Summer Swap series at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook returns on June 3.
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village, in partnership with Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses, will be presenting the 2025 Summer Stage With A Purpose (Summer SWAP), on a series of Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. The events are FREE to the community.
Summer SWAP will offer visitors a relaxing and scenic outdoor venue on the front lawn of The Jazz Loft to listen to an impressive lineup of performers.
“This series was born from the desire to have the Jazz Loft collaborate with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine as a way to invest in the community and especially to nurture cultural development,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel.
“This summer concert series was born from the desire to give back to our community, to offer high quality performances to everyone without charge, and also to expand our collaborative projects with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine,” said Manuel. “Summer SWAP is the perfect way to invest in our community and an especially real and genuine way to nurture cultural development. It’s exciting to see how this collaborative concert series has become such a special part of our community tradition.”
“We’re proud to sponsor Summer SWAP and to continue our partnership with The Jazz Loft,” said Heather Banoub, Assistant Vice President of University and Medicine Community Relations. “Bringing people together through music and culture reflects our commitment to enriching the lives of those in our community.”
The Jazz Loft will be offering a variety of refreshments for sale in the Basie Garden which is adjacent to The Jazz Loft. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn.
The series performers will include:
Tuesday, June 3 — Jason Marshall Organ Trio
Tuesday, June 17 — Birsa Chatterjee Quartet
Tuesday, July 1 — Kevin Blanca Big Band
Tuesday, July 22 — Dal Segno Trio w/Tom Manuel & Georgia Heers
Legislator Steve Englebright, right, presents a check to Port Jefferson Historical Society Board members, from left to right, Joan Townley, Laura Warren and Nick Acampora.
Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) recently presented checks to representatives from various cultural organizations in his district to help them fund future projects.
“A genuine love for community has always been a driving factor in my work,” Englebright said. “Recently, I showcased my appreciation and support for several of our district’s most beloved cultural and arts organizations through Suffolk County Omnibus Grants.”
Legislator Englebright, center, presents a check to Three Village Community Trust board members, from left to right, Robert Reuter, Greg de Bruin, Peter Legakis and Herb Mones. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office
During Legislator Englebright’s tenure as a New York State Assemblyman, he was the Prime Sponsor of legislation that led to what is commonly referred to as the hotel-motel room fee. The intention behind this initiative that is essentially a tax on people who live outside of our county, including many from other countries was to help generate funds that would enable Suffolk County Legislators to support the Long Island tourism industry through grants for programs for the arts, music, and history. The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning administers the awards.
“This year, I experienced numerous full-circle moments as I was pleased to be able to award numerous community cultural organizations with funding that will help support important programs that our part of the county has become known for, such as the Gallery North Wet Paint Festival, the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce’s and Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s summer concert series, and the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council’s annual Dickens Festival,” the legislator said.
Several local galleries, music venues and museums were also granted awards, such as The Reboli Center for Art and History, The Jazz Loft, and the Long Island Museum.
“In total, I was able to provide room fee-derived funds amounting to more than $150,000 to 15 local organizations which, in turn, will help nurture a vibrant scene for lovers of art, music, and history while stimulating our local economy through tourism and leisure travel,” Englebright said.
The Fifth Legislative District’s grant recipients are The Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, Gallery North, Theatre Three, The Reboli Center, The Jazz Loft, The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce, The Frank Melville Memorial Foundation, The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, The Three Village Historical Society, The Long Island Museum, The Port Jefferson Historical Society, The Children’s Maritime Museum (Long Island Explorium), The Three Village Community Trust, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization and The Village of Port Jefferson.
Spring has sprung at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook! Here is their musical line-up for the month of April:
Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft Orchestra: Cuban Fire Suite
The Jazz Loft presents a Cuban Fire Suite Orchestra performance at the Staller Center in Stony Brook.
Tickets: $40 Adult, $35 Senior, $30 Student, $25 Child
Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft Orchestra: Cuban Fire Suite
The Jazz Loft presents a Cuban Fire Suite Orchestra performance.
