3rd Annual Alumni Jazz Concert
Honesty B is a Miami-born, Atlanta-raised singer, songwriter, and multi-hyphenate creative with Caribbean roots in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Her velvet-smooth R&B tone and soulful storytelling transform lived experience into music that feels both intimate and universal. A proud alumna of Florida A&M University and its legendary Marching 100, Honesty developed her musical foundation within one of the nation’s most revered performance traditions. That discipline, paired with her natural emotional depth, shapes a sound that moves effortlessly between original compositions and thoughtfully reimagined covers. Her original music has been featured in film, reflecting her ability to create songs that are both cinematic and deeply felt. Whether performing her own records or interpreting beloved classics through an R&B and soul lens, Honesty crafts musical moments that linger—leaving audiences not just entertained, but moved. Now returning to the stage with a sound rooted in legacy and elevated by experience, Honesty B continues to establish herself as an artist whose voice doesn’t just fill a room—it stays with you long after the final note. |
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Derrick Harris is a Miami, Florida native with over 25 years of experience in the live music world. As CEO of Eighth Note Productions, LLC and a skilled trombonist, he’s spent much of his career performing and sharing his love of music with others. Derrick has taught throughout Central Florida for more than 15 years, helping young musicians grow their musical voice and perform at their best. He’s currently an active Disney musician, entertaining audiences of all ages both in the U.S. and around the world. |
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Saunders Sermons is a Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, and trombonist known for blending soulful vocals with powerful, high-energy horn performances. His smooth tone and dynamic stage presence have taken him around the world, performing with acclaimed artists such as Jay-Z, Maxwell, CeeLo Green, Roy Hargrove, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Born and raised in Miami and New York City, Saunders began his musical journey in church at just three years old, singing gospel and playing drums. By age eleven, he discovered the trombone, which quickly became his signature instrument. He later studied Jazz Performance at Florida A&M University and The New School, where he refined his craft as both a musician and vocalist. Since launching his career in 2010, Saunders has grown into a respected independent artist, known for delivering performances that blend jazz, soul, and R&B with authenticity, passion, and lasting impact. |
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Keven Shepherd is a native of Decatur, Georgia, and a highly accomplished music educator, arranger, and conductor. A graduate of Florida A&M University, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 2001, studying under legendary educators including Dr. William P. Foster, Dr. Julian E. White, and Dr. Shelby Chipman. While at FAMU, he served as a student arranger for the renowned “Marching 100.” He later earned his Master of Music degree from Northern Illinois University, studying instrumental wind conducting and jazz. With a distinguished career in education, Keven has led and developed award-winning band programs, including serving as Head Band Director at Miller Grove High School, where students earned millions in scholarships and consistently received superior ratings. Currently an Elementary Band Director in DeKalb County, he continues to inspire young musicians. In addition to education, Keven arranges music for over 40 high school and college programs and has contributed to major productions, including Drumline Live and Drumline: A New Beat. His work is performed nationwide, and he was recognized as a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. |
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Melton Mustafa Jr. is a dynamic musician, educator, and producer whose career blends performance, leadership, and community impact. Born in Atlanta and raised in Miami, he began his musical journey at Miami Carol City High School and later earned his degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University, where he served as a section leader and arranger for the legendary Marching “100.” He continued his education at Florida International University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in leadership. A dedicated educator, Mustafa teaches in South Florida and serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Memorial University. Coming from a rich musical legacy, he is the son of renowned jazz trumpeter Melton Mustafa Sr. and has performed with major artists including Bruce Springsteen, Lalah Hathaway, and the Ray Charles Band. An accomplished producer and director, he has led major productions, created award-winning programs, and founded community music initiatives. Mustafa is also the Executive Producer of the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival, a long-standing cultural staple that celebrates jazz, education, and community. |
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