
July 18 • 5:30 PM • BKCM Garden
Join us at 5:30 pm for the VIP kickoff of our summer concert series, Midsummer Nights! Enjoy a delicious variety of snacks and beverages while grooving to beats by DJ OOOChild. During this exclusive garden party, we’ll be highlighting our Studio Collective with a performance and Q&A by the ineffable Lynda Starr – vocalist, songwriter, sound designer and Studio Collective member!
Spaces are limited – RSVP now to save yourself a spot at the party.
After the VIP Garden party, join us at 6:30pm at the front stoop for the start of our free public concerts with Trill Mega Jam hosted by Melanie Charles. Learn more below!
This year’s series is curated by rising jazz star and 2023-24 BKCM Jazz Leaders Fellow Melanie Charles, the founder of a collective whose name proclaims a mission: to Make Jazz Trill Again. Melanie has handpicked a lineup of artists who are expanding the borders of contemporary jazz in NYC, infusing elements of R&B, hip-hop, Latin, African and experimental musical traditions across four concerts that offer something for music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

VIP Garden Party featuring Lynda Starr & DJ OOOChild

Lynda Starr
Lynda Starr is a remarkable Soul-driven vocalist and songwriter hailing from the vibrant city of Brooklyn, NY. Born Youdlyn Moreau, this talented songstress captivates audiences with her emotionally charged music, creating profound connections through her performances. With a rich foundation in classical vocal training and songwriting, Starr possesses a deep understanding of harmonization, vocal arrangements, music theory, composition, and the art of storytelling within her songs.
From an early age, Ms. Starr discovered her passion for music, beginning her melodic journey at the tender age of 3. Since then, she has been diligently honing her craft, pouring her heart into the art of songwriting and sharing her musical talents. Whether it’s gracing the stages of New York City venues alongside the BLK HRS live band, where she brings joy to all who witness her performances, or composing songs for other artists, Starr’s dedication to her artistry shines through.
Lynda Starr is an esteemed member of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Studio Collective, where she continues to refine her skills and collaborate with other talented musicians. The year 2022 proved to be a pivotal milestone in Lynda Starr’s musical career. She was crowned the winner of the prestigious ESSENCE Fest’s New & Next Artist Competition, solidifying her status as an emerging talent. In addition, Starr claimed a place among the Top 3 Winners of the renowned Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in May 2022, garnering recognition from industry heavy-hitters including the illustrious female Hip-Hop legend, Da Brat, and TV personality Rocsi Diaz. Starr has also had the honor of collaborating with other pioneers in the music industry such as Hip-Hop legend Grandmaster Flash. Returning to the main stage, Lynda Starr showcased her talents at ESSENCE Fest 2023, performing at the esteemed Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, LA.
Driven by a profound mission to transform lives through the power of music, Lynda Starr is committed to empowering, educating, healing, and inspiring her community and the world at large. She believes in the transformative impact of each song she creates, and with unwavering determination, Starr endeavors to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of her listeners, one song at a time.

DJ OOOChild
DJ OOOChild is a DJ/Producer from NY. Born in Brooklyn and raised in The Bronx, OOOChild has performed in many states across the US and internationally, has been featured on radio shows in the UK and toured Japan. OOOChild has been a part of numerous tours and concerts for the likes of Joey Bada$$, Vic Mensa, Pete Rock, Smoke DZA & more.

6:30 PM Public Performance – Trill Mega Jam hosted by Melanie Charles
Hosted and curated by Melanie Charles and Make Jazz Trill Again, the Trill Mega Jam has been expanding the boundaries of jazz across NYC. This edition features an all-star lineup of BKCM Jazz faculty & three world-class vocalists.

Andromeda Turre
Vocalist and composer Andromeda Turre has honed her craft over a lifetime immersed in music. Born into a family of jazz musicians, she was formally trained at The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Her talents have taken her around the world, from touring with Ray Charles, to headlining festivals with her own music in 17 countries worldwide. In addition to her vocal talents, Andromeda is an accomplished composer whose original works have been featured in film, television, video games and theater. Also a radio host on SiriusXM Real Jazz, her upcoming album, From the Earth, is a programmatic jazz suite illuminating the pressing issues of environmental justice releasing July 26, 2024.

Gina D’Soto
Gina D’Soto has established herself as an authentic and effortless vocalist in New York. Her sound is a fusion of jazz, soul, and Cuban traditions, providing listeners with a melodic experience reflecting her artistic identity. With her undeniable charm, Gina D’Soto infuses her music with an empowering presence that captivates her audience. She has emerged as one of the greatest Cuban artists of her generation. Her sound resonates with everyone she encounters, and she continues to create musical waves on platforms like NPR Live Sessions. Gina D’Soto’s vulnerability and pure heart make her a standout in her genre, and her digital releases and collaborations are taking the world by storm.

Mary Akpa
Mary Akpa embodies the divinity and sentiments of the African Diaspora with wonder and vulnerability. Born in Nigeria and raised in Southern California, Mary’s sound is seasoned with her culture and experiences, yielding a soulful blend of highlife-inspired guitars, jazz and African influences. Her career spans over two decades and four continents, including time spent collaborating with numerous artists, and touring internationally.

About Melanie Charles:

There are very few artists whose sound can capture the sentiments of a generation. The Brooklyn-born-and-raised Melanie Charles is one of these artists. Over the past few decades, she has made a name for herself through dynamic engagements with jazz, soul and R&B. Her bold genre-bending style has been embraced by a range of artists including Wynton Marsalis, SZA, Mach-Hommy, Gorillaz and The Roots. In 2021, she appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk and stunned with her eclectic style. Through it all, she has remained committed to making music that pushes listeners to consider new possibilities — both sonically and politically. “Make Jazz Trill Again” a project that she launched in 2016, demonstrates her allegiance to everyday people, especially the youth, and is focused on taking jazz from the museum to the streets. “I love jazz, I really fell in love with it deeply. But I was interested in young people interacting with it,” Charles says. The album Y’all Don’t (Really) Care About Black Women is reflective of Charles’ tremendous versatility and imagination as an artist, but also of her deep care for community.