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The Jazz Loft

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The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present three special performances of Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite on Thursday, July 11, Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13. All three concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Duke Ellington, Courtesy The Jazz Loft, Burt Goldblatt Archives

The Far East Suite is a 1967 concept album by Ellington, inspired by his group’s 1963 tour of Asia. Ellington and longtime collaborator Billy Strayhorn wrote the compositions. The album won the Grammy Award in 1968. The concerts are sponsored in part by the Olivia and Harlan Fischer Concert series and a grant from New York State Council on the Arts.

“Here at the Jazz Loft, we are always striving to bring our audience unique and significant works of Jazz and to keep those works alive and well,” said Tom Manuel, founder of the Jazz Loft. “Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite is the result of an ambitious tour that the band undertook in 1963. Syria was Duke’s first stop on a State Department sponsored “hearts and minds” tour of the Near and Middle East and India that took the band to Jordan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey in no particularly sensible order. Ellington’s ability to communicate points of contact and conflict between cultures, assimilating the blues to Eastern modes… never sounds unduly self-conscious. This remains a post-war peak and we are excited to be sharing this work nearly 60 years after it won a Grammy award for the album it produced.”

For tickets, visit www.thejazzloft.org or click Tickets.

Jon De Lucia

Saxophonist Jon De Lucia brings Brubeck’s music to life with his ‘Brubeck Octet Project’ 

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present saxophonist Jon De Lucia and his all-star New York City Jazz octet in concert on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. for a tribute to legendary jazz visionary Dave Brubeck. Brubeck was one of the most famous and prolific jazz musicians of the 20th century. Brubeck “Restored and Reimagined” is the result of years of archival work by De Lucia, who has brought Brubeck’s arrangements back to life for the first time since the 1950s. The Brubeck Octet Project will be performing songs from De Lucia’s latest album, The Brubeck Octet Project, which will be released on July 12, 2024, with CD’s available for sale at the performance.

“The impact Dave Brubeck had on Jazz is astounding,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “His long and successful career and life well lived made an indelible mark on how we communicate this music. To be able to hear again what Dave was composing in the vein of the west coast/cool Jazz scene is something really exciting. This is going to be a performance not to be missed!”

The Brubeck Octet features Jon De Lucia, Tenor Saxophone; Jay Rattman – Alto Saxophone; Becca Patterson – Trombone; Andrew Hadro – Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; Glenn Zaleski – Piano; Daniel Duke – Bass; and Keith Balla – Drums.

Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 for children. For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Offering four Tuesday evenings of music on the lawn

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook, in partnership with Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses will present the 2024 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 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 Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft. “Summer SWAP is the perfect way to invest in our community and an especially real and genuine way to nurture cultural development.”

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 18: 

Skye Hamilton-Carranza Septet:

Skye Hamilton-Carranza, bandleader/saxophone; Isaac “ALGONZO” Ketter, saxophone; Dekko Mills, Piano; Andrew Brett, bass; Ian Dennis, drums; Lo Wood, Bari sax; SPECIAL GUEST: Kristina Well, vocals

Tuesday, July 9: 

Arta Jekabsone Quartet

Arta Jēkabsone will share her original music, some Latvian Folk music, and an arrangement of one or two, well-known songs. The evening will be filled with positivity, smiles and laughter. Arta Jēkabsone – voice; Kengchakaj – piano; Hannah Marks – TBD; and Connor Parks – drums

Tuesday, July 23: 

Aubrey Johnson (vox) Quartet:

Aubrey Johnson, voice; Randy Ingram, piano; Sam Weber, bass; Jay Sawyer, drums

All performances are from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information contact the Jazz Loft at: 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft recently announced a grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s upgrades in equipment. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $32 million to 102 capital projects across New York State. The grant is a matching grant, with $50K coming from the state and $50K from The Jazz Loft donors.

According to The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, the grant funds will go towards installing high-end audio and video equipment so that the Loft can livestream, and record performances and the space can also act as a recording studio.

“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs across New York State.”

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislature for their support. These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and the future. Congratulations to The Jazz Loft, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture,” said New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallon.

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue i9n Stony Brook. For more information visit thejazzloft.org

The Jazz Loft

May is blooming with talent at The Jazz Loft, as the month’s calendar of events offers something for everyone. The Jazz Loft’s popular Strictly Sinatra shows return, with a first-time ever afternoon show! Sinatra shows are May 2,3 and two shows on May 4. The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel will also be spinning some rare jazz tunes in the Coal Bin, along with mixing up some signature cocktails where Hangoutology Meets Mixology, on May 23.

Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach.

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

 

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Strictly Sinatra

17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel (trumpet) with Pete Caldera on vocals

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $30 students; $25 children and children under 5 years old are free.

 

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m.

Strictly Sinatra

17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel (trumpet) with Pete Caldera on vocals

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $30 students; $25 children and children under 5 years old are free.

Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m.

Strictly Sinatra

17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel (trumpet) with Pete Caldera on vocals

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $30 students; $25 children and children under 5 years old are free.

Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m.

Strictly Sinatra

17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel (trumpet) with Pete Caldera on vocals

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $30 students; $25 children and children under 5 years old are free.

 

Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach.

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

 

Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach.

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

 

Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m.

The Bad Little Big Band

12-piece band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Friday, May 17, 7 p.m.

Jamile Staevie Ayres, vocals; Miki Yamanaka on piano; Mikey Migliore on bass and JK Kim on drums

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft Big Band with special guests Rich DeRosa and Warren Vache

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach.

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

Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m.

Hangoutology Meets Mixology

Tom Manuel hosts vintage cocktails and a listening session in the Coal Bin, spinning rare, unreleased master acetates from the 1930’s through 1960’s.

Tickets are $100.

Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio lead by Keenan Zach.

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

Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra

17-piece orchestra by Joe Devassy, trombone; Gary Henderson, trumpet

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Friday, May 31 7 p.m.

The Bill Mays Trio, with Bill Mays on piano; Dean Johnson on bass; and Ron Vincent on drums

Tickets: $40 adults; $35 seniors; $30 students; $25 children and children under 5 years old are free.

 

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. For all ticket info, visit: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets

For more information, call 631-751-1895.

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

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.