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Artists COMMENTS
"TBAAL is like home to me! Curtis King can call me and he knows that I'm there to support this very important institution. The level of excellence that TBAAL continues to exemplify is one of the reasons I agreed to perform at this festival."
- Lalah Hathaway
"What a wonderful weekend we've had in Dallas performing at this festival. TBAAL knows how to put on a show and treat its artists. Please invite us back. We loved it and had a ball!!"
- Hiroshima
"I'm glad to have been a part of the inaugural festival in my hometown. I'm looking forward to next year’s Festival! "
- Erykah Badu
"Don't let no one sway you from your dream, Curtis. Stay focused . . . you got something here! For a first time, this is amazing!”
- Rachelle Farrell
"I'm awed and delighted to be on the roster of so many outstanding and diverse acts at this festival. Hats off to all of you! "
- Jon Secada
"It's obvious that Curtis has a heart for American Black Music and for people in Dallas. For years, he's showcased so many of us in our beginnings and our ends, even sometimes at a great sacrificial cost. "
- Oleta Adams
"Let's make sure we keep this going! I'm glad to have been a performer and an Honorary Chair at the onset! Everybody who hears about next year's festival, they need to be in Dallas."
- Will Downing
"I've performed in a lot of festivals around the world and I tell you that Dallas got it going on with its first Jazz Festival! "
- Jonathan Butler
"When my agent booked me for this festival, I thought I would be playing just another festival. But when I got here and saw what these people were doing, I realized that they were putting their heart and soul into making something happen beyond ‘just entertainment.’ This event is part of a major movement and I'm going to support it for the long haul. . ." - Bobby Rush
"What a remarkable undertaking by a young visionary who sees the big picture for navigating a way to sustain his institution for generations to come. I'm moved beyond words."
-Dee Dee Bridgewater
"Thanks for thinking of me! I was waiting for the time to wear my cowgirl boots and this inaugural jazz festival gave me the chance to do so. " - Melanie Fiona
"I love Dallas and TBAAL! Whenever they call me, I'm there! TBAAL has done a lot of good stuff and this festival is top-shelf! " - Reuben Studdard
" Coming off the heels of Hurricane Harvey . . . the Riverfront Jazz Festival was a cool breath of fresh air for all our souls. " - Mike Renfro, Former Dallas Cowboy
"I've performed all over the world and this festival is the real deal! For a cultural arts institution of color to orchestrate something of this magnitude with such meticulous detail, is eerily rare. I'm IMPRESSED!" -Tito Puente, Jr.
" What a magnificent venture this is... I feel pleased to be an artist in this festival company of greats! " -Keiko Matsui
“TBAAL got two thumbs up from me for taking care of business and presenting a creative and well organized festival! Their eye for excellence makes me proud to be a part of this institution’s history.” -Raheem Devaughn
“It’s a great feeling to be supportive of an institution like TBAAL, specifically when they include a performance showcase for young artists.” -Avery Sunshine
“What can I say, other than Curtis King knows that I have and will continue to be TBAAL’s biggest advocate and loyal champion! The work being done at this institution is stellar and it deserves support.” -Patti Austin
