Description
Sunday, March 2, 2025 12:00 to 2:30 pm
Jazz Brunch Fundraiser and Mardi Gras
Our Lady of the Cedars, 507 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333
Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) invites you to enjoy a Jazz Lunch and Mardi Gras fundraiser featuring vocalist Carol Leslie with Rock Wehrmann, Ed Lemmers, and Ricky Exton on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 12:00 until 2:30 pm at Our Lady of the Cedars, 507 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333.
Savor either a mimosa or bloody Mary (included), then tuck into a hearty southern lunch buffet that includes fried chicken, mac and cheese, BBQ pork ribs, salad, green beans, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler. Stroll around and bid on auction items that benefit ORMACO’s outreach programs, soak in the music and enjoy a Mardi Gras celebration with friends.
Attendance is limited so book now to avoid disappointment. $60 per person, or book a table of 8 for $440. Book online at www.ormaco.org or call 419-853-6016.
About the Artists
Carol Leslie is a Scottish import to NE Ohio; a vocalist who performs jazz cabaret at black-tie events, fundraisers, intimate cabarets, and any location that supports unique, individualized performances that embrace torch songs by greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Diana Krall, Amy Winehouse, Brandi Carlile, Peggy Lee, and more. She is a multi-genre singer, with a range across Celtic songs, Broadway, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Folk and more! She sings in 9 languages, giving her a multi-cultural appeal. Her CD, Carol Leslie at the Bop Stop Live! Can be found on www.cdbaby.com. Prior to her move from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Bermuda, where she lived for 2 years, she was chosen to represent Scotland in a BBC TV live broadcast across Europe, called, “Rising Stars!” out of 2500 auditionees! This prompted radio interviews and performances, such as on BBC Radio’s “Debut.” NE Ohio has adopted this Scottish lass, who continues to please audiences far and wide. She particularly loves the music of New Orleans, and you can be assured she will be honoring the music of Dr John, Harry Connick Jr, the Mills Brothers, and more, for our Mardi Gras celebration! Her band is spectacular, which guarantees a performance to be remembered fondly by this ORMACO audience.
Rock Wehrmann, pianist/accompanist/composer, is an accomplished musician, known throughout NE Ohio for his extraordinary repertoire, who crosses musical genres with ease. His unique teaching style, (he is a Professor Emeritus from KSU), and his ability to play several instruments equally brilliantly, plus his involvement with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, make this musician memorable. His spectacular ability to accompany superstars at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, as well as Broadway touring productions and his love of accompaniment, sets him apart from everyday pianists. He is a unique interpreter and supports voice in an exemplary fashion. He wraps gold around any performance, and Carol is thrilled to have him work with her for this ORMACO brunch.
Ed Lemmers, bassist, is known for playing both upright and 7-string electric bass. He is the leader of Monkey Kats and Eclectic Vision bands. He is a composer, and owner/recording engineer for Visionary Mantra Studios. He has toured internationally with renowned blues artist, Travis Haddix. He has performed with CSU Jazz band under the direction of clarinetist/flautist/composer Howie Smith. He has recorded with Travis Haddix, The Knights Temp, Eclectic Vision, Greg Benedetto, John Maxwell Taylor, and Ohio vocalist, Chris White. He has played with numerous NE Ohio bands, eg, Suburban Symphony, Burning River Jazz, The Townsman, The Knights Tempo, In Flight, Tantric Pulse, The Green Street Trio, the Allen-Keith Band, The Reid Project, Oldies but Goodies, Tangents and Full Circle. He is currently performing with The SwingTime Big Band, The Jazz Shepherds, The Don Goodman Duo, Steady Groove, and Best of Friends. His wonderful pitch, great ear, make him a perfect choice for Carol as she embraces New Orleans for this brunch. With his background, he has such an extensive repertoire, which enables him to embrace just about any genre, any environment, cabaret, church or blues club!
Ricky Exton, drummer/percussionist/composer/arranger/producer/recording artist, is a most versatile drummer on the NE Ohio scene. He pays homage to his mentor, the late Bob McKee, or channels Shelly Manne. He has played drums since his childhood days of the Tri C All Stars. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., he has played jazz festivals, concerts, television appearances, private and corporate events. His quality playing guaranteed him ability to perform with stars like Lou Rawls, Wynton Marsalis, Rufus Reid, Terence Blanchard, Ernie Krivda, Cyrus Chestnut, Joanne Brackeen, Kim Nazarian, Dominick Farinacci, and international guitar virtuoso, Neil Zaza. He is a session musician and records in studios from the east coast to the west coast. Carol says he “plays melody” with his drums, a unique ability, and adds gentle layers to support the vocals. He is a natural choice for our Mardi Gras event!