Tags Posts tagged with "The Jazz Loft"

The Jazz Loft

Alto Jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker broke all the rules of Jazz when he recorded two albums entitled Charlie Parker with Strings, works that attempted to bridge the gap between Jazz and classical music. Nothing like Strings had ever been done before. History has proven Parker’s instincts correct, as these works are now universally recognized as masterpieces.

Jazz enthusiasts will have three opportunities to catch performances of the iconic Charlie Parker with Strings on Thursday, April 4 and Saturday, April 6 at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook; and on Friday, April 5 at The Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. All three concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and will be featuring Chris Donohue and Dayna Sean Stephens, both on alto saxophone.

Parker fans can also take in The Jazz Loft’s new Charlie “The Bird” Parker collection of more than 50 memorabilia items from the Jazz great. The collection includes master acetates from some of his most important recording sessions; a personalized instrument case; his union card; numerous notes, letters and correspondence; and his Birdland contracts. Some of the correspondence documents his challenge with the union as he often had his union card revoked for drug offenses. The letters, from him, his agents, promoters, and friends, show Parker’s struggle to stay clean and work. Parker struggled with a heroin addiction and died at the age of 34.

The items were purchased at a Christie’s of London auction which showcased a vast collection of music memorabilia belonging to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Watts, who had been a beloved member of the Stones since 1963, passed away in August 2021.

Ticket prices for all events are $40 for adults; $35 for seniors; $30 for students and $25 for children.

For more information and tickets to The Jazz Loft or The Staller Center shows, visit https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets or call 631-751-1895.

The concert featured a lecture about Charlie Parker and a tour of The Jazz Loft’s new exhibit. Photo from The Jazz Loft
Chris Donohue holds an example of the saxophone Charlie Parker played at the Feb. 22 event.  Photo from The Jazz Loft

It was all things Charlie “The Bird” Parker recently as The Jazz Loft presented “Charlie Parker 101”, a lecture, followed by a concert and tour of the Loft’s new Charlie Parker exhibit on Feb. 22.

The “all things Charlie Parker” celebration included a lecture by Dr. Darrell Smith, who spoke about the amazing achievements and highlights of the jazz saxophonist’s career, while surrounded by actual artifacts from his life.

The new exhibit at The Jazz Loft, which includes more than 50 memorabilia items from Parker, was recently procured by founder Tom Manuel, who traveled to London, England for an auction of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watt’s extensive jazz collection.

A concert of Parker’s music was presented by Tom Manual on trumpet; Darrell Smith on drums; Mala Waldron on piano; Dean Johnson on bass and Chris Donohue on alto saxophone.

This kickoff event will be followed by two performances of “Charlie Parker with Strings,” on April 4 & 6, 2024 and a special performance at The Staller Center on April 5. For more information about the exhibit visit: https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-jazz-loft-acquires-charlie-bird-parker-memorabilia-collection/

Catch pianist and vocalist Mala Waldron at the Country House on March 20 from 6-8 p.m., as part of the Jazz Loft’s Swing Into Spring Jazz festival throughout the community. The Country House is located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook.

The signs of spring in Stony Brook Village bring more than just warm breezes and the return of the ospreys. Jazz music will once again be filling the air as the Swing Into Swing Festival 2024 returns this March 19 to 23, bringing with it an assortment of opportunities to hear live Jazz music throughout the community at six locations.

The five-day music festival will culminate in concert performances by the Bad Little Big Band featuring trombonist Bruce Bonvissuto; Dan Pugach Big Band; the Andy McKee Quintet; a Community Jazz Night & Jam Session Techniques Workshop on Wednesday from 405:30 p.m. The festival includes an educational component and during the day The Jazz Loft will welcome Rocky Point Middle School and High School Jazz Ensembles for workshops and a tour, as well as welcoming patrons from the Cutchogue Library for a tour and performance.

Funding for the Festival comes in part from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright.

Since its creation in 2017 the festival has attracted tourists and music lovers to Stony Brook’s historic business district.  Suffolk County is sponsoring the festival through a grant aimed at promoting tourism through the arts. Swing Into Spring will run from Tuesday, March 19 through Saturday, March 23, at the Jazz Loft and in local restaurants, including Sweet Mama’s, Shnitzels, The Country House, Madiran, Bliss and The Three Village Inn.

