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Tom Manuel

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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

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Jean Prysock

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.

JEAN

Jean

Am I just dreaming 

Or is it so

You are an angel

A glow

If I should awaken would you be there? 

Queen of my castle

In the air

You’re my inspiration and to hold you near

When I need consolation

You count every fear

Then

Jean, you make my life seem

Just like a dream

Please say you will always be my Jean

 Please say you will always be my Jean

Please say you will always Be my Jean

Just my Jean

– By Arthur Prysock

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Danny Bacher

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.

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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.

 

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Renee Fondacaro of Old Field Apothecary and Tom Manuel, founder of the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, showcase the new jazz-inspired candles. Photo from the Jazz Loft

There is a scent of excitement in the air at The Jazz Loft, which has partnered with local small business owner of Old Field Apothecary, Renee Fondacaro, to offer three original jazz-inspired scented candles available for purchase at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for the holidays.

Renee worked alongside Founder Tom Manuel and The Jazz Loft team to create scents that spark the same thrill as Jazz music. The “Lady Day” candle has notes of rose, green leaf, powder, musk, and white gardenia inspired by Billie Holiday’s signature flower that she wore in her hair. “Mood Indigo,” inspired by Duke Ellington, has notes of leather, smoke, tobacco, sandalwood, musk, and amber to bring the feeling of an elegant jazz club to your home. There is also a holiday-inspired Jingle Jazz candle that spikes up the traditional Christmas tree scent with notes of gin, red currant, oak, juniper, and cypress, which is a delight any time of year!

Old Field Apothecary candles are both gluten- and paraben-free and made with clean burning vegan coconut apricot creme wax. Each candle is hand-poured and contains a crackling wooden wick to create a cozy, by-the-fireside experience.

“It’s always wonderful when we can work with local businesses,” says Manuel. “I’m quite excited that we created these unique signature candles that bring together the atmosphere of The Jazz Loft and a wonderful local business such as Old Field Apothecary. Renee’s creativity in designing the scents is inspirational.”

“I’m so excited to collaborate with the Jazz Loft,” said Fondacaro. “The scents we have created reflect the jazz artists and the beautiful Stony Brook Village community. Old Field Apothecary is proud to be able to offer our natural products that are toxin-free, phthalate-free and made from vegan waxes for this local and special venue. These scents make great gifts for your favorite music lover.”

These exclusive candles can only be purchased in person at the Jazz Loft for $28 each, two for $50, or all three for $75.

For more information, call 631-751-1895.

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Pete Caldera

With Special Appearances by Nicole Zuraitis & Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. on Nov. 23!

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will pay tribute to the Rat Pack with a series of eight special concerts from Nov. 7 to Nov. 23.

Frank Sinatra once said, “I think my real ambition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don’t want to die with me.” 

Danny Bacher

Enter vocalists Pete Caldera and Danny Bacher to grab the “Sinatra baton” with their perfectly nuanced interpretations of Frank’s catalog. Caldera and Bacher will be joined by the Jazz Loft’s 17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel for eight shows filled with Sinatra classics, called “The Rat Pack Review,” Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 8 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and a special late night show at 10 p.m. which will also feature Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis and Rahsaan Cruse. 

Sinatra was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th Century,” said Manuel.  “Just as Frank never did anything in a small way, we will be devoting three nights to Ol’ Blue Eyes, with a stellar list of vocalists.” 

Danny Bacher is an award-winning singer, saxophonist, songwriter and entertainer in the fullest sense of the term. He’s not only a master of the demanding soprano sax but combines his virtuosity on the instrument with a talent for comedy and narrative storytelling. He’s a smooth and cool individual who makes hot jazz and pop, cut from the cloth of the great Louis Prima and Mel Torme. Bacher swings with pizzazz, scats and sings with a smoky voice, all adding to his compelling stage presence. 

Nicole Zuraitis

This is Pete Caldera’s third year performing at The Jazz Loft’s tributes to Frank Sinatra.  Away from performing, Caldera is a reporter for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. He is a past chairman of the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. Caldera has a residency at NYC’s Carnegie Club, he has appeared on the Stephen Colbert Show.

Nicole Zuraitis is a frequent performer at TJL She is a GRAMMY winning and 2X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz, earning her a place as one of the top artists and “prolific songwriters” (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond.

Rahsaan Cruse, Jr.

Rahsaan Cruse, Jr is a rising star in the jazz scene who stands and delivers jazz repertoire in an evolutionary line straight from jazz greats who came before him. Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. demonstrates his mastery of the jazz idiom, nuanced and expressive, harkening listeners to another time and place.

All vocalists will be backed by The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, under the direction of Manuel. The Big Band is New York’s top call for jazz musicians and performs regularly throughout New York and England. The band, and has backed notable artists such as: Marilyn Maye, The Four Freshman, Ken Peplowski, Warren Vache, Houston Person, Bob Anderson, and many others.

Tickets are available on website www.thejazzloft.org for $40 Adult, $35 Senior, $30 Student, $25 Children or available to purchase at the door. 

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Photo from The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue, in Stony Brook, is offering a November line-up of concerts that should “fall” onto your autumn calendar! 

 

Friday, November 1 at 7 p.m.

Ray Anderson & Tom Manuel Present Chatter Jazz!

Quintet featuring Tom Manuel, cornet, Ray Anderson, trombone, Dario Chiazzolino, guitar, Andrea Veneziani, bass and drums soon TBD

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

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Radam Schwartz

Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

Radam Schwartz on organ; David F. Gibson, drums; Bryan Carrot, vibraphone; Mike Lee, tenor sax. Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz pianist, has built his reputation over the last 35 years playing with such great musicians as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman, Russell Malone, Cecil Brooks III and Jimmy Ford. He continues to make music history today playing with renowned artists, Bill Saxton, Iron City, The Spirit of Life Ensemble and many others.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

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Jerry Costanzo

Thursday, Nov. 14

Jerry Costanzo & The Gotham Swingers

Costanzo performs music from the Swing Era, to the Rat Pack Stylings of the 1950’s and 60’s, with a smattering of tunes from classic TV and film, to create a unique, fun experience for our dedicated fans.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

Friday, November 15 at 6-6:45 p.m.

Jazz 101: Who Is Louis Jordan? $10 ALL, no discounts. Tix limit 20. Noted author John Broven will be the speaker. 

 

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Danny Bacher

Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m.

Louis Jordan Tribute

Danny Bacher, Vocal & Alto Sax; Tom Manuel, Trumpet; Rich Iacona, Piano; Eric Kay, Tenor Sax; Jon Mele, Drums; Steve Salerno, Guitar

Tickets: $30, $25, $20

 

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Champian Fulton

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

Champian Fulton Trio

A Jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, she has released 18 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.

Tickets: $30, $25, $20

 

For tickets and more information visit https://www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895.

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The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel with two of the gowns that will be on display at the Ella Fitzgerald exhibit. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft
Tom Manuel shows off the prized gold record awarded to Tony Bennett for I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The opening date for these exhibits has been moved from August to October 8.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be celebrating the First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald and legend Tony Bennett with exhibits of hundreds of items of memorabilia and archival materials. 

Fitzgerald will be celebrated not only with her music, but also with an exhibit of six of her spectacular gowns recently procured by The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. Other items in the Fitzgerald exhibit will include items spanning the mid 1930s to the end of her life in the 1990s, including letters, personal objects, awards and more.

The Tony Bennett exhibit will feature 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.

The Fitzgerald exhibit of six Don Loper custom-designed gowns came to The Jazz Loft serendipitously. Manuel received a phone call one day from a young man in California stating that he had a collection of gowns from “someone named Ella Fitzgerald.”

“Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett were without question two of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century,” says The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. “To welcome such an extensive collection of their personal items to have on display in the museum and to celebrate their story at The Jazz Loft is amazing. I am so grateful to all who supported these two important acquisitions financially and I just know that everyone is going to be blown away by these exhibits.

The opening of the gown exhibit and the Tony Bennett exhibit is on October 8 at 6:30 p.m., with $25 for general admission tickets available here: https://www.thejazzloft.org/calendar

“Ella Fitzgerald is the reason I fell in love with jazz,” says Nicole Zuraitis. “Her voice, her phrasing, her personality and musicality all defined the genre for me and continues to do so.”

The Gowns

The Loper gowns include: A straight long-sleeved navy gown with a see-through fabric on the arms with wrist shapers. A high neckline with a grey bejeweled center piece of silvers and different blue tones with a shape wear belt; A flowing pacific blue long sleeved gown with a lower v-neckline with vertical sequined stripes from the waist and a wraparound belt; A short length and short sleeve turquoise double patterned dress with a u neckline having a silver overlap of x patterns and waves behind; A brown elegant gown with a long sheer skirt making a two piece illusion with the flower printed pattern from the waist up with brims of gold and a flattering neckline and shoulder cut off; A loose fitting long sleeve ocean blue gown with golden flower accents varied around the dress to highlight the cross fabric v neckline; and a midnight black ankle gown with a detailed trail of golden beaded buttons and a sleek bow tie around the waist highlighting the mesh black sleeves and silky texture. 

