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George & Elena Gilliam

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  • Home
  • George J. Gilliam Bio
  • Calendar/Event Schedule
  • Elena G. - Bio
  • Press/Reviews
  • Store
    • CD's available
  • Photo Gallery
  • Contact
  • Vocal Performance Workshops!

George J. Gilliam - Producer, arranger, and guitarist

George J. Gilliam began his musical journey at only 13 years of age, in Gary, Indiana.   Since then he’s developed into a seasoned musical director, producer and extremely talented jazz guitarist. With little experience, Wilson Crump hired this enthusiastic young player to perform with the Mellow Tones.  He later moved to Chicago with his family and formed his own groups.  “The Rocking Soul Brothers” became a Chicago success when he teamed up with Hashan Khan, Darnel Hagen and a little unknown vocalist named Chaka Khan.  Jerry and the Chantells was next, using his nick name for this group.  His talents quickly became known at the famous Regal Theatre Talent shows, television appearances and shows throughout Chicago.  George worked with many talents like Rom Lee and Jerry Wilson.   George’s father Ira H. Gilliam, was a successful saxophonist and encouraged him to stretch his skills.  He formed a Big Band featuring Jimmy Ellis, Bill Yancey, and Willie Pickins.  They debuted at the Saber Room in Hickory Hills and became another Chicago favorite.

George carried his instinctive talent to Xavier University in New Orleans. At Xavier, George played guitar for the Xavier University Jazz Band, where a young Wynton Marsalis was just beginning his career.  Under the direction of Dr. John E. Fernandez, George sees this as one of the most memorable times of his life.  He performed with some of New Orleans biggest talents such as, the Nevelle Brothers, Luther Kent and Trick Bag.  He made regular appearances at The New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festivals every year.  While earning his bachelors degree in music, he found a steady niche with the renowned James Rivers Band, more recently featured in Clint Eastwood’s film, “The Bridges of Madison County”.   James bragged of George’s natural skills to play the blues.  It’s no wonder he asked him to tour with the group to South America.  After graduating George headed for California to pursue his true love….jazz.

He strove to build on his talent in the jazz vein and once again formed his own bands.  His style became smooth, distinctive and uniquely classic.  It was in California that he discovered an aspiring vocalist and soulmate, Elena, who he later married.  Her style is inspired by Shirley Bassie, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, making Elena and George a perfect pair, who have performed together ever since.  George has been a regular at jazz festivals over the years.  “George Gilliam subtly changes dynamics and adds fills with sweet, well-timed chording.” Commented Bill Kohlhaase from the LA Times, about the Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival. With the Count Basie All-Stars at the Marriott Resort, George showed “effortless chord progressions” said Rydznski from World News.  George insists on surrounding himself with great musicians.  Among the many talents have been Kevin Toney, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Harold Land Jr., Richard Reed, Donald Dean, Louis Spears, Larry Van Nash, Henry Franklin and more!  All the while, his talent and style have evolved into an outstanding guitarist who appeals to any audience.  Weather he excites you with an energetic modern jazz feel or mellows your soul with rich relaxing tones; you’ll love his “special touch” on the guitar.  Most recently George performs with his own jazz trio.  This smooth guitar trio takes you on a journey with his CDs, Stepping Lightly, featuring Donald Dean on Drums and Donnell Lambert on upright bass and Many Roads Home featuring George with Michael Saucier on bass and Donald Littleton on drums. You’ll surely enjoy the ride.

George’s talent is only matched by his sense of community.  After earning another degree as a music therapist, he dedicated himself to working with developmentally disabled adults.  Through his clinical studies at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk, Huntington School in Long Beach, and the Betty Clooney Center for Brain Injured in Long Beach California, he developed skills to work with a wide variety of special needs adults.  His talents were so keen, that immediately after becoming a therapist, he was hired as the Director of Hope University in Anaheim, California by its founder, Mrs. Doris Walker.  Working with Mrs. Walker as an intern, she envisioned that George could become her replacement at Hope.  An expert and known author in her field, she knew he was the right choice even with very little experience.  After serving as Director for Hope, George soon became determined to develop his own program and founded Creative Identity, where he utilizes the arts “to enrich the lives of those who have been forgotten”.  George has an intuitive ability to sense individual needs and desires of special needs individuals and believes that everyone can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life.  He has strived for the past 25 years to keep his students involved through the arts. 

