Tag Archives: Jazz WaHi Festival

WAHI Jazz Festival: The Chidi Trio

The 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival presents
The Chidi Trio
www.jazzwahi.org/jazz-fest
Hailing from Nigeria and now making waves in the vibrant music scene of New York City, Chidiebere Joseph Emmanuel is a percussionist whose beats resonate with cultural depth and artistic finesse. Under the tutelage of two esteemed Nigerian jazz icons, drummer Adewale Adeyemi, and bass player Bright Gain, Emmanuel honed his craft, gracing stages including the prestigious Lagos International Jazz Festival.
Emmanuel’s musical journey led him to Idaho State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music, broadening his horizons and enriching his repertoire. Immersed in the dynamic arts community, he served on the Board of the Pocatello Arts Council, nurturing his passion for both performance and advocacy.
After deepening his understanding of jazz at New York University, where he earned a Master of Music degree in jazz studies under the mentorship of acclaimed drummer Ari Hoenig, Emmanuel continues to blend traditional rhythms with contemporary flair in every performance.
Chidiebere Emmanuel is proudly sponsored by Canopus Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Salyers Percussion Drumsticks.
Chidiebere Joseph Emmanuel, drums
Warren Louis, bass
Daniel Gonzalez, guitar

Jazz WaHi Festival: Meg Okura Septet

There’s a secret I’ve been grappling with: In the past year, I started hearing whispers, and I’ve started questioning everything, especially the choices that may have caused discomfort or resentment in those I love. This revelation brought a deep sadness and an undercurrent of anger.
For a while, I found harmony in my identities: being a Jew by choice, an ex-Christian from Japan, and a Japanese immigrant married to a Black man, raising our Black daughter, a classical violinist and a jazz composer. But today, I struggle with the feeling of isolation in existing alone in my identity category—navigating a reality where the various parts of me seem at odds with each other. It’s an isolating experience that few, if any, can fully relate to. And sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if I should have made different choices.
One thing I find beautiful about jazz is its ability to unite musicians who are each unique and come from different cultures or beliefs, all driven by a common goal—to create moments of captivation, cohesion, and connection. My latest composition, Re-harmonizing Identity: Shifting Prisms of a Shattered Glass Ceiling”, explores my inner conflict through “vertical and horizontal harmony,” reflecting my attempts to reconcile conflicting truths and find coherence in my complex identity. Winning this year’s Washington Heights Jazz Festival Composition Award wasn’t just an achievement—it was a forced confrontation with my deepest inner thoughts.
I invite you to the world premiere of Re-harmonizing Identity on November 2nd at Le Cheile in Washington Heights during the Wa-hi Jazz Festi