25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

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A LET TER FROM THE FOUNDER I remember it clearly, as if it was just the other day. It was a snowy Vail evening in February of 1995 and my wife, Cathy, and I were visiting friends. A large quantity of wine was consumed that evening and somehow it was decided that we would present jazz in Vail over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The details were somewhat sketchy, but I remember thinking the next morning, after a strong cup of coffee to clear my head, this should be fun. I’ll do it once and move on to the next thing, whatever that might be.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Howard Stone, Chair Bill Blaze Michael S. Brown Kevin Clair John Clayton, Jr. Garret Davies John Dawsey James G. Dulin Robert E. Ford Fred W. Frailey JoAnn Hickey Jay Johnson Jenelle Soderquist Krissel Andy Littman Carolyn Pope Larry S. Stewart Catherine A. Stone William W. Verity Glen Wood

ADVISORY BOARD Paul S. Bates Bob Cohen Allie R. Coppeak Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. Laura Miller Mike Peak William Pierce Alan Tanenbaum Gary J.E. Thornton Linda Wilson

However, something happened over that Labor Day weekend in Vail that I never anticipated would happen and I am so glad it did. The music that weekend was transcendent and there was a bond formed among the musicians and audience members that was something I had never observed before. It was if everyone had joined together as a family, thankful for the music and the opportunity to spend time together. In a chance encounter with John Clayton, as he was leaving Vail after performing that weekend, he asked me if I thought I would organize another event the following year. At that moment, completely overwhelmed by the experience of the prior three days, I blurted out, “Yes, I know what I am going to do with the rest of my life.” What followed has been 24 blissful years. Now as Vail Jazz embarks upon its silver anniversary season, I find myself reminiscing about how remarkably fortunate I have been to have combined my passion for jazz with the community that I love, Vail. Furthermore, my commitment to Vail Jazz opened the door to another community, the jazz community, that has so enriched my life, with not only countless memorable musical experiences, but also with the love and friendship of many wonderful people that I never would have known if it wasn’t for that snowy evening in Vail. Finally, and most importantly, I have been blessed that Cathy has stood by my side, helping every step of the way, as have so many others, so that now Vail Jazz has taken its place among the important cultural organizations serving the Vail Valley and the world of jazz. In the pages that follow, you will have the opportunity to not only learn about our 65-day, summer-long, celebration of jazz – the 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival – but also about all of our educational programs and a little bit of our history, as well. All of us at Vail Jazz are extremely proud of what we have accomplished in our first 25 years and we look forward to the next 25 years and beyond as we continue to strive to fulfill our mission to perpetuate jazz for future generations of musicians and listeners. Enjoy the jazz and Vail!

Howard Stone Founder, Artistic Director, Chairman of the Board

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A LET TER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It is an honor to carry forward the legacy created by Howard and Cathy Stone and so many community members who have served the organization in various capacities as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vail Jazz Foundation. On behalf of our staff, faculties, crews, contractors, and community of partners, thank you for joining us this summer. Jazz Hall of Famer & legendary tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon said, “Jazz to me is a living music that since its beginning has expressed the feelings, the dreams, and hopes, of the people.” We are proud to preserve and perpetuate this music that inspires, educates, and entertains us all.

James Kenly

Executive Director

Special thanks to former Vail Jazz executives Robin Litt Mia Vlaar Christine Richards-Carlson Bill Brice Carrie Finley Bajack

THE VAIL JAZZ TEAM IN 2019 James Kenly Executive Director Amanda Blevins Development Director Brittney Wong Development Manager Cara Loux Festival Producer Connor Williams Education & Festival Coordinator Mary DiLuccio Administrative Coordinator

Ben Koelker Photography Chris Whitney Bar Manager Ashley Cleary Festival Production Associate Abel Ramirez Festival Production Intern Dustin Knock Vail Jazz Workshop Lead Counselor Sean Goldman Vail Jazz Workshop Counselor

John Clayton Director of Education, Vail Jazz Workshop, Bass Jeff Clayton Vail Jazz Workshop Faculty, Saxophone Terell Stafford Vail Jazz Workshop Faculty, Trumpet Wycliffe Gordon Vail Jazz Workshop Faculty, Trombone Bill Cunliffe Vail Jazz Workshop Faculty, Piano Lewis Nash Vail Jazz Workshop Faculty, Drums

Special thanks to our production partners: Audio production by Mighty Fine Productions Backline supplied by High Country Backline Pianos provided by Yamaha & Denver Classic Pianos Pianos tuned by Jackson Piano Tuning Pianos moved by Extreme Piano Moving Tents flown by Alpine Party Rentals Travel arranged by Joyce Newton at Snow Sport Vacations Oxygen delivered by AlpinAire

Tony Gulizia Dir. of Ed., Vail Jazz Goes to School, Jammin’ Jazz Kids, Piano Brian Loftus Jammin’ Jazz Kids, Drums Mike Gurciullo Vail Jazz Goes To School Faculty, Trumpet Gary Regina Vail Jazz Goes To School Faculty, Saxophone Andy Hall Vail Jazz Goes To School Faculty, Bass Michael Pujado Vail Jazz Goes To School Faculty, Percussion Mike Marlier Vail Jazz Goes To School Faculty, Drums Joey Gulizia Vail Jazz Goes to School Faculty Emeritus Roger Neumann Vail Jazz Goes to School Faculty In Memorium Rob Helmstetter Art Direction, Graphic Design, Illustration Wing Mayer Contributing Editor, Vail Jazz Festival Program Guide Piet Geldhof Crew Captain Luke Vlaar Audio Engineer Shauna Farnell Writer, Public Relations Consultant Capture the Action Video Jack Affleck Photography

Special thanks to our venue partners: The Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, The Remedy at the Four Seasons, The Sonnenalp, The Riverwalk at Edwards, The Vail Farmers’ Market & ArtShow, The Vail Chophouse, The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater The 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival is presented by:

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GOING ABOVE

AND BEYOND PROFESSIONAL. CONVENIENT. EXPERIENCED.

Daily scheduled shuttles to and from Denver Airport Around-town transportation for groups Privately chauffeured SUVs

EPICMOUNTAINEXPRESS.COM | 970-754-7433


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25 years ago, I had a crazy thought: “Why don’t I put on a jazz festival in Vail?" estd.1995 the Vail Jazz Foundation A 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating jazz music with a focus on young musicians and young audiences.

estd.1995

estd.1996

estd.1998

VA I L J A Z Z P A R T Y

VA I L J A Z Z W O R K S H O P

VAIL JAZZ GOES TO SCHOOL

Continuing the format pioneered by Dick Gibson, artists, and fans gathered in Vail, CO for 3 days of barrier-free swing, soul, and freedom of expression.

Created in partnership with jazz dignitary John Clayton, the first class of gifted high school jazz musicians joined a world-class faculty for a 10-day intensive session.

Created in partnership with local jazz legend Tony Gulizia, a notable faculty brought the rhythms, melodies, and history of jazz music to 4th and 5th graders in Eagle County.

the Vail Jazz Festival

from 1999-2019

From the Vail Jazz Party over Labor Day Weekend in 1999 to more than 80 concerts over 10 weeks in 2019, the Vail Jazz Festival grew every year in new venues and event formats. Each year, artists and audiences strengthen their relationships with Vail and the unique experiences created by Vail Jazz.

estd.2012

estd.2014

estd.2016

VAIL JAZZ WINTER SERIES

JA M M I N ’ JA Z Z K I D S

STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

The same entertaining and educational performances are introduced during the vibrant ski season in Vail.

Tony Gulizia extends the classroom curriculum to a younger audience with hands-on educational sessions focusing on the Blues.

The Vail Jazz Festival welcomes Colorado’s best high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, extending the curriculum from the classroom to the mainstage.

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PROUD TO BE GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY BY SPONSORING THE VAIL JAZZ PARTY, AND HAPPY TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP!

THANK YOU VAIL JAZZ FOR KEEPING MUSIC EDUCATION ALIVE IN OUR SCHOOLS AND AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO OUR COMMUNITY! LUNCH 11AM-4PM

DINNER 5:30PM-10PM

PIZZA & BAR 11AM-2PM

VENDETTASVAIL.COM

970.476.5070


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We love seeing you every summer! Here's what we're up to throughout the year: january february Vail Jazz Goes to School Vail Jazz Workshop application period begins Blue Note at Sea

may

Vail Jazz Winter Series The Jazz Cruise

june

march

april

Vail Jazz Winter Series Vail Jazz Goes to School

Vail Jazz Goes to School Vail Jazz Festival tickets on-sale

july & august Vail Jazz Club Series

Jammin' Jazz Kids

Contributions secured from donors, sponsors & granting organizations

Vail Jazz Workshop students selected

Vail Jazz @ Vail Square

CO Student Band Showcase

Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk

4th of July

*70% of the Vail Jazz operating budget*

Vail Jazz Festival Program published

Vail Jazz @ The Market

25th Anniversary Celebration

Vail Jazz @ The Remedy

Vail Jazz Workshop

Vail Jazz Party – 40 hours of music featuring 40 musicians

september Vail Jazz Goes to School

october

november

december Colorado Gives Day

Annual planning

NYC fundraising trip

Vail Jazz Winter Series tickets on-sale

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Our Milestones are your Milestones Congratulations on 25 YEARS! In celebration of Alpine Bank’s 20th anniversary in Edwards, we are proud to underwrite the Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk series—join us every Friday!

PERSONAL - BUSINESS - MORTGAGE - WEALTH MANAGEMENT* Not FDIC Insured - May Lose Value - No Bank Guarantee


Giving Back -

The Alpine Bank and Vail Jazz Way Alpine Bank is proud to call Colorado home. Since 1973, we have been giving back to the Colorado communities where we live, work and play. First opening in Carbondale in 1973, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by Mayor Charles Kelly, the ribbon was made from 50 silver dollars attached to a string of tape. The money was donated to Mt. Sopris Park and marked the beginning of Alpine Bank's tradition of community giving and involvement. More than 45 years later, hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals have benefited from Alpine Bank's generosity. Chairman Bob Young said he originally adopted his policies of giving back to the community because he thought it would be good for the bottom line. He has since realized, "It isn’t good for the bottom line, it is the bottom line." The Vail Jazz Foundation has grown to host more than 85 performances annually, but it’s not just for spectators: there are also three wildly popular, hands-on educational programs–Jammin’ Jazz Kids, Jazz Goes to School and the Vail Jazz Workshop. All three are supported through generous grant contributions of Alpine Bank. “We have an obligation to let young people know about their culture. And unfortunately, in the schools that isn’t a major emphasis,” said How-

ard. “So, if you believe in the values of our society and think that young people should know not only about jazz, but arts and culture, that’s what we’re about.” The Workshop, now in its 24th year, brings together 12 accomplished teenage jazz musicians to train alongside six professional players for an intensive 10 days culminating in performances at the Vail Jazz Party. Vail Jazz Goes to School, in its 23rd year, is an ambitious enrichment program brings the instrumentation, songs, performers, and culture of jazz music to every fourth and fifth grade classroom in Eagle County four times a year, touching

more than 1,400 students. Alpine Bank Regional President for Vail, Mike Brown, was able to experience the program first hand, and it was so powerful he joined the Vail Jazz Board of Directors, strengthening the bond and partnership between the two organizations. Celebrate our deep rooted partnership, 25 years of Vail Jazz, and the 20 years of Alpine Bank’s Edwards branch, at free performances at the Riverwalk Amphitheater in Edwards every Friday from July 5th through August 23rd. We look forward to seeing you there!

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CONTENTS Community

Organization PEOPLE OF VAIL JAZZ ABOUT VAIL JAZZ

1 5

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

10 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

ARTICLES VOLUNTEERS

Programs PERFORMANCE SERIES & VENUE INFO

DONORS

17 31

The Fourth of July Festivities

110 114 117 42


Performances AT-A-GLANCE ARTIST & PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTIONS

25th Anniversary Celebration Gala

12 The

39 49

Vail Jazz Party

This is where it all began. It was supposed to be a one time thing, a dream fulfilled. It turned into a legacy.

78

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CONCERT July 2019 CALENDAR (JUNE)

30 SUN 4 THU 5

FRI

7 SUN 8 MON 10 WED 11 THU 12

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + WAYNE WILKINSON

PARADE + FREE SHOW

FERNANDO PULLUM COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER JAZZ BAND

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

MARCIA BALL

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

HAZEL MILLER BAND

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS

TONY GULIZIA & BRIAN LOFTUS

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

ROOT DOWN ORGAN TRIO

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + MATT FULLER

25TH ANNIV. CELEBRATION

WYCLIFFE GORDON’S NU FUNK DANCE MACHINE II

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES

YAMANDU COSTA TRIO

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

YAMANDU COSTA TRIO

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

AFTER MIDNIGHT

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS

TONY GULIZIA & BRIAN LOFTUS

FRI

14 SUN

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

BLT + BOB REBHOLZ

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + BOB REBHOLZ

17 WED

18 THU

19 FRI

26 FRI

31

SUN

24 WED 25 THU

28

SUN WED

JOHN PIZZARELLI TRIO: FOR CENTENNIAL REASONS

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

21

WAYNE WILKINSON TRIO

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

– 100 YEAR SALUTE TO NAT KING COLE: A MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE JOHN PIZZARELLI TRIO: FOR CENTENNIAL REASONS – 100 YEAR SALUTE TO NAT KING COLE: A MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

LA POMPE JAZZ

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS

TONY GULIZIA & BRIAN LOFTUS

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

JOE DENINZON & FRIENDS

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + JOE DENINZON

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY: JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY: JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES

PARTY ON! @THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

DKO (DARREN KRAMER ORGANIZATION)

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS

TONY GULIZIA & BRIAN LOFTUS

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

KATIE GLASSMAN & SNAPSHOT

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + KATIE GLASSMAN

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES

12 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

JON CLEARY: TRIBUTE TO HENRY BUTLER & THE NEW ORLEANS PIANO TRADITION – A MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE


CONCERT CALENDAR August 2019 1 THU

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

2 FRI 4 SUN 7 WED 8 THU

JON CLEARY: TRIBUTE TO HENRY BUTLER & THE NEW ORLEANS PIANO TRADITION – A MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

CRESCENT CITY CONNECTION

CO. STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

KENT DENVER JAZZ

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

KATHY MORROW & DZ

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + RON BLAND + BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES

VERONICA SWIFT & EMMET COHEN TRIO

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

VERONICA SWIFT & EMMET COHEN TRIO

9 FRI

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

QUEMANDO

11 SUN

CO. STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

EAST HIGH SCHOOL 6TH HOUR JAZZ COMBO

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

LP & THE VINYL

15 THU

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + LEONARD PATTON

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

CATHERINE RUSSELL

16 FRI 18 SUN

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

AIR FORCE FALCONAIRES

CO. STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS JAZZ WORKSHOP ORCH. COMBO

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

FORTUNATO

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + ANTHONY SALVO

22 THU

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE

PONCHO SANCHEZ

23 FRI

PARTY ON! @ THE CHOPHOUSE

KATHY MORROW & BRENT GORDON

VAIL JAZZ @ RIVERWALK

EEF & THE BLUES EXPRESS

25 SUN

CO. STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

WILLIAM J PALMER HIGH SCHOOL

VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET

CORAÇÃO BRAZILIAN QUARTET

VAIL JAZZ @ THE REMEDY

BLT + SPECIAL GUESTS

From August 28 - September 2, the Vail Jazz Party presents more than 40 artists and 40 hours of music featuring unique combinations and special themed shows. For ticket information visit vailjazz.org or call 970.479.6146 VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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JAZZ FOR ALL

W H AT I S JA Z Z ?

Louis Armstrong said, “if you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know,” and we agree. For 25 years, Vail Jazz has presented music inspired by the melting pot in 1918 New Orleans— there is something for everyone!

BLUES

Marcia Ball (p.45) Eef & the Blues Express (p.77)

SWING

After Midnight (p.53) BLT & Rebholz (p.53) Katie Glassman (p.61)

S OUL Hazel Miller Band (p.47) LP & the Vinyl (p.69)

STRAIGHT AHEAD Wayne Wilkinson (p.41) Root Down Organ Trio (p.47)

BRAZILIAN

Yamandu Costa Trio (p.51) Coracao Brazilian Quartet (p.77)

LATIN

Poncho Sanchez (p.75) Quemando (p.69)

14 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

NEW ORLEANS Jon Cleary (p.63)

BIG BAND Air Force Falconaires (p.73)

GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

John Pizzarelli Trio (p.55) Ann Hampton Callaway (p.59) Veronica Swift & the Emmet Cohen Trio (p.67) Catherine Russell (p.71) Kathy Morrow & DZ (p.65)

FUSION

Joe Deninzon (p.57) Fortunato (p.73)

GYPSY

La Pompe Jazz (p.57)

FUNK

Wycliffe Gordon’s Nu Funk Dance Machine (p.49) DKO (p.61) Crescent City Connection (p.65)


A proud supporter of

Vail Jazz Thank you for serving our community for the last 25 years!

Bringing Communities Together


LLC

STEVENS, LITTMAN, BIDDISON, THARP & WEINBERG, LLC A full service, 12 lawyer firm, 38 years old (youthful in jazz world!), of quality lawyers to meet your customized needs. Serving the Vail Valley, Front Range, and beyond. •Estate Planning/Wills and Trusts• •Family Law and Divorce• •Real Estate Transactions & Litigation• •Civil and Criminal Litigation• VAIL OFFICE

1448 Vail Valley Drive B •Vail, Colorado 81657 Telephone: 970-949-9989 •Toll Free: 800-273-1802 Fax: 970-477-0850

BOULDER OFFICE

250 Arapahoe Rd. #301 • Boulder, Colorado 80302 Telephone: 303-443-6690 •Toll Free: 800-273-1802 Fax: 303-449-9349

www.slblaw.com


VA I L JA Z Z

Performance Series & Venue Information


VA I L JA Z Z

CLUB SERIES

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O : 18 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E