Tickets: $35 Adult, $30 Senior, $25 Student, $20 Child
Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
Bright Moments Series: Jeremy Carlstedt
The Jazz Loft presents Jeremy Carlstedt, drums for the Bright Moments Series, presenting some
of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene.
Tickets: $10
Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
The Bad Little Big Band
The Jazz Loft presents a 12-piece Big Band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by
composer, arranger, and pianist, Rich Iacona.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child
Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
Harry Allen Quartet
The Jazz Loft presents a Quartet including Harry Allen, tenor saxophone, Rossano Sportiello,
piano, Mike Karn, bass, and Aaron Kimmel, drums.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child
Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
The Del Segno Trio feat. Dayna Stephens, tenor sax
Tickets: $30/$25/$20/$15
Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
Interplay Jazz Orchestra
Interplay Jazz Orchestra, 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary
Henderson, trumpet performs original compositions and arrangements written by band
members.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child
Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
Bright Moments Series: Elliott Brown
The Jazz Loft presents Elliott Brown, trombone for the Bright Moments Series, presenting some
of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene.
Tickets: $10
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
The Jazz Loft houses more than 10,000 pieces of jazz history and memorabilia. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft
Every month is Jazz Appreciation Month at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, but in April 2002, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History designated April as the official Jazz Appreciation Month, with the aims to draw greater public attention globally to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz. The Jazz Loft is announcing FREE admission to its museum for the entire month of April.
It’s also a great time to join The Jazz Loft’s Friend’s Circle, a membership with seven levels of support, which can include unlimited access to memorabilia displays; discounts on selected events; VIP pre-sale; discounts on special lecture events; free gifts; and complimentary passes to popular shows and festivals and more!
Already a Friend’s Circle Member? Joining for the first time? Sign up or renew during the month of April and get a FREE TJL car magnet!
The Jazz Loft’s museum boasts more than 10,000 pieces of jazz memorabilia and most recently, a new Tony Bennett exhibit, which features over 100 items, including several awards and Grammy nominations; letters from presidents, Louis Armstrong and Fred Astaire; and the Gold Records from his signature hit I Left my Heart in San Francisco. Other exhibits include one of the largest collections of Charlie Parker memorabilia in the nation; Keely Smith’s Grammy Award and designer gowns worn by Ella Fitzgerald.
“The Jazz Loft is without question the anchor for cultural outreach within our Long Island community,” says Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft. “Our 30-plus archive collections celebrate some of the most important figures in American popular music: Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Keely Smith, Louis Jordan, Tony Bennett, John Coltrane and many others. Our stage is alive with over 200 performances annually and over 12,000 people come through our doors each year. Our education program is fostering a new generation for Jazz and I’m happy that in April we can especially put the spotlight on this relevant, important and meaningful organization within our community.”
For more information visit The Jazz Loft’s Friend’s Circle. The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is a non-profit organization, established in 2016 by Dr. Thomas Manuel, its founder, curator, jazz historian and artistic director. The Jazz Loft aims to help preserve, educate on all things jazz and it is also the only music venue on Long Island that exclusively features jazz music. For more information visit: The Jazz Loft
From left, Bob Willemstyn, restaurateur and owner of the Country House; Madiran's owner and sommelier, Jacqueline Malenda; Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft; and Elaine and Enzo Micali, owners of Elaine’s restaurant. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft
The signs of spring on the North Shore bring more than warm breezes and the return of the ospreys. Jazz music will once again be filling the air as The Jazz Loft’s Swing Into Swing Festival 2025 returns from March 18 to 22, not only boosting everyone’s spirits but also at local businesses. There will be an assortment of opportunities to hear live Jazz music throughout the community at five local restaurants in the Stony Brook/East Setauket area.
