2017 "FOCUS ON YOUTH":
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Singer & Songwriter:
Alexis Morrast
Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies - NJ
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Photo credit: Anthony Alvarez
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Alexis Jessica Morrast is a junior at the Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies in New Jersey. She comes from a large family – the youngest of six – and has been surrounded by music all of her life. She began singing in church at the age of three, leading her first solo in the adult choir by age seven. Since then, Alexis has performed at several notable venues, including the U.S. OPEN (2013), the Central Jersey Jazz Festival in New Brunswick, NJ (2015), featuring trumpet player Sean Jones, NJPAC with Christian McBride, Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola with jazz legend Barry Harris and, most recently, she performed in Cape Town South Africa!
In addition, the sixteen-year-old has already performed several times at the world-renowned Apollo Theater in New York City. She emerged as a two-time Amateur Night Winner and has returned as a special guest. She was recently named the winner of "Showtime at the Apollo," a nationally televised event (FOXTV) which was hosted by Steve Harvey (see video below). |
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Alexis studied under Conrad Herwig and has had the opportunity to sit in and work with several well-known musicians and recording artists, including Ray Chew, Amina Figorova (featured in Sanctuary – 2016), Alvester Garnett and the incredible Bertha Hope.
Myrna Haskell, managing editor, had the pleasure of hearing Alexis perform at a private event in New York City in January. She was amazed by her talent and poise. She spoke with Alexis about how she balances her budding career with school and family and what her future plans entail.
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Photo credit: Monifa James
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How do you strike a balance between your blossoming music career and other obligations?
It’s all about time management. My parents have helped me to focus on what’s most important – school first, career second. I’ve never had a problem juggling family life. My family is extremely important to me. What has been your most memorable performance? Why? I would have to say it was “Showtime at the Apollo.” Just to be on the Apollo stage is an incredible and exciting experience in itself. It made me feel like anything is possible. "Showtime at the Apollo" is a one in million opportunity; there are so many people that audition for the chance, but only a few make it. Being one of the ones who made it is something I’ll never forget! |
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Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I plan to have started focusing on a busy career. I write my own music. I’m working on an original album now. I would love to be working on music videos and touring. I also plan to go to college to study jazz…and maybe creative writing would be in that mix because I love to write my own music and poetry. Readers can pre-order a copy of Alexis's First Demo entitled:
"Introducing Alexis Morrast!" from her website. |
Expresso Morning Show: Televised in South Africa and around the world
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Upcoming Events
August 27th - 11 am
Jazz in the Sanctuary at Bethany Baptist ~ Newark, NJ
September 2, 3
John Coltrane Jazz Festival ~ Highpoint, NC
October 22nd - 3 to 6 pm
New Jersey Jazz Society, 45th Anniversary Celebration ~ Madison, NJ
Jazz in the Sanctuary at Bethany Baptist ~ Newark, NJ
September 2, 3
John Coltrane Jazz Festival ~ Highpoint, NC
October 22nd - 3 to 6 pm
New Jersey Jazz Society, 45th Anniversary Celebration ~ Madison, NJ