“I think it is wonderful that the Village of Stony Brook will be alive with the sounds of Jazz for a week,” said Manuel. “The Swing Into Spring Festival has grown year after year into this wonderful mini-festival that truly brings the town to life and attracts folks from all over Long Island. We’re honored to be presenting such a diverse and unique blend of artists this year and also to be extending the invitation to young and upcoming artists.”

In addition, The Jazz Loft’s new exhibit “Bird is Back!”, featuring the archives of Charlie Parker. The Jazz Loft’s Museum is open Thursdays-Sat, noon to 5 p.m.

For full schedule, see below:

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 

In the community

Bliss (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 766 Rt. 25A in Setauket-East Setauket

Steve Salerno, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

Sweet Mamas (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 121 Main Street i9n Stony Brook

Dave Lobenstein, bass, James. Micelli, tenor sax

Madarin Wine Bar, (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 209 Rt. 25A in Setauket-East Setauket

Dean Johnson, bass, Kevin Clark, guitar

At The Jazz Loft at 7 p.m.

Community Jazz Night will kick off with a performances by The Bay Big Band, Moment’s Notice (Carl Safina); Keenan Zach and the Matt Godfrey Organ Trio.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 

At The Jazz Loft, 4-5:30 p.m.

Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop         

On the second day of the Swing Into Spring Festival, we will be hosting a workshop focused on improvisation followed by a jam session where Jazz musicians can collaborate on stage. Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano Tom Manuel, cornet, Ellis Holmes, drums. Tickets: $10, no discounts.

In the community:

Madiran (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 209 Rt. 25A in Setauket-East Setauket

Steve Salerno, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

Bliss (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 766 Rt. 25A in Setauket-East Setauket

John Marshall, tenor sax, Dave Lobenstein, bass

Three Village Inn (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 150 Main St, Stony Brook

The Jazz Loft Trio

Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano, Ellis Holmes, drums

Country House (6-8 p.m.)

Located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook

Mala Waldron, piano

At The Jazz Loft at 7 p.m.

Jam Session, 

Led by Keenan Zach Tro

Tickets $10, $5 at 8 p.m.

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 

In the community:

Country House (6-8 p.m.):

Located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook

Lee Tamboulian, Piano, Tom Manuel, cornet

At The Jazz Loft, 7 p.m.

The Bad Little Big Band, with special guest Bruce Bonvissuto, with vocals by Madeline Kole and directed by composer, arranger Rich Iacona.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, kids under 5 free

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 

At the Jazz Loft at 7 p.m.

Dan Pugach Big Band-big band directed by drummer Dan Pugach.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, kids under 5 free

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

In the community:

Schnitzels (5-7 p.m.)

77 Main Street in Stony Brook

Wallace Selzer, bass, Vinny Raniolo, guitar

At The Jazz Loft at 7 p.m.

Andy McKee Quintet

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, kids under 5 free

All tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets

For more information call 631-751-1895.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively Jazz music. For more information about The Jazz Loft, visit website.

Tom Manuel. Photo from The Jazz Loft

Looking for a way to romance your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day? The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will supply the live jazz music, champagne and chocolate. You supply the romance.

The Jazz Loft presents “Here’s to the Ladies,” on Friday, February 16 at 7 p.m., featuring The Jazz Loft All Stars”, with Tom Manuel on cornet/vocals; Dean Johnson on bass; Steve Salerno on guitar; Ray Anderson on trombone and Darrell Smith on drums.

The performance repertoire is songs written for women, about women, to women, by women– It’s all about the ladies when Valentine’s Day comes to the Jazz Loft. All tickets are $40. The event includes a glass of champagne and deluxe chocolate.

“Our Valentine’s Day performances at the Jazz Loft are all about the LADIES– period!” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “So, gentlemen, if you’re looking for someplace that will celebrate them properly, the Loft is the place to be!”

The Jazz Loft is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively Jazz music. For tickets visit: https://www.thejazzloft.org/calendar

Nicole Zuraitis is one of four performers coming to the Jazz Loft next month in the intimate “Acoustic in the Main Room” series. Photo from The Jazz Loft

Don’t like big crowds? Then the Jazz Loft’s Acoustic in the Main Room series is your ticket to paradise. This jazz music series showcases incredible talent in the Jazz Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging, and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists.

Each concert will have a different theme and be paired with wines to complement the music!

