Saxophonist Will E. Smith returns with his W.E.S. Group to the Islander. Featuring Noble Jolley on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass, and John Lampkin on drums.

Through studying, composing, teaching and living music, saxophonist/composer W.E.S. (a.k.a W.E. Smith and affectionately called Will) has sought to enrich the lives of others through sound. His family roots go deep into the history of jazz and the African-American experience. His grandfather and great-uncle owned a music publishing company in the 1920s and published music that was performed by the great King Oliver as well as Noble Sissle. Many musicians used to come by the family home on the south side of Chicago including Art Tatum. W.E.S.’s cousin Warren Smith Jr. played percussion with the Miles Davis, Gil Evans orchestra and many other notable performers. In the spirit of this legacy, W.E.S. himself has performed with jazz greats, James Moody, Donald Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Wynton Marsalis, and Jon Hendricks.

After leading a quartet under his own name (The Will Smith Quartet) for several years, Will decided to form a group (The W.E.S. Group) with many of the same musicians he had been playing with, but with a different focus from the original quartet. He wanted the group to transcend the traditional jazz classification from strictly art music, to music that has a world flavor and is not only enjoyed but inspires the best in people. Will recently received his doctorate at the University of Maryland College Park in Ethnomusicology. He also teaches private lessons as well as jazz history, music fundamentals, world music and runs his own label and production company.

W.E.S. is currently an Assistant Professor and the Jazz Ensemble Director at American University and gives lectures on jazz and hip hop at the University of Maryland, University of Delaware, and Howard University.

The Islander Caribbean Restaurant and Lounge celebrates 30 years of business, providing Authentic Caribbean Cuisine, indigenous to the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The Islander has been a major part of the U Street revitalization. Today the Islander brings you “U” Street Jazz!  And every Wednesday night starting at 7:30pm, the Islander presents Karaoke Night.

Consistently Zagat rated, the Islander stands as the only formal Caribbean restaurant that has added the national art form of jazz, which is performed regularly on weekends throughout the year. Great food, great music, mature and family oriented environment with a Caribbean flair entreats you to a wonderful evening out.