TICKETS

July 10 - August 7 | Wednesdays First set: doors 5:00pm, music 5:30pm Second set: doors 7:30pm, music 8:00pm

$40 per set $30 dining minimum, per ticket


W E D N E S D AY S Pres enting s pon s or : Grappa Wine and Spirits S u ppor ting S pon s or : Vail Monopoly

ELEGANT EVENINGS IN A CLASSIC JAZZ SETTING THE LOWDOWN

THE LINEUP

Now in its eighth year, the highly pop-

July 10 | Yamandu Costa Trio (p.51)

ular Vail Jazz Club Series is the “up close and personal” way to enjoy some of our favorite artists. Nestled in the intimate environs of Vail’s luxurious 5-star Sonnenalp Hotel, these (oft-sold-out) Wednesday outings have evolved into treasured icons of elegant summer evenings in a classic jazz club setting. Combining great sightlines, excellent acoustics, timeless cocktails and enticing dining options, the Vail Jazz Club Series offers its attentive audiences unforgettable musical evenings in a small club milieu. It’s the perfect setting to experience the beautiful renderings of Ann Hampton Callaway, the stunning virtuosity of Yamandu Costa, the stylish fun of John Pizzarelli, the vocal creativity of Veronica Swift and the energetic piano stylings of Jon Cleary. A little dressy...a soupçon of sophistication... think of it as Vail’s VIP Room for jazz!

July 17 | John Pizzarelli Trio “For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole” - A Multimedia Tribute (p.55) July 24 | Ann Hampton Callaway: Jazz Goes to the Movies (p.59) July 31 | Jon Cleary’s Tribute to Henry Butler and the New Orleans Piano Tradition - A Multimedia Tribute (p.63) August 7 | Veronica Swift feat. Emmet Cohen Trio (p.67)

VENUE

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S

Ludwig’s Terrace Sonnenalp Hotel 20 Vail Road Vail, CO

Free parking available at the Vail Village parking structure. Limited valet parking at the Sonnenalp. Located on the free town bus route.

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VA I L JA Z Z @

VA I L SQUARE Don’t miss the afterparty every Thursday! Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at The Vail Chophouse 8-10pm this is a free show!

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O :

20 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E

TICKETS

July 4 - August 22 | Thursdays Doors: 5:30pm, music 6:00pm

$50 premium reserved section $40 preferred reserved section $25 general admission


T H U R S D AY S Pre se n ti ng Spon s or : The Jazz Cruise & The Blue Note at Sea S upporti n g Spon sor s :FlyVail, DownBeat Magazine, Mountain Living

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINERS AT THE T OP OF THE WORLD THE LOWDOWN

THE LINEUP

The epicenter of family-friendly jazz throughout the summer,

July 4 | Marcia Ball (p.45)

the Jazz Tent at Vail Square will once again throb, sway and reverberate with an octet of world-class, masterful performances. Tucked into its picture-book setting adjacent to the Arrabelle Hotel, it’s THE place to be on Thursday nights. Vail Jazz @ Vail Square will captivate the entire family with high-energy international artists across many genres—from classic American songbook to energetic brass and percussion, classic straight-ahead jazz, and Latin-flavored rhythms. Seating in the Jazz Tent provides great sightlines and carefully tuned acoustics to complement a stunning roster of superlative artists in the festive Arrabelle courtyard, replete with restaurants, taverns, shops and a highly convivial vibe.

July 11 | Yamandu Costa Trio (p.51) July 18 | John Pizzarelli Trio “For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole” - A Multimedia Tribute (p.55) July 25 | Ann Hampton Callaway: Jazz Goes to the Movies (p.59) August 1 | Jon Cleary’s Tribute to Henry Butler and the New Orleans Piano Tradition - A Multimedia Tribute (p.63) August 8 | Veronica Swift feat. Emmet Cohen Trio (p.67) August 15 | Catherine Russell (p.71) August 22 | Poncho Sanchez (p.75)

VENUE

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S

Jazz Tent Vail Square 675 Lionshead Place Vail, CO

Free parking available at the Lionshead Parking Structure. Paid valet parking at the Arrabelle Hotel. Located near the free town bus route.

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VA I L JA Z Z @

RIVERWALK

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O :

22 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E

TICKETS

July 5 - August 23 | Fridays doors 5:00pm, music 6:00pm

Admission is Free!


F R I D AY S Pres enting S pon s or : Alpine Bank S u ppor ting S pon s or : FlyVail, Anheuser-Busch

THE PERFECT PARTY VIBE TO START YOUR SUMMER WEEKEND THE LOWDOWN

THE LINEUP

Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk started with

July 5 | Hazel Miller Band (p.47)

just a handful of shows at a totally unknown venue. Now celebrating its fifth season, VJ@RW is a full-fledged summer party, enjoying geometric growth in popularity, and fast becoming a mainstay of the “Down Valley” summer jazz scene. Offering a full roster of energetic performers on Fridays throughout the summer, the Edwards-based Riverwalk series now attracts a wide demographic of music lovers, from toddlers to toodle-loo’ers, and their doodles! Whether your preferred hangout is on the grass or on your own blankets or lawn chairs, it’s a weekly backyard barbecue down by the river...the piquant aromas of the nearby grills wafting into the summer evening. It’s the perfect spot to wind-down your week...or amp-up your weekend!

July 12 | After Midnight (p.53) July 19 | La Pompe Jazz (p.57) July 26 | DKO (p.61) August 2 | Crescent City Connection (p.65) August 9 | Quemando (p.69) August 16 | Air Force Falconaires (p.73) August 23 | Eef & the Blues Express (p.77)

VENUE

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S

Riverwalk Backyard Amphitheater 225 Main Street, Edwards, CO

Free parking available at Riverwalk’s street level and underground parking areas.

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VA I L JA Z Z @

THE MARKET

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O :

24 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E

TICKETS

June 30 - August 25 | Sundays Music 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Admission is Free!


