Black Cat Productions - Music and Event Planning

Black Cat Productions, LLC

Presents

the

4 X 4 (Four by Four) Connection

One of the New Orleans area’s hottest small ensembles, Clark J. Knighten and his group 4 X 4 Connection is consistently growing in popularity and demand! The group consists of Knighten and several other home grown artists who collectively share a passion for good music, professionalism, and quality showmanship!

The group had its beginning about 4 years ago as the house band for a Jazz Night Fundraiser activity. Since then, 4 X 4 has appeared throughout the area at numerous private parties, conventions, banquets, festivals, and fundraising events. In addition to Musical Director and keyboardist Clark J. Knighten and his son, Anthony Knighten, the group consists of drummer and vocalist Earl Smith, Jr., guitarist Larry Santiago, bass guitarists Sylvester “Snap” Andrews, and Troy Branch. Frequently, vocalists such as Sharon Martin, Elaine Foster, Bobby J., Judy Spellman, and Ed Perkins appear with the group. Instrumentalists Lance Ellis and Bobby Oksa (saxophone), Tracy Griffin (Trumpet) also appear with the group adding their special New Orleans style and flavor to the group.

Some of 4 X 4’s recent appearances include; the U.S.S. Buck Reunion & Convention; the French Market Association’s Mardi Gras and Tomato Festivals (2006); the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Crawfish Boil (2005 to 2007); the Archbishop Shaw Celebrity Waiter’s Luncheon (2006-2008); the St. Joseph the Worker 50 th Anniversary Jazz Extravaganza (2006); the Gretna Farmer’s Market (2006); and Black Cat Productions’ Dinner and Entertainment Showcases (2006,2007 & 2008) the City of Gretna Annual Christmas Party (2007), and fundraisers for Louisiana State Representative Ricky Templet and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. In addition to their professional entertainment appearances, the group has been featured in several educational presentations through the Cultural Crossroads Program sponsored by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. During these concerts the group uses music to inspire, motivate, and educate at risk adolescent students. The group was also privileged to be featured at the 50 th birthday celebration of New Orleans Mayor, C. Ray Nagin!

Several members of the group have recorded their own CD’s or have worked on recordings with other well-known artists. Clark Knighten and Earl Smith, Jr. are two of the artists found on the Few Good Friends at Christmas CD which also features Trumpeter Tracy Griffin and Violinist Michael Ward. Presently the group is working on a CD collection of familiar R& B and Smooth Jazz Favorites as well as a few original cuts. Look for this project to be released later this year!

For booking or other information about group contact Black Cat Productions at 504-481-9014 or e-mail clark@bcpnola.com!