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Originally from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Brittany Blair is an active harpist, pianist, and teacher. A passionate educator, she is an instructor of piano at Expressions Music Academy and is the harp mentor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles. As the Teaching Fellow for Harp at Interlochen Arts Camp, she spends her summers working with young harpists from around the country. In addition to teaching, Brittany has been named a finalist in the Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition and has received performance scholarships to the University of Michigan, West Virginia University, and Sewanee Summer Music Festival. She has performed with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and served as president of the Morgantown, WV chapter of the American Harp Society from 2016-2020.
Brittany received her Master’s degree in Harp Performance from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance. She also holds degrees from West Virginia University in Harp Performance and Piano Performance, with an Area of Emphasis in Pedagogy. Her primary teachers include Joan Holland, Christine Mazza, Peter Amstutz, and Lucy Mauro.
Known as the Appalachian Soul Man, West Virginia native, Aristotle Jones has become a fan favorite in West Virginia, Central Appalachia and beyond.
With engagement, connection, and passion, Aristotle Jones leaves it all on the stage with uplifting music influenced by artists like Bill Withers, Leon Bridges, Ray Charles, Darius Rucker, and other Genre blending musical pioneers.
When he is performing as a one man acoustic singer songwriter, Aristotle delivers a heartfelt folk and gospel inspired repertoire that includes many entertaining anecdotes about life growing up in rural Appalachia, and spending time on his Granddad’s (Robert Jones) Farm
On stage with his 9 piece “Amazing Appalachian Soul Band”, Jones captivates audiences with his range, emotion, authenticity and originality. With his full band Aristotle expands the arrangement to include a stellar horn section, a solid rhythm section, and feature soloists. The music is modern but the feeling of Aristotle’s full band shows transport the audience with the nostalgic energy of Juke Joints found throughout rural Appalachia.
A central theme of Aristotle’s music and community projects is shedding light on the contribution to art in culture provided by Black Americans living in the Appalachian Mountains. He is the descendant of coal miners, and farmers who against all odds made a life in the poor coal town of Osage, West Virginia.
Jones’ music reflects the values of courage, fortitude and determination that were taught to him while porch picking with his grandfather, a regional Gospel and Soul singer who traveled to segregated coal camps performing for black coal miners in the mid 20th Century, and Aristotle is proud to carry on the legacy of Soulful Folk music inspired by Doo Wop, Gospel and Blues in Appalachia.
You can find music from Aristotle Jones on Apple Music, Spotify, CD Baby, as well as other major platforms and at www.AristotleJones.com
Thursday May 9, 2024
Thursday, July 25 2024
Tuesday, Sept 24 2024
WV Botanic Garden
Tuscan Ridge Wedding Venue
Lakehouse Restaurant
