Thursday, May 11, 2023

Home from Augusta, all set for Europe

Fred heads to Europe Sunday, exactly one week after traveling home from his last gig, a beautiful community celebration in the hometown of his best-known boss, James Brown. The Godfather of Soul was born 90 years ago May 6. Many thanks to Augusta for the warm welcome, especially to daughter Deanna Brown, promoter Coco Rubio and the Augusta Museum of History. Click here for more.

Fred's now resting up and gearing up for the first of three Europe tours this season, and for a return to Seattle's Jazz Alley in August. Click here for Seattle tickets and check the calendar for tour dates.

Enjoy these photos from Augusta.

Fred and Deanna with two members of the James Brown Academy of Music Band.



The New JBs on the outdoor stage.


Fred and Deanna Brown (with understudy New JBs guitarist Bruno Speight in the background).




Friday, April 28, 2023

Where's Fred? Heading to Augusta with his New JBs to celebrate JB

After a successful visit with students and the upstate New York university communities at Colgate and Syracuse, Fred turned hus attention to his next gig, headlining the Augusta, Georgia, celebration of James Brown's 90th birth anniversary. The big day of his most famous boss will be marked with a free outdoor party at the Augusta Museum of History. Come one, come all. 



Dr. Scot Brown's "Funky Good Time:A Groove Session & Dialogue with Fred Wesley" lived up to the title's promise at Colgate University, providing education and enrichment for students, faculty and community members alike.

Fred and Dr. Scot Brown playing with student and faculty musicians. (photo by Kara Rusch)


In Syracuse, Fred performed with members of Central New York Jazz at the University's Folk Art Center. The event also featured questions and answers, a book signing and a performance by three local students.

Fred talking during the book signing with the student saxophonist with whom he played Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island."

Upon returning home to Montgomery, Alabama, Fred took part in a Jazz Appreciation Month Jazz Jam Session hosted by WVAS, the campus radio station of his alma mater Alabama State University. Click here to read more.


Photo by David Campbell, Alabama State University