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Description
R&B REVUE at
El Golfo Restaurant
Saturday, August 22, 2026
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of classic R&B, soul, funk, and groove as the Brownsville Jazz family presents an electrifying R&B REVUE celebrating the timeless music of Bill Withers, Sly & The Family Stone, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Anita Baker, Billy Preston, and more. From smooth ballads to dance-floor favorites, this soulful night blends powerhouse vocals, rich harmonies, and all-star musicianship in the intimate atmosphere of El Golfo Restaurant.
Featuring vocalists Iva Jean Ambush, DeCasto Brown, and Petra Martin, backed by an exceptional band of celebrated DC-area musicians, audiences can expect an evening filled with joy, storytelling, improvisation, nostalgia, and irresistible rhythm.
Tickets: $30
$3 service fee applies to all credit card purchases
FEATURED VOCALISTS
Iva Jean Ambush
Award-winning jazz vocalist Iva Jean Ambush, known as The Scat Lady, is the recent winner of the prestigious Billie Holiday Competition. She has performed at internationally respected venues including Birdland (NYC), the DC Jazz Festival, Keystone Korner Baltimore, Blues Alley, Le Duc des Lombards (Paris), the Kennedy Center, and more. Rooted in a rich family lineage of jazz greats—including Lester Bowie and Scott Ambush—her artistry blends jazz, gospel, funk, and soul through improvisation, storytelling, and rhythmic conversation. She is currently working on her upcoming project, I Am Jazz.
DeCasto Brown
Producer, vocalist, and founder of the acclaimed Brownsville Jazz Series, DeCasto Brown brings sophisticated style, warmth, and musical depth to every performance. A retired Hall of Fame football star turned jazz vocalist, DeCasto’s influences range from Eddie Jefferson and Johnny Hartman to Nat King Cole. Known for his smooth baritone/tenor delivery and engaging stage presence, he has performed at venues and festivals throughout the Mid-Atlantic jazz scene, earning a reputation for elegant and soulful interpretations.
Petra Martin
Vocalist Petra Martin, the newest gem of the Brownsville Jazz family, has captivated audiences for over two decades with her rich, soulful sound and elegant stage presence. A longtime student of legendary jazz educator Ronnie Wells and pianist Ron Elliston, Petra brings warmth, blues-infused phrasing, and heartfelt storytelling to every performance. Her appearances include the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, BlackRock Center for the Arts, Takoma Station, Mr. Henry’s, and numerous cultural events throughout the DC region.
THE BAND
Pete Frassrand – Piano
Detroit-born pianist and educator Pete Frassrand is a respected fixture of the DC jazz scene, performing at venues including Twins Jazz, Bohemian Caverns, Westminster DC, and the DC Jazz Festival. A versatile musician and longtime collaborator with many area artists, Pete combines deep jazz tradition with expressive sensitivity and swing.
David Cole – Guitar
Washington, DC native David Cole blends blues, jazz, soul, and R&B into a powerful and deeply rooted guitar style. Having performed with artists including Roberta Flack, Percy Sledge, Archie Bell, and The Delphonics, David is also co-founder of Main Street Blues and an active music educator dedicated to preserving African American musical traditions.
Wes Biles – Bass
Wes “Sugah” Biles is a highly respected bassist on the Washington, D.C. metropolitan jazz scene, admired for his deep groove, impeccable timing, and versatile musicianship. A first-call accompanist for many of the region’s leading vocalists and instrumentalists, he brings warmth, sensitivity, and a strong rhythmic foundation to every performance. His credits include appearances with acclaimed vocalist Janine Gilbert-Carter and numerous performances throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, where his tasteful playing and professionalism have earned the respect of fellow musicians and audiences alike. Whether anchoring a swinging jazz ensemble or supporting an intimate vocal performance, Wes “Sugah” Biles is recognized as a dependable and expressive artist whose bass lines elevate every stage he graces.
Manny Kellough – Drums
Legendary drummer Manny Kellough has spent more than six decades performing with iconic artists including Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Barry White, Freddie Hubbard, Carmen McRae, Larry Graham, Quincy Jones, and The Rolling Stones. A Grammy-winning musician and original drummer/bandleader for Billy Preston, Manny brings extraordinary experience, groove, and musical fire to every stage he graces.
Date & Time
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
El Golfo Restaurant (124 Assigned Seating)
8739 Flower AvenueSilver Spring, Maryland 20901