Loper was a famous American costume designer, as well as a screenwriter, producer, actor and choreographer. He designed for Lucille Ball, as well as Ella Fitzgerald and some of his pieces are featured in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the California African American Museum. 

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Pete Caldera

The Jazz Loft, located along the charming Stony Brook waterfront and nearby historic village, presents the 9th annual Harbor Jazz Festival from Sept. 18 to 21. The four celebratory days of Jazz will feature  internationally-known acts, including vocalist Pete Caldera and the Sinatra Project Sextet; the Ray Anderson Group; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartet; Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet; Bill Crow Trio and Mala Waldron Quartet along with a parade with the Equity Brass band through Stony Brook Village. 

“The year’s 9th Annual Harbor Jazz Festival line-up promises to deliver an extraordinary experience and unique opportunity to hear performances from some of the finest Jazz artists in the world,” said Tom Manuel, founder and president of The Jazz Loft.  “Many of the acts booked for this year’s festival perform at some of New York’s top venues and clubs. It’s amazing for our Long Island community that this years’ festival brings them all right here in our own backyard.” 

Much of the festival will take place outdoors on two stages overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, as well inside The Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.

This year’s outdoor concerts on September 21 will take place throughout the day on two stages: one on the Jazz Loft’s front lawn, and the second location across the street on the Stony Brook Village Green. All concerts on Saturday are free to the public. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket. Shows for Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 are ticketed events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The Jazz Loft

Sept. 18  at 7 p.m. — Opening reception & jam session with the Keenan Zach Trio. All tickets are $10.

Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. — The Bad Little Big Band, featuring guest artist trumpeter Joe Magnarelli. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up.

Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. — The Sinatra Project with vocalist Pete Caldera backed by The Sinatra Sextet. Tickets are $40.

Sept. 21 from noon to 8 p.m.  

Village Green Stage

Traditional Jazz Parade with Equity Brass Band at noon; Ray Anderson Group at 1 p.m.; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartet  at 4 p.m.; and Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet at 7 p.m. Free.

Jazz Loft Lawn Stage

Bill Crow Trio at 3 p.m.; Mala Waldron Quartet at 6 p.m. Free.

In the case of rain, all events will be held inside The Jazz Loft.

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

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Harvest Times supplement on Sept. 12. 

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The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel and Hofstra intern Rachael Hajec stand in front of the new Ella Fitzgerald exhibit. Courtesy The Jazz Loft

Rachael Hajec, a Hofstra University journalism student, just completed a summer internship at Stony Brook’s famed Jazz Loft. There, she delved into marketing, media relations and all things journalism.

During her internship, Hajec worked on a range of projects, including creating documentaries for The Loft’s social media and website, managing event promotions and producing video and audio packages for the John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival, as well as the Loft School of Jazz Summer Camp. She, also, developed graphics for event promotion, conducted interviews and maintained connections with local businesses and officials for future collaborations.

“There are students who are hard workers and dedicated professionals, and then there are those who embody the intangible,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “Rachel has that intangible quality. It was a joy to work with her, and I’m confident she’s destined for great things.”

Hajec hails from Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, and has been residing in Hempstead for the past four years. She is set to be a senior at Hofstra, this fall, where she has been serving as the Program Director of Music at award-winning radio station 88.7FM WRHU, as a passionate student of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

“Working at The Jazz Loft was one of the most beneficial experiences of my early journalism career,” Hajec said.

Hajec worked under the supervision of The Jazz Loft’s media director Carole Trottere — a woman who served as a mentor to the aspiring journalist.

“Rachael is one of the most creative and enthusiastic interns I’ve ever worked with,” Trottere said. “She brought such energy to her role, and offered many new ideas for marketing our events.”

The Jazz Loft offers internships in public relations, marketing, archival research and stage production. Interested candidates can view opportunities on Handshake.com.

“When I saw the Jazz Loft’s internship listing, I knew I had to apply,” Hajec said.

“The work was rewarding, and the relationships I built…made it even more special. I highly recommend The Jazz Loft to anyone who loves jazz and values a sense of community, and I hope other eager journalists will enjoy their time there as much as I did.”

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