Carole King Meets The Beatles: Reimagined

Take two of the most iconic catalogs in modern music history—Carole King and The Beatles—and reimagine them through the lens of jazz, soul, and world music. This unique performance features fresh, vibrant arrangements by a Philadelphia All-Star Quintet led by acclaimed guitarist and musical director/arranger E. Shawn Qaissaunee. Vocalists Sara Michaels and Sharon Sable breathe new life into beloved classics, offering audiences an unforgettable musical journey that blends nostalgia with bold creativity.

This performance is presented as part of the Jazz Cocktail Hour series, which was founded and is hosted by Sara Michaels at Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center. Since 2013, Sara has curated this celebrated series, bringing some of the most respected local, national and international jazz performers to the West Chester stage. As a vocalist, Sara is known for her deeply soulful delivery, story-driven performances, and a repertoire rooted in jazz, blues, spiritual music, and musical theater.

Performers:
Sara Michaels and Sharon Sable – Vocalists
E. Shawn Qaissaunee – Guitar, Arranger, Musical Director
Aaron Graves – Piano
Victor North – Saxophone
Jason Fraticelli – Bass
Adam Schumski – Drums

Sara Michaels is a jazz and blues vocalist whose performances are infused with heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. She began her career singing in church and brings that same soulfulness to every performance. A passionate advocate for music as a healing force, Sara is expanding her creative work into interdisciplinary collaborations and music therapy outreach. She has been featured on WHYY’s The More You Know and has performed at the prestigious Andrea Clearfield Salon in Philadelphia. Her 2023 debut album Chapter One: Full Circle received national radio play and showcases her talent as both a singer and songwriter.

Sharon Sable is widely regarded as one of the region’s most beloved interpreters of song. From recording early in her career with music legends such as PINK, Babyface, and Diane Warren to performing jazz with the area’s top musicians, Sharon has built a unique artistic voice. She has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and recently opened for jazz guitar legend Stanley Jordan. Sharon’s performances are noted for their emotional sincerity and her rare ability to connect across genres and generations. Her latest album Once Upon a Summertime—a tribute to Blossom Dearie—has resonated with jazz lovers around the world.

E. Shawn Qaissaunee: A Berklee-educated multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator, Shawn brings over 30 years of experience and virtuosic talent to the stage. Celebrated for his performances on guitar, bass, piano, percussion, and traditional Afghan rubab and dutar, he has worked with legends like Stevie Wonder and Benny Golson. Shawn produced, arranged, and directed Sara Michaels’ debut album Chapter One: Full Circle, guiding its creative vision and artistic cohesion. He’s also led his own acclaimed projects and opened for performers like Stanley Jordan, showcasing a global musical perspective rooted in jazz tradition.

Sponsored by Dorset Connects