By Quiana Shepard
Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated artist Marcus Anderson, ’07, will return to his alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), to celebrate the five-year anniversary of his annual Jazz AND Coffee Escape on July 27-29, 2023.
Since its inception, the Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape (MAJACE) festival has combined Anderson’s love for music and coffee, shining a spotlight on his café, the Trax Coffee Bar, and coffee brand, AND Coffee. The action-packed weekend, which attracts music lovers from across the U.S., includes social events, culinary treats and other entertainment.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Anderson. “Hosting MAJACE while partnering with my beloved alma mater, North Carolina Central University, is not only exciting but also poetic. I am truly making this a full circle moment.”
Anderson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from NCCU, has blazed the music charts with 13 studio albums on his long list of accomplishments. His most recent single “Soul Ties,” featuring Darnell “Showcase” Taylor, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart. Anderson’s work with the late Prince and the New Power Generation led him to join stages with the likes of national recording artists CeeLo Green, Judith Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Liv Warfield, where he became a key contributor in these touring bands. Prince also featured Anderson on his last release “Hit N Run Phase 2,” playing on “Revelation” and “Look at Me Look at You.” He has also performed for dignitaries such as U.S. President Barack Obama, activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“North Carolina Central University is proud to unite with its treasured alumnus, Marcus Anderson, to bring some of the most celebrated jazz musicians to the Triangle Region,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., NCCU chancellor. “A successful product of our award-winning jazz studies program, Marcus’ accomplishments further showcase that NCCU continues to deliver the Eagle Promise by shaping the future of aspiring musicians with a quality education that maintains the integrity of a great art form.”
The MAJACE stage has been graced by some of the world’s most renown musicians, including the late Nick Colionne, CeeLo Green, Lindsey Webster, James Lloyd, Adam Hawley, Kim Scott, Terrance Young, Kenny Latimore, Marcus Johnson, Jeff Kashiwa and Javier Colon to name a few.
To celebrate this partnership with NCCU, all VIP packages will be offered at a 10% discount from Aug. 8 to Aug. 14. Use code “1910majace” at checkout.
