About Gerald Chavis

““I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music….”

Trumpeter Gerald Chavis has appeared as both a sideman and bandleader for over 40 years. He currently performs regularly with his own ensemble, with Philadelphia-based society dance orchestras, and many church organizations in the Wilmington-Philadelphia area.

His credits include performing and/or recording with such national acts as Mick Jagger, Phyllis Hyman, Dr. Donald Byrd, The Temptations, The Dells, The Spinners, and more, as well as Delaware organizations including Opera Delaware, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and others. In addition, he spends much time in recording studios as a session musician, artist and producer for other musicians.

Chavis studied with renowned jazz teacher Robert “Boysie” Lowery, who is best known as the teacher of Clifford Brown and Ernie Watts, among others. In addition to the hard-hitting, ever-expressive Gerald Chavis Quintet (GCQ), Gerald is an active member of smooth jazz ensemble Point Blank whose debut album made it inside the top 20 on national charts. He also serves as a staff musician at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Chavis’ recent accomplishments include leading the Clifford Brown Tribute Big Band for the Clifford Brown Jazz Festivals in 2017 and 2018. Most recently the band featured Grammy Award-winning, Wilmington-native, saxophonist Ernie Watts on the opening night of the festival. Gerald currently directs The Fast Lane, a Christina Cultural Arts Center collective of accomplished musicians