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VJC Big Band with Guest Carmen Bradford
The 18-piece Vermont Jazz Center Big Band is excited to celebrate 20 years of music , and what better way to celebrate than by honoring the legacy of Count Basie . For this year ’ s annual scholarship gala , which takes place on December 6 at 7:30pm , they will pull out all the stops with a swing-dance performance featuring Grammy-award winning singer Carmen Bradford .
Carmen Bradford is a third-generation vocalist who has ascended to jazz royalty through pedigree , talent , and hard work . For nine years she was the featured vocalist with Count Basie ( 1904 -1984 ) and continues to tour and record with the Count Basie ( Legacy ) Orchestra . She received a Grammy Award for her contributions to Basie Swings the Blues with the Count Basie Orchestra . She also appears on the Grammy-award winning album organized by Kenny Rankin called The Benny Carter Songbook Project . Bradford has been nominated five times for a Grammy Award , is the recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society ’ s Jazz Vocalist Award , and was recently elected to the Austin Jazz Society ’ s Hall of Fame .
The VJC Big Band is made up of area professional musicians who come together to enjoy the rewards of playing invigorating , challenging and historically significant repertoire while raising money for the VJC ’ s Scholarship Fund . December ’ s Annual Gala is the primary fundraiser for the Fund which grants an annual average of $ 20,000 worth of scholarships to students , offsetting fees for ensembles , private lessons , and their world-renowned summer jazz workshop . By attending this event you will be contributing to the scholarship fund ; all proceeds will be earmarked towards benefitting students who otherwise wouldn ’ t be able to pursue their musical objectives .
This year the VJC Big Band celebrates its 20th year thanks to the decade-long leadership of musical director Rob Freeberg , and to the organizational persistence of baritone saxophonist , Sherm Fox . This concert will be a hybrid event with both live stream and in-person components . Live streamers can create intimate dance parties in their homes or choose to come to the Jazz Center to dance in person to the sounds of an 18-piece big band . The live stream for home viewers can be accessed on the Vermont Jazz Center ’ s website ( vtjazz . org ) or via its Facebook Live page . Livestream viewers are encouraged to make an online donation to the Scholarship Fund in lieu of purchasing a ticket .
The VJC Big Band is fortunate to have trumpeter Rob Freeberg ’ s guidance as musical director . He is a seasoned trumpeter and big band conductor who leads the VJC ’ s large ensemble with finesse and skill , drawing on his respect for the jazz legacy , an unerring ear , and decades of experience leading his own Big Band in the New York City region . Freeberg moved to Dummerston , VT in 2012 , after retiring from his position as Director of Bands at New Rochelle High School , NY , where he taught for 30 years . He is also the musical director of the VJC Sextet and also performs with the Windham Orchestra , its brass quintet , the Bennington County Choral Society , and the Keene Chorale .
Make your reservations early as this concert always sells out quickly . Admission is $ 40-100 , general admission ( sliding scale ). Tickets reservations : vtjazz . org , sarah @ vtjazz . org , or 802-254-9088 x1 .
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NEW YEAR ’ S
Celebration Concert
“ Baroque to Rock ”
Ariel Rudiakov leads the Taconic String Band
Tuesday , December 31 5:30pm
Inn at Manchester Celebration Barn
3967 Main Street , Manchester Vermont
Cash bar opens at 5 | Concert begins at 5:30
Reservations recomended
FAMILY CONCERT
Monday , December 30 at 2pm Manchester Community Library
Taconic String Band and Strings for Kids students perform a program for all ages .
Suggested donation Adults $ 10 Students / Kids free
November 25 , 2024 Vermont News Guide 37