ST. GREGORY’S 2024 HOLIDAY GALA AND PRIVATE CONCERT WITH WYCLIFFE GORDON
ABOUT WYCLIFFE GORDON
Renowned Musician, Composer, Conductor, Arranger, and Educator
Wycliffe Gordon experiences an impressive career touring the world performing to great acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Jazz Journalists Association named him 2020 “Trombonist of the Year” for the record breaking 13th time, and he’s topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” again for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). Last year he was the recipient of the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. Wycliffe is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals. He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries.
In addition to an exceptionally successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading his quintet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. He is commissioned frequently, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music. Musicians and ensembles of every caliber perform his music throughout the world and his arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe.
Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon is also one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators,
Veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, 1989-1995
Original member of Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, 1995-2000
Featured guest artist on Billy Taylor’s “Jazz at the Kennedy Center” Series
Arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe.
“Jazz a la Carte” was named one of the five best moments in jazz by the Wall Street Journal.
Performance experience includes work with David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Rene Marie, Dianne Reeves, Anat Cohen, Ricky Skaggs, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Joe Henderson, Eric Reed, Randy Sandke and Branford Marsalis, to name a few.
Compositions performed by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon and Friends, the Brass Band of Battle Creek and numerous other ensembles, and performed in programs throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass.
Early Life
Born in Waynesboro, Georgia 1967
Introduced to music by his late father, Lucius Gordon, a classical pianist and teacher
Discovered the trombone at age twelve when his older brother began to play it in junior high school band
Developed a passion for jazz at age 13 after listening to an extensive jazz record collection bequeathed to his family by an aunt
Member of the McDonald’s All-American High School Band, 1984
Awards & Achievements
2019 Sonny Award presented by Suncoast Jazz
2018 Presented with the “Louie Award” by the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
2017 International Trombone Association Award, which recognizes the highest level of creative and artistic achievement
ASCAP Plus Award 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for his contributions as a composer.
Downbeat Magazine “Best Trombone” Award Six Times
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Jazz Journalists Association “Trombonist of the Year” Award 15 years.
Wycliffe Gordon received the Jazz Journalists Association Award for Trombonist of the Year in 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2002, 2001; the Jazz Journalists Association Critics’ Choice Award for Best Trombone (2000) and has been nominated for the Jazzpar Award.
Wycliffe Gordon on the Cover of Downbeat Magazine and Brass Herald
Wycliffe Gordon was featured on the cover of the August 2014 Issue of Downbeat Magazine for his contributions to Jazz; and on the cover of Brass Herald Magazine’s February 2009 issue and was interviewed by trumpeter Jens Lindeman.
Wycliffe Gordon Honored in Augusta, GA
On August 17, 2007 the City of Augusta declared it Wycliffe Gordon Day by proclamation authorized by Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver. A Tribute for Mr. Gordon was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Augusta. The sold out crowd gathered to salute all the efforts and accomplishments of Mr. Gordon.
Wycliffe Gordon Recognized with the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award
On Friday, June 1, 2007 emergent and critically acclaimed trombonist /composer Wycliffe Gordon was presented with The ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award for his innovative musical activity as a composer, instrumentalist, performer, and educator in the field of Jazz. >>more info
Wycliffe Gordon Awarded With Honorary Doctorate
In 2006, Wycliffe Gordon was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Scranton (Pennsylvania), and cited as a champion of our music – a music that models the ideals of democracy through its performance demands for positive and productive interaction, honest communication, and commonality of soul; a music that celebrates triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
U.S. Statesmen of Jazz
Wycliffe Gordon is the youngest member of the U.S. Statesmen of Jazz (a touring ensemble featuring senior musicians), and in many tour performances continues to serve as a musical ambassador for the U.S. State Department.
Recipient of the Satchmo Award from the Sarasota Jazz Club
Received the Louis Armstrong Memorial Prize presented by the Swing Jazz Culture Foundation in Budapest, Hungary
Named Artist of the Year (2015) by the Augusta Arts Council
Join us Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM for the Event of the Season!
As The Cultural and Sacred Hub of Arts and Service,
St. Gregory's warmly invites you to our Holiday Gala in Harris Hall on Saturday, December 7 at 5 pm.
WHAT AN EVENING WE HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!
Join us for an elegant dinner and private concert with Jazz Legend Wycliffe Gordon!
Enjoy food, drinks, and live and silent auctions! Early Ticket Pricing:
St. Gregory's warmly invites you to celebrate the holiday season at our upcoming Holiday Gala. This special event, featuring world-renowned jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon promises to be an evening of joy, fellowship, and holiday cheer.
The Holiday Gala will feature a live concert with Wycliffe Gordon, a three-course dinner with a delectable menu, an open bar, silent and live auctions, and much more. This festive gathering is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.
The menu includes:
Boneless Prime Rib, Panko Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Glazed Salmon, Red Bliss Herb Roasted Potatoes, Coconut Rice with Shelled Edamame, Roasted Green Beans with Fresh Garlic, Vegan options, Hors d'oeuvres, and a variety of Desserts.
Tickets are on sale! Take advantage of early bird pricing and get your tickts now!
Early Bird Pricing: $135/pp if purchased before November 10.
Regular Ticket Pricing: $150/pp if purchased after November 10.
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Please email office@st-gregorys.com for the latest information.
Purchasing Tickets to the Gala
Paying by Check or Cash:
In Person at the Church Office: Visit St. Gregory's church office Monday through Thursday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Drop off a check payable to “St. Gregory's Episcopal Church” with "Holiday Gala" in the memo line or cash with the envelope marked with your name and for the “Holiday Gala.” Tickets will also be sold after the 10 AM service on most Sundays before the Gala.
By Mail: Mail your check payable to “St. Gregory's Episcopal Church” with "Holiday Gala" in the memo line to:
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1503
Boca Raton, FL 33429During Sunday Services: You may also place a check in the offering plate during any Sunday service. Please ensure the check is payable to St. Gregory's Episcopal Church and includes "Holiday Gala" in the memo line or the envelope is marked with both your full name and “Holiday Gala.”
Picking Up Your Tickets: After paying by check or cash, you may pick up your tickets at will-call on the day of the event. Will-call will be located in the courtyard.
Paying via PushPay:
Online: Use the button below to purchase your tickets online. Select “St. Gregory’s Holiday Gala” from the dropdown menu and enter the total cost of your tickets at the top.
Mobile/App: If you are a subscriber to St. Gregory’s app, you may also use the app to purchase tickets via PushPay. Select your ticket level from the dropdown menu on PushPay.
Accessing Your Tickets: When paying via PushPay, please print your receipt, which will serve as your ticket(s) and provide you with access to the event.
Supporting the Gala
Interested in learning more about sponsorship and donation opportunities? Please contact us! Your support will go far beyond attending this festive evening of music, fellowship and celebration. By choosing to sponsor or donate, you become an essential part of the work we do to in service to God and our community. St. Gregory's is a place where hearts are transformed, where faith inspires action, and where lives are touched through outreach, worship, and fellowship. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to bring hope, support, and love to those in need.
By sponsoring or donating to the Holiday Gala, you are making a tangible impact, enabling us to further our outreach efforts and continue providing vital programs that benefit our congregation and the wider community both near and far. We invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for St. Gregory's and the community we proudly serve.
Learn More About Donation and Sponsorship Opportunities
INTERESTED IN MUSIC AT St. GREGORY’S?
If you would you would like to learn more about Music at St. Gregory’s, please contact Tim Brumfield by EMAIL or call 561-395-8285.