Porter’s Jazz Café, located in the heart of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas was filled with smooth jazz, R&B, and straight ahead jazz on Wednesday during a stunning Holiday Extravaganza featuring 17 year old smooth jazz violinist Lexington Porter.
SmoothJazzTimes.com was there to capture highlights during the scholarship fundraiser for the Arkansas based Art Porter Music Education, Inc. (APME) which connects young people to music and helps them to achieve their musical dreams through music education.
Porter is smooth and cool on his violin, gliding the bow across his instrument striking beats and rhythms that soar into the soul. He was accompanied by a rockin’ backup band that included his proud father on drums, Reginald Porter; followed by a special guest appearance by Yvette “Baby Girl” Preyer, who grew up and played in Little Rock; and now is the dynamic drummer for Grammy recording artist Michael McDonald.
The young maestro Lexington, is the nephew of the late smooth jazz saxophone recording artist Art Porter, Jr. and the grandson of the late jazz pianist Art Porter, Sr. Porter’s Jazz Cafe was appropriately inspired by the musically poised Porter family. The quaint and cool pub was filled with jazz lovers enjoying good music for the great cause.
Lexington, who has opened for smooth jazz recording artists Alex Bugnon and Lalah Hathaway, hopes his music will touch others to get involved and make a difference in other children’s lives. “I really hope my music will inspire other young people to get involved in playing instruments and appreciating jazz,” said Porter. “I am glad we’re all here to help make a difference,” he said.
Porter’s Jazz Cafe is Little Rock’s best kept secret. If you are ever in the area be sure to stop by. You’ll be served with the best southern hospitality; along with a scrumptious meal, all the while relaxing near the center stage that’s filled with phenomenal musical talents.
Be sure to keep your eye on Lexington Porter. He’s “Up and Coming;” and a consummate violinist with a natural talent taken straight from the heart and soul of a multi-talented family lineage of sophisticated style and musical charm.
For more information visit http://portersjazzcafe.com/ . To make a donation to the Art Porter Music Education Foundation visit http://www.artporter.org/#.
