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The Jazz Loft

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The Jazz Loft
What is Jazz? Tour takes visitors to seven jazz stops in history

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be presenting two opportunities to take a LIVE tour through jazz history, with its What is JAZZ? Interactive tour on September 10 (starting at 6 p.m.) and October 21 (starting at 7 p.m.). Visitors can arrive at 10-minute intervals-see TICKETS. The tour is comprised of seven stops within the Jazz Loft’s museum and performance space. Each stop in Jazz history is about four minutes, during which patrons will be treated to a brief performance and historical reflection. The entire live music, interactive experience will take about 30 minutes.

Guests begin in the main lobby and are welcomed to America by a lone pianist who introduces them to the BLUES. Each stop is limited to a brief historical reflection and a singular tune leaving guests hungry for more.

As they continue to the Seaman Gallery, inspired by Jazz photography, guests meet a singer who introduces them to the influence of GOSPEL music in Jazz and they hear a melody reminiscent of a tent revival meeting in the deep south.

As the tour continues, we stumble into the Milt Hinton Music Room and are ushered into the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans as we hear the sounds of EARLY JAZZ presented by banjo/bass duo. Each time warp landing leaves no time for lingering and as the map leads from stop-to-stop patrons head upstairs to the Teddy Charles Room. Transported to the windy city of Chicago and the heyday of the BIG BAND/SWING ERA this stop is fueled by the syncopated vibrations of a clarinet/vibraphone trio reminiscent of Benny Goodman’s unit (the vibraphone, a 1939 Deagan model actually performed with Goodman and is flanked by photos to prove it!).

Six steps up the elevation climbs further to the wow-room and the journey continues as patrons are in the main performance space of the Jazz Loft, an intimate supper club environment complete with a three-tier bandstand reconstructed from the Roseland Ballroom dance floor and the towering 1927 Irving Plaza Ballroom chandelier, fully restored. Bandstand aglow in the history and story of the city that never slept, New York is alive with the energy, pep, vim and verve of BEBOPheralded by a quintet who’s never ceasing and endless energy abounds.

Is there more? YES! Because the story of Jazz is still evolving as told by the singular Avant-guard trombonist in the Loft’s library who shouts and wails the sound of THINGS TO COME and of beyond the now. The tour may seem complete, but this journey of four-minute stops, scheduled so that every group of guests has their own private walk through of the Jazz Loft will certainly leave much to be discussed.

Guests can then proceed to the Basie Garden to enjoy some lingering sounds of LATIN JAZZ to debrief their experience. Patrons can choose from a select list of wines, craft beers, snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Tickets, which are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 children, can be purchased at TICKETS

For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

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Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks will be appearing on Saturday, July 2, as part of the Jazz Loft’s 2nd Annual Douglas Elliman Summer Music Series.

Three Exciting Concerts – Sponsored by Douglas Elliman’s Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon – will Bring Musical Talents Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti to Stony Brook Village

The Jazz Loft, the acclaimed museum and music venue that put Stony Brook Village on the map as a destination for Jazz education, performance and preservation, has announced that the 2022 Douglas Elliman Summer Music Series is back for the second year, featuring world renowned musicians Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti. Sponsored by prominent North Shore arts patrons and Douglas Elliman real estate agents Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, the series provides a cultural focal point for the upcoming season on Long Island.

“Mark your calendars for all three dates because you won’t want to miss any one of these incredible performances,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “We are beyond thrilled to announce that Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, John Pizzarelli and Peter Cincotti will enliven the stage at The Jazz Loft this summer.”

Kicking off July 2nd, the highly anticipated series includes three monthly performances at The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. Tickets can be purchased for individual performances or for the entire series.

On Saturday, July 2, vintage-style musical group Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks will deliver a powerful performance. The Grammy-winner, New York native and multi-instrumentalist has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y. Giordano has also appeared in films including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road and Cafe Society, in addition to the HBO hit series Boardwalk Empire.

