TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Letter from Excutive Director
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Educational Programs
Soirée: Frank Vignola and Julien Labro Yellowjackets Caesar Sings Nat “King” Cole Ways to Support Sarah McKenzie Quartet Soirée: Jon Cleary - The History of New Orleans Piano Event Venues 2016 Vail Jazz Festival Preview Thank You
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A SEASON OF MAGIC I often hear visitors say “Vail is a magical place”. Locals know it well – it’s why many of us call Vail home. As the snow comes down outside my window, I know the magic is all around us. But we all have our own perspective on what makes it so special. The staggering scenery and the exceptional skiing are impossible to overlook, but one of Vail’s hidden treasures is its music, which is equally enchanting. Vail is renowned for world class music in the summer; lesser known is that it offers captivating performances in winter. This winter Vail Jazz will bring some of today’s foremost jazz artists to our community. In addition to a collaboration at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and two soirées, this intimate series includes two shows at the Donovan Pavilion in Vail, which will transform into a beautiful mountain jazz club complete with food and beverage offerings. The season begins on January 29th with six-string virtuoso Frank Vignola and accordionist Julien Labro stoking the flames of the hot gypsy jazz tradition. We go big on February 10th with longstanding jazz favorites, the Yellowjackets at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Having just completed their 24th album, this mainstay will play classic jazz mixed with R&B and sprinkled with a little fusion. We will introduce our new venue at Donovan Pavilion on February 25th with baritone crooner Caesar singing the unforgettable songs of Nat “King” Cole. Returning to Donovan Pavilion on March 10th, we introduce Sarah McKenzie to Vail. Sarah’s soaring vocals and artistry on the piano have been compared to that of Diana Krall and Norah Jones. The winter wraps up with Jon Cleary performing the History of New Orleans Piano featuring pieces by Dr. John and James Booker—with boogie woogie and ragtime on to today’s blues, funk and groove. This winter season of jazz, set in enchanting Vail, truly will be magical! Enjoy the shows!
Robin Litt, Executive Director 4
FRANK VIGNOLA + JULIEN LABRO JANUARY 29
SOIRÉE, BY INVIVATION ONLY Generously underwritten by Todger and Shannon Anderson.
In the 1930s the Romani people living in and around Paris introduced their dark, chromatic musical flavor to American swing, creating a union of exotic melodies and spirited rhythms called “jazz manouche” or “Gypsy jazz.” Today, Frank Vignola and Julien Labro are individually celebrated as the foremost torchbearers of the Gypsy jazz tradition. Vignola’s virtuosic technical prowess on his instrument has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, the Boston Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul. “A brilliant technician, poetic melodist and cunning arranger,” French-born Julien Labro has established himself as one of the preeminent accordion and bandoneón players in both the classical and jazz genres. These two musicians will come together to pay homage to the intoxicating sound that their musical predecessor Django Reinhardt forged more than 80 years ago in the subterranean haunts of Paris. 5
THE YELLOWJACKETS FEBRUARY 10 | 7:30 PM
VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, $42
Sitting comfortably at the intersection of jazz fusion, straight-ahead and R&B, the Yellowjackets enter their 34th year as a band with sold-out performances nationwide. The group’s celebrated 2013 recording, “A Rise in the Road,” debuted at #1 on the Itunes Jazz Charts, and launched the Yellowjackets into its next generation, and into an expansive, mature sound. The band is currently comprised of original member Russell Ferrante (keyboards), along with Bob Mintzer (saxophone), Dane Alderson (bass), and William Kennedy (drums). Over the span of their career, the Yellowjackets have received 17 Grammy nominations with two wins, and are releasing their 24th album Cohearance this Spring. Co-presented by the Vilar Performing Arts Center 6
CAESAR SINGS NAT “KING” COLE FEBRUARY 25 | 6:30 PM, 7:30PM SHOW DONOVAN PAVILION, $30
Generously underwritten by Garret and Leslie Davies.
The soft, crooning baritone voice of Nat “King” Cole is a timeless melody to listeners of both jazz and popular music. Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1919, Cole began his life in jazz by sneaking out of the house as a boy to hear celebrated jazzmen like Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines play at nearby clubs. By 1943 he was a jazz star in his own right, and went on to enjoy a 30 year long career as one of the most celebrated jazz musicians in history. Today, Caesar’s voice is a direct link to the Golden age of true vocal artistry. A Chicago native, Caesar got his big break when he nailed an audition for Julio Iglesias at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, becoming the first and only baritone vocalist to perform and tour with the legendary performer on his Tango World Tour. Caesar has toured, shared the stage, and recorded with Lou Rawls, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clark, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Ronnie Laws, Gerald Albright and countless others. 7
GIVE THE GIFT OF JAZZ
Jazz is a brilliantly powerful art form, communicating the depth of the human spirit through a combination of swing, soul and the freedom of expression. For 21 years, Vail Jazz has celebrated the power and significance of this music, producing approximately 60 jazz events annually within the Vail community. Help Vail Jazz present exceptional performances and educational programs in 2016 by supporting the organization in one of the following ways:
Underwrite a performance Underwrite a Vail Jazz Workshop student Host a soirée in your home Advertise in the Vail Jazz Festival Program Book Donate a unique item to the silent auction at Vail Jazz’s annual gala ONLINE www.vailjazz.org
BY MAIL PO Box 3035, Vail, CO 81658
If you are interested in making a contribution to Vail Jazz, contact Owen Hutchinson by phone at 970.479.6146 or by email at ohutchinson@vailjazz.org
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SARAH McKENZIE QUARTET MARCH 10 | 6:30 PM, 7:30PM SHOW DONOVAN PAVILION, $30
Generously underwritten by Glen and Margaret Wood.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Sarah McKenzie made her debut performance at the Umbria Jazz Festival Competition in 2012, where she was awarded a full scholarship to attend the iconic Berklee College of Music. After graduating she was quickly signed by impulse!, and her second album, Close Your Eyes, won the Best Jazz Album ARIA award (Australian Grammy). She has performed on jazz music’s most iconic stages, including Monterey, Marciac, and Dizzy’s in New York, as well as the top clubs in Paris, London, Vienna, Munich and Sydney. McKenzie’s full-bodied touch on the piano, paired with her delicate yet soaring vocal finesse, evoke qualities of Norah Jones or Diana Krall. Already known for her mature instrumental and vocal phrasing, this international rising star has demonstrated experience beyond her years.
