Iva Ambush

Iva Ambush

“Jazz, Blues, and Holiday Cheer For You: A Night to Remember at Mr. Henry’s”
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of jazz, blues, and holiday classics at the historic Mr. Henry’s Restaurant. Experience the vocal artistry of Iva Jean Ambush, Petra Martin, and Decasto Brown, accompanied by the dynamic trio of Pete Frassrand on piano, Emory Diggs on bass, and Greg Holloway on drums.
This special event combines the magic of the holidays with the soul of jazz and blues, featuring
unique interpretations of seasonal favorites and timeless melodies.
The Songs
Iva Jean Ambush will captivate the audience with her arrangement of “My Favorite Things”, blending John Coltrane’s innovative swing with the playful timing of Julie Andrews—all delivered in a striking 5/4 time signature. The result is a perfect homage to the versatility of jazz. Petra Martin will bring her smooth, bluesy vocals to the stage with a delightful performance of “Candy” and a playful, sultry take on “Santa Baby,” promising to keep the audience enchanted and entertained.
Decasto Brown will lend his rich baritone to the lesser-known gem “Old Days, Old Times, and Old Friends,” evoking heartfelt nostalgia and showcasing his unique ability to blend emotion with vocal brilliance.
About the Vocalists
Iva Jean Ambush
Known as “The Scat Lady,” Iva Jean Ambush is the recent winner of the Billie Holiday Competition and a seasoned performer at venues like Birdland in NYC, Blues Alley in DC, and Le Duc des Lombards in Paris. A passionate explorer of jazz phrasing and rhythm, Iva draws inspiration from legends like Sheila Jordan and Ronnie Wells, while paying tribute to her rich musical lineage, which includes connections to jazz greats like Lester Bowie and Spyro Gyra’s Scott Ambush.
Petra Martin
Petra Martin’s silky vocals and heartfelt delivery have made her a standout in the jazz and blues scene. Trained under the guidance of Ronnie Wells and Ron Elliston, Petra has performed at
prestigious events like the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival and the BackRock Center for the Arts. Her music is an immersive experience, blending genres like R&B, bossa nova, and gospel into a
captivating storytelling style that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Decasto Brown

Decasto Brown is a masterful vocalist whose baritone-tenor range and emotional depth make every performance memorable. Influenced by jazz legends like Eddie Jefferson and Nat Cole, Decasto has graced stages from the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival to Jazz Night at Westminster DC. His soulful interpretations and commanding stage presence have earned him a loyal following in the Washington, DC, jazz community.