s Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Billy Williams, Jr. is a drummer and bandleader who has built an extensive career performing with some of the most respected names in Jazz, including Larry Willis, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Golson, Gary Bartz, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Warren Wolf, and many others. Billy attended VCU and is an RJS Joe Kennedy, Jr. Jazz Scholarship recipient. He has appeared at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Village Vanguard, Ronnie Scott’s, Montreux Jazz Festival, Bimhuis, and international Blue Note locations in Milan and Tokyo.

Jason Jenkins is one of RVA’s most distinguished Jazz bassists with over 30 years of performance experience. His melodic sensitivity and rhythmic sophistication on upright bass are deeply connected to traditional Jazz while incorporating his own artistic voice. He has performed at Jazz venues, festivals, and concert halls across the region. In 2012 he co-founded 32 Bar Records, a record label dedicated to producing the works of regional Jazz artists and showcasing unsung talents from Virginia and beyond. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with notable artists including Rene Marie, Delfeayo Marsalis and Frank Foster. He currently curates Jazz Infinity Radio, a 24/7 online Jazz radio experience. Jenkins remains committed to preserving and advancing Jazz.

Richmond Jazz Society is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the education, preservation and advancement of Jazz. For the past 47 years it has operated as Virginia’s Jazz service organization. For more information visit www.vajazz.org

With only 107 seats, shows at Révéler are intimate and immersive. A romantic venue with exquisite sound and dreamy vibes, Révéler offers a unique selection of cocktails, wines, beers, bubbles, and non-alcoholic beverages. Our kitchen delivers small plates crafted with care.