From left are Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft; Bob Willemstyn, restaurateur and owner of the Country House; Madiran’s owner and sommelier, Jacqueline Malenda; and Enzo and Elaine Micali, owners of Elaine’s restaurant. Photo from The Jazz Loft
Local restaurants featuring live jazz include: Bliss, located at 766 Route 25A in East Setauket; Elaine’s, located at 316 Main Street in East Setauket; The Country House, located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook; Madiran, located at 209 Route 25A in East Setauket; and Schnitzels, located at 77 Main Street in Stony Brook.
“We are excited to be part of the Jazz Loft’s Swing into Spring event,” said Elaine Micali,owner of Elaine’s in East Setauket. “It’s a great way to spread a little Jazz throughout the Three Village community!”
“I believe that the annual Swing into Spring is something to which the community looks forward to,” said Madiran owner and Sommelier Jacqueline Malenda. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to expose our friends and neighbors to such tremendously talented local musicians. It’s how I began a monthly gig with The Jazz Loft a few years ago, and I’m so happy that I have!”
“The Jazz Loft is a gem in our community,” said Jane Taylor, Executive Director of The Three Village Chamber of Commerce. “The quality of the performances are outstanding and we are fortunate to have The Jazz Loft in our backyard with its quality musicians, while also sharing with the community the history of Jazz, and how it has influenced our culture. I would encourage all to take advantage of the upcoming Swing into Spring Festival.”
The five-day music festival will also feature concert performances at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook including a Community Jazz Night with Carl Safina, Rod Borrie and John Ronconi on March 18; Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble on March 20;the Mitch Marcus Quintet on March 21 and Frank Vignola and his Birdland Quintet on March 22.
Funding for the Festival comes in part from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright.
“Music has the power to draw people out and bring people together,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “I am always excited each year to bring music with the Swing into Spring festival throughout the Three Village community. I am so proud to partner with our community businesses. It’s a great feeling to see our restaurants bustling with people, and filled with the sound of live Jazz.”
Schedule of Events:
Tuesday March 18:
The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)
Community Jazz Night: Rod Borrie & Free Range, Carl Safina & Moment’s Notice, John Ronconi & Cafe Society
$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE
Bliss (6-8PM):
Steve Salerno, guitar, John Marshall, tenor saxophone
Elaine’s (6-8PM):
Tom Manuel, cornet, Phil Rinaldi, piano
Madiran (6-8PM):
Dean Johnson, bass, Al Marino, guitar
Wednesday March 19:
Madiran (6-8PM):
Phil Rinaldi, piano, Mark Wade, bass
Bliss (6-8PM):
Steve Salerno, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet
Elaine’s (6-8PM):
Kevin Clark, guitar, Chris Donohue, tenor saxophone
The Country House (6-8PM):
The Jazz Loft Trio
Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano, Darrell Smith, drums
The Jazz Loft (4-5:30PM):
Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop
Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano Tom Manuel, cornet, Darrell Smith, drums
$10 All
The Jazz Loft: (7-9:30PM)
Jam Session / The Keenan Zach Trio
$10, $5 at 8PM
Thursday March 20:
Country House (6-8PM):
Mala Waldron, piano
The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)
Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble
Bakithi Kumalo, bass, Miho Nobuzane, piano/vocal, Kate Curran, vocal, Dylan Kries, saxophone, Ray Marchica, drums
Friday March 21:
Country House (6-8PM):
Rich Iacona, piano, Tom Manuel, cornet
The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)
Mitch Marcus Quintet
Mitch Marcus, tenor saxophone, Evan Francis, alto saxophone/flute, Jeff Miles, guitar, Peter Brendler, bass, Jerad Lippi, drums
$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE
Saturday March 22:
The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)
Frank Vignola Birdland Quartet
Frank Vignola, guitar, Ted Rosenthal, piano, Alex Raderman, drums, Gary Mazzaroppi, bass
$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE
Schnitzels (5-7PM)
Vinny Raniolo, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet
All tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets
Jean Prysock, who passed away on June 28, 2024 at the age of 97 in North Carolina, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook is a big part of that story. Prysock, who was married to jazz great Arthur Prysock, was never one to take a back seat and embodied the old adage that if “you want something done, give it to a busy person.”
