Marcel Anderson is a neo-soul, R&B, and soul jazz artist whose voice blends smooth melodies, soulful storytelling, and electrifying stage presence. With chart-topping music, award-winning performances, and a career rooted in faith, family, and soul, Marcel creates live experiences that uplift, inspire, and deeply connect with audiences. His performance at NCSGJ is a celebration of culture, community, and sound — a true soul experience.

Smooth jazz favorite Oli Silk brings soulful keys, polished production, and irresistible energy to the NCSGJ 2026 stage. Known for hits like “Up to You” and “At Your Service,” he adds a vibrant international flavor to this year’s lineup.

For nearly two decades, Oli Silk has been one of smooth jazz’s most influential contemporary voices. The British keyboardist and producer earned chart-topping success with global radio favorites and has become a staple at festivals around the world.

His live performances are known for their high-energy blend of groove-driven keys, expressive solos, and a stage presence that lights up any venue. Oli’s wide-ranging musical collaborations include Brian Culbertson, Cindy Bradley, Julian Vaughn, Jonathan Fritzen, and more — cementing his place as one of the genre’s most versatile performers.

At the North Charleston Smooth & Gullah Jazz Music Festival, Oli brings a unique global artistry that perfectly complements the festival’s blend of smooth sophistication and Lowcountry cultural storytelling.

Ken Ford, known worldwide as The King of Strings, is a trailblazing electric violinist who’s redefined how audiences experience the instrument. From performing for Maya Angelou to sharing stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Ledisi, and Frankie Beverly, Ken’s vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul electrifies every crowd he touches.

A St. Louis native raised in Atlanta, Ford transformed his classical violin foundation into an energetic stage presence that rivals rock guitarists. He’s graced the Grammys, ESPN’s Heisman Awards, the Capital Jazz Festival, and the NFL Super Bowl, bringing charisma and fire to every note. With five acclaimed albums—including Burnt Toast, Chevelle Lane, Right Now, State of Mind, and Eleven—Ken continues to expand the sound of contemporary jazz while giving back through his nonprofit, The Ken Ford Foundation, which inspires youth to rediscover the violin as a “cool” instrument.

“Ken Ford doesn’t just play the violin—he sets it ablaze.”

Two-time Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated saxophonist Marcus Anderson is a standout artist with 15 studio albums and 5 Billboard number 1s. This Spartanburg, SC native fuses R&B, Pop, Rock, and Funk, topping Billboard's Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM's Watercolors charts. Having worked with the late Prince, appearing on his last release "Hit N Run Phase 2," Anderson has also shared stages with artists like Ceelo Green, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Benet, Stevie Wonder, and Brian Culbertson, contributing significantly to their touring bands.