In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Blockson Collection presents the Third Annual Bootsie Barnes Jazz Series, in memory of local legend Bootsie Barnes. This year’s event features Gerald Veasley.

Gerald Veasley’s musical odyssey has taken him to the top of the contemporary music world as a bassist, bandleader, composer, producer, educator, and curator. His performance as a six-string bassist has been top shelf, as his extensive body of work attests. Veasley has recorded or performed with many of the world’s top artists in Jazz, R&B and Gospel: Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, Chuck Loeb, Maysa, Nnenna Freelon, Special EFX, Pieces of a Dream, McCoy Tyner, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Gerald Levert, Teddy Pendergrass, Philip Bailey, the Dixie Hummingbirds, John Blake, Odean Pope, and Pat Martino.

Having a passion to educate and motivate other musicians, Veasley has served on the faculty of the University of the Arts. Veasley is also the artistic director and co-founder of Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp. Established in 2002, the annual event has informed and inspired hundreds of bass players of all levels and ages.

Most recently, Veasley has been selected to lead Jazz Philadelphia, a new initiative that seeks to unify Philadelphia’s vibrant jazz community, celebrate its rich musical history and position it as an international destination for jazz.

Our programs are geared toward a general audience and are open to all, including Temple students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, and friends. Registration is encouraged.