A Night of Live Jazz and R&B Featuring On Kee Jazz Experience

ON KEE has been providing smooth and jazzy live entertainment since 1993. Formed by Lenny McLean, the band initially began performing live with national recording group, “Classic Example,” produced by Maurice Starr. ON KEE realized that they had a common love for both jazz standards and creating their own original music. After much hard work and partnering with various talented musicians, ON KEE developed a strong fan base which opened the door for them to perform at various respectable jazz clubs in the Boston metropolitan area to include the historic Connolly’s Jazz Club in Roxbury, 1359 Jazz Club in Cambridge, Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge and G Clef in Providence. G Clef was once a powerhouse for showcases of national and local acts.

In 1996, ON KEE had the privilege of opening for national recording artists, Jeff
Lorber and Bob James at G Clef. In 1997, the band performed at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Convention at the Prudential Building in Boston. In addition, they maintain a firm commitment and dedication to the community by donating their time to the Special Olympics, an annual event at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. The band was very fortunate to perform at this event for four years. Other events include playing at a benefit for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans at the House of Blues Club in Cambridge and the ‘Steppin Out Gala’ a fundraiser for the Dimock Community Health Center.

In 2004, ON KEE performed at the Democratic Convention in honor of the National Education Association. In October 2005, ON KEE proudly introduced its first CD release, ‘Giving Back’ which helped raise money for the Lupus Foundation in the New England area. ON KEE has since released three other CDs: ‘Live at Mars’, ‘Positivity,’ and ON KEE Live at Ryles.
The jazzy sounds of ON KEE are a unique collaboration of band members from Boston, MA and Maryland. After relocating to Maryland, Lenny formed a second ON KEE Jazz Band with members who reside in DC/Maryland area.

ON KEE has also performed at various music venues and festivals in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area to include Maryland Live Casino in Hanover, MD; The Carlyle Club and The Westin Hotel in Alexandria, VA; Phillips Flagship Restaurant, Washington, DC; Reginald F. Lewis Art Museum and Phaze 10 Restaurant, Baltimore, MD; Si Salsa Restaurant, Pikesville, MD, the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, Mitchellville, MD, Takoma Station, Washington, DC, and the Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival.

On September 29, 2019, ON KEE was fortunate to have shared the stage with the iconic legend Nikki Giovanni at Bus Boys & Poets. On August 27, 2022, ON KEE hosted a Tribute Concert in honor of our vocalist Gladys Etta Duren at the Bowie Center for the Performance Arts. ON KEE is currently having extreme success performing at BRENCORE Entertainment’s Jazzy Thursdays Dinner Series at the new Carlyle Room in the District of Columbia.

I have been blessed to perform with so many talented musicians in both New England Area as well as in the DMV. Please come join us to help celebrate 30 years of smooth jazz and original music of On Kee Jazz Band.