Painted Bride Art Center is pleased to present The Bridge at the Bride on October 14th at 8pm. Curated by J. Michael Harrison of WRTI’s award-winning show The Bridge, this incredible evening marks the 20th year of the show airing at the radio station and features a rare lineup of the best and brightest players from both the new and old schools of jazz.

With the trumpet as the unifying theme, Harrison invites rising star Arnetta Johnson,  up-and-comer Joshua Sims, and the legendary Hannibal Lokumbe to lead their respective ensembles:

Arnetta Johnson, who has played alongside the likes of Beyonce, Jill Scott, and saxophonist Tia Fuller, will lead her ensemble, S.U.N.N.Y. The Camden native made a splash earlier this year with her single, “Juice & Candy.” Also hailing from Camden is 19-year-old talent Joshua Sims, who will lead more than a dozen musicians through a set of original suite titled Dear Mr. Black, based on one of his original poems.

Hannibal Lokumbe, who needs no introduction, is slated to perform with two different rhythm sections, representing both fresh faces on the local jazz scene and veterans of the craft. Among the vets are Alan Nelson on drums, Dave Burrell and Alfie Pollitt alternating on keys, Nathan Pence on bass, and the recently unretired Tyrone Brown on bass. Among the younger generation are Nazir Ebo on drums and Joseph Block on keys.  

For J. Michael Harrison, this performance will go down as another bright moment in the rich history of The Bridge. “My time at WRTI has held so many wonderful experiences. To be able to produce a radio show featuring eclectic artists who push the envelope is a blessing, an honor, and a privilege,” says Harrison. ”More than anything, I’m a fan of the music. As a music fan, I can tell you that it’ll be another 20 years before you see a show like this.”