Ravinia 2025 Issue 4
MARTIN GELLNER Martin Gellner is an acclaimed Austrian composer, conductor, and orchestrator whose work bridges classical precision with cine- matic flair. Trained at the Mozarteum Universi- ty in Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Gellner has col- laborated with renowned ensembles including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Prague Phil- harmonic Orchestra. A creative force behind large-scale productions, he brings depth and dynamism to every score—most recently serv- ing as arranger for Hans Zimmer Live. With Symphonic Blues, Gellner lends his mastery to reimagining Delta classics with sweeping orchestral power, creating a sound that’s both rooted and revelatory. ANTHONY “BIG A” SHERROD Anthony “Big A” Sher- rod is a multi-instru- mentalist and inter- national touring artist who personifies the living legacy of Delta Blues. A native of Clarks- dale, MS, Sherrod’s journey began at just 5 years old when he picked up the bass under the guidance of his mentor, the legendary Mr. Johnnie Billington. As the godson of blues icon Big Jack Johnson and a proud graduate of the Delta Blues Museum’s educational program, Sherrod embodies a direct line to the greats who shaped the genre. His performances carry the soul of the Delta in every note, keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the next genera- tion of blues artists. JACQUELINE “JAXX” NASSAR Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nas- sar is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter hailing from Clarksdale, MS— the very heart of the Delta Blues. A former standout of the Delta Blues Museum’s educa- tion program, Nassar was personally awarded the inaugural Robert Johnson Award for Youth Excellence by Morgan Freeman. Over the years, she’s taken the stage alongside legends like B.B. King and Paul Simon, captivating au- diences with her fierce musicianship and mag- netic stage presence. Rooted in the blues but unbound by genre, Nassar brings a raw, soulful energy to every performance, channeling the spirit of the Delta with every note. KEITH JOHNSON Keith Johnson is an accomplished guitar- ist, vocalist, harmonica player, and songwriter. He has amassed a song- writing catalog with multiple songs released on his debut album, Come to Mississippi . Johnson is in the process of carrying on and upholding a family lega- cy in the entertainment industry, as he is the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Waters. He is also the grandson of the late Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer and radio host. He was born in Glen Allen, MS, a small town in the heartland of the Mississippi Delta. Johnson graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and a Master of Business Admin- istration in Human Resource Management. ADRIENNE “LADY ADRENA” ERVIN Lady Adrena’s music is making waves across the US, France, and the UK, blending life stories into powerful blues tunes. From 2015 to 2016, she lit up stages alongside legends like Anthony Hamilton, Bet- ty Wright, The Bar-Kays, and Lakeside. In 2018, she took second place at the Vicksburg Interna- tional Blues Challenge, which inspired her re- turn to her gospel roots and a deeper dive into traditional blues. Her first blues single, Good Girl Gone Bad , was produced by Mr. Sipp, fol- lowed by the hit Recipe for the Blues with Sweet Success Records in 2021. That same year, she added the title “Lady” to her name, stepping boldly into the spotlight as a true blues art- ist. Her latest album, Better Days , recorded at Memphis’s iconic Royal Studios and produced by Boo Mitchell, reflects her mission to bring healing through music—influenced by greats like Koko Taylor and Aretha Franklin; soul and grit in perfect harmony. MARK YACOVONE Mark Yacovone is a Mississippi-based key- boardist and recording artist best known for his soulful work on piano, organ, and accordion, as well as for a brief cameo on the reality series Gene Simmons: Family Jewels . A longtime mem- ber of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour house band, he’s shared stages and studios with artists like Mojo Nixon, Jody Williams, Joe Osborn, Buddy Cage, Maria Muldaur, and Jack Sonni of Dire Straits. Yacovone brings decades of groove, grit, and musical range to every performance. ADRIAN “REV SLIM” FORREST Adrian Miles Forrest, better known as Rev Slim, was born and raised in Grenada, MS, where he grew up sur- rounded by gospel quartet music. After gradu- ating from Grenada High, Slim studied music education at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS, where he sharpened his skills in arranging and recording. Forrest’s career has taken him across genres, from hip-hop and gospel to Southern soul and traditional blues. He’s worked with big names like Ice T, Bootsy Collins, Kierra Sheard, Eminem, Willie Clay- ton, and more. In 2022, he earned Grammy rec- ognition for his work with Sir the Baptist and Tennessee State University. That same project was honored on the House floor in Washing- ton, DC, and added to the Congressional Book of Records. He’s also been recognized at home, earning honors from the City of Grenada and the Grenada Baptist District. LEE WILLIAMS Lee Williams was born and raised in Clarks- dale, MS, right in the heart of a musical leg- acy. He got his start banging on buckets in the street at just 8 years old, until his cousin Anthony Sherrod brought him into Mr. John- nie Billington’s School of Blues. Over the years, Williamshas played in bands like Razorblade & The Deep Cuts with Josh “Razorblade” Stew- art, Dr. Mike and Big T, and The Family with Terry “Big T” Williams. He’s been a regular at Ground Zero Blues Club since day one, sharing the stage with blues legends like Charlie Mus- selwhite and Bob Margolin. These days, Wil- liams gives back by teaching drums at the Delta Blues Museum’s Music Education Program and the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. He’s also been a core part of Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones for the past 18 years, contributing to songwriting, arrangements, and vocals. He also regularly plays with Big A & The Allstars … and with anyone else who needs a drummer. RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 73
Made with FlippingBook
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTkwOA==