New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
2nd Annual Jazz Fest by Your Theatre, Innc. and Bridgewater Credit Union
In cooperation with Bridgewater Credit Union as its major corporate sponsor, Your Theatre, Inc., is proud to announce the 2nd annual New Bedford Jazz Fest.
While the inaugural event was a smashing success that showcased world class talent, local food and beverage vendors, organizers plan on kicking it up a notch by showing fans a much more improved and “true” festival. One of the improved aspects that organizers want to emphasize, is a focus on the festival “vibe.”
This year organizers are bringing in “Artists’ Colony,” which is a number of tents highlighting local artists and their artwork. They are re-structuring the seating to allow a larger area for dancing. There will be two stages, which will allow the subsequent act to begin their set as the prior one closes. This will help to maintain a momentum. There will be 3 food trucks offering organic and interesting fare as well as dessert and soft drinks; all available for purchase. There will be a full cash bar available as well.
Any child age 13 and under will be admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult, and there will be an earlier start and close allowing the younger family members to participate. This will allow families to spill out to other downtown events and establishments. Discounts will be offered to some establishments for those who purchase tickets for this year’s Jazzfest.
These dramatic changes will translate into an improved event, leaving unchanged what the people love and want: world class jazz!
The 2nd Annual New Bedford Jazz Festival is scheduled for June 15th from 2-7 pm at Pier No. 3/Fisherman’s Wharf and will feature 6 separate acts, many new, over the course of the day. All 6 acts have a connection to UMass Dartmouth College of Visual & Performing Arts, and they are also a partner in the event.
The festival’s featured music act, is smooth saxophonist and Yamaha performing artist, Dino Govoni. Govoni will join the Horseneck Trio which consist of the piano, bass and drums of Paul Nagel, Dave Zinno, and Vinny Pagano respectively. He will also accompany the UMD Faculty All-Stars, also new to the festival. The four members will add guitar, drums, bass, and piano to Govoni’s saxophone chops.
Don Govoni and the UMD Faculty All-Stars
The 17-piece Southcoast Jazz Orchestra (SJO) will also be showcasing their talent. These jazz veterans, professional musicians, and music educators hearken back to the Swing Era and the 1930s with their trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section. Driving the orchestra section will be the vocals, alto sax, drums, trombone and trumpet of Diane Carey, Ken Reid, Neil Sylvia, Phil Sanborn and Bobby Gallegos.
Also playing is local favorite the Marcus Monteiro Quartet, who describe their music as “…a sound that defies definition and appeals to fans of jazz, funk, rock, fusion, blues, and dance.” Marcus will be accompanied by Matt Antunes on the drums, Jon Morency on bass, and Rob Massoud on the keys.
Dori Legge and the John Harrison Quartet will knock your socks off. The multi-talented Legge who has been collaborating lately with local musician Butch McCarthy and been performing regularly with Blues Train Band, favors singing jazz standards and the blues, but is comfortable with just about any musical genre. John Harrison brings his dazzling piano skills and his trio made up of Dan Schwartz on percussion, Dave Zinno on bass, and Chris Poudrier on drums.
The last act scheduled is the UMD Latin Jazz Vision Ensemble who bring their “…eclectic mix of compositions and arrangements ranging from Afro-Cuban and Brazilian to European ethnic traditions blended with modern jazz” to the table. The ensemble consists of Riley Stockwell (Guitar), Noah Lapierre (Vibes and Drum Set), Van Riley (Saxophone), Miles Flisher (Piano), Gordon Walters (Bass), Tim Lee (Drums and Percussion), and Chris Poudrier (Director).
Tickets for this year’s event are $15 before the event and $20 at the door and can be purchased online at http://yourtheatre.org/jazz2nbg
The award-winning company (www.yourtheatre.org) enhances the cultural life of New Bedford, Southeastern Massachusetts, and nearby communities through the study and regular presentation of dramatic productions and other programs of high quality and professional standards.
The company also develops and encourages artistic talent through the establishment and operation of workshops, theatre productions and other dramatic training opportunities.
