Butcher Brown and the JMU Jazz Ensemble to Perform at Wilson Hall on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.

Calling all music enthusiasts and jazz aficionados! On Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m., prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing fusion of jazz and hip-hop as Butcher Brown, hailing from Richmond, Virginia, takes the stage alongside the talented James Madison University (JMU) Jazz Ensemble. The concert will be held at Wilson Hall, one of James Madison University's iconic halls and music venues, promising an unforgettable night of musical excellence.

Since 2013, Butcher Brown has been at the forefront of the music scene, pushing boundaries with their innovative blend of jazz and hip-hop. Their unique sound draws inspiration from funk, soul, and rock, resulting in a Southern-leaning, occasionally psychedelic fusion that feels both fresh and familiar. Butcher Brown is known for working within and defying genre conventions, making them a mainstay at jazz festivals around the country. 

The band's latest album has taken a bold step by deconstructing big band jazz and reshaping it into their more eclectic image, cementing their reputation as trailblazers in the world of music.

Notably, Butcher Brown's music has even graced the airwaves of NFL's Monday Night Football, recreating the instrumentals and adding background vocals in Little Richards Rip It Up. Their diverse range and undeniable talent have garnered them a dedicated fan base. 

Butcher Brown will be backed up by the JMU Jazz Ensemble, the premier jazz group in the School of Music at JMU, under the direction of Chuck Dotas, professor director of Jazz Studies. “I heard Butcher Brown do this show in Charlottesville last year and knew right away I wanted to bring them to JMU. This is not a jazz concert with a little bit of rap thrown in. It’s a rap group that has injected elements of jazz into their music, and it sounds great. We’re very excited to bring Butcher Brown to JMU, thanks to the generous support of the JMU School of Music and the College of Visual and Performing Arts,” said Dotas.

This upcoming performance at Wilson Hall promises to be a memorable experience for all in attendance, especially for students looking to broaden their musical horizons. The collaboration with the JMU Jazz Ensemble ensures a night filled with virtuosic performances, artistic innovation, and soul-stirring music that transcends boundaries.

Tickets for Butcher Brown can be purchased online at jmuforbescenter.com, in person at the Forbes Center Box Office or by calling (540) 568-7000. Free parking is available for this event in the Warsaw Parking Deck located at 157 Warsaw Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22807. This performance contains adult language.