From the passionate jazz fans to the public audience, they are known by a single name. Whether growing up and hearing parents talk about them, studying jazz history, or exposed to American music via television, most people in America have come to know the single names of Ella, Monk, Dizzy, and Mongo. Four single name jazz icons representing Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Mongo Santamaria. Each left an undeniable mark on American music history that still reverberates today. Not only in jazz but also in music universally.
For three days beginning Thursday, October 19, JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House will host the JAZZ 100 Festival that celebrates the 100th birthdays of each jazz icon. Hosting three concerts that concludes with a special performance by the Grammy Nominee and Julliard international jazz artist from New York City, Cuban-born jazz pianist Elio Villafranca.
The three-day JAZZ 100 Festival and the line-up includes:
Thursday, October 19 at 7 pm
THE MARY MCMAHON PROJECT REMEMBERS ELLA
On this first evening of the JAZZ 100 Festival, the concert remembers the great first lady of song, Ella Fitzgerald. The band will feature Mary McMahon on vocals, Dave Schiavone on sax, Rick Strauss on guitar, Bud Fadale on bass, and Abdul-Rahman Qadir on drums. Mary McMahon is one of the region’s top jazz vocalist. Having won previously the JazzBuffalo Poll for Best Female Jazz Vocals and appearing at MusicalFare Theatre Premier Cabaret Lounge. She will be accompanied by an all-star ensemble of Buffalo jazz instrumentalists. Hear the Mary McMahon Project perform jazz standards that were part of Ella Fitzgerald's repertoire as the JAZZ 100 Festival is kicked-off. (Admission at the door is $10)
Friday, October 20 at 8 pm
STAR PEOPLE PLAYS THE MUSIC OF MONK
The George Caldwell led ensemble, Star People has performed the music of Miles Davis during the past two years under an exclusive project at Pausa Art House. For the JAZZ 100 Festival, the Grammy winner jazz pianist will lead an ensemble in a tribute to the jazz icon, Thelonious Monk. Star People has had such members as John Bacon and Bobby Militello perform under the direction of Caldwell spanning the catalog of Miles Davis. Caldwell, the former pianist for the late ‘90’s version of the Grammy-winning Count Basie Band under the direction of Frank Foster, has become one of Buffalo’s most prominent jazz artists. (Admission at the door is $10)
Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 pm
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ ARTIST ELIO VILLAFRANCA PRESENTS A TRIBUTE TO DIZZY AND MONGO
In a special performance, JazzBuffalo and Pausa Art House present one of the world’s most talented jazz pianists today. Steinway artist Elio Villafranca is at the forefront of the latest generation of remarkable Cuban pianists, composers, and bandleaders that for several years has been making major creative contributions to the international development of modern jazz. In the 2010 Grammy Awards, he was nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year, for his performance, composition, and co-production in the album Things I Wanted To Do by Chembo Corniel. Wynton Marsalis calls Villafranca an “inspired and visionary musician”. Villafranca challenges the boundaries of Jazz by fusing it with the syncopated nature of Afro-Caribbean music. Villafranca will be joined by special guest trumpeter Brownman Ali. Ali is a highly sought-after jazz trumpeter who has challenged the boundaries of jazz with the infusion of the modern sounds of hip-hop. Becoming a principal touring lead trumpeter for Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. Equally adept at mainstream jazz, Ali is the winner of the 2002 Canadian National Jazz Award for Jazz Composer of the Year, as well as, runner-up recipient for Jazz Trumpet Player of the Year. Rounding out the ensemble will be former Ahmad Jamal bassist Sabu Adeyola and Cuban-born international master percussionist, Vladimir Espinosa who currently teaches at Hollins University in Virginia. A spectacular line-up celebrating the 100th Birthdays of Dizzy Gillespie and Mongo Santamaria. (Ticketed Admission is from $17.50 – $25) (Tickets available with reserved seating here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazzbuffalo-presents-pianist-elio-villafranca-w-special-guest-brownman-ali-tickets-37651507673)
Here is a video that shows the genius of Elio Villafranca performing at Dizzy's Coca Cola Club at Jazz At Lincoln Center with the Jass Syncopators as part of their Carribean Tinge project:
The JAZZ 100 00 Festival and the concerts will take place at Pausa Art House located on 19 Wadsworth Street in Buffalo. For more information, visit www.pausaarthouse.com or www.jazzbuffalo.org. The Elio Villafranca concert will be a ticketed event with reserved seating. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazzbuffalo-presents-pianist-elio-villafranca-w-special-guest-brownman-ali-tickets-37651507673)
Keep Jazz Alive!!!!
