Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance.
(Doors open at 5pm for dinner/Seating begins at 6:15p for the first show & 9:00p for the second show) **************************************************************************************************
Gayelynn McKinney began playing the drums at the age of two. Although she
received much of her musical training in the Detroit Jazz scene, she also
obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Oakland University. Gayelynn has
recorded projects with the group Straight Ahead, (of which she is a cofounder)
Ralph Armstrong and Marcus Belgrave just to name a few. She has recently
recorded solo projects called “It’s About Time,” “McKinFolk The New
Beginning,”and “Zoot Suit Funk.” Gayelynn McKinney’s many awards
include: 2014 Kresge Artist Fellows recipient, with the Group Straight Ahead
and McKinFolk, a Grammy Nomination, Detroit Black Music Award recipient,
and Detroit Music Awards for best jazz composer.
Gayelynn McKinney has had the opportunity to travel extensively and play at many famous jazz festivals including Montreux-Jazz Fest, Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, Olympics, and the Kennedy Center. She has also
performed as a side musician with such notables as Benny Golson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Shure, Jason Marsalis, Freda Payne, Roy Ayers, Geri Allen, Marcus Belgrave, Chaka Khan, Roy Hargrove, Randy Brecker, Rick Margitza, Larry Coryell, Ralphe Armstrong, Steve Turre, Kevin Mahogany, James Carter, Tim Ries, (The Rolling Stones Music director) and “Speech” of “Arrested Development.” Gayelynn is also the last drummer to tour with Aretha Franklin. While performing with Aretha Franklin, Gayelynn had the distinct honor to play for presidential hopeful, Hilary Clinton. She also performed at Tribeca Film Fest featuring a tribute to Clive Davis.
Learn more about her HERE!