S U N D AY S S u ppor ting S pon s or : Vail Daily

E N E RG E T I C CO L O R A D O - G ROW N JA Z Z THE LOWDOWN

THE LINEUP

A summer Sunday tradition, Vail

June 30 | Wayne Wilkinson Trio (p.41)

Jazz @ The Market ensures that musical appetites are well slaked with an abundance of savory sonic sweets. A must-stop destination at the popular Vail Farmers’ Market in the heart of Vail Village, it’s a cool spot to catch a little shade or grab a seat in the breezy open-sided tent. Kick your shoes off to enjoy the eclectic lineup, which varies from week to week--from traditional jazz trios to violin, organ, and guitar-focused groups, to sax-heavy jazz fare, saucy American Songbook vocals and pulsing Latin rhythms. While you’re sampling the best of the Farmers’ Market comestibles and the colorful work of local artisans, complete the experience with the best in energetic Colorado-grown jazz.

July 7 | Root Down Organ Trio (p.47) July 14 | BLT & Bob Rebholz (p.53) July 21 | Joe Deninzon & Friends (p.57) July 28 | Katie Glassman & Snapshot (p.61) August 4 | Kathy Morrow & DZ (p.65) August 11 | LP & the Vinyl (p.69) August 18 | Fortunato (p.73) August 25 | Coração Brazilian Jazz Quartet (p.77)

VENUE

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S

Jazz Tent, Solaris 141 East Meadow Drive Vail, CO

Free parking available at the Vail Village Parking Structure. Paid parking at Solaris. Located on the free town bus route.

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VA I L JA Z Z @

THE R E M E DY

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O :

26 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E

TICKETS

June 30 - August 25 | Sundays Music 8:00pm

Admission is Free!


S U N D AY S P res enting Und er wr it er : Oscar and Didi Schafer S u ppor ting S pon s or : Four Seasons Resort Vail

S L I C K . H I P. S O P H I S T I C AT E D . THE LOWDOWN

THE LINE UP

The Remedy has become a “must hang”

BLT (Tony Gulizia & Brian Loftus) perform every Sunday night, joined by the following featured soloists:

for jazz on Sunday nights. With a backdrop of Vail mountain views, The Remedy provides a decidedly sleek, modern, expansive space for Sunday night jazz with an urban/chic vibe. Throughout the summer, The Remedy hosts a stellar roster of top Colorado jazzers - hosted by Tony Gulizia, Vail’s keyboard guru and ambassador of jazz, joined weekly by the ever-steadfast Brian Loftus on drums. An array of visiting jazz luminaries drop by each week to sit in, creating an evening of lively musical concoctions. Not to be outdone, The Remedy’s expert bartenders produce a plethora of playful potions for enjoyment at the center bar, or in the slightly more boisterous jazz emporium. An impressive array of whiskeys, tequilas, cognacs and all manner of creative imbibables grace the memorable menu, which also features well orchestrated burgers, pizza, ribs and yes, bi bim bap! Your perfect Sunday night haunt for jazz.

June 30 | Wayne Wilkinson (guitar) July 7 | Matt Fuller (guitar) & Suprise Guests July 14 | Bob Rebholz (saxophone) July 21 | Joe Deninzon (violin) July 28 | Katie Glassman (fiddle/vocals) August 4 | Brent Gordon (saxophone/vocals) & Ron Bland (bass) August 11 | Leonard Patton (vocals) August 18 | Anthony Salvo (violin) August 25 | Very Special Guests

VENUE

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S

The Remedy Bar Four Seasons Resort 1 Vail Rd Vail, CO

Complimentary parking at the Four Seasons when dining at the Remedy Bar. Located on the free town bus route.

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THE

VA I L J A Z Z

PA RT Y

K N OW BEFORE YO U G O :

28 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

DAT E & T I M E August 29 - September 2 Over 40 hours of music

TICKETS All-Access Passes: $475/$400 Special Shows: $20-$40 Afternoon Sessions: $55 Evening Sessions: $75 For more information see p.78-109 or vailjazz.org/tickets


L A B O R D AY W E E K E N D Pre se n ti ng Spon sors : The Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea, Town of Vail S u ppor ting S pon s or s :Vendetta’s, Alpine Bank

25 YEARS LATER... THE LOWDOWN Over Labor Day Weekend in 1995, Howard

Stone, a small group of fans and some of the world’s most talented musicians convened in Vail, Colorado to celebrate jazz music. 25 years later, one of the finest collection of musicians and fans in the world will continue the tradition with over 40 hours of music. This very special edition of the Vail Jazz Party introduces fans to a new venue -- the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater -- for Niki Haris’ Gospel Prayer Meetin’, and presents an unprecedented number of tribute performances including John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Larry Fuller hon-

THE LINEUP oring their friend, bandmate, and mentor Ray Brown, Byron Stripling’s Jazz and the Struggle for Freedom, and Bill Cunliffe’s Celebration of George Shearing’s Centennial. The Vail Jazz Party also features the Vail Jazz All-Stars —the class of 2019 from the award-winning Vail Jazz Workshop—and Vail Jazz Alumni, building the bridge from the past to the future of JAZZ - America’s musical gift to the world. For the complete schedule, artist bios, and special show descriptions, see page 79.

VENUES Vail Marriott Mountain Resort The VJP Official Headquarters Hotel:

715 W. Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO The Arrabelle at Vail Square 675 Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater 530 S. Frontage Road E, Vail, CO

John Clayton Jeff Clayton Terell Stafford Wycliffe Gordon Bill Cunliffe Lewis Nash Kenny Banks Jr. Marty Jaffe Mike Mitchell David Milazzo Gabe Medd Ernie Adams Jacob Christoffersen Adrian Cunningham Sinne Eeg Diego Figueiredo Bobby Floyd Mitch Forman

Larry Fuller Jerohn Garnett Jeff Hamilton Niki Haris Greg Harris Steve Kovalcheck Julien Labro James Morrison Nicki Parrott Ken Peplowski Lyndon Rochelle Olli Soikkeli Byron Stripling Jerry Weldon Martin Wind Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble

PA R K I N G /A C C E S S Free daytime parking available at the Lionshead Parking Structure. Paid valet parking at the Marriott & Arrabelle. Located on the free town bus route. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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DIANNE R E E V E S

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VA I L JA Z Z

Education Programs


IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Roger Neumann Roger Neumann played an integral role in delivering the art and joy of jazz music to more than 15,000 children in the Vail Valley. Based in Los Angeles, Eagle County was a second home to the renowned saxophonist, who, in addition to writing for, performing and recording with some of the biggest names in music, served as local educator over the last two decades through the Vail Jazz Goes to School (VJGTS) program.