On Saturday, August 13, acclaimed Jazz Guitarist and Singer John Pizzarelli will perform a tribute to his late father Bucky Pizzarelli, the legendary jazz guitarist who inspired his career. John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” The Toronto Star calls him “the genial genius of the guitar” and, according to the Seattle Times, he is “a rare entertainer of the old school.” This concert also aligns with the annual three-day John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival.

On Saturday, September 24, celebrated singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti will enliven the Jazz Loft’s Great Lawn for a free concert that also coincides with the Seventh Annual Harbor Jazz Festival. Cincotti has performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and L’Olympia in Paris, has collaborated with artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta, and has also been featured in blockbuster films like Spiderman 2 and Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea.

The Summer Music Series is presented in partnership with Postilio and Conlon,  real estate agents at Douglas Elliman Real Estate who have deep roots in entertainment as featured cast members on the hit HGTV show Selling New York, and celebrity real estate brokers to talents including Liza Minnelli, Barry Manilow, Marilyn Horne, Michael Feinstein and David Sanborn. Passionate about American music history, they are deeply committed to supporting the arts and culture scene on the North Shore of Long Island, where they have a home in the Village of Nissequogue.

The duo came up with the event concept in 2021 as a way to bring their community together following the pandemic. Grammy-nominated artist and American “musical treasure” Marilyn Maye headlined the first event and delivered a performance so unforgettable that music lovers asked for more. Postilio, Conlon and The Jazz Loft are responding to that request with this exciting announcement: the series is returning in 2022 with yet another spectacular line-up.

“Music brings people together and makes the world a better place. We are excited to collaborate with the Jazz Loft to bring another amazing concert series to the Long Island community,” said Postilio. “We look forward to meeting new friends and neighbors at The Jazz Loft this summer.”

Added Conlon, “The Jazz Loft is an institution that makes an invaluable contribution to the arts on Long Island. The culture here is what originally attracted us to the area, and we are proud to become a part of that tradition with The Summer Music Series.”

Tickets are now available for purchase on The Jazz Loft’s website at www.thejazzloft.org. You can also call the box office at (631) 751-1895. Stay informed by following @thejazzloft.tjl and @tomandmickey on Instagram.

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Hyeseon Hong

Composer, arranger Hong blends classical, modern jazz big band and Traditional Korean music

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be welcoming the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra on June 17 for one performance only at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org. The concert is part of the Olivia & Harlan Fischer Concert Series.

Hyeseon Hong (hay-son · hong) is a Korean jazz composer and arranger who has been working

in both New York City and Seoul for many years. In 2017 she released EE-YA-GI (translated “Stories”), on the Summit record label featuring her original compositions and arrangements. Hong’s music creates a dialog between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the west.

“We are certainly in for an exceptional jazz experience,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “I’m also pleased that the Jazz Loft can offer this unique opportunity to hear one the leading female jazz band leaders perform original works. I know it will be a memorable musical experience.”

“I am thrilled to have an opportunity to bring my jazz orchestra to the Jazz Loft to premiere some of my new work with some brilliant musicians, Hong said. “Through my music, I will tell the audience stories of women, Korean culture and travel adventures.”

Here is what others have said about the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra:

“The best from East and West in a combination wholly unique – beautiful, musical, superb

ensemble work”– Grady Harp

“Exhibiting an insatiable appetite for jazz-fusion, Ms. Hong proves to be a talented orchestrator and musical thinker who is not afraid to risk while crossing genre boundaries.”– Jazz Trail

“She successfully mixes elements of classical music, modern big band jazz and traditional

Korean music to create a compelling and rich tapestry of sound.”–UK Vibe

Hong will be performing with her band, featuring The band will feature:saxes: Ben Kono, Alejandro Aviles, Rich Perry, Jeremy Powell, Lauren Sevian, Trumpets: Ben Hankle, David Smith, Colin Brigstocke, Jonathan Saraga, Trombones: Mike Fahie, Daniel Linden, Greg DeAngelis, Becca Patterson, Rhythm Section: Broc Hempel, Matt Panayides, Evan Gregor and Jeff Davis Vocalist: EJ Park.

Hyeseon Hong (hay-son · hong) is a Korean jazz composer and  arranger who has been working in both NYC and Seoul for many years. In 2017 she released EE-YA-GI, on the Summit record label featuring her original compositions and arrangements. Her music creates a dialog between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the west. This theme is the centerpiece of the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra, in which Hong blends elements of classical music, modern jazz big band, and Korean traditional music to create a sound that is at once familiar yet original. Her compelling compositions feature beautiful melodies with harmonically-rich, impressionistic backgrounds. Korean art is characterized by harmony with nature. Hong, who spent many years studying art in her native Seoul, approaches each composition with the eye of a painter, using Korean rhythms and memorable melodies to create inviting sonic pictures of the natural world.

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.

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The Jazz Loft. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
The following are events scheduled for July 2022 at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook:
Sat.    7/2      Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks                                                7:00 PM
Vince Giordano leads his 11 member Nighthawks in performing classic jazz. Bandleader, Grammy winner and multi instrumentalist, Giordano has appeared in multiple films including the Aviator, The Cotton club and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. His band has recorded for multiple movies and TV series. He has championed the cause of keeping the music of the 20’s and 30’s alive and well for the last forty years and his efforts can be seen in a documentary about him, ” There’s A Future in the Past”. The Nighthawks are a stellar band that have been performing in clubs and music venues in NYC  and beyond for years.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children 5 and under free.
Wed.  7/6      Young At Heart: Big Band Jazz                                                          1:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio will present music played by jazz big bands. Young at Heart is a monthly themed  afternoon jazz concert series for those that like their jazz in the afternoon.
Tickets: $10
Wed. 7/6        Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                      7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/7       The Jazz Loft Big Band                                                                    7:00 PM
The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band led by trumpeter Tom Manuel performs jazz standards and original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed. 7/13       Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/14       Viva Cuba                                                                                       7:00 PM
Fri.     7/15
For two evenings, The Jazz Loft presents Viva Cuba. An 18 piece Latin big band led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel presents the music of Xavier Cugat, Machito, Tito Puente, Prez Prado among others.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/16       Bill Crow Trio                                                                                   7:00 PM
Bill Crow is a jazz bassist and author. He has played and recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and Teddy Charles, among many. Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basic Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/20      Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/21     Bad Little Big Band                                                                          7:00 PM
The 12 member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, performs music of The Great American Songbook. Vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/21     Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                     7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by at jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/28      Interplay Jazz Orchestra                                                                  7:00 PM
The 17 piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. children 5 and under free
Fri.     7/29        The Warren Vache Quintet                                                             7:00 PM
Warren Vache has been impressing audiences for years with his versatility and his cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings.
He has recorded and performed with many jazz greats including Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Bobby Short among many. He will be playing with Tom Manuel trumpet, Dan Pugach drums, Dean Johnson bass and Steve Salerno guitar.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/30      The Smalls All-Stars                                                                            7:00 PM
The Smalls All-Stars are musicians from the Smalls Jazz Club in Manhattan.
Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basie Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village. Phone 631 751-1895
Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and subject to availability, before events.

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The Loft School of Jazz has a summer program. Above, Ray Anderson teaches a class. Photo from The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft’s School of Jazz program for young students will be offering a summer program, with scholarship opportunities available for those qualifying students. This one-of-a-kind music program offers students an opportunity to collaborate, improvise, learn jazz theory curriculum, and overall shape their musicianship skills.

The Summer School of Jazz program meets July 25 to July 30, from 10 a.m. to noon daily at the Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, with a concluding performance on July 30. The program is open to all ages and abilities and there is no audition required.

For more information and or to register, visit https://www.thejazzloft.org/loft-school-of-jazz

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Photo from The Jazz Loft

The following events are scheduled at The Jazz Loft for June 2022:

Wed. 6/1 Young at Heart: The Harry Warren Songbook 1:00 PM

Harry Warren is a composer and lyricist who composed primarily for movies. Young at Heart is a monthly themed jazz concert for those who like their jazz in the afternoon.
Tickets: $10

Wed. 6/1 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7PM, $5 at 8 PM

Thurs. 6/2 The Jazz Loft Big Band 7:00 PM

The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band, led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, performs jazz standards, original compositions and arrangements written by band members. The band will be performing Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Fri. 6/3 The Jazz Loft Big Band 7:00 PM

