Pianist Suzzette Ortiz proudly hosts “Jazz in the Wood,” First Thursdays Neighborhood Concerts at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108. Showtime is 7:30-9:00 pm. Tickets: $15 in advance ($20 at the door). Students $5 and children under 12 FREE!

To those who have seen him in action, the phrase, “Chris Stevens on trumpet” brings with it an expectation of greatness. The New Jersey native has worked with legends, old and in the making, resulting in a resume that is both extensive and diverse. Having honed his skills as a performer, producer, composer and arranger, Chris seeks to make his mark on the world as a solo artist and also with his band, Vertical Current. Born December 2, 1982, Chris started his musical journey at the age of 6 with the drums, but discovered his affinity for the trumpet at the age of 8. At the top of his list of musical influences is his immediate family.

In 1999, Chris was asked to perform with his cousin Tye Tribbett for his groups 3rd anniversary. This was the beginning of a 14year career in music. Chris learned many of the skills he uses now by working with Tye and the band that would come to be known as “Soundcheck”.

After graduating in 2001 from Medical Arts High School in Camden, Chris went on to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. While there he studied trumpet with Professor Tiger Okoshi. He also befriended a ton of talented musicians such as Esperanza Spalding (Grammy award winning bassist/vocalist), Christian Scott (Grammy nominated trumpeter/composer), Rachel Loy (singer/songwriter), Nikki Glaspie (drummer for Beyoncé), Philip D. Bailey (who now travels with his father’s group Earth Wind and Fire), Jeriel Johnson (drummer/Disney/Warner Bros/Fulsircle Ent.) and many others.