Elena Gilliam & the George Gilliam Quintet

Performer: Elena Gilliam & the George Gilliam Quintet Elena Gilliam is an extraordinary jazz vocalist. Elena polished her remarkable vocal style through years in the spotlight. Most recently, Elena was invited to headline a concert at the National Center for Performing Arts in Mumbai, India.  She was embraced by an amazing sold-out crowd. Prior to her international appearance in 2025, 2024 marked Elena’s remarkable premier orchestral concert, Shall We Dance (named from her latest recording), debuted at the Barclay Theater in Irvine, California. The concert and recording were developed with award winning Producers Bob Barrett, composer/arranger and Tony Guerrero musician/composer/arranger.  Working alongside her husband /band leader George J Gilliam on guitar, they have graced the stages of Southern California for decades. George just released a CD highlighting his original music and a couple of Elena’s songs which truly exemplifies their abilities as seasoned professionals. Elena’s musical journey includes countless performances at venues, events and festivals in Southern California; Catalina Jazz Club, Agua Caliente Cascade Room Palm Springs, Steamers Jazz at Jax Artist Showcase, Newport Beach, Victory Theater, Los Angeles, The SoCal Jazz Festival, the Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival, the KKJZ 88.1 Jazz at the Segerstrom jazz series, The Lowes KKJZ jazz series in Los Angeles. Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club, The Lighthouse Café, and so many more! Elena’s recording career varied widely over the years. From Big Band arrangements to private producers.  Her husband George produced Elena’s first solo CD in 2008, Moments in Time with the George Gilliam Quartet, was a “swinging” expression of their special musical journey. Not until ten years later did she release, Then Another Turns, a powerhouse of vocal expression with producer Michael LeVan musician/composer. It includes remarkable standards with special arrangements, and a turn at a Bessie Smith Blues. Elena’s idea of recording with a full orchestra began several years prior to completion with her award-winning producer/conductor, Bob Barrett.  When she and Bob discussed the possibility of a collaboration, using a full orchestra it seemed a distant dream, but became a beacon of light in 2023 with Shall We Dance. Renowned trumpeter/composer Tony Guerrero joined the team as co-producer to help bring fresh arrangements to some of Elena’s favorite songs from her lifetime. Most recently, Elena recorded songs for George’s new CD, It’s Playtime Jerry.  This smooth jazz style CD showcases George’s journey with meaningful originals and Elena’s soulful interpretations of Follow Your Road and Someday My Prince Will Come. Connect with Elena Gilliam Reserve a Seat! Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Reservations must be made prior to 3:30pm the day of t...