Vermont Jazz Center Big Band Celebrates 20 Years with Gala Honoring Count Basie
BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Jazz Center Big Band (VJC Big Band) is set to celebrate two decades of musical excellence with a special gala event honoring the legendary Count Basie. The annual scholarship gala will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 6, featuring a thrilling swing-dance performance headlined by Grammy-winning singer Carmen Bradford.
Bradford, a third-generation vocalist, has earned her place in jazz history as the featured singer with Count Basie for nine years. She continues to tour and record with the Count Basie Legacy Orchestra and received a Grammy for her work on “Basie Swings the Blues.” With multiple Grammy nominations and accolades including the Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Jazz Vocalist Award and induction into the Austin Jazz Society’s Hall of Fame, Bradford’s presence promises to make the gala a memorable occasion.
The VJC Big Band, comprised of professional musicians from the region, aims to deliver invigorating and historically significant jazz while raising funds for the VJC Scholarship Fund. Under the leadership of musical director Rob Freeberg and efforts from baritone saxophonist Sherm Fox, the band has thrived over its 20 years.
Tickets for the gala range from $40 to $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 802-254-9088 ext. 1 or visit vtjazz.org.
Vermont Fiddle Orchestra Hosts Winter Concert
BARRE — The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will perform its 2024 Winter Concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at the Barre Opera House. Directed by Peter MacFarlane, the orchestra showcases a blend of traditional music genres. Guest soloist Beth Telford will also perform.
Middlebury College Premieres ‘Sky Was Possible’
MIDDLEBURY — On December 7, Middlebury College’s Mahaney Arts Center will host the Vermont premiere of “Sky Was Possible,” a song cycle composed by Su Lian Tan, featuring texts by Middlebury President Laurie Patton. The performance will include works by J.S. Bach and a post-concert reception for attendees.
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Photo credit www.rutlandherald.com