Her life was full with volunteer work and helping others. In her later years she became a key spark in establishing The Jazz Loft (TJL). As a founding board member, Prysock worked with founder and president Tom Manuel, attending initial meetings with The Ward Melville Heritage Organization board and their President, Gloria Rocchio, as the idea of TJL became a reality.
Tom Manuel and Jean Prysock
“Jean tirelessly worked public relations for The Jazz Loft when we first opened in 2014,” Manuel said. “She donated her husband’s archives and that was a big addition to our collections. It opened the door for others that followed. She was an incredible mentor to me, and a real pioneer in so many shapes and forms, and more importantly, one of my dearest friends.”
Born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, Prysock graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School, receiving awards for her dedication to others and her athletic abilities.
Prysock was married to Arthur for 49 years. The couple met at the Savoy nightclub, where Arthur was performing with the Buddy Johnson Band.
“My dad thought my mom would be an easy pickup, but she wasn’t,” laughed daughter Jeanartta. But Prysock’s best friend Gloria was dating Arthur’s brother and that made for an introduction.
They were married on June 6, 1948.
They bought their first home in Jamaica, N.Y. Arthur and Prysock loved to entertain and their home was known for great parties, good food and the best BBQ around. Christmas Eve parties were Prysock’s specialty and people came from far and wide, which eventually required her to transform the party into a ticketed dinner-dance.
Following Arthur’s death in 1997, Prysock did not slow down, filling her days with a variety of volunteer opportunities and positions on advisory boards.
Prysock volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in St. Albans, Goldwater Hospital and Harlem Hospital. Prysock organized shows for the patients at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, featuring her talented husband. She was active in the PTA at P.S. 140 in Queens. She eventually received a position on the P.S. 140 Board of Education, and headed the Higher Horizons program.
In addition to her school and community work, the sport of bowling called. For 22 years Prysock volunteered at Cardinal Lanes, and had a league of young bowlers known as the Prysock Junior Bowlers. Bowling became a big part of her life. Through communication with Charlie Venable, a pro bowler, she got involved with the pro bowlers at Paramus Lanes, becoming a sponsor of the team The Prysock Five. Jean was the first female recipient of an award for dedication to the world of bowling.
“You couldn’t tell my mom ‘no’ to anything,” remembers Jeanartta. “That just made her more determined. She would find a way.”
When a local Portuguese family suffered a house fire resulting in the death of several children, Jean organized a fundraising effort to raise money so that the family could relocate to a new home.
Even though the community was divided by race, income and ethnicity, Jean brought everyone together and not only raised enough money for the family to buy a new home, but she also organized an interracial-interfaith group hoping to bring better understanding between all people.
The National Conference of Christians and Jews presented her the Ambassador of Good Will award and she was also recognized by local professional business groups and was named to the Nassau County Advisory Board of Volunteers Services.
Prysock leaves behind two daughters, Jeanartta and Jeanine; grandchildren Jara, Arthur, and Jeanisha; and great grandchildren Kiya, Kaily, and Hibiki..
Prysock’s motto was “Respect yourself and others will do the same. And remember no one owes you anything. Learn to love, learn to be better and the world will become a better place to live. When you help someone else up the hill, you help yourself.
The Bad Little Big Band, a staple at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, has announced that in 2025, the band will be performing on the third Thursday every other month with themed shows, featuring the 12-piece band, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona, and featuring vocalist Madeline Kole.
The band’s first performance of 2025 will be “Our Kind Of Broadway” on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. The BLBB will perform the classic Broadway repertoire done in the BLBB swinging fashion, with all music arranged and conducted by Iacona. Other themes for the coming year’s schedule include: Movie Songs We Get to Hear”; “The Music of Harold Arlen”; “The Music of George Gershwin”; “Slightly Latin” ( Bossas, Rhumbas and Jobim); “Pop Goes the Jazz Tunes” (great pop favorites done in jazz style).
Kole a vocalist, bassist and bandleader, recently completed her latest recording, DON’CHA GO ‘WAY MAD… which is a collection of 14 of her favorite standards.
