SAE LIVE Music proudly presents 4 Women, a powerful tribute in honor of Jazz
Education Month, bringing together four dynamic vocalists—Jeanette Brown, Iva Jean
Ambush, Faith Jordan Willingham, and L’Tanya “Sugarlips” Shields. Taking place on
Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM at EVENTS@PARKWOOD, Parkwood Village
Shopping Center, 707 GA 138, Suite 721 in Riverdale, GA, this unforgettable evening
showcases the profound impact of women in jazz, from the bebop era to modern-day
innovators.
Accompanied by an all-star trio featuring pianist Arthur D. Turner, bassist Ramon
Pooser, and drummer Larry Wilson, these exceptional artists will pay homage to
legendary vocalists who paved the way, blending classic jazz storytelling with
contemporary influences. Each singer honors two influential women who shaped the
sound of jazz across generations:
● Jeanette Brown channels the revolutionary artistry of Nina Simone and
the contemporary soulfulness of Ledisi. Her performance captures
Simone’s fearless expression and Ledisi’s rich, modern vocal stylings,
creating a sound that bridges past and present.
● Faith Jordan Willingham evokes the soaring elegance of Sarah Vaughan
and the boundary-pushing spirit of Geri Allen. Vaughan’s impeccable
phrasing and Allen’s adventurous compositions are reflected in Faith’s
powerful, emotionally resonant interpretations.
● L’Tanya “Sugarlips” Shields captures the charisma of Dinah Washington
and the blues-infused energy of Etta James. Her dynamic presence
embodies Washington’s sass and Etta’s raw passion, leaving audiences
spellbound.
● Iva Jean Ambush embodies the haunting vulnerability of Billie Holiday
and the bold innovation of Cassandra Wilson. Like Holiday, she
transforms emotion into melody, while Wilson’s genre-blending approach
inspires Iva’s fearless musical exploration.
The evening will feature solo performances, stunning medleys, and heartfelt tributes,
including a special homage to Ella Fitzgerald and Roberta Flack, as well as a deeply moving rendition of Nina Simone’s Four Women—a song that continues to resonate as a
testament to resilience, identity, and the power of women’s voices in music and history.
SAE Entertainment is dedicated to keeping the legacy of jazz alive, and this
extraordinary event is a testament to the enduring influence of women in the genre. Join
us for an evening of timeless music, breathtaking artistry, and a celebration of jazz’s rich
heritage.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM
Location: EVENTS, Parkwood Village Shopping Center, 707 GA 138, Ste 721, Riverdale,
GA 30274
Tickets & Info: https://tinyurl.com/4WomenShow
Let the voices of 4 Women transport you through the history of jazz—past, present, and
future.
BIOGRAPHIES
JEANETTE BROWN
Jeanette Mallory Brown’s voice is a tapestry woven with blues, soul, and jazz, shaped by
a lifetime of musical exploration. Her journey began as a vocalist with the Spelman
College Jazz Ensemble, where she discovered her deep connection to jazz and
improvisation. She went on to collaborate with a variety of jazz and R&B ensembles
along the East Coast, refining a sound that is both rich and deeply personal.
After stepping away from the stage for several years, Jeanette returns with a renewed
artistic vision, blending her singer-songwriter roots with the timeless traditions of jazz.
Whether interpreting a classic standard or crafting an original melody, she invites
listeners into a world where emotion and storytelling take center stage. As she steps
back into the spotlight, Jeanette brings a voice seasoned by experience and a passion
that remains as powerful as ever.
FAITH JORDAN WILLINGHAM
Faith Jordan Willingham channels the elegance of Sarah Vaughan and the innovative
spirit of Geri Allen, creating a sound that is both classic and uniquely her own. A
Howard University alum, she gained recognition performing with the award-winning
vocal group Afro Blue, dazzling audiences with her ability to fuse jazz traditions with
contemporary interpretations.
After stepping away from the stage for several years, Faith returns with a voice matured
by life’s experiences yet still filled with the same fire and nuance that defined her early
career. Whether reimagining a jazz standard or bringing fresh perspective to a modern
tune, Faith remains dedicated to the art of storytelling. Her expertise in arranging,
improvisation, and composition informs every performance, but at the heart of her
artistry is an unwavering commitment to honoring the lyric—allowing each song’s
message to take center stage.
Now based in Atlanta, Faith is reigniting her passion for live performance, captivating
audiences with a presence that is both commanding and deeply intimate. As she steps
back into the spotlight, she invites listeners into a world where jazz is more than
music—it is a conversation, a memory, and an emotion brought to life.
L’TANYA “SUGARLIPS” SHIELDS
A native New Yorker whose singing credentials span from choir concerts, private parties
to national competitions to international tours, L’Tanya has been humming hymns and
singing songs since childhood. Her vivacious personality comes across in her music.