“He was an outstanding educator, a jazz giant and, a true friend” - Tony Gulizia

“He was incredible as a musician and an educator. Just the love of this guy … it can’t be measured” said fellow VJGTS educator Tony Gulizia, who performed a tribute to Neumann at the saxophonist’s Celebration of Life on Dec. 15 in Los Angeles. “We’ve traveled the world together and had a history that goes back 38 years. He was an integral part of our education program here in Vail. I can’t tell you how many thousands of kids knew him and loved him.”

32 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

A prolific composer and arranger, Neumann’s list of credits include work for/with Ray Charles, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Barbara Streisand and The Beach Boys (to name a few). In addition to his successful career penning chart hits for other musicians, Neumann himself never stopped playing. He formed Roger Neumann’s Rather Large Band in 1975, recording two highly acclaimed albums in 1983 and 1994 and played to audiences across the globe through autumn 2018. He performed extensively with Tony Gulizia and his brother Joey Gulizia, Vail local Kathy Morrow as well as Katie Thiroux, a graduate of the 2005 Vail Jazz Workshop. Neumann taught jazz for most of his life, always finding ways to give back to the communities in which he lived in or visited. In 2002, Neumann was honored as the jazz Composer/Arranger of the Year at the 20th Annual Jazz Tribute and Awards in Los Angeles, an event sponsored by the L.A. Jazz Society. At the 2012 tribute and awards, Neumann received the Jazz Educator of the Year Award, one of the greatest honors in the industry. He passed away on Nov. 28, 2018, at the age of 77.


VA I L JA Z Z

GOES TO SCHOOL Most kids would never be exposed to jazz, much less understand its development and relevance to American history, without this program. - Dawn Vallejos, former music teacher at Eagle Valley and Edwards elementary schools

Gary Regina

Andy Hall

Vail Jazz Goes to School is formatted as a series of four, 45-minute lessons that are presented over the course of the school year. The topics covered include: percussion and the origins of jazz, improvisation and the quintet, 12 bar blues and the trio, and a finale concert covering the decades of jazz. With over 1,100 students participating from Eagle County’s 14 elementary schools, Vail Jazz exposes a whole new group of young music lovers to the origins and history of jazz through a hands-on, multi-course program. The instructors craft lesson plans that require student and teacher participation as a way to keep the kids engaged. Over the course of the year they will have the opportunity to play drums, improvise over a blues, and even write their own song lyrics.

Tony Gulizia

Michael Pujado

Ultimately, the goal of the Vail Jazz Goes to School program is to make the music more accessible. Jazz is America’s gift to the musical world and it is our job to share it with kids so they can appreciate it as they grow up.

Mike Marlier

NEED TO KNOW Dates: Four sessions from September – May Venues: 4th and 5th grade classrooms in Eagle County Free to students: Over 22,000 students since 1998

Michael Gurciullo

Generously supported by: The Epic Promise Foundation, Alpine Bank Program Underwriter: Kathy and Trent Cole Scholarship Fund

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CA L L I N G T H E YOU N G A N D YOU N G -AT- H E A RT

JA M M I N ’ JA Z Z K I D S Join Vail Jazz Goes to School Director of Education, Tony Gulizia and his BLT-Better-Half, Brian Loftus, for a fun-filled hour of hands-on melody making exploring the fundamentals of jazz music. This program focuses on the 12-bar blues, both the chordal structure and lyrical content, and invites the audience to play along on Orff Instruments, tambourines, and shakers to bring the music to life in the heart of Vail Village every Sunday in July.

N E E D T O K N OW Date & Time: July 7 - July 28 | 11am Tickets: Free! Venue: Vail Farmers Market, Vail Jazz Tent @ Solaris Plaza Parking/Access: Free parking available at Vail Village Parking Structure, Paid parking available at Solaris Parking Garage

Generously supported by: Alpine Bank

A STAGE FOR THE FUTURE

COLORADO STUDENT B A N D S H OW C A S E The finest, fresh faces of the Colorado jazz scene take the stage every Sunday in August to showcase the future of jazz music in the Rocky Mountains. High school jazz ensembles, including the William J. Palmer a capella group, take the stage under the direction of esteemed educators delivering high-altitude interpretations of standards and original compositions.

Generously supported by: Salsiccia Gulizia

34 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

N E E D T O K N OW Date & Time: August 4 - August 25 | 11am Tickets: Free! Venue: Vail Farmers Market, Vail Jazz Tent @ Solaris Plaza - Vail, CO. Parking/Access: Free parking available at Vail Village Parking Structure, Paid parking available at Solaris Parking Garage

THE LINEUP Aug 4 | Kent Denver Jazz | Dir. Justin Adams Aug 11 | East High School: 6th Hour Jazz Combo | Dir. Keith Oxman Aug 18 | Denver School of the Arts Jazz Workshop Orch. Combo | Dir. Dave Holland August 25 | William J. Palmer High School Vocal Ensembles | Dir. Jeff Peckham


THE FUTURE OF JAZZ

The Vail Jazz Workshop The Vail Jazz Workshop, among the longest-running programs of its kind, brings the next generation of jazz torchbearers together for a meeting of the minds facilitated by some of today’s greatest jazz educators and players. Each year, a dozen of North America’s most dedicated, gifted and promising young jazz musicians are chosen from a broad field of talented applicants, receiving scholarships to participate in the 10-day Vail Jazz Workshop.

Alumni of the Workshop have contributed to over 100 Grammy nominated projects Organized in conjunction with the Vail Jazz Party, this highly regarded program is now in its 24th year, having mentored 274 high school-aged musicians since its inception. By anecdote, reputation, and word-of-mouth—from students and professionals alike—the 12 annual slots at the Vail Jazz Workshop are among the most coveted music scholarships for pre-college jazz musicians. Alumni have garnered recognition at all levels of the music industry: from Downbeat Student Awards to Grammy’s, from Essentially Ellington’s Outstanding soloist Awards to Emmys. Alumni of the Workshop have contributed to over 100 Grammy nominated projects, headline major festivals across the world, and regularly give masterclasses and lessons to the next generation of jazz musicians. Learn about the Class of 2019 and the many people that support this program on page 106.

