Baltimore musical son gives back to children in Baltimore

 Hello everyone, I am hoping and praying that everything is healthy and good with you and your family. My lands of mercy, it has been so ruff for so long. I almost see a little teeny light at the end of the tunnel. It is still not safe to go into public places without a mask. As a matter-of-fact, for the events I will be talking about in my column this week, you must wear a mask, and for God sake, get your vaccine shots, your booster shots, and your flu shots, and if you are over 60 years old get a shingles shot too. Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out the way, let’s enjoy this good music I’m  going to tell you about and about this dynamite musician from Baltimore who has used his skills, his gift and his education to help children. Now, you know I am a sucker for any good musician helping children of low income families. All they need is someone who cares. Gregory Thompkins is one of those people.

   Gregory Thompkins is a saxophonist; a jazz and commercial music graduate of Towson University, receiving his bachelor of science degree in 1989. He has studied music with Hank Levy, George Garzone, Glenn Cashman, Denis Karp and Sara Nichols, just to name a few. He is the music director of “The Baltimore Jazz Education Project,” which is a nonprofit that seeks to raise funds to musically educate underprivileged youth in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Mr. Thompkins, a saxophonist with over 30 years under his belt has performed with such artists at the All Mighty Senators, Lafayette Gilchrist, David Murray, and Dave Ballou, just to name a few. He has recorded with Lafayette Gilchrist and the All Mighty Senators. As a saxophonist and teacher, his students have performed in first chair positions in their local school bands. Many of his students have received music scholarships from Eastman School of Music; Towson State University; University of Michigan; University of Maryland; and University of The Arts. His organization, The Baltimore Jazz Education Project started in 2007 and has educated over 30 students at Winston Middle School, Patterson Park Public Charter School as well as private students. To support Gregory Thompkins and his organization go to his website: www.jazzbjep.com or his email; 

[email protected]

   Okay, are you ready to clap your hands, pat your feet, wave your hands in the air and shout? Well, Honey Child, check this out! Shelia “Sandy” Holman from the radio station WOLB 1010 A.M “Early Morning Gospel” every Sunday 8:30 a.m. and her organization is having a benefit concert featuring Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilairs; The Fantastic Violineires; The Anointed Boy Sisters; The Christaineirs; Sparkle & The Tones of Joy; Deyntay & Nu-Direction; The Men of God; and the Stroman Singers 3rd Generation on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 3 p.m. at the Higher Dimension Christian Center, 2900 Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore. For more information, call 443-255-0662.

   Well, my friends, I got to go. I am out of space, but remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at [email protected] UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.