“Our Acoustic in the Living Room series is a unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented singers and musicians that perform regularly at the Loft in a relaxed setting, reminiscent of the New York City Loft scene of the 1950’s which inspired the Jazz Loft’s name,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “If you don’t know any Jazz performers personally to invite into your own living room, then this is the next best thing.”

The Acoustic in the Main Room series calendar:

Thursday, February 9- featuring Carlos Jimenez on flute; Miki Hayama on piano. 

Friday, February 10- featuring Susanna Phillips (soprano with the Metropolitan Opera) and Steve Salerno on guitar. 

Friday, February 23- featuring Rubens De La Corte on acoustic guitar; Steve Salerno on guitar. 

Saturday, February 24- Grammy-nominated singer Nicole Zuraitis on piano and vocals, with Tom Manuel on cornet

All performances are hosted by Tom Manuel and Laura Landor

Tickets will be limited to just 85 people and start at 7 p.m., and feature two sets with a brief intermission.

Tickets for all performances are $40 and start at 7 p.m. and can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively jazz music. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

 

A personalized instrument case from Charlie 'Bird' Parker is one of more than 50 items that will be on exhibit at The Jazz Loft in February. Photo from The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, has recently acquired a collection of more than 50 memorabilia items from jazz saxophonist legend Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, that includes master acetates from some of his most important recording sessions; a personalized instrument case; his union card; numerous notes, letters and correspondence; and his Birdland contracts. 

An exhibit highlighting Parker and the newly acquired memorabilia will open in February, along with numerous events and concerts centered on Parker’s music. The concert series will culminate in several performances of “Charlie Parker with Strings,” one of his most well-known recordings. 

A Carnegie Hall poster from 1953 was acquired from the Christie’s of London auction. Photo from The Jazz Loft

Some of the correspondence documents his challenge with the union as he often had his union card revoked for drug offenses. The letters, from him, his agents, promoters, and friends, show Parker’s struggle to stay clean and work. Parker struggled with a heroin addiction and died at the age of 34.

The items were purchased at a Christie’s of London auction which showcased a vast collection of music memorabilia belonging to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Watts, who had been a beloved member of the Stones since 1963, passed away in August 2021. 

Watts was a huge jazz fan, with a special love of Charlie Parker. 

“I heard Charlie Parker and that was it. It was all over,” Watts had said.

According to David Green, a childhood friend of Watts, his “collection of jazz memorabilia, which he started in his teens, and built up during his years with the Stones is truly astonishing; it reflects his enduring love of the music and the musicians who made it.”

Tom Manuel, founder and president of The Jazz Loft, said he was determined to bring the collection to The Jazz Loft because Parker had deep roots in New York. Birdland, the famous jazz club located on 52nd Street in New York City, was named for Parker, who had a residency there for four years.

“Charlie Parker holds a place on that shelf that few get to join; Jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Ella are all up there. Parker is there because he, along with his bebop colleagues, gave us an entirely new way of speaking the language of Jazz,” Manuel said. 

“Parker’s short-lived life meant that he left us little in terms of personal items related to his career. The sale of the Charlie Watts collection which took him decades to assemble literally was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I just knew that The Jazz Loft needed to mobilize all our resources and support to bring Bird home. I’m still in awe that we are now the only Jazz museum in the world with such an extensive collection of items relating to the life and career of one of the most important figures in Jazz — Charlie Parker. It’s beyond description,” added Manuel.

 Through a fundraising campaign called Operation Bring Bird Home, Manuel raised over $150,000 from over 30 donors to purchase the Parker collection. Lead donors were Dawn and Dan Oliveri and Cynthia and David Lippe, with additional support from the Jazz Loft’s Board of Directors.

 “The acquisition of this Charlie Parker collection will be a game changer for The Jazz Loft,” said Cynthia Lippe. “We have amazing collections of artists who are significant to the history of jazz and well-known among jazz aficionados, but we haven’t had such a household name in jazz until now. Everyone knows ‘Bird,’ and we now have one of the largest collections of Charlie Parker memorabilia anywhere!”

Charlie Parker’s Union Card. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

Glenn Mitchell, senior specialist at antiquarian bookseller Peter Harrington of London, said, “I count myself as extraordinarily fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Charlie Watts in building his jazz collection. He was a passionate and informed collector in a range of areas, but deep down it was jazz that was closest to his heart, and in his heart, he held Bird dearest of all.”

