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 A Place For Jazz
1221 Wendell Ave
Schenectady, NY
(518) 393-4011
coakjazz@aol.com
www.aplaceforjazz.org
A Place for Jazz isn't really a place; it's an organization whose programs include a fall concert series, public workshops, school-based clinics, and general support of jazz and its musicians. Since 1987, A Place for Jazz has been hosting a fall concert series at the Whisperdome, a beautiful listening-space in the First Unitarian Society at 1221 Wendell Ave. in Schenectady. A Place for Jazz builds on the legacy of Butch Conn, who founded the organization in 1987 to bring world-class jazz artists to the area for the concert series.
A Place for Jazz is affiliated with the International Association of Jazz, with grants from Schenectady County Improvement Program, Schenectady Foundation, and membership contributions. For more information, contact Tim Coakley at 518-393-4011, coakjazz@aol.com, visit www.aplaceforjazz.org, or write to PO Box 1059, Schenectady 12301.
2012 Concert Series:
Friday 9/14 - Tom Harrell
Our series opens with Tom Harrell, one of the most acclaimed trumpeters since the early 1980s. Woody Herman, Horace Silver and Phil Woods have employed him and he’s led his own outstanding quintets since the 1990s. Displaying the improvising power of Clifford Brown, the lyricism of Chet Baker, and his own creative composing, he’s received multiple industry awards and released over 20 well-regarded CDs as a leader.
Friday 9/28 - Mary Stallings
This year’s exciting vocal performer, Mary Stallings, is a celebrated veteran of 50 years. She distinctively merges the complementary influences of jazz, gospel, blues and the Great American Songbook. Her career has included stints with Cal Tjader, Billy Eckstine and Dizzy Gillespie. Her thrilling performance at the Village Vanguard led the NY Times to write "Perhaps the best jazz singer alive today is a woman almost everybody seems to have missed."
Friday 10/12 - Dick Hyman
Legendary Dick Hyman, who will perform solo, is one of those very few pianists who can capture & express the entire history of Jazz, from early New Orleans, Ragtime, Swing, Be-Bop up through modern innovations. His 65-year career as composer, songwriter, conductor, pianist, organist and arranger has encompassed a “Who’s Who” of Jazz & other music, with unmatched versatility, energy and talent.
Frday 10/26 - Michael Benedict &
Bopitude feat. Gary Smulyan
This year’s “local” group, Bopitude, is a stirring sextet headed by drummer-vibist Michael Benedict. They were a big hit at the 2011 Albany Jazz Festival, performing their nationally ranked “Bopitude” CD. Fans of vibrant post-bop are eagerly anticipating their Whisperdome debut, following their just-released second CD, “Five and One.” Both of these feature the world’s #1 ranked baritonist Gary Smulyan, the extraordinary pianist Bruce Barth, electrifying trumpeter Chris Pasin, as well as Capital District heroes Brian Patneaude & Mike Lawrence.
Friday 11/9 -
Pedrito Martinez
World-class Cuban Conga player & singer Pedrito Martinez has been chosen by many of the biggest names in music to appear on over 100 CD’s. He brings an especially uplifting and infectious Latin Jazz quartet to close out our season. Their joyously applauded appearances last year at SPAC and other national venues guarantee this will be a memorable and fun concert.
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