George’s gift is apparent whether working with special needs clients or entertaining his audience through music.  George is truly a talented guitarist with a genuine love for music, expressed sincerely in his performances.  He promises to deliver a passionate creative style tantamount to a true seasoned professional.

Previous events

So Cal Jazz Collective Featuring Elena Gilliam

So Cal Jazz Collective Featuring Elena Gilliam

Friday, June 24 @ 7:00PM — 9:30PMFri, Jun 24 @ 7:00PM — 9:30PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA

OC Fish Grill presents Friday Night Jazz with The SoCal Jazz Collective featuring Elena Gilliam! Check out the latest hotspot in Irvine with great music, cuisine and ambiance. Karim Yengsep, bass, Michael LeVan keys, Drew Ninmer trumpet, John Rush drums.

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Creative Identity Summer Concert - WE ARE RESILIENT

Creative Identity Summer Concert - WE ARE RESILIENT

Saturday, June 18 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PMSat, Jun 18 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM

Anaheim First Christian Church, 520 W. South Street, Anaheim, CA

Join us for our 2022 Summer Concert and Boutique on June 18th, 2022 for events such as: Art exhibition and boutique showcasing one-of-a-kind participant artwork available for purchase Special musical performances featuring participant singers and musicians *A special message from our Executive Director, George Gilliam, poetry readings, and more! Suggested Donation: $10 per person

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George Gilliam Trio

George Gilliam Trio

Saturday, June 11 @ 4:00PM — 6:00PMSat, Jun 11 @ 4:00PM — 6:00PM

Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA

Muzeo is proud to announce a special preview of our summer exhibitions on June 11, 2022. Join us on the 11th from 4:00PM- 6:00PM for a preview of "Patterned Perspectives: Contemporary Nigerian Art from the Ezenma Collection" in the Main Gallery, "AHORA" in the Historic Carnegie Galleries, and a look at the June MAKERS @MUZEO chosen artist in residence, GERMS. Mingle with featured artists and enjoy refreshments and specialty cocktails in our outdoor courtyard. Music provided by the George Gilliam Trio!

Tickets are $75 includes a preview of exhibitions/refreshments/two drink tickets/opportunity to meet many of the featured artists.

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SoCal Jazz Collaborative featuring Elena Gilliam

SoCal Jazz Collaborative featuring Elena Gilliam

Friday, April 29 @ 7:00PM — 9:30PMFri, Apr 29 @ 7:00PM — 9:30PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA

SoCal Jazz Collective features jazz with award winning musicians and featuring Elena. Parties of 6 or more can make reservations. Great music, food and atmosphere!

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Apr20

Skyloft presents jazz with the Tom Dante Trio featuring Elena Gilliam

Wednesday, April 20 @ 6:30PM — 9:30PMWed, Apr 20 @ 6:30PM — 9:30PM

Skyloft, 422 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach

The Tom Dante Trio presents Jazz featuring guest artist Elena Gilliam.
For Reservations contact The Skyloft https://skyloftoc.com/events/

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George & Elena Gilliam

George & Elena Gilliam

Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PMThu, Apr 14 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PM

Campus Jax, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month with Steamers Jazz at Jax! Join us for great jazz with stellar musicians Michael Le Van piano, Jeff Littleton bass, Teodross Avery sax and Paul Kreibich drums!
Make your reservations/tickets at https://www.campusjax.com/events/elena-and-george-gilliam-steamers-jazz-at-jax

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SoCal Jazz Collaborative featuring Elena Gilliam

SoCal Jazz Collaborative featuring Elena Gilliam

Friday, March 25 @ 7:00PMFri, Mar 25 @ 7:00PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA

SoCal Jazz Academy presents the SoCal Jazz Collective at the lively OC Fish Grill in Irvine, CA! Jazz Quartet with Dr. Karim Yengsep at the helm on bass, Michael LeVan keys, Wes Perry sax, Peter Pfeifer drums and featuring Elena!
No cover, outdoors, great food and casual atmosphere along with amazing jazz!

