Stamford Town Center presents Summer Jazz Concerts on the Plaza
Released: 05/08/09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Stamford Town Center presents Summer Jazz Concerts on the Plaza
Stamford, CT. May 8, 2009 --- The new outdoor Plaza at Stamford Town Center is the ‘go to place’ this summer for ‘live’ jazz entertainment every Wednesday night in Stamford Downtown. Regional jazz musicians and students from the Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic Summer Jazz Workshop will perform every Wednesday from June 17th through August 12th from 6-8pm in concerts called “Jazz on the Plaza”. Artists will perform a variety of musical selections under a tent outside of Barnes & Noble to entertain patio diners at the mall’s six restaurants.
The Bill Harris Quartet kicks off the series June 17th. The Quartet is a group of old friends exploring the traditional jazz quartet format with a more contemporary concept. Their music consists primarily of original material composed by both Bill and his wife Pattie Preiss. From blues to gospel and swing to Latin, this group covers it all in a modern and accessible way. Bill Harris has performed or recorded with such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Dr. John, Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Robbie Dupree, Natalie Merchant and Celine Dion. Quartet members include Bill Harris, Patti Preiss, Andy Eulau and Thierry Arpino. Playing with the Quartet is special guest John Fumasoli who has performed and recorded with such artists as Gerry Mulligan, Tony Bennett, The Temptations and Diana Ross as well as leading his own group, The Jones Factor.
Joyce DiCamillo, the Executive Director of the Stamford Young Artist Philharmonic Orchestra organized the summer jazz series with the mall. Her organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of aspiring young musicians throughout Fairfield County. Joyce has led her own jazz trio for over 20 years. She released five trio CDs, A Touch of Jazz, Freelancin’, Moment to Moment, Love Letters, and Sunrise Lady. Ms. DiCamillo also coordinates holiday entertainment through a grant to the organization from Stamford Town Center merchants.
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The Joyce DiCamillo Sextet will perform Wednesday, July 1st. Members of the group include John Mastroianni, alto saxophone, who has performed, toured and recorded with such artists as Mel Lewis, the Glen Miller Band and Smokey Robinson. Tony Kadleck, an A-list of trumpet players in the NY area, has recorded with such artists as Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and Elton John. Bruce Eidem, trombonist, is one of the most sought-after trombonists in New York City and has played in concert with Frank Sinatra, Louis Bellson and Tony Bennett. Chip Jackson, bassist, is an internationally acclaimed performer/recording artist and Thierry Arpino, a drummer who has performed with a multitude of artists across the world and acclaimed for his contribution to the stage of world music.
Other local headliners of Jazz on the Plaza include Richard “Cookie” Thomas and Trio and the Joe Sinaguglia Quartet.
The students of the Young Artist Summer Jazz Workshop consist of up to 50 young musicians who practice together during two-weeks of the summer. Members are from throughout Connecticut and Westchester County. Student members from the Young Artist will perform with their bands during our Jazz Series. Student performances include, The Katharine Hedlund Quartet, The Lisa Occhino Trio and The David Ecker Trio.
All concerts during the mall’s “Jazz on the Plaza”Series are free, courtesy of 96.7 The Coast Radio Station, George Boyce State Farm Agency in Stamford, and ProVans Limosine Service. Outdoor seating is available in the Plaza area patios for patrons of the Plaza restaurants including Capital Grille, Mitchell’s Fish Market, PF Changs, Kona Grill, California Pizza Kitchen or Cosi.
For a complete list of performances, dates and biographies of all performers, visit the mall website, www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com/jazz.
Stamford Town Center, with Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and 130 fine stores, is located at Exit 8 off I-95, at the intersection of Tresser and Greyrock in the heart of Stamford Downtown. Shopping hours are 10:00 am to 9:00pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am to 6:00pm Sunday. Sit-down restaurants located in the new Plaza wing of the mall have extended operating hours. Preview the stores, the styles, the sales at www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com.