“Charlie didn’t buy a single thing that didn’t mean something to him, and his jazz collection was carefully composed of material that takes you there, puts you in the room, brings alive not just the sounds but the whole scintillating variegated culture of jazz. He’d often say to me, ‘when I’m gone, who’s going to care about all this stuff?’, well evidently quite few people! It was a great pleasure to meet Dr. Thomas Manuel ‘backstage’ at the Christie’s sale and to be able to share the stories behind some of Charlie’s trophy pieces; Charlie would have been delighted to see that many of these have now found a home in a place where jazz truly still lives, and the story is being told for generations to come.”

The Charlie Parker collection will be exhibited at The Jazz Loft in February.  The kickoff will include a reception for donors on Feb. 8 at 6:30p.m. and two performances of “Charlie Parker with Strings” featuring Chris Donohue and Dayna Sean Stephens on April 4 and 6 at 7 p.m. and a third performance featuring Chris Donohue on alto saxophonist at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts on April 5 at 7 p.m. In addition, the exhibit will include a screening of Clint Eastwood’s award-winning film Bird on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895. 

Pictured from left, Ray Anderson, Kara Hahn and Tom Manuel. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, presented two local notables with the Jazz Loft Legends in Jazz award on Dec. 2. World-renowned trombonist Ray Anderson and former Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn were both honored by Jazz Loft founder and president Tom Manuel.

The annual Legend in Jazz Award seeks to recognize individuals who have contributed to the art form of Jazz in a deep and meaningful way. The recipients have invested profoundly into the soundtrack of our society and culture and have used the power of music to speak to people’s heart and souls. 

Ray Anderson, who is Distinguished Toll Professor at Stony Brook University, has distinguished himself as a preeminent jazz trombone player who has received international acclaim. Formerly the Director of Jazz Studies at Stony Brook University, Anderson maintains a thriving performance and recording career that has spanned more than three decades. He is a co-founder board of The Jazz Loft and currently serves as vice president.

“I am so grateful to have received this wonderful award from the Jazz Loft,” Anderson said. “And my gratitude extends to all the many people on Long Island and elsewhere, who have supported the abundant performance, education, and preservation that this amazing non-profit institution provides.”

“Ray Anderson has graced the latter 20th century as one of the most innovative and creative voices in Jazz, has gifted us with an incredible body of creative and ingenious musical compositions, and has left a lasting mark as an educator of note,” said Manuel. “We’re beyond honored to have him serve as the Vice President of The Jazz Loft and to have him involved in so many music projects and education workshops and clinics throughout each season at TJL.  The world is absolutely a happier and more spirited place because of Ray!”

Kara Hahn, a former Suffolk County Legislator, is currently New York State Parks deputy regional director for the Long Island region. Hahn entered the county Legislature in 2012 and could not pursue reelection because of 12-year term limits for legislators. During her time as legislator for the 5th District, Hahn was incredibly supportive of The Jazz Loft and its mission to bring live music to the community. 

“Everything is better with great live music!” Hahn said. “Live music brings people together. Music heals people, it hears you, it sees you, it expresses for you what you wish you were articulate enough to say! Music, especially jazz music, soothes our souls and inspires us and energizes us. Houses of music like the wonderful Jazz Loft do the same for communities, and that is why we are so lucky to have Tom Manuel and the Jazz Loft here in our hometown, and I am incredibly honored to be recognized in this way.”

Manuel said “Kara Hahn is akin to our Jazz legends like Norman Granz, Leonard Feather and Nat Hentoff. These folks were stalwart advocates for the American born art form of Jazz and they championed both artists and organizations that today are household names. Jazz has always been a music of what’s ‘new’ and ‘new’ needs friends. Kara has supported the Jazz Loft from day one and through her support TJL now has an annual Swing Into Spring Festival that brings Jazz all throughout our community– to restaurants, businesses and more. She also helped create our outdoor series called Summer SWAP (Stage With A Purpose) that helps bring free concerts to our community and has continued on thanks to sponsorship from Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. We are so grateful for Kara’s commitment, drive, and dedication to her community. She is without question a gift to us all.”

Past recipients of the Legends in Jazz Award have been bass player Bill Crow and guitarist Gene Bertoncini.

