EcoTarium Announces Lineup for 2004 Jazz at Sunset Series
MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Anne Giedrys
Communications Manager
sgiedrys@ecotarium.org
(508) 929-2738
(WORCESTER, Mass.) — If it's Friday, it's Jazz at Sunset! Start your summer weekends right with sensational jazz and blues performers in an extraordinary outdoor concert setting. This unique outdoor concert series is one of Central Massachusetts' most popular summer events, thanks to its casual atmosphere, multigenerational appeal, and range of performers. EcoTarium invites jazz and blues lovers to kick back and relax, dance a little, dine a little and feel free to explore the museum and stroll the scenic grounds. This year, Jazz at Sunset gets the blues, with several blues performers sprinkled throughout the summer lineup. (See attached schedule for this summer's performers.)
The 14th annual season of Jazz at Sunset gets underway on June 11 with the internationally renowned Shawnn Monteiro & John Harrison Quintet. Concerts are held each Friday evening through August 13, 2004. And on August 20, WICN Public Radio will present its annual benefit concert with the legendary David "Fathead" Newman.
Jazz at Sunset is produced in collaboration with Brownstone Recordings and WICN Public Radio. Major support for the series is provided by Commerce Bank. Concerts are held at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., rain or shine; in case of inclement weather, the concerts are held in a tent pavilion. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Patrons may purchase light dinners, snacks and beverages at all concerts. Beer and wine are available by the glass. As always, picnic baskets are also welcome. However, Massachusetts state law prohibits patrons from bringing alcoholic beverages. Some caberet-style seating is available. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
New this year, advance tickets are available after May 1. Call (508) 929-2703 to order or buy them online at www.ecotarium.org/jazz.
All advance tickets are sold by date. No refunds. Tickets are $13 per person, $11 per person EcoTarium and WICN members. Tickets are also available at the gate on the night of show for $16 per person, $14 per person EcoTarium and WICN members. Jazz at Sunset concerts are free for children 12 and under.
VIP packages are available with reservations, including a stage-front table for four, premium parking close to the stage, two complimentary beverages per person, and a commemorative Jazz at Sunset T-shirt per person. The cost is $150 per table. Call (508) 929-2703 to order VIP tickets. Season opener excluded.
EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum dedicated to exploring the natural world. The museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, nature trails, ponds, an award-winning meadow, a planetarium, and a narrow-gauge railroad. The museum is located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Open selected Monday holidays and Mondays during school vacation weeks. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-16. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month from noon to 5 p.m.
2004 Jazz At Sunset Performer Schedule
Season Opener
June 11: Shawnn Monteiro & John Harrison Quintet
Internationally renowned vocalist Shawnn Monteiro has delighted jazz audiences from Italy to New York with her popular repertoire and blues-tinged improvisation. Kick off the summer with this captivating, distinctive talent and a swinging quintet with three-piece rhythm section.
June 18: Greg Abate Quintet featuring Claudio Roditi
Saxophonist Greg Abate is widely considered one of the best post-bebop alto players out there today. He plays lyrical and swings hard. Joined by renowned Brazilian trumpeter Roditi, this is a show not to be missed.
June 25: Wannetta Jackson
The sweet soul sound of accomplished vocalist Wannetta Jackson has impressed audiences all across Boston with her forays into the songbooks of the great African-American vocalists. From gospel to rhythm and blues to jazz, Wannetta sings from the heart.
July 2: The Junior Watson Band
Junior Watson, a blues wailer who's fast achieving cult status, has done what all great American artists have done: melding diverse styles to create a sound that's all his own. Come find out what all the buzz is about.
July 9: Emil Haddad - Dick Odgren Quintet
The appearance of these popular Worcester-based musicians is a Jazz at Sunset tradition. Seamless improvisation is their trademark. Their unique interpretations of traditional standards along with original compositions never fail to draw crowds. The 2004 Jazz at Sunset Award will be presented on this evening.
July 16: The Love Dogs
It's a tribal love vibe! This rhythm-and-horn- driven Boston band will have you on your feet with their blend of honest R&B built on a jump blues foundation. If that doesn't get you dancing, then their Latin-flavored funk, Texas swamp and soul will.
July 23: Herb Pomeroy Quintet with Special Guest Donna Byrne
One of the best trumpeters to come out of Boston in the late '40s and early '50s, Herb Pomeroy is back on stage delighting audiences. The extraordinary Donna Byrne adds her signature to this performance.
July 30: Mike Duke and the Soul Twisters
Led by Mike's blazing guitar and impassioned vocals, these regional favorites cook up a soulful stew all their own, with a supercharged sound that that draws from Texas shuffles, jump blues, and New Orleans R&B. Get your maximum dose of the blues right here.
August 6: The Be-Bop Guitars Meet Maggie Scott
Fans of guitar-driven jazz will be in heaven with the accomplished musicianship and diverse arrangements of this tight ensemble of esteemed faculty from Boston's Berklee College of Music. Boston's "First Lady of Jazz" joins the bill for an unforgettable performance.
August 13: The Toni Lynn Washington Band
Get ready to melt. The amazing and sultry diva who's claimed Boston Magazine's "Best of Boston" blues title delivers smoldering ballads laid over a cool, jazzy R&B base. "With sharp articulation and occasional horn-like tones, she pulls the maximum emotional intensity form each note," says Blues Revue.
August 20: WICN Benefit Concert with David "Fathead" Newman
"Tenor Titan" is the term used to describe this legendary jazz man. In his 12-plus years as a soloist with the Ray Charles Orchestra and as leader of his own groups, Texas-born saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman packs a strong and soulful punch of blues-influenced jazz. Tickets for the benefit concert are $16 per person, $14 for WICN members. Children under 12 free. Buy them at the gate or order online at www.wicn.org or by calling (508) 752-0700.
Please call (508) 929-2738 or email sgiedrys@ecotarium.org if you are interested in receiving images of the performers.