Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with the Blockson Collection in partnership with Bright Hope Baptist Church. Each year we celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of America’s art form: JAZZ.  

Join us in honoring Philadelphia jazz legend, Robert ‘Bootsie’ Barnes with a performance of classic jazz compositions by premier musicians who were mentored by and performed with Bootsie regularly.  

Bootsie was a legendary Saxophonist who greatly contributed and pioneered the jazz scene in Philadelphia for decades. He was a mentor and musical father to the community, music fans, and musicians. The concert will include two sets of music along with comments and memories of Bootsie. The “Bootsie Barnes Disciples” will perform compositions that were written or performed by Bootsie ... “Mostly, our favorite tunes that bring to life the special moments we were able to share with him on stage.” -- Byron Landham

“Musically driving and creatively expressive,” Byron “Wookie” Landham (aka) Swing Daddy is still one of the most coveted drummers (musician) in the world. With over 35 years of experience, he is still a powerful luminary on the International Jazz scene! Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 1969, he’s the youngest of five siblings.  

His earliest influence is his only brother, saxophonist, composer/arranger Robert Landham. Byron began playing drums at age 7, before studying formally at age 11, where he attended Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. By age 16, he was considered a young lion!

Byron’s career blossomed in 1989 when he began working with friend and legendary organist, Columbia Recording Artist Joey DeFrancesco. This led to greater national recognition and a career that’s relevant and thriving to this day and age.