30/06/2025
✨ SHOW REVIEW: “Out of the Mouth of Babes: The Rising Stars of Jazz”
Presented by The Preservation of Jazz at Aretha’s Jazz Café – June 26, 2025
Review by Octavia Brown
Thursday night’s performance of “Out of the Mouth of Babes: The Rising Stars of Jazz” was a radiant tribute to the golden age of jazz, brought to life through the fresh voices of Detroit’s most promising young talent. The room sparkled with the energy of proud parents, supportive families, and a community gathered in reverence of Black excellence and legacy.
With a cast ranging in age from just 8 to 25 years old, the show was not only impressive—it was profound. These young performers didn’t just recreate jazz history; they embodied it.
Under the loving guidance of producer Sky Covington and co-producer LadyLove®, the production glided from scene to scene with elegance, warmth, and precision. It was a night where memories were made and history was honored.
Adriana Acosta, portraying Hazel Scott, opened the evening with stunning composure and poise. Her delivery of “A Foggy Day” was a gentle nod to Scott’s brilliance, and her piano work evoked the soul of a seasoned artist.
Jayla Blanding, who doubled as both Lena Horne and the evening’s hostess, shined in every moment. Her introductions were confident and endearing, grounding each performance with knowledge and heart. Her rendition of “I Got Rhythm” was joyful, rhythmic, and absolutely crowd-winning.
Jeremiah Sims, in his debut as Nat King Cole, gave a performance full of warmth and sincerity. It was his first time on stage with this series, but you’d never know it. With “L-O-V-E” and “Unforgettable,” Jeremiah touched every heart in the room.
Jayda Doll, stepping into the heels of Nancy Wilson, was elegant and emotionally present. Her voice carried Nancy’s storytelling spirit with grace, and she left a lasting impression.
Jai’lyn Simone, portraying Sarah Vaughan, soared vocally. Her range, phrasing, and stage presence were breathtaking—especially during “Misty,” where the room fell silent in awe.
Dimarco Wilson-Ashley as Cab Calloway brought pure electricity to the stage. His charismatic delivery of “Minnie the Moocher” was a showstopper, full of energy, rhythm, and charm.
Pratoria Wilson-Ashley, who embodied Etta James, closed the show with vocal power and soulful sensitivity. “At Last” and “Sunday Kind of Love” were delivered with the richness of a seasoned soul singer.
Daijon, portraying Langston Hughes, delivered two moving poems that reminded us why Hughes remains one of the most vital voices in American history. His performance brought stillness and reverence to the room—clear, passionate, and rich with meaning.
The music that carried the night was brilliantly performed by our young house band:
🎶 Jacob Hart, just 16 years old, led on piano with maturity and sensitivity beyond his years. His playing was confident and expressive, gracefully supporting each performer.
🎶 Zach Gutman held the rhythm tight on bass, laying down smooth, steady grooves that kept the show flowing.
🎶 David Zwolinski on drums brought swing, dynamics, and drive—his brushwork and solos added color to every tune.
These young musicians weren’t just accompaniment—they were co-stars, delivering a soundscape that honored the spirit of jazz with every note.
Behind the scenes, LadyLove®, co-producer and mother figure to many of the young performers, provided the heartbeat of the production. Her touch was evident in the show's grace and structure.
Mai’ja, the stage manager, ensured a seamless flow, handling each cue and transition with professionalism. Her leadership backstage allowed the young performers to shine with confidence.
The Aretha’s Jazz Café staff continues to set the gold standard. Eric, Capri, and the entire team served with warmth and excellence. The menu was a delicious complement to the night’s elegance. I personally enjoyed the fried mushrooms and chicken tenders, which were seasoned perfectly and served hot. The salmon salad was fresh and flavorful—a perfect pairing for a soulful evening.
And at the center of it all was Sky Covington—not just as producer, but as a proud visionary and nurturer of talent. Her smile radiated all evening, a reflection of the joy and pride she felt watching her dream unfold on stage. It was clear to all in attendance: this show wasn’t just a tribute to jazz legends—it was a rite of passage.
We were taken back to a simpler, more elegant time, led by the next generation of storytellers, singers, and scholars. Out of the Mouth of Babes is more than a performance—it’s a preservation. And it’s only just beginning.
