On Thursday February 12th, To Celebrate Black History Month, The Charlottesville Jazz Society, WTJU and The Center at Belvedere present Michael Hawkins and The Brotherhood with special guest John D'earth, performing at 6 pm at The Center at Belvedere.

Michael Hawkins is an exciting and charismatic bassist currently residing in the Richmond, Virginia area. His commanding presence and swinging pulse quickly catapulted him to the top of his profession, enabling him to perform with some of the world’s greatest musicians.

By 16, he was leading his own band and performing regularly in the Washington, D.C., area. Upon receiving a full scholarship, Hawkins studied music at Virginia State University. Next, he made his way to New York City, where he earned a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Queen’s College and shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest musicians. Internationally, Hawkins has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in Music, including jazz legends Jimmy Heath, Eric Alexander, Gary Bartz and Cyrus Chestnut. Michael's working group, The Brotherhood, is comprised of the top bebop jazz players in Virginia: pianist Weldon Hill, drummer Billy Williams and saxophonist James Saxsmo Gates.

For this special Charlottesville performance, John D'earth will join the band on trumpet. The concert is sponsored by The Charlottesville Jazz Society, WTJU and The Center at Belvedere.