A Return to Glory

On November 16th, I headed back home to Washington D.C. for something truly special - "A Return to Glory," a celebratory concert celebrating none other than Fred Irby III. It's not every day you come across someone as impactful in both music and education as Fred Irby III. He's been shaping the future generations of jazz contributors for over fifty years at Howard University. As a Professor of Music at Howard University, Irby is the Coordinator of Instrumental Music, Trumpet Instructor, and Director of the internationally acclaimed Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE).

HUJE, under Irby’s leadership, has been wowing packed houses all over the U.S. and abroad, starting way back in 1976. They have 47 amazing recordings out, and their latest, "Nefertiti," is on sale now – I’ve included a link below to grab yours! They've even graced the stage at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside jazz greats like Lionel Hampton and Tony Bennett. And if that’s not enough, Irby's also the principal trumpeter with the Kennedy Center Opera House Musical Theater Orchestra.

My connection to Fred Irby III is deeply personal. He is more than just a figure at my alma mater, Howard University; he is like family. Fred and my mother, both long-standing colleagues in Howard's Music Department, shared a special bond. Their mutual love and respect for one another resonates so deeply with my brothers and me; it meant so much for us to be there to celebrate him. The concert was a touching reunion attended by many adoring former students and organized by another esteemed former student, Sunny Sumter, now President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival. Witnessing Professor Irby's impact through HUJE fills me with immense pride for Howard University.

The concert featured many special guests. Alumnus Jonathan Laine performed Max Roach's "The Drum Also Waltzes," for which he snagged the Downbeat Magazine's Best Jazz Soloist award back in 2007. Then there were stars like Vincent Gardner on the trombone and Cyrus Chestnut on the piano – absolutely incredible. And the cherry on top? They presented the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award to Phylicia Rashad, a proud Howard alum and Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.? Needless to say, this celebratory trip home to H.U. was indeed “A Return to Glory.”

I’m sending a big “Thank You!” to Professor Irby for nurturing many talented jazz musicians, America's original art form. We’ll always be grateful and forever indebted to him for what he’s done for Howard University.

Dr. Lisa

Our theme song is “Can’t Let Go” by Jonathan Butler?