GCEH Jazzfest 2010

Performers for 2010

Bradely Leighton

BRADLEY LEIGHTON, Jazz Flutist & Clinician
Bradley Leighton brings a unique and powerful sound to flute. His style of swing evolved from listening to the big, hi-octane bands of Kenton, Herman and Ferguson in the 60's-70's. His funkiness derives from years of listening to Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Brecker Brothers and countless other soul/R&B acts. He brings a fire and flair not usually heard nor expected from a flutist. Bradley has performed across the US and Asia, as both sideman and bandleader, for over 25 years. His most recent gigs included opening the Greater Hartford Jazz
Festival for Joyce Cooling and Gerald Albright and headlining the Gainesville Jazz Festival.
In addition to recording and performing, Bradley Leighton has continued to share his knowledge and enthusiasm of music as a clinician and teacher. Besides private lessons, he leads workshops for musicians of all skill levels, including, "Jazz Improvisation for the Classically Trained Flutist," and "Music For Life - Improvisation for the Adult Amateur Musician." He is also a Yahama Performing Artist.

Terry "Doc" Handy

I auditioned for a choral production which required conga drums; I never played them prior to this production. Sometime later while on vacation In New York, we were up on Broadway enjoying the stage production of a Raisin in the Sun. Afterwards we were able to venture down to the bandstand, a mini jam session ensued with my brother Theron on piano, my cousin Marty alternating with the house drummer and Cousin Paul on bass. Theron and the house drummer set the stage for an intense session; I played my heart out and was fairly surprised at the sound and the music we made. My father’s brother Albert noticed and purchased my first set of Conga drums a year later. This was 1975. Two years later I joined the Army. The Army provided a splendid environment, rich in opportunity which shaped my musical personality. I was assigned to Germany. While there I performed with R&B, Jazz and African bands, I also had the honor of performing with several Army bands throughout my military career. My love of Jazz grew out of listening to the Lee Family, distant relatives that are astute musicians who share common ancestors with our family. more......

Roman Street

The guitarists of Roman Street are internationally trained–seeking to incorporate their travels and experiences into their musical expression. The band as a whole seeks to create a unique sound by blending old styles and techniques with a modern twist, and conversely, giving modern music styles a historical elegance.
The result is a style that appeals to the young and old alike; a juxtaposition of the new and the traditional that has something for every music lover. Roman Street strives to be a breath of fresh air to those beleaguered by the rampant cover-bands that provide already over-played music. Hopefully at any rate, through a varied repertoire and unique composition, they endeavor provide some enjoyment for everyone who hears them.
Photo by

Roman Street Photo: Courtland W. Richards

Bay City Brass