Get Jazzed!

This is a post by JBFC Volunteer Dotty Battel

“Ol Blue Eyes” beckons…..and we have answered the call!  Our sold out May 6 at 7:15 event Swinging with Sinatra, is fun-filled evening of storytelling, old clips, live music, and a reception celebrating “The Chairman’s” approaching 100^th birthday, and it also happens be the opening night of our annual series, “Jazz Sessions: The Greats on Camera“ (more about that later).

And who better to entertain us with a live performance of Sinatra favorites than our good friend John Pizzarelli, that “happy-go-lucky extrovert, spreading joy with his jet-propelled vocal scatting in unison with his guitar” (NY Times)!  Oh, and by the way, he opened for Sinatra’s 1993 world tour. He will be joined by 3 other musicians that make up The John Pizzarelli Quartet and, for several numbers, by the Jazz House Ambassadors.

Following the concert, head upstairs for food, drink, and good conversation.

Jazz Sessions continues with 3 more lively musical offerings:

May 21 – Film: A cool doc about Mary Lou Williams, the quintessential American jazz pianist and composer who worked with many of the greats of her time and recorded over 100 records. Q&A with filmmaker Carol Bash and veteran music writer Tom Staudter.

May 28 – Film: An inspiring doc about Clark Terry, trumpet legend and master teacher (students include Quincy Jones) and his work with gifted pianist Justin Kauflin. Live Performance: The Justin Kauflin Trio – watch below to hear their great sound and Kauflin paying tribute to his mentors.

[youtube width=”600″ height=”365″ video_id=”SekbrSO72kk”]

June 4 – Multimedia Presentation: Ignacio Berroa, legendary drummer and lively raconteur entertains us with his personal story and the legacy of Afro-Cuban music and jazz. Live Performance: An hour-long concert featuring The Ignacio Berroa Quintet.

Tickets for all events in this series are on sale now!