Shelley Carrol & Brad Leali – UNITYFest

Saxophonists Shelley Carrol and Brad Leali team up for a powerhouse night of jazz. Both have performed with today’s Duke Ellington and Count Basie Orchestras, bringing the swing tradition into today’s sound. Backed by an outstanding rhythm section, their performance blends soul, groove, and joyful improvisation in a show that celebrates the heart and spirit of American jazz. Doors open at 6:30 PM. This event is part of the 2026 UNITYFest music festival. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Saxophonist, Shelley Carrol hails from family of gospel singers and musicians in Houston, Texas. It was there that the music bug bit him at an early age and landed him in the famed Boys Choir of Houston. After picking up the saxophone, he was able to study with the legendary Texas Tenor greats Arnett Cobb and Don Wilkerson. At the time he didn’t know how revered these gentlemen were around the globe. Carrol explains “They simply lived in my neighborhood”. Shelley attended the city’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) and was a standout in the city’s Summer Jazz Workshop Program. This is where he developed a true flair for the stage. Shelley began his college career at Texas Southern University. He later transferred to North Texas State University on a vocal scholarship. While attending the University of North Texas, Shelley earned a spot in the Grammy Nominated One O’clock Lab Band. There he recorded two critically acclaimed CD’s in 1990–91. During the same period, Mr. Carrol was invited to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra by trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. This would prove to be an enormous musical opportunity with worldwide exposure. Since joining the band, he has toured the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. He has also recorded and or performed with Sheryl Crow, Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Roger Waters and a host of others. Shelley evolved to record as a leader in 1997. He was able to feature members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra on his debut CD for Leaning House Records. His second CD, A Distant Star was released in the fall of 2001. The disc features pianist Bernard Wright, bassist Curtis Lundy, and drummer Sebastian Whittaker. This sophomore effort easily got get the critics and fans buzzing with excitement. Carrol’s third release was recorded with his Monday Night Band. This group has been featured at The Amsterdam Bar in Dallas for several years. The CD, Gentle Friend is now available. His latest recording is entitled I Heard That and features some iconic guest artists like the late Marchel Ivery, Stefon Karlsson, Roger Boykin, and vocalist Ardina Lockhart. Shelley also feels a need to share his musical gift with today’s youth. He currently teaches privately in the Dallas area and gives clinics whenever he can. He says”…music has to be shared to truly be enjoyed.” Anyone who listens to his Tenor saxophone would have to agree. Carrol was a 2006 finalist in the Texas Commission for the Arts “State Musician” recognition...