Generously supported by: DownBeat Magazine Program Underwriter: Gretchen & Bob Ravenscroft

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SUBSCRIBE NOW! SUBSCRIBE NOW!


WORKSHOP REFLECTION

Learn by Ear

Eddie Barbash

If you have watched late night TV at any point this year, chances are you’ve seen Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The band has had several Vail Jazz

“The thing about playing music is there really is no correct path, in fact there’s really no right or wrong in it at all.” -Eddie Barbash Alumni sit in for shows over the course of its tenure including Grace Kelly (’08), Russell Hall (’10), and Patrick Bartley (’10). The most frequented Vail Jazz Alum seen in Ed Sullivan theater has been Eddie Barbash (’05), one of the founding members of Stay Human. Barbash looks back on the Workshop with fond memories. “I remember being encouraged to tear up our real books. I think it was me and maybe one other kid that actually had brought real books to the workshop but I hadn’t brought mine in to the classes. After the talk about tearing up our real books though, I brought mine in and we all ripped it to shreds together. I haven’t really learned any tune off of sheet music since then. I learn it all by ear. And I hadn’t been doing that until I went to Vail.”

He continued to say how he developed this skill since his move to New York City to attend Juilliard. “Jon (Batiste) never wrote out music so that was a lot of learning, sometimes really complex stuff, by ear. We had to do it really fast, especially when we were on the Late Show. We would have to learn a song for a walk on and we would only have a few minutes to do it. So, my experience at Vail was really important because it turned me on to learning things by ear.” It’s important to listen to anyone that’s intelligent and successful but definitely view their advice through your own lens, because at the end of the day there are no rules and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to what music should sound like or how it should be made.”

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JAZZ, PIZZA, & PATIOS THE PERFECT SUMMER PAIRING! Come see the newly remodeled Blue Moose Pizza and enjoy a Colorado craft beer or glass of wine while enjoying the sights and sounds only Vail Jazz Festival can bring. Located in the heart of Lionshead Village, right next to the Vail Jazz @ Vail Square tent. Pop in on Thursday evenings for a quick slice or takeout a whole pie to share with your friends!

bluemoosepizza.com

(970) 476-8666

@bluemoosepizza


VA I L JA Z Z

Artists & Performances


VAIL VILLAGE LOCATION Year-Round Four Seasons Amenities Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail offers the perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts featuring the most expansive accommodations in the Vail Valley and easy access to Vail Mountain’s endless year-round epic alpine adventures.

THE REMEDY BAR

With a backdrop of uninterrupted mountain views and an expansive patio illuminated by firepits, The Remedy offers a lively après scene and is the ideal destination in Vail to unwind, socialize and imbibe.

THE SPA

Relax and restore at the Vail Valley’s only Forbes Five-Star Spa. Enjoy results-oriented and organic treatments focused on preserving the delicate balance of hydration and nourishment - especially important in this alpine climate.

FLAME RESTAURANT

Fun-dining meets modern mountain steak at Flame Restaurant. Enjoy indulgent side dishes, house-made sauces and seared steaks, carved tableside.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail One Vail Road | Vail, CO 81657 | 970.477.8600 fourseasons.com/vail


S U N D AY

June 30th Wayne Wilkinson Trio VAIL JAZZ @ THE MARKET (p.24) Wayne Wilkinson is a headliner guitarist who performs and tours across the country and internationally. Throughout his four decade career, Wayne has shared the stage with many iconic jazz musicians including the Brecker Brothers, Houston Person, Bria Skonberg, Adrian Cunningham, Henry Mancini, and Stanley Turrentine. He has played with worldclass performers such as Dianne Schuur, Bob Hope, and The Four Freshman...and even with President Clinton! Wayne is known for delivering high-octane straight ahead jazz, innovative bebop jazz and original compositions.

Don’t Miss the late show! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8pm BLT + Wayne Wilkinson | see p. 27

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"Vail is better than Disneyland" Kyle Poole This year, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vail Jazz, students from the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center are coming to Vail to march in the Vail America Days parade and perform a free show in Lionshead. The Vail Jazz Foundation began organizing trips to Vail for the 4th of July holiday as a direct result of Pullum’s desire to broaden his students’ horizons beyond their experience in South Central Los Angeles. In his own words, “In order to have a dream (the students) must first see what is available.” Kyle Poole is one such student that followed that dream to achieve greatness.

42 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

“Living between the physical and mental confines of 110th & Normandie and Western & El Segundo Blvd, I knew no other Los Angeles. We lived a 20 minute bus ride from Dockweiler Beach and some of the children in my neighborhood had never seen the ocean. Music was my escape from these confines, widening my world beyond what I could have ever imagined. When I joined the marching band at Washington Preparatory High School the end of the year trip to Vail, Colorado was the Holy Grail. The upperclassmen who had been before passed down their stories like a fairytale. We all worked hard musically and scholastically in order to earn our vacation to paradise. In the summer of 2008, our bus climbed the Colorado Rockies while my peers and I gazed at the scenery. It was the first time we had seen cascading waterfalls, endless forests, and snow-capped mountains. 'Vail is better than Disneyland,' I told myself. We marched proudly through a scenery that was strikingly different from our own. I am fortunate that since then music has brought me to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and in March of this year back to Vail to perform with the Emmet Cohen Trio; a full circle moment in my career. If I hadn’t been to Vail that summer I may have never gained the perspective that through music the world could be my oyster. I am grateful to The Vail Jazz Foundation, its organizers and donors for continuing to inspire stories like mine.”


T H U R S D AY

July 4th Vail America Days Parade Vail Jazz and Alpine Bank reprise a celebrated tradition, presenting the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center jazz band from Los Angeles. Alpine Bank’s mission is to help their customers, employees, shareholders, and community members achieve their dreams—for 25 years, the bank has supported the Vail Jazz Foundation and by extension, the tens of thousands of students who have graduated from Vail Jazz education programs.