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JON CLEARY: THE HISTORY OF NEW ORLEANS PIANO MARCH 25
SOIRÉE, BY INVIVATION ONLY Generously underwritten by Jim and Janet Dulin.
Rolling with energy, vibrancy and a buoyant stride, the piano music of New Orleans is a category to itself, and no living pianist is more in touch with this musical tradition than Jon Cleary. Born in Kent, England, Cleary traveled to New Orleans and took a painting job at the Maple Leaf, a funky Uptown bar that featured such New Orleans piano legends as James Booker and Roosevelt Sykes. One evening, when Booker failed to show up for a gig, Cleary was thrust into the spotlight of the New Orleans music scene, and hasn’t looked back since. Cleary has risen through the ranks as a pianist and guitarist, adding vocals along the way, and his most recent album Gogo Juice is nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award. His increasingly high-profile performances reveal a level of proficient versatility that have led to recording sessions and international touring work with Taj Mahal, John Scofield, Dr. John and, most notably, Bonnie Raitt, who refers to Cleary as “the ninth wonder of the world.” 10
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS VAIL JAZZ GOES TO SCHOOL Year: 18
Children reached: 17,000
Vail Jazz Goes to School is an innovative educational program that integrates the study of jazz with social studies at the elementary level. The free program provides every 4th and 5th grader at Eagle County schools with an in-depth experience of jazz, its history and its role in society.
JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS Year: 4
Children reached: 950
Through interactive, hands-on activities that teach the fundamentals of jazz and the art of improvisation, Jammin’ Jazz Kids is a free program that offers an engaging and fun learning experience for youngsters.
VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP Year: 21
Children reached: 238
This 10-day intensive Workshop immerses the most talented young jazz musicians in the nation in a curriculum of muscial and professional development. The 12 annual Workshop slots are amongst the most coveted scholarships for pre-college musicians, and the success of our alumni supports the stellar reputation of the Workshop as one of the finest jazz incubators in the world.
EACH YEAR OVER 1,400 CHILDREN TAKE PART IN VAIL JAZZ EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
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EVENT VENUES
VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
DONOVAN PAVILION
VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER { 68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek } Paid parking available at Villa Montane Parking Structure, located across from VPAC, for $10; please alert parking attendant you are attending the event. If lot is full, free parking is available at the Elk Lot with complimentary shuttle to the VPAC departing 75, 45 and 15 minutes prior to showtime.
DONOVAN PAVILION { 1600 S. Frontage Road, Vail } Guests will be seated at small tables, in ‘jazz club’ setting. Food and drink available from eat! drink! with 20% of sales supporting Vail Jazz. Cash and card accepted. Free parking available on site.
WINTER SERIES SOIRÉES { by invitation only } Soirées take place at private residences. Attendees will receive directions and parking information upon purchase of ticket.
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2016 Vail Jazz Festival Preview VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE Monty Alexander Trio Bria Skonberg Michel Camilo Trio John Pizzarelli Cecile McLorin Salvant Maraca & His Latin Jazz All-Stars H2 Big Band Tribute to Count Basie Vail Jazz Party House Band, Vail Jazz Alumni Quintet + Vail Jazz All-Stars
VAIL JAZZ PARTY GROUPS
SOLOISTS
Vail Jazz Party House Band Adrian Cunningham John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Diego Figueiredo Terell Stafford, Lewis Nash, Wycliffe Gordon Bobby Floyd Guilty Pleasures Joel Frahm Gary Versace, Matt Wilson, Nate Radley, Joel Frahm Jerohn Garnett Jeff Hamilton Trio Jeff Hamilton Jeff Hamilton, Tamir Hendelman, Christoph Luty Niki Haris Terell Stafford Quintet Terell Stafford, Bruce Barth, Peter Washington, Russell Malone Billy Williams, Tim Warfield Ken Peplowski Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble Mary Stallings Vail Jazz Alumni Quintet Byron Stripling Vail Jazz All-Stars
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THANK YOU our sponsors
winter partners
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