'Tis The Season ...almost

Tonight marks my first holiday season gig of the year.  I'm playing with my Jazz for Joy Quintet at Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum for the annual Festival of Trees and Traditions event from 6 - 9 p.m.  Tickets are $85 or $75 for Members, and can be reserved at (860) 838-4100.  All profits from this event help fund the museum’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses.

Then on Saturday, I'm giving a concert at UConn's von der Mehden Recital Hall at 3 p.m.  Billed as "Yule Be Swingin", the show will feature five of my top students, joined by me.  Admission is free but a collection will be taken for W.A.I.M. (the Windham Area Interfaith Mission) to help local individuals and families in dire circumstances.

There are also a couple of private parties on my calendar, so I will get plenty of use from my collection of seasonal jazz music this year.  As I have often done in previous years, I am including one outstanding UConn jazz student on each of these professional outings, to give them the experience of working with a professional band.  Saxophonist Colin Walters and bassist Nick Trautmann have been given the music in advance and through their demonstrated hard work for me, and the progress they have made, I believe they truly deserve this opportunity.

I hope to see you at the Yule Be Swingin' concert on Saturday.  It will be fun for the whole family --- and even Santa has committed to being there! Happy Holidays everyone.

Yule Be Swingin'

It's hard to believe December is almost here!  With the holidays upon us, musicians around the world are dusting off their seasonal repertoire.

There is a long and wonderful tradition of jazz musicians "covering" holiday tunes, and giving them their own creative twist. Some of my favorites from years past include Dexter Gordon playing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and Oscar Peterson playing "Jingle Bells".

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd, the UConn jazz ensembles will continue this tradition at their annual Yule Be Swingin' concert in the von der Mehden Recital Hall.  In lieu of admission charges, donations will be collected for WAIM (Windham Area Interfaith Ministry).  Last year, over $800 was raised for our neighbors in need.

At this year's concert your seasonal favorites will be performed by a variety of ensembles including four different jazz combos, a big band, the 10-piece UConn Jazz Ensemble, and a choir.  Between instrumental selections you will be lead in carol singing by Amanda Hanzlik, accompanied by yours truly.

Kids are most definitely invited.  Being a dad of young children, I know how hard it is to find quality musical events that don't start past my kid's bedtimes and where I won't be hushed (or escorted out) if they make a peep.  This concert was designed to appeal to all age groups, and it is guaranteed to put even the most curmudgeonly of scrooges into the holiday spirit.