Description
Guy and Gals 2026
Jazz Night Out
presents
Jazz, Pop and Rock
SATURDAY
JUNE 20, 2026
7:30PM - 9:30PM
TICKET $25
$30 AT THE DOOR
$15 FOOD & DRINK MIN.
Brownsville Jazz Production Series Returns for a Third Session!
Founded by DeCasto P. Brown, the Brownsville Jazz Production Series has been a cornerstone of live jazz entertainment for the past two years, bringing high-quality, themed performances to audiences. Since its inception, Brownsville Jazz has been dedicated to curating unique, engaging shows featuring top-tier musicians and vocalists.
We are thrilled to announce the start of our latest programming on April 12, 2025, with a special performance by DeCasto Brown himself. This show will set the stage for an exciting season, featuring five additional performances throughout the year, each offering a distinctive musical experience.
About DeCasto Brown
A native Washingtonian, DeCasto’s musical journey began at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, singing in school choirs before forming “New Things,” a group known for its harmonies reminiscent of the 5th Dimension. While music was a passion, football was his main focus, leading him to become an All-Met player at Anacostia High School and later an All-American and Hall of Fame wide receiver at Delaware State University.
In addition to his athletic achievements, DeCasto was a member of the Autumn House Gospel Ensemble, a professional theater company in Delaware. His natural baritone/tenor voice allows him to transition effortlessly between up-tempo jazz and soulful ballads, embodying the spirit of a jazz maestro.
His featured performances include:
Terry Marshall’s debut CD “Arrival”, where he performed “Moody’s Mood for Love.”
Live performances include: Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Twins Jazz Club, Montpelier Arts Center, Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society, Jazz Night at Westminster DC, An die Musik Concert Hall (Baltimore, MD)
After taking a brief hiatus from the music scene, DeCasto brought his vision to life by founding Brownsville Jazz—a production series that began with the Guy’s and Gal’s Night Out at El-Golfo Restaurant. Partnering with Iva Ambush and Kendra Johnson, DeCasto has built an exciting lineup of shows, each with its own unique theme.
Now, as Brownsville Jazz enters its third session, we invite you to experience the magic and artistry of this growing jazz community. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming shows—you won’t want to miss what’s in store!
HERBERT “HERB” SMITH
Born in the heart of Decatur, Alabama in the forties, Herbert Smith was steeped in the vibrant musical traditions of Memphis, Tennessee from an early age. Raised amidst the blues, gospel, and jazz influences of the city, he attended Manassas High School—a renowned institution that nurtured legendary musicians like Jimmy Lunceford, Gerald Wilson, and Isaac Hayes.
Smith's journey into the world of jazz took flight when he pursued his B.A. degree at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1965. Serving in the 528 Scott Air Force Band from 1965 to 1969, he honed his musical skills while rubbing shoulders with some of Miles Davis's closest confidants and mentors.
His thirst for knowledge and musical excellence led him to Southern Illinois University, where he earned his M.A. degree in 1970. Under the tutelage of the great composer and saxophonist Oliver Nelson, Smith expanded his horizons, crossing paths with luminaries like Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake.
From 1971 to 1974, Smith made his mark as a professor, teaching and directing jazz studies while hosting two weekly jazz radio shows at KDNA Pacifica in St. Louis. In 1974, he assumed the role of head of jazz studies at Howard University in Washington, DC, before embarking on a distinguished tenure at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale from 1976 to 2019.
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith has not only mentored and coached an array of talented musicians but has also graced the stage with legendary jazz artists such as Webster Young and Maurice Lyles. His contributions to the local jazz scene are immeasurable, from his transformative leadership at Mustache Café to his captivating weekly performances at O’Shaunessey’s Pub and Restaurant in Old Towne Alexandria.
As a beacon of jazz education and performance in the Washington, DC area, Herbert Smith's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with musicians and audiences alike, cementing his status as a true saxophonist extraordinaire.
TONY “BIG CAT” SMITH
Trumpeter Anthony Smith was born and raised on the east side of Wilmington, Delaware. Currently residing in New Castle, Delaware. Began playing the trumpet in elementary school in the Wilmington Public School System. Graduated from Howard High School in 1972 and received a music scholarship to Delaware State College and earned a B.S. Degree in Music Education in 1978. Earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Wilmington College. Studied music under world renowned jazz master Robert “Boysie” Lowery. Worked as a teacher in the New Castle County School District, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Brandywine School District, and as a building administrator in the Brandywine School District. Retired from education in 2006.
Performs jazz trumpet music regularly in the Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York areas in a variety of musical genres with an emphasis on small ensemble settings. Has performed in numerous jazz productions and festivals throughout the United Stated and abroad including The Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, The Winterthur Yuletide Jazz Series, The Woodmere Jazz Series, The Willingboro Jazz Festival, The Cape May Jazz Festival, The Rehoboth Jazz Festival, Fulda Germany World Music Festival, Wilmington Arts Alive Festival, Delaware Art Museum Jazz Series, performing with local and nationally known acts and artists including The Tony Smith Group, Tony Smith's Music Explosion, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Dells, James Moody, Jimmy Heather, Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd,, Clifford Jordan,, Terrell Stafford, Ernie Watts, Rob Swanson, Jeff Knoettner, Lisa Chavous, Jackie Browne, Lucky Thompson’s DNA, Aniya Jazz, Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, The Boysie Lowery Big Band, The Clef Club Big Band, The Don Wilson Big Band, The Mill Creek Jazz Orchestra, The Wilmington Jazz Allstars, The Philadelphia Community College Big Band, Gerald Chavis' Fast Lane Big Band, The Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, The Christina Electric Light Orchestra, and many more. Trumpet influences include Louis Armstrong, Hugh Masekela, Dizzy Guillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard.
Musical works include “The History and Development of Jazz” “A Musical Tribute to Clifford Brown” “The History of Jazz From A Trumpeter’s Point of View” “A Tribute To The Greatest African American Trumpet Players in American History”
Co-Authored a book with Will Smith Sr. entitled “The Waymor” The book is about how a night at a jazz club can turn out to be “way more than you bargained for” and how the actions of one night can change lives forever. It’s a book about people and music and how lives intertwine.
Awards and recognitions include First Recipient of CCAC Imhotep Award, Christi Award Recipient, HAAN Black History Month Award, NAACP Presidents Award, The Clef Club Trumpet Award, and The Clifford Brown Legacy Award.
PETE FRASSRAND
Pete Frassrand was born in Detroit, he grew up in a family of teachers and musicians. He is proud to now be a teacher and musician. He first learned piano from his mother, who was the minister of music at their local church. After playing the piano on and off for years, in 1995 he moved to the DC area and decided to study music seriously. He is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from area players like Robert Redd, Charles Covington, and Tim Murphy. In 2000, he received his music education degree from Towson University and now share jazz with young people as a music teacher. Over the years, he has also honed his performance skills in DC clubs like Utopia, Twins, Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society, Bohemian Caverns and Jojo's. Since 2011 he has served as the pianist for the Greater U Street Jazz Collective, which has made appearances at events such as the DC Jazz Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the Congressional Black Caucus. He considers himself extremely lucky to be able to do what he does in an area with such a rich musical and cultural history.
JOHN LEONARD
MANNY KELLOUGH
Date & Time
Sat, Jun 20, 2026 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
El Golfo Restaurant (124 Assigned Seating)
8739 Flower AvenueSilver Spring, Maryland 20901
