Bethel AME Moorestown Presents 13th Annual Jazz Vespers with Saxophonist Bradford Hayes

Holiday concert on December 5 will benefit the church’s 2027 Women’s Day

MOORESTOWN, N.J. Bethel AME Church will hold its 13th Annual Jazz Vespers on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 4:00 pm in the church sanctuary at 512 N. Church Street. The concert features saxophonist Bradford Hayes and his trio, with organ and drums, along with vocalist Lynette Sheard. A reception will follow.

Jazz Vespers has become a holiday tradition at Bethel, pausing only once during the Covid pandemic. The afternoon offers the community a relaxed way to welcome the Christmas season, and all proceeds will support the church’s 2027 Women’s Day.

Hayes, a native of Dinwiddie County, Virginia, has been a presence on the Northeast jazz scene for many years. He has performed at Birdland, Tavern on the Green and the Beacon Theater in New York City, and has played or recorded with Gerald Alston, Yusef Lateef, Ted Curson, Michael Cochrane, Joe Lee Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Cecil Payne, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Ben Riley, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil Brooks III, Jerry Butler and The Dells. He has opened for Chico Freeman, Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, Max Roach, Marlena Shaw, Pieces of a Dream and Hilton Ruiz.

For 15 years, Hayes was a member of Babatunde Olatunji’s Drums of Passion, serving as Musical Director for the final three years before Olatunji’s death. Among the high points of his career was performing with Olatunji at Yankee Stadium during Nelson Mandela’s first visit to the United States following his release from prison. Hayes was also one of five musicians photographed by the late jazz photographer William Gottlieb, in Gottlieb’s first session with jazz musicians since 1948.

Alongside his performing career, Hayes spent 30 years as a music educator in the Newark Public Schools and is a sought-after clinician. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from North Carolina A&T State University and studied privately with George Coleman and Charles Davis. He is a Prince Hall Mason, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Vocalist Lynette Sheard joins Hayes for the program.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance. A limited number will be available at the door. All proceeds benefit the 2027 Women's Day Committee.

For information, contact Bethel AME Church at bethelamemoorestown@gmail.com. Tickets may be purchased in advance at: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-8873

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