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Nov20

AlZ That Jazz

Saturday, November 20, 2021 @ 7:00PMSat, Nov 20, 2021 @ 7:00PM

The Casino San Clemente, 140 West Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA

Second annual Alz That Jazz Event is almost here! A hopeful evening filled with jazz music and delicious food benefitting the Alzheimer's Association! Enjoy performances by renowned female songstresses of varied jazz styles including standards and scat: Liz Booth, Meloney Collins, Elena Gilliam and Crystal Lewis. Event includes delectable food stations provided by the generosity of Cal Fresh Catering, Jay’s Catering and TGIS Catering, with sweets provided by Penelope’s Perfections! Coffee available.

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Nov5

George & Elena Gilliam guest artists with the Bruce Lett Trio

Friday, November 5, 2021 @ 6:00PM — 7:30PMFri, Nov 5, 2021 @ 6:00PM — 7:30PM

The Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, 555 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 205, Ventura, CA 93001

Classic Jazz from the Bruce Lett Trio, featuring Elena and George Gilliam, and Ben Sholtz drums

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Oct29

Elena Gilliam with the SoCal Jazz Academy Band

Friday, October 29, 2021 @ 6:30PM — 8:00PMFri, Oct 29, 2021 @ 6:30PM — 8:00PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA

The SoCal Jazz Academy presents Jazz with guest artist Elena Gilliam. Michael LeVan keyboard, Denny Dennis drums, Karim Yengsep bass. Outdoor dining. Reservations Recommended.

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Oct1

SoCal Jazz Academy Friday Night Jazz with Guest George Gilliam

Friday, October 1, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:30PMFri, Oct 1, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:30PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Pkwy, Irvine

SoCal Jazz Academy presents jazz with special guest George Gilliam guitar.

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Steamers Jazz at Jax presents - Swing into Autumn with Elena & George Gilliam

Steamers Jazz at Jax presents - Swing into Autumn with Elena & George Gilliam

Thursday, September 30, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PMThu, Sep 30, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PM

Campus Jax, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

For Tickets visit Campus Jax website! Reservations Recommended!!

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So Cal Jazz Academy presents Jazz with guest faculty Elena Gilliam & Trombonist Wendell Kelly

So Cal Jazz Academy presents Jazz with guest faculty Elena Gilliam & Trombonist Wendell Kelly

Friday, September 24, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:00PMFri, Sep 24, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:00PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Pkwy, Irvine

SoCal Jazz Academy presents Friday Night Jazz with special guests; Elena Gilliam, Michael Le Van, Wendell Kelly trombone, Denny Dennis drummer

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SoCal Jazz Academy featuring Elena Gilliam with Dr. Karim Yengsep Trio

SoCal Jazz Academy featuring Elena Gilliam with Dr. Karim Yengsep Trio

Friday, August 27, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:00PMFri, Aug 27, 2021 @ 7:30PM — 10:00PM

OC Fish Grill, 5789 Alton Pkwy, Irvine

Friday Night Live Jazz with the SoCal Jazz Academy Faculty and students! Join us on the patio at OC Fish Grill for jazz and a great time!

