CONCERT DESCRIPTIONS

• Concert #1: The Art of the Guitar

  Date: Thursday, September 25 | 7:00 pm
  Location: The Avram

  As an instrument celebrated in almost every culture, the guitar is an iconic symbol of musical expression. In the world of Jazz there have been few instruments which communicate as powerfully as the electric guitar. Pioneers like Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Rosetta Tharpe and Les Paul paved the way for artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and others.

  The history of archtop Jazz guitar luthiers could not have been more focused any more than here in New York City and Long Island, specifically Greenport and Islip. Legendary luthiers D’Angelico, D’Aquisto and Monteleone have all called Long Island home base during their reign of creation.

  Ensemble: One of the leading voices in Jazz guitar on the scene internationally is indeed Pasquale Grasso.  Joined by Jazz veterans Keith Balla, drums and Ari Roland, bass, this dynamic trio is a powerhouse of exploration and creativity.

  
  

  Performer Bios

• Concert #2: The Art & Soul of Rhythm & Blues

  Date: Thursday, October 30 | 7:00 pm
  Location: The Avram

  Born from the blues, Jazz has been a distinctive voice of American culture, capturing like a soundtrack the victories and struggles of generations of people. Always inclusive, Jazz has taken in so many styles of music from country, western, swing, Black church gospel, various Latin influences, as well as many technological advances, which have changed the direction and sound of the music. Artists like Louis Jordan, Lou Rawls, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Slam Stewart, and countless others forged their identities by combining, with fine skill, the characteristics of rhythm and blues.

  Representing a venerable who’s who of the Jazz world, this ensemble presents a rompin’ exploration of foot-tappin’ grooves that are guaranteed to make you want to get your boogaloo on!

  Ensemble:

  Joy Brown, vocal
  Jerry Weldon, tenor saxophone
  Miki Hayama, piano
  Darrell Smith, drums
  Dean Johnson, bass

• Concert #3: Strictly Sinatra! A Man and His Music

  Date: Friday, November 7 | 7:00 pm
  Location: The Avram

  Frank Sinatra once said, "When I sing, I believe. I'm honest. If you want to get an audience with you, there's only one way. You have to reach out to them with total honesty and humility."

  Sinatra was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th century, and his impact on American music has transcended generations. Enter vocalist Pete Caldera to grab the “Sinatra baton” with his perfectly nuanced interpretations of Frank’s catalog.

  Away from performing, Caldera is a reporter for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. He is a past chairman of the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees.

  Ensemble: Caldera will be joined by the Jazz Loft’s 17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, presenting the original Sinatra arrangements by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Sy Oliver and others.

   

• Concert #4: Nutcracker Suite + Holiday Classics JAZZ Style

  Date: Wednesday, December 17 | 7:00 pm
  Location: The Avram

  Presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic.

  Following intermission, the second half of this concert will feature vocalist and pianist extraordinaire Champian Fulton presenting a variety of holiday classics.

  The Nutcracker Suite is an album by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington recorded for the Columbia label in 1960 featuring jazz interpretations of "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. 

  Ensemble: Vocalist/pianist Champian Fulton with The Jazz Loft Big Band, musical director Tom Manuel