Dear Jazz Fan,
I am happy to report that the Tucson Jazz Society has completed its plans for Summer Series, we’re in the throes of planning Fall Series and New Year’s Eve. The best news about this is the talent we’ve been able to attract. ALL of our upcoming concerts will feature world class performers, and you won’t want to miss them. This started with Charles McPherson in April, and continues this weekend with Gabriel Ayala, then on to West Coast Cool on July 5, and then Sylvan Street on September 1.
The McPherson concert was so terrific, that it brought about my theme: Jazz Only Happens Once. Charles is an icon, having played with Mingus in the 60’s and early 70’s. That he was tapped to play Charlie Parker’s parts in the movie “Bird” is testament to his alto saxophone virtuosity. That skill was most evident in his concert here in April. I was saddened that the Berger Center was not completely full because all those empty seats meant that many people did not get to experience this spectacular performance. They missed it! The improvisational nature of jazz defines that it never happens the same way twice. Add to that the fact that few players of McPherson’s caliber and vintage are with us any more. Anyone who missed that concert missed an opportunity to witness a style and virtuosity that is rarely available in this day and age.
So I write this to encourage all to come to our upcoming concerts because The Tucson Jazz Society is bringing top-drawer talent to the Tucson audience. The performers we’re bringing are terrific. Their jazz will will be unique, and you don’t want to miss them.
Starting this weekend is Gabriel Ayala. I’ve talked with Gabriel numerous times by phone in setting up this performance. He is a wonderful personality, and assures that his quintet is ready to give the Tucson Jazz Society audience a real treat. He’s played at the Vatican and for the Inauguration in the past several months. I’m sure he got his chops up for those performances, and so is well-practiced and ready for us. Don’t miss it!
West Coast Cool is a duo of two sparkling personalities, Cheryl Bentyne of Manhattan Transfer and award winning singer/songwriter Mark Winkler. I caught up with Cheryl two weeks ago when she was here at the Fox with Manhattan Transfer – what a ball of fire she is! This lady has energy and personality that lights up the stage. Her vocal quality is unmatched. This comes on top of her several year battle with cancer. She has won the batttle and is stronger than ever. Her performance with Manhattan Transfer that night certainly convinced me of this. This concert will be in cooperation with The American Cancer Society in honor of Cheryl’s triumph. I’ve talked with Mark Winkler as well – he has a wacky sense of humor, so will be full of surprises. His song “Rip Van Winkle” is on the number one jazz CD in the country, “Listen Here” by the wonderful Jackie Ryan. Both Cheryl and Mark are very playful, and I’m sure they’ll be a lot of fun on stage. Don’t miss it!
Wrapping up the Summer Series is Sylvan Street, made up of both local and out-of-town musicians. I know several of them, and they are all great players. They promise to bring innovative jazz fusion, finely crafted tunes, and electrifying showmanship. They are original and aggressive, presenting a diverse, fresh, lyrical, and eclectic mix of jazz, rock, latin, and funk. They are seven pieces, so will bring a full and exciting sound to the stage. Don’t miss it!
The Summer Series is at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, which is also a world class property. They are offering room and concert packages that you might want to consider for a stay-cation, or recommend to visiting guests and relatives on these Summer Holiday weekends. We are proud of our years-long relationship with Loews. They provide 4-diamond quality to these events, and to those lucky enough to experience their hospitality in an overnight stay combined with dinner and a concert.
The Tucson Jazz Society is still in need of memberships, donations and volunteers. If you are not a member, please consider joining at the highest level you can afford. If you are a member, please consider an additional cash donation. We are an all-volunteer organization, so we keep expenses down, and promise to use your money wisely. That also means that we need volunteers. I am blessed to be able to work with a board consisting of wonderful, hard working people. We need to add to that team with skills in marketing, office management, fundraising, and promotion. If you’d like to have a hand in producing our high-quality program, please consider stepping up to meet me to discuss your skills and their fit with our needs.
I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming concerts. They will only happen once. PLEASE DON’T MISS IT!
Sincerely,
Mark Slivinski
President, Tucson Jazz Society