The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band, led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel ,performs jazz standards and original compositions and arrangements written by band members. The band will be performing Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Sat. 6/4 Noah Preminger Quartet 7:00 PM

Noah Preminger is tenor saxophonist, composer and band leader.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Wed. 6/8 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

Wed 6/15 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

Thurs. 6/16 The Bad Little Big Band 7:00 PM

Pianist Rich Iacona leads his 12 member big band in performing the music of The Great American Songbook. Madeline Kole provides vocals.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Fri. 6/17 Hye Seon Hong Jazz Orchestra 7:00 PM

Hye Seon Hong is a Korean jazz composer and arranger who leads her 17 piece NYC jazz Orchestra
in creating a musical dialogue between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the West. The Orchestra blends elements of classical music, modern jazz big band and traditional Korean music.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Sat. 6/18 Havana Night In The Basie Garden 7:00 PM

Manuel Tomas and His Cuban Troubadours, an eight piece Latin ensemble will perform in the Jazz Loft’s outdoor Count Basie Garden. The event will include food provided by the Bliss Restaurant, complimentary cocktails and a hand rolled cigar.
Tickets: $50

Wed. 6/22 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7:00 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets:$10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8PM

Thurs. 6/23 Interplay Jazz Orchestra 7:00 PM

The 17 member Jazz Loft Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free

Wed. 6/29 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam 7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village. For more information, call 631 751-1895. Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and if available, prior to events.

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Tom Manuel and Steve Salerno. File photo/TBR News Media

Did you hear the news? There’s a new couple in town — Wine & Jazz! Starting May 12, The Jazz Loft will be bringing live jazz music to Madiran The Wine Bar in East Setauket every second Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m.

Titled The Jazz Dispatch Live Music Series at Madiran, the event will feature Steve Salerno on guitar, Tom Manuel on cornet, and a special guest. The monthly series will also feature a rotation of musicians as well as an array of guest artists.

“We are excited about partnering with local business owner Jacqueline Malenda and Madiran to bring live jazz music to this delightful and intimate venue,” said Manuel, the founder of the Jazz Loft. 

“Our Jazz Dispatch Series is our community outreach efforts to get what we do inside the walls of the Jazz Loft out into the community at large. Our desire is to meet people where they’re at, be it restaurants, parks, Jazz clubs, museums, historic buildings, and more,” said Manuel. “We’re excited to be announcing soon two additional Jazz Dispatch events — a new series in Harlem, New York as well as one on Shelter Island.”

“As a lifelong jazz enthusiast, I could not be more thrilled to be partnering with Tom and the Jazz Loft for a great experience at the wine bar!” said Malenda. “What better pairing is there than good wine and pure jazz?”

Madiran The Wine Bar is located at 209 Route 25A in East Setauket. For more information visit www.thejazzloft.org.

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The Jazz Loft

The following events are scheduled at the Jazz Loft for May 2022 :

 

Wed. 5/4         Young at Heart: Strictly Sinatra                                         1:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio will perform songs made famous by Frank Sinatra .  The Young at Heart series is a monthly afternoon themed jazz concert series. Tickets:$10

 

Wed. 5/4           Jazz Loft Trio & Jam                                                          7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at  performs 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM. Tickets:$10 at &PM, $5 at 8 PM

 

Thu. 5/5              Strictly Sinatra                                                                    7:00 PM

Fri. 5/6

Sat. 5/7     The 17 member Jazz Loft Orchestra and vocalist Pete Caldera will perform 3 evenings of all Sinatra music. Pete Caldera is a sportswriter covering the Yankees and well known Sinatra crooner.

Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children under 5 free

 

Mon. 5/9             SBU Blowage Big Band                                                      7:00 PM

The Stony Brook University Blowage Big Band is a 17 member big band led by trombonist  Ray Anderson and trumpeter Tom Manuel.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students, SBU faculty and staff free

 

Tues. 5/10           Vince Guara  DMA Recital                                                  7:00 PM

Bassist Vince Guara performs his DMA recital for his graduate degree from the music department of Stony Brook University.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students, SBU faculty and staff free

 

Wed. 5/11          Jazz Loft Trio & Jam                                                             7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.

Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

 

Mon. 5/16          SBU Grad Combos Concert                                               7:00 PM

Jazz combos of graduate students at Stony Brook University will perform.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students, SBU faculty and staff free

 

Tues. 5/17         SBU Graduate Recitals                                                       7:00 PM

Jeremy Carlstedt, drummer and Martin Isenberg, bassist, perform recitals. They are students in the music department of Stony Brook University.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students, SBU faculty and staff free

 

Wed. 5/18         Jazz Loft Trio & Jam                                                           7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.

Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

 

Thur. 5/19           The Bad Little Big Band                                                     7:00 PM

Pianist Rich Iacona leads his 12 member big band in performing music of The Great American Song Book. Vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.

Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Fri. 5/20              The Jon Irabagon Group                                                    7:00 PM

– This event has been canceled

Jon Irabagon is a tenor saxophonist, composer and record label founder. He is the winner of the 2008 Thelonius Monk competition and has performed and recorded with many music luminaries.

Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Sat. 5/21             The Bill Mays Trio                                                                7:00 PM

Bill Mays is a jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist.

Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Wed. 5/25             Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                       7:00 PM

The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM

Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM

 

Thurs. 5/26            Interplay Jazz Orchestra                                                    7:00 PM

The 17-member big band co directed by Joe Devassy trombone and Gary Henderson trumpet performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Ave in Stony Brook Village phone 631 751-1895. Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and if available, before events.

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Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft founder and president Tom Manuel recently met with New York State Senator Mario Mattera (District 2) to give the Senator a tour of the Stony Brook Village museum and performance space and to discuss some of the Loft’s musical programs. 

Members of the local business community, Jazz Loft board members and volunteers were also present. Manuel spoke about The Jazz Loft’s Young at Heart daytime concert series which is aimed at seniors, those suffering from memory loss, and their caretakers. The one-hour programs are designed to be interactive and provide a musical trip down memory lane for audience members. Live music was provided by Steve Salerno.

Pictured from left are Jazz Loft volunteers Barbara and Thom Brownsworth; musician Steve Salerno with guitar; Michael Ardolino, Jazz Loft board member and owner of Realty Connect USA; State Senator Mario Mattera; Tom Manuel, founder of the Jazz Loft; Carmine Inserra of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and owner of ProSysCon Computer Technologies; and Mr. Inserra’s wife Sara Inserra.

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. Learn more at www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895.

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Tom Manuel

By Tara Mae

After a two year COVID-19 induced hiatus, the Swing into Spring Jazz Festival makes a triumphant return from March 22 to March 27. 

A co-creation of Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn and The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, the concert series, established in 2018, features local artists playing live music at multiple restaurants and shops in the Stony Brook and Setauket area. Performances will also take place at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts and The Jazz Loft. 

“Every year the festival has grown, which is a tribute to Kara supporting us and the community’s response. I get excited that it’s been growing and that this year the funding allows us to expand beyond Stony Brook Village into Setauket. We have three new businesses — Bliss, Mario’s, and Madiran The Wine Bar — as well as the Staller Center, which we haven’t included before,” said Manuel. 

Hahn and Manuel developed Swing into Spring as a way to promote local restaurants, give musicians opportunities, and attract both locals and tourists to the establishments, during the “slow season.” 

Supported by funding through the New York State Council on the Arts and a grant from Hahn’s office, the series is a mutually beneficial cooperation between local culture and local businesses, according to Hahn.

“I had grant funding from Suffolk County earmarked for cultural arts and the local economy. The Jazz Loft is a phenomenal destination for Stony Brook and Three Village, and the question was how to get people —  ­both tourists and locals — to visit our other businesses during the off season,” Hahn said. “We help fund the musicians so that they will play at the local businesses and attract patrons when people aren’t really coming out, on days of the week that are normally less busy.”

That funding enables steady gigs for musicians who generally have less work during the colder months, providing performance opportunities and income. Musicians such as Carl Safina and his Natural Causes Band, The Jazz Loft Trio, Mala Waldron, Rich Iacona, and Manuel will play at the businesses for a couple of hours. 

