REJS Partners

Rich Jackson

Born and educated in Princeton New Jersey public schools. During my childhood I was exposed to R&B while listening to WBLS and WABC radio. My mother played 45’s listening to Erroll Garner, Miles Davis, and ballads from the likes of Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Mathis. One of my favorite groups are The Crusaders.

In the 70's I acquired a large record collection which led to an interest in many genre of sound. R & B , fusion and jazz were, and still is, my favorite. Music has always been part of my day and night. This passion lead me into friendship with Eric Thomas.  We frequently listened and discussed jazz artist.  REJS Entertainment was born. The dream to promote young artist left the ground when James (partner) joined the group. We all met as teachers for the Trenton School District.

 I’ve always enjoyed listening to and watching the artists perform. But even more so, checking out the audience tap their foot, bob their head, close their eyes, and stand in ovation.

Eric Thomas

My first exposure to jazz was through my mother Martha J. Thomas who I can recall when I was either 8 or 9 years old living in my birthplace of Newark, NJ playing the music of Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery.   In addition to these giants of jazz, my two uncles were self-taught saxophonists which gave me more exposure to jazz on a personal level.  As I grew older I went away from jazz and move more towards the sounds of Motown, Earth, Wind, & Fire, P-Funk, Philadelphia International, and Reggae.  When I entered high school my family and I moved from East Orange, NJto Tallahassee, Florida where my mother, who was a TV news reporter,  introduced me to a gentleman who I consider my father to this day that turned me on to John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins.  I was never the same after hearing these legends of jazz!  I went back to listening to jazz but with a far greater appreciation than I had when I was younger.  I never thought I would be involve with promoting jazz but here I am a part of REJS Entertainmentproviding events for musicians to incorporate and blend individual expression, spirit and combining that with others to create some of the greatest music out the human experience!  

James Freeman

    I was a shy & quiet, but very active youngster raised by my grandparents in a lower-middle class neighborhood in the 70’s. Born in Bristol, PA, I attended Harry S Truman HS and Lock Haven University and was able to play football at both schools. I’ve met and made many good friends and acquaintances through participation in my favorite sport!
     I received a Bachelor's degree in Health & Physical Education from Lock Haven University of PA and a Master's of Arts in Education from Gratz College. 
     I have coached numerous sports at many levels and have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences. I’ve enjoyed the relationships that were created with both coaches and players over the years!
    I never sang or played an instrument, but I have always enjoyed instrumental music. So when a friend introduced me to Jazz in the early 90's I was hooked!
     I met Eric Thomas & Rich Jackson when we taught together at a new Charter School in Trenton, NJ in 1998. We shared our love for Jazz and even though we only worked together for that school year, we stayed in contact. 

Years later, we came together to produce a show for a talented young violinist named Scott Tixier. We enjoyed that experience so much that we decided to try it again. We went on to host the fabulous harmonica player, Yvonnick Prene' and the multi-talented composer and keyboardist, Shamie Royston! 
     At that time we made a commitment to begin our journey. We’re passionate about bringing quality music and incredibly talented artists to the central New Jersey area! We will strive to continually evolve and provide the best Audio/Visual experience that our guests will ever experience at a musical performance!  

Jacque Howard

Jacque Howard was born in Trenton NJ and grew up in Ewing Township where he also graduated from public school.  He is the youngest of 7 children.  He lives in Trenton with his wife and daughter.

Jacque’s college education and early professional experience started in the garment industry before, during and after he graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia.  He has worked for several industry leaders such as Jones New York, The Limited Brands and The Gap.

After transitioning from the “rag” business Jacque shifted his attention to Community Organizing focusing on building better community relationships.  Most recently he was the Executive Director of Urban Mission Cabinet Inc., a non-profit organization committed to developing relationships and creating partnerships between the faith centers of the New Brunswick Presbytery (PCUSA) and the communities where they are located with a focus on the cities of Trenton and New Brunswick NJ.

Jacque is the Creator & Host of a weekly program, the “Trenton 365 Show” which airs over multiple radio stations covering the Delaware Valley Region on AM and FM-HD outlets.  Guests on The Trenton 365 Show represent the diverse population of people, organizations and initiatives taking place in the Trenton Region.

Jacque is an active member in the Trenton region by serving with various organizations that are dedicated to making Trenton better for everyone such as the following,  

Artworks Trenton
http://artworkstrenton.org

CARETRENTON
http://www.caretrenton.org

I AM Trenton
http://www.iamtrenton.org/wp/

Isles
http://isles.org

Westminster Presbyterian Church
http://wpctrenton.org

WIMG Radio
http://www.wimg1300.com

Trenton365
http://trenton365.com

Kiwanis Club of Trenton
http://kiwanisoftrentonnj.org/

Trenton Cycling Revolution
http://www.trentoncycling.org/

John J Floyd II

John J Floyd II is a Native to Southern New Jersey, but has been resided in the greater Trenton area since 2008. His Mother, Helen, instilled in him a love for music. Additionally She can be credited for helping John to develop an eye for, as well as a preference for excellence. With this informal training in church, school, and then leading an a traveling A Capella group through high school, John was fortunate to have early opportunities to participate in music at a high level.
While in High School, John was a member of the NJ All State Mixed Chorus and the All south Jersey Chorus, and was the Bass Section leader of both choruses in 2008.
John Floyd Graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. While at Westminster John Studied voice with Elem Eley and Dr. Christopher Arneson. He was privileged to perform in this time with the world’s greatest orchestras including the New Jersey Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden. Also during college John Performed as a member of the world renowned Westminster Symphonic Choir, Westminster Choir and the Westminster Williamson Voices, delivering world premieres, major works, and several recordings.

For John, Jazz has always been an interest, and a preferred musical style. In 2015 John met Eric Thomas while teaching with the Trenton Children’s Chorus. Through Eric, John was introduced to REJS Entertainment as a patron. The energy of the gentlemen involved, and musical excellence in the room, and the community response at the REJS events is what drew John to the group. Today, days John is very glad to be a part of the REJS team.

John's information can be found at 

www.johnjfloyd.weebly.com

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