Written by | Ray Cornelius
Some of the biggest and brightest names in Atlanta’s jazz and soul music scene came together this past Sunday afternoon for the McDonald’s McCafe Fusion Sunday. The free community event took place at the Turner Hill McDonald’s in Lithonia, GA and was a benefit concert for the Wheels of Dreams Youth Foundation. Attendees were also able to sample some of McDonald’s newest coffee flavors just in time for the holidays.
Morris Baxter with Wheels of Dreams Youth Foundation representative
The Wheels of Dreams Youth Foundation provides educational programs that range from entrepreneurial skills to life skills development. They also provide career and college planning tools, college scholarship opportunities, money and credit management skills, as well as employment opportunities. This program gives today’s youth real-time job readiness skills and keys to entrepreneurship.
Phillippia performing on stage
The musical acts included R&B vocalist and guitarist Anthony David, R&B songtress Phillippia, acclaimed jazz trumpeter Joey “Papa J” Sommerville and the Queen of UK Soul, Julie Dexter. The event was presented by Atlanta’s Jazz Station Jazz 91.9 WCLK and McDonald’s. A number of the station’s radio personalities were in attendance including Morris Baxter (“Morris in the Morning”), RivaBlue (“Midday Jazz” and “UPFRONT”) and Fonda Smith (“WCLK’s Traffic and News”).
The McCafe Fusion Sunday was hosted by WCLK’s Jamal Ahmad (“Soul of Jazz”).
Check out more photos below:
Jamal Ahmad
Julie Dexter is better known as the “Queen of U.K. Soul”
Julie Dexter performed a cadre of jazz and soul classics
Julie Dexter signing autographs and CD’s after her performance
Taylormade Marketing Reps – Chanda Bryant, Valerie Taylor and Ronda Levi
Anthony David with a fan
Fonda Smith getting attendees to sign up for giveaways
Joey Sommerville with Phillippia
Fonda Smith with Morris Baxter
Craig Garrett, Anthony David, RivaBlue with JFly
Muriel Powell (center), McDonald’s Owner/Operator and
President of the Wheels of Dreams Youth Foundation Board and friends
Joey Sommerville working the crowd
Joey Sommerville with the Taylormade Marketing Team
Phillippia
Phillippia appeared in “Tyler Perry’s Madae’s Family Reunion”
Phillippia recently signed with U.K.’s i2Music
Anthony David
Anthony David performed songs from his recent album,
Anthony David taking photos with a fan after his performance
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com