The Bad Little Big Band was started in 1979 by Iacona, who arranged and composed the band’s repertoire. The group made two recordings in the 1980’s- “Painter of Dreams” and “A Long Way to Go,” which received much airplay and notoriety over the years. Many of the original musicians are still with the group and Iacona has added to the repertoire with many new and fresh compositions. The Bad Little Big Band has featured many great soloists, with Kole being one of the band’s favorites. Fans can look forward to a new collection this year from Iacona.
The Jazz Loft is home to not one, but THREE big bands in residence that perform monthly. The Bad Little Big Band appears on the third Thursday every other month throughout 2025.
Tickets for the Jazz Loft Bad Little Big Band performance are $30, $25, $20 $15. The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.
From celebrating Black History Month to jam sessions, intimate acoustic concerts and a special Valentine’s Day concert, The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook has something for everyone during the month of February.
February 2025 at the Jazz Loft
Wednesday, February 5, at 1p.m.
Young at Heart: Here’s to the Ladies
Tom Manuel and the Jazz Loft Trio will be playing tunes honoring the women of Jazz for Valentine’s Day for this month’s Young at Heart. Young at Heart is a monthly themed afternoon jazz concert series to help seniors enjoy and remember familiar tunes.
Tickets: $10
Wednesday, February 5
Jam Session at 7 p.m.
Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage with fellow jazz enthusiasts.
Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5
Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m.
Jazz Loft Big Band: Celebrates Black History Month
The 17-piece big band directed by Tom Manuel; the band will be presenting a program of all Black composers to celebrate Black History Month
Eli Yamin, piano in an intimate setting in the Jazz Loft’s living room.
Hosted by Tom Manuel, cornet, Laura Landor
$40 all, no discounts.
Saturday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
Acoustic in the Living Room
Laura Anglade, vocal w/ Ben Rosenblum, piano in an intimate setting in the Jazz Loft’s living room.
Hosted by Tom Manuel, cornet, Laura Landor
$40 all, no discounts.
Monday, February 10, at 7 p.m.
Bright Moments Series
Moshe Elmakias, piano, DMA Recital, Presenting some of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene
$10 general admission, $5 seniors & students, SBU Faculty/Staff FREE with ID
Wednesday, February 12
Jam Session at 7 p.m.
Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage with fellow jazz enthusiasts.
Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5
Friday, February 14, at 7 p.m.
Here’s to the Ladies, a Valentine’s Day special concert
The Jazz Loft All-Stars playing tunes honoring the women of Jazz
$50, includes a glass of champagne and chocolate
Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.
Bright Moments Series
Alejandro Espinosa, trombone DMA Recital, Presenting some of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene
$10 general admission, $5 seniors & students, SBU Faculty/Staff FREE with ID
Wednesday, February 19
Jam Session at 7 p.m.
Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage with fellow jazz enthusiasts.
Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5
Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m.
The Bad Little Big Band
The 12-member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, and vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band. Iacona has added to the band’s repertoire with fresh and new arrangements that are performed at the Jazz Loft.
Nicole Zuraitis, Grammy Award Winner, will perform in an intimate setting in the Jazz Loft’s Living Room.
$40 all, no discounts
Saturday, February 22 at 7 p.m.
Acoustic in the Living Room
Corina Sabbas, on vocals, with accompaniment, will perform in an intimate setting in the Jazz Loft’s Living Room.
$40 all, no discounts
Wednesday, February 26 at 7 p.m.
Jam Session
Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach Jazz and musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.
Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5
Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
Interplay Jazz Orchestra
Interplay Jazz Orchestra, 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook has announced that one of its most beloved performers Danny Bacher passed away on December 16 following a heart attack. He was 48.
Bacher’s credentials and world-class talents make for an impressive and illustrious list. Bacher excelled as a vocalist, soprano saxophonist, dancer and composer and delivered jokes and banter effortlessly. Bacher recently published a book titled Collecting Laurel and Hardy, about his personal extensive collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia. At the time of his death, he was working on a Harry Nilsson recording project.
