Grammy-nominated musical artist, Johnaye Kendrick, to hold a performance and residency at George Fox University
February 03, 2025

NEWBERG, Ore. – The George Fox University performing arts department is excited to welcome Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, orchestrator and multi-instrumentalist Johnaye Kendrick for a special performance and artist residency. Kendrick will take the stage alongside the university’s jazz ensemble and faculty jazz quartet at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, in Bauman Auditorium.
In addition to her celebrated career as a performer, Kendrick is a dedicated educator, serving as a professor of music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. During her two-day residency at George Fox, she will engage with students through class presentations, choir workshops and rehearsals.
Kendrick earned a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music from Loyola University, and an Artist Diploma from the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Upon graduating, she was immediately hired by renowned trumpeter Nicholas Payton, who praised her talent, stating, “Johnaye has the potential to be a vocalist of the highest order – the likes of which we have seldom seen since the grande dames of the golden era of jazz roamed the earth. She’s got it!”
Known for her captivating original compositions and fresh interpretations of jazz and contemporary works, Kendrick has also performed with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
In 2014, she launched her own record label, johnygirl, as a platform to release music that authentically represents her artistic vision. Through this label, she has produced and released two albums: HERE, a heartfelt collection of original compositions, and FLYING, featuring both original works and thoughtfully arranged jazz standards and contemporary pieces.
George Fox University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University” and by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top private colleges in Oregon. More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 academic programs at the undergraduate level, accelerated online degrees for working adults, and 21 masters and doctoral degrees.
Contact:
Carly Reumann
George Fox University
(505) 554-2101