Charles Ellis Trio

The Charles Ellis Trio Friday, October 23, 7:30 PM Ashe Arts Center Tickets: $15 Adult, $7.50 Student About Join us for an evening of jazz with the Charles Ellis Trio, featuring Charlie Ellis on piano, alongside Dave Braun on guitar and John Chapman. The trio will be joined by special guests: • Joseph Miller • Brianna Braun and Aliyah Good, a Nashville-based duo,performing a tribute to Dolly Parton. A beloved figure in the High Country music scene, Charles Ellis has been sharing his signature jazz stylings with audiences for decades. He began playing piano at a young age and went on to build a rich musical career across the region, including longtime performances in Blowing Rock and beyond. He has appeared in concert with Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Mann, performed at the Historic Green Park Inn for fifteen years, Chetola Resort for twelve years, and founded the renowned Jazz Parlour in Blowing Rock. Charlie is known for his smooth, expressive playing and warm stage presence. Guitarist Dave Braun brings a wealth of experience to the trio. After performing in Los Angeles, he continued his career in Miami, where he played in the city’s vibrant big band scene, including with the Sammy Spears Orchestra on the Jackie Gleason Show. He also appeared as a solo performer in many of Miami Beach’s top hotels. For the past seven years, he has performed regularly with Charlie Ellis at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock. John Chapman, on trumpet, flugelhorn, and harmonica, adds dynamic range to the group. During his military service, he spent more than three years performing with the 82nd Airborne Division Band. His versatile style spans jazz, rock, blues, and show tunes, and his playing has been a familiar sound at the Green Park Inn alongside Charlie Ellis and Dave Braun. Together, these musicians offer an evening of timeless jazz. Aliyah Good was born in Nashville, TN, and raised both on the road and on the stage. She began singing at just 3 years old, performing alongside her parents at fairs and festivals across the U.S. Now 22, Aliyah has been writing her own music for the past seven years, both solo and as a co-writer. Her sound blends country-pop with singer/songwriter indie influences. In October 2022, she released her debut single to all streaming platforms, with the music video premiering on CMT. At age 14, Aliyah was invited to join the esteemed Song Suffragettes and continues to perform regularly at well-known Nashville venues like The Listening Room, Ole Red, Chief’s on Broadway, Tin Roof, and more. Aliyah frequently opens shows on tour with her mother, country artist Jamie O’Neal, and often shares the stage with her at different venues, most notably including the Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman Auditorium. Brianna Braun was born and raised in Miami, Florida, growing up in a deeply musical household that inspired her to begin singing at just 3 years old and playing piano by age 5. As she honed her craft, Brianna expanded into musical theater at age 10—showcasing her triple-threat talents with standout roles like Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street (for which she tap danced) and Ida in Honk!. Half Puerto Rican, she infuses subtle cultural influences into her artistry alongside her foundational training. Her extensive performance resume in South Florida spans singing the National Anthem at numerous events, performing for the Miss USA pageant three years in a row, and at venues like Bayshore Club in Miami. During her time studying at the University of Miami’s prestigious Frost School of Music, Brianna became a fixture of campus performance life. She sang at major events like CAM Fest with the American Music Ensemble, performing original music with a full band, and shined in both the acoustic “Coffeehouse” sets and the musical theater showcase, where she famously delivered a stirring rendition of “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera. Now based in Nashville, Brianna is making her mark on Music Row, performing at prominent venues like Chief’s, Ole Red, and the Hard Rock. As both a solo artist and a dedicated co-writer for others—including a current writing project for a duo alongside Aliyah Good—she brings a distinct touch to everything she creates. Working closely with producer and co-writer Sam Merkin, Brianna blends her rich storytelling background into her signature indie-pop sound: dreamy, lyric- and melody-focused music defined by intricate production. She officially introduced her solo artistry with her debut single, “Can’t Get You,” followed by her release “inbetweeners,” with more new music and exciting collaborations on the horizon. Alongside her artist career, Brianna is also a passionate music educator, teaching voice, piano, and songwriting to students of all ages both virtually and in person.