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Elena Gilliam with Michael LeVan Duet

Elena Gilliam with Michael LeVan Duet

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 10:00PMTue, Aug 24, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 10:00PM

The Port, 440 Heliotrope, Corona del Mar

Relax and enjoy some great evening jazz with Elena Gilliam and pianist Michael Le Van! The ambiance is just right for a wonderful evening to remember!
Reservations recommended! 949-723-9685

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Laguna Art-a-Fair presents The George Gilliam Quartet with Elena Gilliam

Laguna Art-a-Fair presents The George Gilliam Quartet with Elena Gilliam

Sunday, August 8, 2021 @ 12:00PM — 6:00PMSun, Aug 8, 2021 @ 12:00PM — 6:00PM

Laguna Art-a-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Laguna Art-a-Fair is open for the summer and presenting music with the George Gilliam Quartet and Elena Gilliam. Surrounded by beautiful art of the vendors, the air will be filled with great jazz. On stage is Elena Gilliam, George Gilliam guitar, Michael LeVan keys, Ernie Nunez bass and Paul Kreibich drums! Tickets available on site for entrance into the grounds. Band dinner break from 4-5pm

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Elena's Summer Swing! With the George Gilliam Quintet

Elena's Summer Swing! With the George Gilliam Quintet

Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PMThu, Jun 24, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PM

Campus Jax, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Terrence Love Steamer's Jazz at Jax presents Elena Gilliam with the George Gilliam Quintet! Summer Swingin' under the stars at Campus Jax' beautiful outdoor Stage and Dinning center. Don't miss the fun with Elena and this stellar Quintet; George leading the way on guitar, Michael Le Van piano, Edmund Velasco sax, Ernie Nunez bass and John Ferraro drums! Tickets available on line Campus Jax

$35/$25/$15

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Elena Gilliam Quartet

Elena Gilliam Quartet

Saturday, April 17, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PMSat, Apr 17, 2021 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM

Casino San Clemente, 140 West Avenido Pico, San Clemente

Live under the stars! Elena with George Gilliam guitar, Michael Le Van keyboard and Paul Kreibich drums make for an exciting return to live music under the stars. Doors open at 6:30pm! Dinner included with ticket price.

$30 Includes dinner and entertainment

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George & Elena Gilliam

George & Elena Gilliam

Sunday, December 6, 2020 @ 5:00PM — 6:30PMSun, Dec 6, 2020 @ 5:00PM — 6:30PM

Campus Jax, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach

Elena and George Gilliam present the ultimate safe and socially distanced live, in-person holiday event for the benefit of the incredible local non-profit organization CREATIVE IDENTITY, a therapeutic music and arts program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities directed by George Gilliam since he founded it in 1996. Many very special Orange County adults have benefited from the amazing hands-on music and arts opportunities made available by Creative Identity with its locations in Anaheim, Laguna Beach and now continuing its services and programs online.

This special holiday benefit program will feature Elena on vocals backed by George and his quintet. Your support of this important local organization is deeply appreciated.

Ultra VIP section ($60/person; tables for 2 or 4) VIP section ($45/person; tables for 2 or 4) General Seating section ($35/person; tables for 2 or 4) 5:00pm-6:30pm Show 4:00pm Doors Open

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Dec2

George & Elena Gilliam Singer/Songwriter Showcase Benefit for the Innocense Project

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 @ 8:00PMWed, Dec 2, 2020 @ 8:00PM

8:00PM – The Innocence Project Singer/Songwriters (Livestream Only) ​

George & Elena will be performing a couple of songs and a number of other special guests for this 2 hour benefit. "In My Special Room" Singer/Songwriter Showcase & Benefit for the Innocence Project on December 2nd from 8pm-10pm PT. Brought to you by DrDebzz call-in talk advice show, "Sleepless in Studio City" http://americanheartsradio.com/. All proceeds go directly to the Innocence Project, an amazing organization that frees innocent victims who have been falsely accused, unjustly convicted, and wrongly incarcerated for decades. If you'd like to donate, please visit our fundraising page: https://innocence-fundraising-ip.funraise.org/fundraiser/debra-graff?fundraiserPrompt=1466673

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