Description
Guy and Gals 2025
Jazz Night Out
SATURDAY
APRIL 12, 2025
7:30PM - 9:30PM
TICKET $25
$30 AT THE DOOR
$15 FOOD & DRINK MIN.
Brownsville Jazz Production Series Returns for a Third Session!
Founded by DeCasto P. Brown, the Brownsville Jazz Production Series has been a cornerstone of live jazz entertainment for the past two years, bringing high-quality, themed performances to audiences. Since its inception, Brownsville Jazz has been dedicated to curating unique, engaging shows featuring top-tier musicians and vocalists.
We are thrilled to announce the start of our latest programming on April 12, 2025, with a special performance by DeCasto Brown himself. This show will set the stage for an exciting season, featuring five additional performances throughout the year, each offering a distinctive musical experience.
About DeCasto Brown
A native Washingtonian, DeCasto’s musical journey began at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, singing in school choirs before forming “New Things,” a group known for its harmonies reminiscent of the 5th Dimension. While music was a passion, football was his main focus, leading him to become an All-Met player at Anacostia High School and later an All-American and Hall of Fame wide receiver at Delaware State University.
In addition to his athletic achievements, DeCasto was a member of the Autumn House Gospel Ensemble, a professional theater company in Delaware. His natural baritone/tenor voice allows him to transition effortlessly between up-tempo jazz and soulful ballads, embodying the spirit of a jazz maestro.
His featured performances include:
- Terry Marshall’s debut CD “Arrival”, where he performed “Moody’s Mood for Love.”
- Live performances include: Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Twins Jazz Club, Montpelier Arts Center, Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society, Jazz Night at Westminster DC, An die Musik Concert Hall (Baltimore, MD)
After taking a brief hiatus from the music scene, DeCasto brought his vision to life by founding Brownsville Jazz—a production series that began with the Guy’s and Gal’s Night Out at El-Golfo Restaurant. Partnering with Iva Ambush and Kendra Johnson, DeCasto has built an exciting lineup of shows, each with its own unique theme.
Now, as Brownsville Jazz enters its third session, we invite you to experience the magic and artistry of this growing jazz community. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming shows—you won’t want to miss what’s in store!
HERBERT “HERB” SMITH
Born in the heart of Decatur, Alabama in the forties, Herbert Smith was steeped in the vibrant musical traditions of Memphis, Tennessee from an early age. Raised amidst the blues, gospel, and jazz influences of the city, he attended Manassas High School—a renowned institution that nurtured legendary musicians like Jimmy Lunceford, Gerald Wilson, and Isaac Hayes.
Smith's journey into the world of jazz took flight when he pursued his B.A. degree at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1965. Serving in the 528 Scott Air Force Band from 1965 to 1969, he honed his musical skills while rubbing shoulders with some of Miles Davis's closest confidants and mentors.
His thirst for knowledge and musical excellence led him to Southern Illinois University, where he earned his M.A. degree in 1970. Under the tutelage of the great composer and saxophonist Oliver Nelson, Smith expanded his horizons, crossing paths with luminaries like Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake.
From 1971 to 1974, Smith made his mark as a professor, teaching and directing jazz studies while hosting two weekly jazz radio shows at KDNA Pacifica in St. Louis. In 1974, he assumed the role of head of jazz studies at Howard University in Washington, DC, before embarking on a distinguished tenure at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale from 1976 to 2019.
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith has not only mentored and coached an array of talented musicians but has also graced the stage with legendary jazz artists such as Webster Young and Maurice Lyles. His contributions to the local jazz scene are immeasurable, from his transformative leadership at Mustache Café to his captivating weekly performances at O’Shaunessey’s Pub and Restaurant in Old Towne Alexandria.
As a beacon of jazz education and performance in the Washington, DC area, Herbert Smith's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with musicians and audiences alike, cementing his status as a true saxophonist extraordinaire.
THOMAS KITCHEN
Thomas Kitchen is a classically trained jazz guitarist whose versatility spans a wide range of musical styles. With a deep passion for both performance and education, he has spent years refining his craft while inspiring students of all ages.
Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) since 2005, Thomas is a licensed and endorsed instrumental music educator under the Virginia Department of Education. His teaching career includes positions at the College of Southern Maryland, Sidwell Friends School, the Sheridan School, and Middle C Music, as well as private lessons from his home studio in Washington, DC.
As a performer, Thomas is an active presence in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) music scene, regularly playing with ensembles such as The Tritone Jazz Trio, the Capitol Lab Band, the BLAZZ Band, and the Redwood Classical Guitar Duo. Before making DC his home, he showcased his talents aboard Carnival Cruise Line and performed with the renowned Tropicana Show Band.
One of his most memorable moments came on WETA’s “The Intersection,” where he performed "Little Blue Guitar," a composition he wrote while living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, alongside the Tribalistas' piece "Pecado É Lhe Deixar de Molho."
With a career that bridges classical and jazz traditions, Thomas continues to bring depth, creativity, and technical brilliance to every performance and lesson.
TONY “BIG CAT” SMITH
Trumpeter Anthony Smith was born and raised on the east side of Wilmington, Delaware. Currently residing in New Castle, Delaware. Began playing the trumpet in elementary school in the Wilmington Public School System. Graduated from Howard High School in 1972 and received a music scholarship to Delaware State College and earned a B.S. Degree in Music Education in 1978. Earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Wilmington College. Studied music under world renowned jazz master Robert “Boysie” Lowery. Worked as a teacher in the New Castle County School District, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Brandywine School District, and as a building administrator in the Brandywine School District. Retired from education in 2006.
