Jazz at the Taylor Announces Strong 2020 Line-Up and Offers Series Discount Package
Entering its fourth season, Lockport’s Kenan Center is pleased to announce “Jazz at the Taylor” as a six concert series, presenting an eclectic mix of some of the finest musicians from Western New York and beyond. Produced in collaboration with Kathleen Rooney, the critically acclaimed series has attracted accomplished musicians and audiences from across the region. Jazz at the Taylor is offering a discounted series package in time for holiday gift giving and through February 1 only. For $110, patrons will receive admission to all six concerts and Kenan Center members may purchase the series for just $80. Individual concert tickets are also available for $20 each for the general public and $15 for Kenan Center members. For students 18 and under or with a valid college I.D., individual tickets are $10. All performances begin at 7:30 PM in the Taylor Theater located on the Kenan Center campus at 433 Locust Street in Lockport, and include two sets of music.
The series kicks off on February 1, 2020 with the Buffalo Jazz Collective Sextet Duke Ellington Celebration. In its fourth year of producing concerts at major venues throughout Western New York, the Collective Sextet will celebrate significant works by Duke Ellington and his longtime collaborator, Billy Strayhorn. The performance includes original orchestrations and arrangements of classics such as “Take the A Train” and “In a Sentimental Mood” along with compositions from Ellington’s “Far East Suite.” Musicians in this all-star ensemble include Bobby Militello on also sax and flute; Mark Filsinger on trumpet; John Hasselback on trombone; Lisa Hasselback on piano; Saab Adeyola on bass; and John Bacon on drums.
On March 14, 2020, Juno Award-winning saxophonist Pat Labarbera brings a sextet that includes members of the Buffalo Jazz Collective in a rare Western New York appearance. Universally considered one of the world’s most exciting saxophonists, Toronto-based Labarbera is well known for his work with Louis Bellson, Woody Herman and the legendary Buddy Rich Band. Joining Labarbera in the intimate Taylor Theater are Mark Filsinger on trumpet; Paul LaDuca on bass; John Bacon on drums; and Lisa Hasselback on piano.
The Brendan Lanighan Sextet makes its inaugural performance in the Taylor series on May 2, 2020. After earning a degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, trombonist Brendan Lanighan is completing his second year of a Masters in Jazz Studies at the Julliard School in Manhattan. He recently recorded on Wycliff Gordon’s latest album, and spent a year on the road with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He is joined by one of his Miller band-mates, Elliot Scozzaro on alto saxophone, and the newly appointed Director of Jazz Studies at SUNY Fredonia, Nick Weiser on piano. Other band members include Joe Goehle on bass; John Bacon on drums; and Mark Filsinger on trumpet.
Vocalist Katy Miner brings her quintet to Jazz at the Taylor on September 26, 2020 with “The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook.” Voted one of Buffalo’s favorite jazz vocalists, she has performed at the Colored Musicians Club Jazz Festival, East Aurora Music Festival, Lewiston Jazz Festival, Olcott Jazz Festival, as well as numerous clubs across the region. A versatile artist, Katy has been a featured vocalist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and in opera and theatrical productions in addition to her busy jazz career. The Katy Miner Quintet includes Phil Sims on trombone; Nick Weiser on piano; Paul Zapalowski on bass; and Tom Kasperek on drums.
On November 7, 2020 the Mary Ramsey Quartet will present an evening featuring a mix of jazz genres. Known for her work as lead singer and violinist in the legendary alternative rock band, “10,000 Maniacs” and in the duo “John & Mary,” Ramsey is an accomplished musician who began playing when she was just five years old. Joining her for this very special evening at the Taylor Theater are band-mates Stu Weissman and Marc Rosen on guitars and Ed Croft on bass.
Rounding out the Jazz at the Taylor season, the popular Ed Croft Trio returns on December 5, 2020 to perform Vince Guaraldi’s classic holiday favorites from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Rising star, bassist Ed Croft is widely regarded as one of the top players in Western New York and beyond. Joining him for this crowd-pleasing evening are Jake Malone Brancato on piano and Candice Simone Thomas on drums. This concert is a great way to introduce youngsters to live musical performance and to ring in the spirit of the season.
The six concert series tickets may be purchased for $110 (general public) or $80 (Kenan Center members) through February 1, 2020. Individual tickets are $15 for Kenan Center members and $20 for the general public and tickets for students 18 and under or with valid college I.D. are also available for $10. All may be purchased online at kenancenter.ticketleap.com, in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, or charged by phone. For further information, visit www.kenancenter.org or call 716-433-2617. Free parking and assorted refreshments are available. Because seating is limited, advance tickets are always recommended.