For more information about The Jazz Loft visit https://www.thejazzloft.org

The Jazz Loft. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Everyone knows that iconic bass riff at the beginning of the hit song “Stand by Me.” That’s the musical imprint of the late bassist Lloyd Trotman (May 25, 1923 – October 3, 2007) who was the house sideman for Atlantic Records. Trotman played with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and on many notable hits, including “Yakety Yak,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and Dinah Washington’s “What Diff’rence A Day Makes.” 

Lloyd Trotman

On November 3, The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will join with the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame to posthumously present Lloyd Trotman with the Sideman Award. The award ceremony will take place at intermission of the 7 p.m. Santi Debriano Septet show — Santi Debriano (Bass); Mamiko Watanabe (piano); Ray Scro (Bari); Andrea Brachfeld (flute); Tommy Morimoto (tenor); Joaquin Pozo (percussion);and Willie Martinez (drums) — which is part of the Jazz Loft’s Lloyd Trotman Bassist Series. At that time, members of the LIMEHoF Board and will induct Trotman, who was a Huntington resident, into the LIMEHoF. 

 “As a long-time friend and admirer of Lloyd Trotman, it’s very poignant to be honoring him with this award,” said Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. “Side musicians are not always given the credit they deserve, and it pleases me to see Lloyd’s talent and signature sound be appreciated. It’s also a thrill to be working together with our neighbor the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall to honor a legendary Jazz musician.”

”The Long Island Music and Entertainment’s mission is to celebrate the rich music and entertainment heritage of Long Island and support music and arts education for future generations,” said Jeffrey James, Board member of LIMEHoF. “That’s why we’re delighted to present a Sideman Award to Lloyd Trotman. In doing so, we’re celebrating his remarkable career of working with a who’s who of musicians and entertainers and helping to preserve his legacy for many years to come.”

The Jazz Loft’s Lloyd Trotman Bassist Series is sponsored through a gift from Trotman’s daughter, Linda, who sponsors the new concert series in honor of her late father. The series presents bassists of note at the Jazz Loft. Ms. Trotman will be accepting the award on behalf of her father. 

“I am so thankful that my father is being recognized with this award,” she said. “I know he is still here with me and I wish he could accept the award himself. I am honored be the one to accept it in his place as I honor his 100th birthday.” (Trotman would have been 100 this year.)

Ms. Trotman has established a website in honor of her father, who she calls the “Sideman to the Stars.” Visit https://lloydtrotman.com to learn more.

The Trotman funding is matched with the Robert Lion David Gardiner Foundation’s donation of $5,000, along with additionally pledged funds thanks to long standing Jazz Loft donors Dan Oliveri and Michael Ardolino of Realty Connect USA.

For more information and for tickets visit thejazzloft.org

 

The Jazz Loft

Can it get any better? Seasonal favorites, including Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest, a variety of delicious BBQ selections and an all-star line-up of some of Long Island’s Blues legends all brought to you by the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m.

The special event is sponsored in part by Red Kettle ‘Que, a BBQ sauce, marinade and dry rub company from Stony Brook, which will be hosting a traditional Tennessee style BBQ.  The menu includes pulled pork sliders, BBQ chicken–all prepared with Red Kettle ‘Que’s signature products, along with other traditional Southern side dishes along with select seasonal favorite craft beers from local breweries and brew makers, and entertainment by the Willie Steele Quintet

.“We are so excited to be offering some unique events at the Jazz Loft that include not just great music, but an opportunity to explore some great craft beers and food, as well,” said Tom Manuel, founder of the Jazz Loft.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org. The event will take place indoors at The Jazz Loft due to the rainy forecast.. Should inclement weather impose the event will move indoors.

 

Pixabay photo

The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be offering an exclusive wine tasting event in the Loft’s Coal Bin, on Thursday, October 12 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The tasting, lead by Laura Landor and Tom Manuel, will feature six wines and offerings of gourmet cheeses and hors d’oeuvres that will be prepared with each wine.

The Coal Bin, affectionately refered to as the Jazz Loft’s Speakeasy, transports patrons back in time when special permission was needed to enter such an establishment (HINT: the password is Tom Manuel’s favorite cocktail) and turntables played vintage music using vinyl records on a rare BIG sound system.

The evening is limited to just 12 people, so reserve your spot early. Tickets are $125. For more information and tickets visit thejazzloft.org