“It goes without saying that The Jazz Loft will never be the same without Danny,” said Tom Manuel, friend and founder of The Jazz Loft. “I will always have the utmost respect and admiration for Danny as a musician and an artist. Quite frankly he embodied what no artists have anymore. He was 100% in, 100% of the time— a consummate performer. He truly loved every stranger that sat in front of him. The music was always the number one priority. He appreciated the songwriter, the arranger, the history, the vision of the show, and especially the musicians that backed him up.”
Bacher was an early supporter and performer for The Jazz Loft and is credited with the first “official Jazz Loft gig,” which occurred well before the renovations were completed around 2014.
“We did a concert at what was at the time called The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Education & Cultural Center to bring awareness to the Loft project,’ recalls Manuel. “As the years progressed Danny became such an important part of the personality of our Sinatra Show, Rat Pack Show, and our Nutcracker amongst other things.”
Along with his numerous appearances at The Jazz Loft throughout the year, Bacher kept a busy touring schedule and worked at venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Town Hall. He performed several times at Carnegie Hall and most recently alongside the legendary Michael Feinstein. Bacher released two studio albums as a leader, “Swing That Music!” and “Still Happy” on the Whaling City Sound label. A recent recipient of the prestigious Margaret Whiting Award, Bacher was also nominated for best male vocalist in the 2019 National Jazz Times reader’s poll along with Harry Connick, John Pizzarelli, and Michael Buble, and in 2020 and 2021 placed in the top four in the country alongside Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter and the legendary Tony Bennett. He also received a 2023 Bistro Award for outstanding achievement as a singer/instrumentalist in the New York entertainment community. Bacher was personally selected by the 98-year-old jazz legend, Terry Gibbs, as the vocalist to record his Songbook.
When not performing, Bacher dedicated his time to arts education in his home state of New Jersey. As part of the nationally-recognized Educational Arts Team, he taught arts-integrated curricula to a variety of grade levels, as well as acting, theater improv, magic and puppetry. Along with his brother, Danny was the co-creator of the beloved after-school puppet series “The Backyard Players” (2008-2012), and has helped to run Camp Liberty, an arts-based summer program in Jersey City, for the past decade.
“Danny was a special person and real friend to me,” said Manuel. “I loved him like a brother and I’ll really miss him.”
Bacher is survived by his wife Erin Bernard-Bacher. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas party will be backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts on December 21. Zuraitis was recently nominated for a Grammy award!
This 2024 holiday season at the Jazz Loft will have you thinking “Do I really need to go into New York City to feel holiday magic?” The answer is “NO!”
This year The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village will be presenting six performances of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel; narrator and vocals by Danny Bacher.
On Sunday, December 22., The Jazz Loft will present two Jazz Nativity shows at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. This candlelight Jazz service will feature the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.
On December 23, Grammy-winner singer and Jazz Loft favorite Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party comes back to the venue. Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts.
Full schedule below:
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show
Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m.
The 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet is a Jazz Loft tradition. This is a wonderful concert to introduce live Jazz to children and grandchildren. It’s a holiday family affair! $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students. And $25 for children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Saturday, December 21 shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Jazz Nativity
Sunday, December 22 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and featuring Grammy-nominated Nicole Zuraitis. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party
Monday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts. Powerhouse vocalist, New York-based bandleader and winner of the 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal, Nicole Zuraitis continues to establish herself as an undeniable force in the modern jazz landscape of both NYC and beyond. Nicole’s bold, versatile voice possesses a special combination of soothing warmth, familiar authenticity, and raw grit that is reinventing the world’s conception of what it means to be a jazz artist. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Tom Manuel’s New Year Eve Extravaganza
Tuesday, December 31 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The Jazz Loft All-Stars and accompanying vocalist
Dance floor
Open bar, beer and wine and ticket includes champagne toast
$75 all.
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village.
For tickets visit The Jazz Loft website at www.thejazzloft.org or click TICKETS.
