More than 130 music lovers came to the Trefz Forum at the Westport Library to enjoy a special performance by internationally know recording artist Sherry Winston and her very talented band on Super Bowl Sunday. The appreciative crowd were wowed by the musicianship of this seasoned band and the one hour plus show concluded with a standing ovation.

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Ms. Winston told WestportLocalPress, “I was so happy to be asked to perform at the Westport Library on Super Bowl Sunday. I knew nothing about the library in advance and was so pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the structure, the professionalism of the staff, the magnificence of the sound system, Sound Engineer and Videographer. I was doubly surprised by the number of people who came out to see me on a day which was the most televised sports show in the U.S. The audience was very supportive and attentive to me and my band and made performing for them a total joy. Kudos to Jennifer Keller, Program Director, Travis, Sound Engineer and David,Videographer. They all did a magnificent job and made us comfortable and very happy with the quality of the sound & video.”

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Sherry told several stories during the show from her years in the music industry. One such anecdote was how her flute career began, which was pretty much by accident, or perhaps destiny. When in junior high school in Queens, Sherry wanted to join the music program and when the list of applicants was called alphabetically to choose their instrument to study, the petite Ms. Winston was left with two choices, flute or tuba. The choice was pretty clear.

One of Ms. Winston’s fondest memories was a performance where the great Stevie Wonder was in the audience. The story goes: Several years ago I had the opportunity to play a tribute concert for the late Hal Jackson who was the first Black DJ in the U.S. and a 50 year presence on WBLS radio in NYC !! Hal's wife Debi Jackson was giving a 96th birthday party for him in Lower Manhattan and asked me if I would come and do a tribute to Hal. Of course I considered it an honor to be asked to perform along with some of the biggest names in R&B music like Melba Moore. I was the only Jazz artist asked to participate.

Debi told me that she was also asking Stevie Wonder to come and honor Hal, since Hal had been instrumental in Stevie’s career when he was first starting out as “Little Stevie Wonder.” Hal gave him much needed air time on WBLS and promoted his first LP. Debi Had me rehearse a song that Stevie wrote called  “Pastime Paradise,” with a band that she put together for Hal’s party.  I had recorded “Pastime Paradise,” on my 4th CD and was excited about the possibility of performing the song for Stevie. 

When Stevie came to the venue Debi asked me to start playing the song with the band. When Stevie heard his song being played he immediately followed the sound and pulled out his Harmonica and began to play with me. We were joined by the Icon Valerie Simpson on Piano who performed & wrote many hit songs as part of the Duo Ashford & Simpson. It was truly a night to remember and will always hold a special place in my heart.

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Joining Sherry in her band were Richard Cummings on Keyboards, who attended Julliard and has performed with Harry Belafonte, conductor Zubin Mehta, internationally known Hugh Masekela, Wayne Shorter, renowned singer Dianne Reeves.

Also, Grammy winning drummer Joe Ham who has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Gloria Gaynor, Sam & Dave, The Platters, Little Anthony & the Imperials, the Marvellettes, and Tom Browne. In addition, Clarke has performed for TV shows The Cosby Show, A Different World, and Living Single. His Grammy was awarded for the Deniece Williams album This is my Song.

Steve Clarke playing electric bass has performed with Marion Meadows, Estaban, Tom Browne, Victor Fields, The Five Satins, Ben E. King, The Drifters, Coasters, and Sam & Dave. He has released seven albums under his own name, with his latest featuring Mike Stern, and has performed on more than 55 albums with other artists.

This exceptional concert can be enjoyed on the Westport Library YouTube channel: The Sherry Winston Band at The Westport Library

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

At the conclusion of the show, Sherry did a meet & greet, signing copies of her CD’s and her book- For Lovers Only: “A Cookbook and More,” a how-to book on entertaining from the moment your guests enter your home until the second they leave. Her book, which was created over several years includes recipes for delicious, easily prepared dishes, recommendations for great music, good wine and beautiful flowers. Author/musician Sherry Winston helps everyone create the perfect ambience for a fun evening or special occasion.

As a bonus Sherry has included her mellow CD, "For Lovers Only, "which is perfect musically for any time night or day as part of this great package.

To learn more about Sherry’s music and her cookbook, visit: sherrywinston.com

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.