Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts

These two talents are incredible on their own but brought together for the Festival, they form the ultimate dynamic duo of jazz. They will perform a special program dedicated to Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday.

Newtonite Dominique Eade, a vocalist, composer, and improviser, merges musical finesse with emotional clarity, earning critical praise and influencing generations of singers. Celebrated for her ‘exceptional” talents by The New York Times and recognized by the Atlantic Monthly for her “rich voice,” Eade’s innovative blend of jazz and songwriting has made her a standout figure. She has performed at major festivals and venues across the Americas and Europe, including the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival and New York’s The Blue Note.
Signed to RCA Victor in 1998, Eade has collaborated with jazz greats like Dave Holland and recorded seven CDs, earning spots on top ten lists from Billboard to NPR. Her work not only showcases her virtuosity but also her profound impact on the jazz and contemporary classical scenes.

George Russell Jr. has become a familiar figure in Newton, captivating audiences at the Newton Piano Summit, the Festival of the Arts, and numerous local concerts. His performances are a vibrant tapestry of passion, fire, soul, and an indomitable spirit that breathes life into every note. Russell teaches at Berklee College of Music where he is Chair of the Harmony Department. He describes himself as “a drummer who happens to play the piano,” a characterization that resonates in the rhythmic vitality and drive of his performances.