Willie Green is a talented and spiritual artist and composer from Louisiana. At a young age, he discovered
his love of drums while playing gospel music in his dad's church. Since then, Willie has infused his
performances and compositions with his spiritual sensibility. As a band leader, Willie strives to create
opportunities for his bands and friends that align with his vision for himself. He continues to play for other groups and recognizes the importance of cultivating healthy experiences and relationships with others . Willie sees music as an essential part of his life, having been a constant companion since he was young. Through his career as a musician, he has learned valuable life lessons, including perseverance, dedication, and staying calm in challenging situations. Willie's first drum teacher, his Uncle Walter, taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of playing the music. Willie has had the privilege of studying with some of New Orleans' most prominent drummers during his college years at Loyola University. Since graduating, Willie has played with many talented musicians and performed at major US and overseas festivals. Willie hopes to continue spreading his message of peace through his music and to collaborate with as many musicians as possible throughout his career.

The Steve Lands Quartet is unable to play AMAS on Wednesday, October 16th. Full refunds will be made to all advance ticket holders.

Yusa is a Cuban singer and songwriter, born in the Buena Vista district of Havana, Cuba. Her music is recognised worldwide : in 2003, she was nominated at the prestigious BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards in two categories (Best Newcomer and Best of the Americas.)

Dr. Michael Torregano comes from a musical family. The youngest of four boys, he began playing piano at the age of five. Michael studied music at Southern University in New Orleans earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He later received a Master in Music Performance with an emphasis in conducting from the University of New Orleans. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University. Michael has been an educator for 32 years, teaching music in Elementary, Middle, High Schools, and at the university level. He performed in his brother, Joseph Torregano’s quartet for 31 years. Michael has also had the pleasure of performing with many New Orleans artists including Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, Dave Bartholomew, and Johnny Adams.

Brian Quezerque, a sought after New Orleans bassist, received his B.A. in instrumental music education from Southern University at New Orleans. Upon graduation he began his teaching career in the public schools of New Orleans. Mr. Quezerque has been involved in Jazz Camp since its inception in1995 when he enrolled as a student. In 2004, he became the first alumni to join the camp’s faculty as the bass instructor. Mr. Quezerque is currently a faculty member at Audubon Charter School. The son of New Orleans composer/arranger Wardell Quezerque, he performs a variety of music genres and has performed with the likes of the Wild Magnolias, Kidd Jordan, the late Alvin Batiste, Clyde Kerr Jr. Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and many others.

Jazz Vocalist extraordinaire, artist and teacher Betty Shirley has come full circle in her life and is now reaping the benefits of her hard-earned endeavors. The Times Picayune declares “…her range and command of the stage make Shirley’s a voice that should be heard round the world.”

Blessed with all the range and tonal control one might expect from a first-class Jazz singer, Shirley can scat, propel, coax and hang on to a note. She improvises with unerring instincts and delivers exactly what a song needs, spinning notes like silk. Michael ‘Mr. Jazz’ Gourrier (of WRIR-FM, Richmond Virginia) says about Betty, “One of the top female vocalists on the New Orleans scene. sensitive, sassy, coy and a great interpreter.”

Betty Shirley says, “most of my singing is a natural expression, the voice is an instrument and to be able to sing illuminates the entire world, it has given me a chance to express my sincere devotion to this music.” Shirley’s extensive repertoire ranges from original compositions, Jazz (modern and traditional), and Blues to R&B, and Bossa Nova. Lucy Galliher, Musician and former East Coast Editor - Jazz Now Magazine writes “… her songs are alive, mixing vocalizing, talking and scanting into a wonderful blend of colors…”

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley spent her childhood in Chicago, and “ran off” to study music and art in New York City at the age of 16. Betty Shirley honed her skills on the New York scene making use of Jazz Mobile, and performing in such clubs as Birdland, Green Street Café and the Village Gate. In the early 1990’s she followed her muse and settled in the great Jazz city of New Orleans where she has continued to perform at such clubs as Snug Harbor, Royal Sonesta and Donna’s.

She has sung with some of the best Jazz musicians in the world: Ellis Marsalis, Art Blakey Jr., Benny Green and Bross Townsend, to name a few and her tours have included Europe and Brazil. Her credits include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Pensacola Jazz Festival, Essence Fest and the Women in Jazz Series.

Betty Shirley most recent award was being named and honored as a 2007 Jazz All-star by New Orleans Magazine. Her other awards received included Best Jazz Vocalist, Gambit Magazine's Big Easy Awards and Duke Ellington Concerts Award.

As a recording artist, Shirley has 3 critically acclaimed CDs to her credit as a leader.