Central Mass Jazz Festival
Event info
| Date: | September 20, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 12:00 am |
Details
JAZZ and Music fans WCCA TV’s CENTRAL MASS JAZZ FEST (CMJF) is back and swinging all week long, FREE TO THE PUBLIC, destination event that starts on Tuesday, Sept 20, 2022 at the Mercantile, and culminates with a spectacular show at Mechanics Hall on Sept 24th 2022. All events happening in Worcester.
“Each year this event crescendos at a steady pace”, says CMJF founder, Jazz artist, and WCCA TV’s Executive Director, Mauro DePasquale. “Thanks to WCCA TV and all our sponsors this event is FREE to the public !”
“For instance, the Fest runs four days and the wonderful AC HOTEL on Front Street is making it possible for a limited number (as rooms are available) of CMJF concertgoers to heighten their experience with room discounts during the week.,” says DePasquale, “and it’s really a multi media event with some surprises in store as well. “
Presenting diverse blend of local Worcester and International jazz greats CMJF is on cue to make Jazz accessible to as many people as possible of all ages. The program pays tribute to the Worcester Tercentennial in a special way thanks to a partnership with “Cinema Worcester” the CMJF includes a documentary film about Worcester jazz legend Jaki Byard that will be presented at the beautifully restored “Park View Room” at 230 Park Avenue, Worcester.
The series jumps into swing at 12:15 – 2:15 on Tuesday, September 20 at the Mercantile on Front Street for an indoor jazz pop up concert that will feature Jazz artist and WICN Jazz Radio host Pamela Hines with fugal horn extraordinaire Bill Fanning
On Wednesday, Sept 21: At 12:15 to 2:15. Do not miss a second Jazz Pop Up at the Worcester Beer Garden featuring the Russo Brothers Quintet 12:15 -2:15 PM.
Thursday is a day for groovy education with a documentary about Jazz legend and Worcesterite, Jaki Byard on September 22 at the Park View Room as “Cinema Worcester” and WCCA TV presents, this very cool Jazz Film about Byard: 6:30-7:30 PM (a Tercentennial Celebration)
Friday, September 23 at WCCA TV host a special: Jazz surprise Pop Up TBA : Lunch Time event at 12:15-2:00 PM.
Saturday, September 24 starting at 11 AM is the grand finale at historic Mechanics Hall, featuring Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble with Dan Gable; Cameron Campbell Trio; Donna Byrne (vocalist); and Billboard Chart topper, Greg Abate
Meet and greet artist until about 3:00 PM
About the CENTRAL MASS JAZZ FEST talent:
Pamela Hines
Jazz critic Harvey Pekar wrote in the Boston Herald,” Pianist and composer Pamela Hines strikes a balance between the traditional and the avant garde on her first album, which is no mean feat…George Russell… influenced her writing, but her pieces and the group’s airy, pensive performances are reminiscent of Miles Davis’ quintet with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Hines also summons up thoughts of Debussy, Ravel and pianist Bill Evans.”
Bill Fanning
Trumpeter, composer and teacher Bill Fanning performs concerts and conducts clinics both in the U.S. and internationally. As a freelance musician both in Nashville and in the Northeast, Bill has toured with the Artie Shaw Band, the Benny Goodman Tribute Band, Max Carl and the Big Dance Horns featuring Glenn Frey, and has performed with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and many artists such as Bernard Purdie, Lou Christie, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The O’Jays, and The Temptations.
The Russo Bros. Jazz Quintet
RBJQ “has been a mainstay in the Worcester music scene for the past decade, recently receiving the 2021 Worcester Music Award for “Best Jazz Act”. The quintet performs a soulful blend of jazz styles that include Swing Latin, and Funk.”
Worcester Youth Jazz ensemble and Dan Gable Director of Jazz Program: This ensemble focuses on traditional and current big band repertoire. The group members are guided through a history of big band arranging and composition, and perform selections from key eras and writers.
Cameron Campbell Trio
“The Cameron Campbell Trio is a tight knit group consisting of young up and coming musicians from New England. Playing a mix of original compositions and familiar songs from the jazz tradition and beyond, the trio creates an atmosphere ranging from fiery and daring to soulful and romantic.”
Donna Byrne: “It doesn’t get any better than this . . . One of the best young jazz singers in the country today. She’s the Real McCoy.” – Tony Bennett. Donna has been invited by none other than Tony Bennett to open several of his shows both in the U.S. and abroad. Most recently Donna opened for Tony Bennett at Royal Albert Hall in London.
Donna Byrne is a well-recognized and respected jazz singer at the top of her game.
Greg Abate “A top billboard jazz artist, Greg Abate and his Quartet plays a variety of Jazz standards and very melodic original music that swings hard with passion and energy!”
Dan Gable and Worcester Youth Jazz ensemble
Gabel Music (www.gabelmusic.com) and Dan Gabel lead the premiere vintage-style entertainment groups in New England. We specialize in an authentic 1920s or 1940s/50s experience for our audiences for an entertaining evening of musical time travel.
Dan Gabel, Director of Jazz Program
Worcester Youth Jazz Ensembles 1) Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble “Big Band”
This ensemble focuses on traditional and current big band repertoire. The group members are guided through a history of big band arranging and composition, and perform selections from key eras and writers. Focus is placed on ensemble technique, blend, historical practice, interpretation, innovation, and thematic and stylistically appropriate improvisation.