“We’re excited to be doing this again and to be employing artists who are still suffering from a lack of work. For those of us who rely on this for a paycheck 24/7, this is our slow season too. It’s hard, between the weather being poor, and people being spent from the holidays, January to March are the most difficult months to be employed. We try to hire individuals who are part of the community and perform at The Jazz Loft and throughout the Island during the summer,” Manuel said. 

Via personal and professional connections, Manuel unites the talent with the venues. Many of the people and places have been involved in the event during previous years. “I’ve had relationships with them for years, they were thrilled. The new participants are individuals and institutions I knew but had not collaborated with before,” Manuel said. “They were all aware of it and honored that we wanted them to be a part of it.”

It is this rapport that enabled Manuel to put together Swing into Spring’s culmination, a new conceptualization of American composer/arranger Oliver Nelson’s 1967 recording of The Kennedy Dream: A Musical Tribute to John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Inspired by Kennedy’s legacy of social conscience, scientific growth, and individual creativity, Nelson’s motivation and music are still relevant today, according to Manuel. 

“Dream addresses some of those issues Kennedy was trying to champion; there is still work to be done,” he added. 

A 38-piece jazz orchestra will give two performances: first at The Jazz Loft and then at the Staller Center the following night. It is a passion project many months in the making. “I reached out to the artists, we were all home due to COVID and everyone got on board; we have been working on it for over a year,” Manuel said.  

Drawing his own inspiration from Nelson’s work, Manuel organized the second act of the concerts to feature new original compositions by jazz musicians Ray Anderson, Jeff Lederer,  Peter Coco, Steve Salerno, Grammy nominee Dan Pugach, and Nelson’s son, Oliver Nelson, Jr., who is flying in from Indiana for the concerts. Manuel also contributed original work.

“These are reflections on our society and our world. Some reflect on COVID-19, some on social statements around Black Lives Matter, equality, and equity, ” Manuel said. “It’s very beautiful and fresh, very emotional. Both halves resonate and have a lot in common with each other. When composers’ emotions are expressed honestly and genuinely, music always communicates powerfully; any music of any style that moves us, speaks to us.”

This language of music is spoken through community support, and the co-founders of Swing into Spring agree that the Three Village area is a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. “It’s a breath of fresh air, and what our community does so well. I’ve performed all over the world and the Three Village community is unique in how it offers support,” said Manuel. 

Hahn views the event as an indication of neighborly investment in community and the future. “When we create partnerships, we can create ways to thrive. It depends on our sense of place.” 

Additional funding for the festival comes from Michael Ardolino, founder and owner of  Realty Connect USA, and Dan Oliveri, who sponsors a concert series at The Jazz Loft.

To learn more about Swing Into Spring, visit https://www.thejazzloft.org. Prices and COVID protocols vary based on location.

Schedule of events:

Tuesday, March 22

◆ Live jazz at Bliss, Mario’s and Sweet Mama’s from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23

◆ Jazz Improv Workshop & Jam at The Jazz Loft from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All ages and abilities welcome. $10

◆ Live jazz at Madiran The Wine Bar, The Three Village Inn, Sweet Mamas and The Country House from 6 to 8 p.m.

◆ Jam session at The Jazz Loft from 7 to 9:30 p.m. All ages and abilities welcome. $10 ($5 after 8 p.m.)

Thursday, March 24

◆ Jazz Duo at The Country House from 6 to 8 p.m.

◆ Interplay Jazz Orchestra at The Jazz Loft from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students,  $15 children ages 6 and up; children 5 and under free.

Friday, March 25

◆ Community Jazz Night at The Jazz Loft from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 6 and up; children 5 and under free.

Saturday, March 26

◆ Live Jazz and $5 hot chocolate at Stony Brook Chocolate from 4 to 6 p.m.

◆ The Kennedy Dream Project at The Jazz Loft from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students,  $15 children ages 6 and up; children 5 and under free.

Sunday, March 27

◆ The Kennedy Dream Project at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 6 and up; children 5 and under free.

 

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