North Carolina Central University alum gives back to school that helped shape him as a musician
A North Carolina Central University alum is founding a new program for students working to break into the entertainment and arts industries.
Jazz musician Marcus Anderson has received multiple nominations for music’s top prize – the Grammy – and for The Stellar Awards, which recognize the best in gospel music. He’s hoping his expertise can help the next generation of entertainers.
“This is where it started,” Anderson said of North Carolina Central University. “This is where I came from.”
Anderson mentioned how the school was vital to his development.
“If we're comparing it to movies, what I’ve learned after [graduating] is more so the sequel,” he said.
Anderson has created the "Leadership in Entertainment and the Arts Program," or L.E.A.P. It uses mentoring and coaching, including an online portal, to teach students what they need outside of the classroom.
Anderson will work with students in small group sessions giving feedback and advice. He said L.E.A.P. symposiums will feature himself and industry experts in multiple events that students can attend.
“It’s a way of getting the students to understand what's happening in today's society,” Anderson said.
Anderson is also moving his annual “Jazz and Coffee Escape” event to NCCU's campus. The event is scheduled from July 27-29. Part of the proceeds will go toward an endowment creating student scholarships. General admission starts at $99 and VIP ticket packages go up to $799.
World-renown artists are scheduled to perform at the event, including Anderson, JJ Sansaverino, Rebecca Jade, Julian Vaughn, Jeff Ryan, Jason Jackson, Althea Rene, Oli Silk, Glenn Jones, Nichoals Cole and Adam Hawley.
Anderson said there will also be a music camp for students who want to learn more ahead of the “Jazz and Coffee Escape.”
“It's going to show the entire world what is here in Durham, North Carolina, what is being offered on campus,” Anderson said. “It will help places like HBCUs thrive even more."
NCCU Chancellor Johnson Akinleye said the new program will help students to be market-ready after graduation.
“This is designed to provide that practical exposure to industry,” Akinleye said.
Akinleye also said Anderson serves as a role model for students who aspire to get into the music and entertainment profession.
“This is a great opportunity for them to learn the inside of the entertainment industry, whether it is recorded, whether it is performing, and to have the opportunity to actually engage those who are doing it every day in the industry,” Akinleye said.
Anderson worked with the late Prince and also joined the stage with CeeLo Green, Judith Hill, Stevie Wonder and Liv Warfield.
“It’s kind of mind-blowing for me,” Anderson said of L.E.A.P. “I can't believe it, but it's here, and while I’m here, I’m going to give as much as I can."
L.E.A.P. Talk Symposiums
L.E.A.P. has several events planned in the coming weeks for NCCU students. Each event is scheduled to start at 10:40 a.m. at the NCCU Student Center Event Hall in room 2319.
- Feb. 23: Tommy Davidson: The celebrity comedian and actor is set to speak with students.
- March 21: Shakira Howie and Yvonne McNair: Howie is a content producer for Black College Live with ESPN, director of digital for NAACP Image Awards and a producer for the NAACP National Convention. McNair is a entertainment marketing professional and two-time Emmy nominated event producer and the CEO of Captivate Marketing Group. Both "industry boss women" are set to have a discussion with students.
- March 23: Shelia E.: The world famous drummer and percussionist will speak with students.
- April 11: Mr. TalkBox: The Grammy-Award winning artist, producer, songwriter and host will speak with students