Performs jazz trumpet music regularly in the Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York areas in a variety of musical genres with an emphasis on small ensemble settings. Has performed in numerous jazz productions and festivals throughout the United Stated and abroad including The Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, The Winterthur Yuletide Jazz Series, The Woodmere Jazz Series, The Willingboro Jazz Festival, The Cape May Jazz Festival, The Rehoboth Jazz Festival, Fulda Germany World Music Festival, Wilmington Arts Alive Festival, Delaware Art Museum Jazz Series, performing with local and nationally known acts and artists including The Tony Smith Group, Tony Smith's Music Explosion, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Dells, James Moody, Jimmy Heather, Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd,, Clifford Jordan,, Terrell Stafford, Ernie Watts, Rob Swanson, Jeff Knoettner, Lisa Chavous, Jackie Browne, Lucky Thompson’s DNA, Aniya Jazz, Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, The Boysie Lowery Big Band, The Clef Club Big Band, The Don Wilson Big Band, The Mill Creek Jazz Orchestra, The Wilmington Jazz Allstars, The Philadelphia Community College Big Band, Gerald Chavis' Fast Lane Big Band, The Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, The Christina Electric Light Orchestra, and many more. Trumpet influences include Louis Armstrong, Hugh Masekela, Dizzy Guillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard.
Musical works include “The History and Development of Jazz” “A Musical Tribute to Clifford Brown” “The History of Jazz From A Trumpeter’s Point of View” “A Tribute To The Greatest African American Trumpet Players in American History”
Co-Authored a book with Will Smith Sr. entitled “The Waymor” The book is about how a night at a jazz club can turn out to be “way more than you bargained for” and how the actions of one night can change lives forever. It’s a book about people and music and how lives intertwine.
Awards and recognitions include First Recipient of CCAC Imhotep Award, Christi Award Recipient, HAAN Black History Month Award, NAACP Presidents Award, The Clef Club Trumpet Award, and The Clifford Brown Legacy Award.
PETE FRASSRAND
Pete Frassrand was born in Detroit, he grew up in a family of teachers and musicians. He is proud to now be a teacher and musician. He first learned piano from his mother, who was the minister of music at their local church. After playing the piano on and off for years, in 1995 he moved to the DC area and decided to study music seriously. He is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from area players like Robert Redd, Charles Covington, and Tim Murphy. In 2000, he received his music education degree from Towson University and now share jazz with young people as a music teacher. Over the years, he has also honed his performance skills in DC clubs like Utopia, Twins, Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society, Bohemian Caverns and Jojo's. Since 2011 he has served as the pianist for the Greater U Street Jazz Collective, which has made appearances at events such as the DC Jazz Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the Congressional Black Caucus. He considers himself extremely lucky to be able to do what he does in an area with such a rich musical and cultural history.
KENT MILLER
Bassist Kent Miller, a graduate of Rockhurst University, also studied at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) Conservatory of Music. After returning to St. Louis, Miller enrolled in the St. Louis Conservatory of Music for continued music studies. He began private bass studies with Warren Claunch of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and with Wendell Marshall (former Duke Ellington bassist); enrollment into the legendary George Hudson Big Band soon followed. In 1984 Miller moved to New York and was recruited by Vanguard recording artist trumpeter Dave Burns. Miller continued his bass studies with bassist Rufus Reid and Ray Drummond and in later years with bassist Ron Carter. He has performed with the Brooklyn based Ray Abrams big band, Carl Allen, Chico Hamilton, Percy Brice, Jimmy Lovelace, Clifford Barbaro, Lynne Arriale, Eddie Gladden, George Coleman Jr., John Hicks, Eric Person, Bill Saxton, Talieb Kibwe, James Wiedman, Stanley Cowell, Michael Thomas Quintet and many others.
MANNY KELLOUGH
Manuel "Manny" Kellough was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He began playing drums at the young age of eight at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. By the age of thirteen, he was performing professionally with various local bands. His first recording was with Hank Jacobs and the TKO's on the track "The Fat Man." Later, he formed The Rhythm Rebellion, performing at Maverick's Flat in LA and touring France, Canada, and Mexico. At just 17, he had the opportunity to play with the Ray Charles band.
Over the past 60 years, Manny has had the privilege of working with some of the most renowned artists in the industry. Notably, he was the original drummer and band leader for the late great Billy Preston, earning four Gold Records and two Grammy Awards. Manny toured extensively throughout the US and Europe with Billy Preston and the Rolling Stones. He also toured with Larry Graham and Graham Central Station, earning a Gold Album and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1974.
Manny's impressive career includes collaborations with Barry White, Carmen McRae, Freddie Hubbard, and The Platters, among others. He recorded with Quincy Jones on the TV theme song for "Sanford and Son," with Little Richard on "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," with Billy Preston on "The Bus is Coming," and for the movie "Slaughter" starring Jim Brown.
In 2009, Manny, along with Nick Weir, launched the Jazz Program for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He continues to perform with his trio or quintet and vocalist at various jazz venues.
CREDITS
Performed with:
- The Late Legendary Billy Preston (25 years)
- Larry Graham and Graham Central Station
- The Platters (Toured US and Japan - 1996)
- Lou Ragland's "World Famous" Ink Spots
- The Late Great Carmen McRae
- Marlena Shaw
- The Late Dobie Gray
- The Late Freddie Hubbard
- The Late Great Ray Charles
- The Main Ingredient (South Africa Tour - 1976)
- The Late Rev. James Cleveland
- The Rolling Stones (The Goat's Head Soup Tour, 1973)
- The Late Barry White
- The Legendary Flamingos
- Lenny Welch
- Quincy Jones (Sanford & Son TV Theme Song "Ghost Rider")
Date & Time
Sat, Apr 12, 2025 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
El Golfo Restaurant (Assigned Seating)
8739 Flower AvenueSilver Spring, Maryland 20901
