October 18, 2017
A Free Lunchtime Learning Performing Arts Series
at the Rialto Center for the Arts
Every Third Wednesday at Noon, Always in the Rialto Lobby, and Always Free!
Emmanuel “Chops” Smith is a pianist and vocalist who has been performing professionally since he was 15 years old. He has been playing piano since age 3 and has been trained in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. “Chops” has performed in venues all over the Southeast including The Rialto Center of the Performing Arts, The Margaret Mitchell House, The Georgian Terrace Hotel, The Georgia Aquarium, Churchill Grounds, The Velvet Note, The Red Clay Theater. He has also had the pleasure and privilege to perform alongside Epic Records recording artist, Curtis Fields, Phil Davis, Lukas Lee and also many different jazz personalities including Gary and Veronica Motley, Theresa Hightower, Mike Abene, Bobby Shew, Paquito D’Rivera, Kenny Werner, Russell Malone and Randy Brecker.
After receiving his Jazz Studies degree from Georgia State University, “Chops” is currently Music Directing for North Decatur United Methodist Church and Faith Forward Church. He prides himself as a pianist that crosses multiple genres. Including the churches he works on a regular basis, he travels all over the Southeast, United States and performs in bands based out of Atlanta, GA including the Nick Longo Band, Artimus and Big Bling and the Funk Machine (Music Gardens). He continues to build a reputation as a bandleader with his two bands, CHOPS & the Party Experience and the Emmanuel “Chops” Smith Trio.
“Chops” is currently working on his first ‘debut’ record, to be released later in the year.