Whatever song she sings, she makes it her own. Her musical foundation lies in the
church where she is a member of the choir and can often be found belting out a solo.
Having very little formal training, you know that L’Tanya’s talent is a gift from GOD.
Since relocating to Atlanta, L’Tanya has been blessed to share the stage with some very
talented people. In addition to her singing career, she has theatrical credits under her
belt. She has had major roles in local productions of “WORK”, “Delayed but Not
Denied” and “Tambourines to Glory” by Langston Hughes. Currently, Sugarlips is
portraying the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin in the theatrical production, Natural
Woman-An Aretha Story. She was also featured in the major motion picture “Dirty
Laundry”, starring Loretta Devine & Rockmond Dunbar.
L’Tanya was a soloist with the All Atlanta Chorus for 5 years where she performed with
the award winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She participated in the Opening &
Closing Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games, sharing the stage with B.B. King,
Winton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Little Richard and a host of other veterans in the
music industry. Along with the Voice of Atlanta choir, she recorded with the legendary
Sir Elton John. 8 members of the choir which included L’Tanya’s melodious voice,
joined Sir Elton on his US & European tours to promote the “Peachtree Road” CD
project. L’Tanya has released her first solo CD project entitled, Finally Its Love. As a
soloist with Voice of Atlanta (VOA) choir and now the leader of her own R&B and jazz
band, you may hear L’Tanya’s voice anywhere.
When asked why she sings? L’Tanya replied, “I sing because I believe it’s what GOD sent
me here to do, it’s my purpose! “
IVA JEAN AMBUSH
Iva Jean Ambush, known as The Scat Lady, is the recent winner of the prestigious Billie
Holiday Competition. A dynamic jazz vocalist, she has captivated audiences at world-
renowned venues including Birdland (NYC), the DC Jazz Festival, Mid-Atlantic Jazz
Festival, Keystone Korner Baltimore, Blues Alley, and Le Duc des Lombards (Paris).
Hailing from a lineage of jazz greats—including the late trumpeter Lester Bowie and
bassist Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra)—Iva's artistry is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.
She has honed her craft under the mentorship of legends like Sheila Jordan, Dr. Horace
Boyer, and Ronnie Wells, refining her mastery of jazz phrasing and syncopation.
Currently, she is working on her latest project, Mosaic Voices of Four Women, a tribute
to Abbey Lincoln, Lena Horne, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Nina Simone. With her
signature fusion of jazz, gospel, funk, and soul, Iva Jean Ambush continues to elevate
the voice as the ultimate instrument—an expression of rhythm, language, and
conversation.
About Simply Awesome Entertainment (SAE)
At Simply Awesome Entertainment (SAE), we are dedicated to keeping live music alive
by providing a platform for talented musicians to showcase, connect, and inspire
through unforgettable performances. With a commitment to excellence, diversity, and
community, SAE curates events that celebrate the rich traditions of jazz, blues, R&B,
funk, rock, and more.
Our mission is simple: to create a space where music lovers and artists come together in
an environment of respect, integrity, and artistic expression. We believe that live music
is more than just entertainment—it’s an experience that fosters connection, creativity,
and joy.
The Simply Awesome Experience
SAE is more than an event promoter—we are a community. Our events are designed for
the mature listener who appreciates high-quality live music in an atmosphere of warmth
and inclusivity. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or someone discovering the
magic of live music, our goal is to make every performance a night to remember.
By supporting local and touring artists, we ensure that authentic live music continues to
thrive in the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. From intimate jazz lounges to high-
energy festivals, SAE is committed to bringing audiences Simply Awesome
Entertainment that uplifts the spirit and enriches the soul.
Stay Connected & Experience the Magic of Live Music
We invite you to join our community, attend our events, and support live music. Be part
of the Simply Awesome movement and help us continue to shine a light on incredible
At Simply Awesome Entertainment, we believe in the power of live music, strong
communities, and unforgettable experiences. Come be a part of the magic—because
great music deserves to be heard live!
Date & Time
Sat, Apr 26, 2025 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue Details
SAE LIVE MUSIC EVENT CENTER IN RIVERDALE
721 Georgia 138 Riverdale, Georgia 30274
SIMPLY AWESOME ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
The Simply Awesome Experience
We are about bringing together like-minded souls that appreciate Simply Awesome Entertainment for their listening ear in a safe environment of respect, maturity, and integrity allowing therapy for the soul. Our sole purpose is to provide a platform for local professional musicians to showcase and network their talent within our local communities. We promote Live Music Events for the mature audience. Jazz! Blues! R&B! Funk! Rock! Oldies! & More!
