Martinsville, Virginia

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Reginald Cyntje Group to Perform at Piedmont Arts on Friday

Piedmont Arts will host an Evening of Jazz with Reginald Cyntje Group on Friday, July 29 at 7 pm at the museum.

Hailing from Washington, D.C., the sextet is led by trombonist Reginald Cyntje and features vocalist Christie Dashiell along with Lenny Robinson on drums, Herman Burney on bass, Justin Taylor on piano and Brian Lee Settles on tenor saxophone.

Together, the group merges the sounds of calypso, reggae and other African-influenced genres with their own unique musical flavor, all steeped in the driving grooves of D.C. jazz.

Growing up in the US Virgin Islands, Cyntje was immersed in the rich cultural music known as Quelbe – the official music of the islands. Quelbe was Cyntje’s introduction to improvised music. One of his favorite Quelbe songs, "Queen Mary," has a powerful message set to syncopated rhythm. This song set the tone for his mission as a musician: to inspire change with music.

Though Cyntje grew up in the US Virgin Islands, he is no stranger to Martinsville. He is married to a Martinsville native and his father-in-law, Dr. J.C. Richardson, Jr., is Bishop of Martinsville’s Mt. Sinai Apostle Church.

“I’ve been to Martinsville many times,” said Cyntje. "I’m excited to share my music with the community. It’s a high honor to return as a performing artist.”

In addition to music by Reginald Cyntje Group, tickets will include heavy hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar with beer and wine will also be available. Only 75 tickets will be sold for this event. Please purchase tickets early to reserve a seat.

Tickets are $20 and are on sale now at Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave., by calling 276.632.3221 or online at PiedmontArts.org.