WOODSTOCK, Vt., June 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Jazz is alive and thriving in Vermont, thanks in part to the jazz education and performances of Interplay Jazz and Arts, a local non-profit dedicated to fostering the music and sensibilities of jazz in artists of all modalities. Every summer, weeklong intensive workshops and performances fill venues around the historic town of Woodstock with the sounds of Interplay's faculty of renowned jazz artists, and students of all ages and levels, from all over the world. Often referred to as "Jazz Camp," Interplay's Summer Intensive Workshops run from June 22 – 28 this year, and include numerous performances by faculty and students that are open to the public.
For the first time this year, Interplay Jazz & Arts begins with a series of Improv Inspiration Concerts showcasing top jazz artists and styles from around the world. The performances, which are free and open to the public, are on June 23, 24 and 25 at 7:00 PM in the North Universalist Chapel in Woodstock.
"At Interplay, we expose our students to the brilliance and variety of jazz music from across time and around the world," says Interplay co-founder, educator and jazz musician, Fred Haas. "We're excited to be presenting some of today's best jazz artists from different corners of the jazz world in our Improv Inspiration Concert Series to inspire our students and engage the community." This year, Interplay also has added weeklong workshops for writers and visual artists who want to embrace the sensibilities of jazz and improvisation in their creative work and processes.
Following is a complete list of 2014 Interplay Jazz & Arts Summer Intensive performances open to the public. For more information or to register for other Interplay workshops and activities in Woodstock from June 22-28, visit InterplayJazzandArts.org.
Improv Inspiration Concerts – Three FREE Incredible Nights of Jazz
June 23, 24 & 25 at 7:00 PM in the North Universalist Chapel, Woodstock, Vermont
Improv Inspiration: A World of Jazz, June 23
Pianist Armen Donelian and his trio blend the musical sounds of Middle Eastern, European Classical and American Jazz as they transform the exquisite melodies of 18th-century troubadour, Sayat-Nova. Next, Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, guitarist Jason Ennis and saxophonist Michael Zsoldos (plus special guests) present a program of original compositions and arrangements inspired by music of South America.
Improv Inspiration: The Voices of Jazz, June 24
Winner of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award, 85-year-old vocalist Sheila Jordan, called by Jazziz magazine, "a true jazz child from her head to her toes," brings her joyous jazz styling to the stage. Grammy-winning composer, vocalist and pianist, John Proulx, follows with a program drawn from the Great American Songbook and award-winning original compositions, and closes with a grand finale with Jordan.
Improv Inspiration: Guitar Madness & Saxophone Battles, June 25
The Guitar Trio of Freddie Bryant, David Newsam and Jason Ennis, joined by other Interplay faculty, present a varied program of jazz and Brazilian music including inspired original compositions. Saxophonists Fred Haas and Michael Zsoldos along with Interplay's swinging rhythm section will reinvigorate "The Chase" and other famous tenor saxophone "battles" for some fun-filled musical one-upmanship.
Interplay Jazz Brown Bag Performance, June 26, Noon
Join Interplay Jazz & Arts students and faculty as we turn the Woodstock Village Green into an All-American music party. No charge.
Swing Dance, June 26, 7-10 PM
We'll take you back to the heyday of swing dancing in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, when nightly dances attracted the best dancers in the New York area. Come to Woodstock's historic Little Theater and swing dance the night away to the sounds of Interplay's student and faculty Big Band. Tickets $10
The Jazz Stars Align in Concert, June 27, 8 PM
Every year, Interplay culminates and celebrates its week of teaching and playing together in an all-star jazz concert that typically includes internationally recognized artists, NEA Jazz Masters and Grammy Award-winning musicians letting loose with a rich mix of joyous and creative music. North Universalist Chapel. Tickets $20 Adult / $10 Students
All American Jazz Concert, Art Show & Picnic, June 28, Noon – 3:30 PM
Come to Vail Field in Woodstock for a festive celebration and concert performance by Interplay Jazz students and faculty. All styles of instrumental and vocal jazz are showcased. No charge.
About Interplay Jazz & Arts
Founded in 1996, Interplay Jazz & Arts is an arts education and performance nonprofit organization seeking to integrate mind, body and spirit in the exploration of creativity, music and the arts. Interplay offers performance-based and residential learning experiences that provide technical and experiential education through a holistic approach. For more information and registration for Interplay Jazz & Arts Summer Intensive Workshops and other events throughout the year, visit InterplayJazzandArts.org.
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