Dont miss this special performance.

Vail Square in Lionshead - 1:00pm - free!

Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Band Presenting Underwriter: Maxine Roberts Fernando Pullum has dedicated his life to creating a safe haven for Los Angeles youth through arts education. The Pullum Center teaches students to be adventurous, expressive, and brave through transcendent performing opportunities including the Vail Jazz Festival. They have shared stages with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and Jackson Browne, and performed for dignitaries like President Ford and Prince Charles.

The Washington Prep High School jazz band, under the direction of Fernando Pullum, meeting President Ford on his 90th birthday on July 4, 2003. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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Chophouse V a i l

S T E A K S

&

S E A F O O D

OFFICIAL "PARTY ON"

D I N N E R & J A ZZ

8-10PM | THURSDAYS

KATHY MORROW & FRIENDS

Dinner & Jazz

Located at the base of

THURSDAYS

the Lionshead Gondola

July 4th to August 30th

Serving Lunch & Dinner

8:00 to 10:00

(970) 477.0555

vailchophouse.com

11:00 to 9:00 PM


T H U R S D AY

July 4th Marcia Ball

VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) With 18 albums and five Grammy® nominations, Marcia returns to kick off the Vail Square season in her rollicking, spirited style, combining Louisiana swamp rock and Texas blues. A Vail Jazz favorite, her M.O. is to start at a fevered pitch...and turn it up from there. The sides of the tent are guaranteed to be billowing from her two-fisted New Orleans piano, southern boogie, roadhouse blues, and heartfelt ballads. Marcia’s large and loyal following invariably feed the frenzy, never failing to be impelled to their feet by her saucy and boisterous musical offerings.

MUSICIANS Marcia Ball | Piano/Vocals Don Bennett | Bass Eric Bernhardt | Tenor Sax Corey Keller | Drums Mike Schermer | Guitar Presenting Underwriter: Maxine Roberts Supporting Underwriter: Helen & Bob Howard

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance.

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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July 5

F R I DAY Hazel Miller Band

VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22) Let the fireworks continue! Hazel Miller and her band never fail to deliver a lot of bang by way of blues, jazz, soul, pop, and Gospel. Her powerful, moving voice and crackerjack band return to Edwards, the perfect choice to launch Riverwalk’s fifth season. Over the years, Hazel has garnered many awards and accolades for her performances throughout Colorado, on NPR, and at major jazz and music festivals. Her band won the Westword Readers Poll as Best Blues/R&B band for three consecutive years. Her band has opened for, or played with, James Taylor, Spyro Gyra, Michael McDonald, James Cotton, Lou Rawls, and many others. Their energy and enthusiasm will carry you well into next week. Presenting Underwriter: Fly Vail Local Business Underwriter: Bloch & Chapleau

S U N DAY

July 7

Root Down Organ Trio VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24) The Root Down Organ Trio marks its Vail Jazz debut by exploring the music of Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, The Meters, and others. Adding arrangements of popular tunes and jazz standards, this innovative collaboration includes guitarist Matt Fuller and long-time musical cohorts Mike Schwartz on organ and Mark Emmons on drums, focusing on the funk & groove elements of the swinging organ trio tradition.

JA M M I N ’ JA Z Z K I DS Free Program at 11am | see page 34

Don’t Miss the late show! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8pm

BLT + Matt Fuller | see p. 27 VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF THE HIGH COUNTRY HOME

.COM


M O N D AY

July 8

A GALA LIKE NEVER BEFORE

25th Anniversary Celebration

What better time to shake things up than a milestone birthday? Cut loose as we mix and mingle, move and groove, and celebrate 25 groundbreaking years. A streamlined auction, free-flow dinner, and dancing to Wycliffe Gordon and his Funk Band make this a celebration like none other. Attire is ‘mountain festive’ – we’ll see you there!

N EED T O KNOW Time | 6:00pm Tickets | $250 Venue | Larkspur Restaurant 458 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO Attire | Mountain festive Parking | Complimentary valet at Larkspur Restaurant More info | Vailjazz.org/25th-Anniversary-Celebration

T HE BA ND Wycliffe Gordon’s Nu Funk Dance Machine II Starring : Wycliffe Gordon | tb, v *Keschia Potter | as *Josh Shpak | t Eric Gunnison | keys Eduardo “Bijoux” Barbosa | b Celebration Commitee

Mary Carter, Co-chair Leslie Davies, Co-chair Cathie Bennett Patti Dixon

*Khris Royal | as Steve Kovalcheck | g Pete Olstad | t Mike Marlier | d

Jane Hall Jill Tanenbaum Pat Torvestad Sarah Valente

*Vail Jazz Workshop Alumni

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Tobacco, Liquor and Razzmatazz B e e r, W i n e a n d A l l t h a t J a z z

Celebrating

40 Years as Vail’s Wine Cellar

Open Daily 10:00 until ‘round Midnight Free Delivery Available 100 E. Meadow Dr., #32 I Vail Village 970.479.WINE


WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

July 10& 11 Yamandu Costa Trio VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES (p.18) VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) While not yet widely known in the U.S., Yamandu helms a wildly enthusiastic audience wherever he goes. This award-winning 7-string guitarist, raised on the folk music of Argentina, Uruguay and his native Brazil, demonstrates a remarkable sensitivity in his arrangements of classical music, milongas, tangos, zambas and native folk music. In his own compositions as well as his arrangements of more familiar pieces, Yamandu deftly weaves his artistry in ways that enfold his rapt listeners with his intensity, virtuosity, and the intimate charm of his performances. His adroit genius never fails to please his international cult-like following.

M USIC IA N S Yamandu Costa | Guitar Guto Wirrti | Bass Richard Scofano | Bandoneon Presenting Underwriter: Allan Finney and Nancy Gage Local Business Underwriter: Grappa Fine Wine and Spirits

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G ¡ 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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HAILED AS ONE OF THE TOP 15 CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVALS IN 2017 & 2018 BY THE NEW YORK TIMES

THE SOUND OF

SUMMER

FOUR ACCLAIMED ORCHESTRAS

STUNNING MOUNTAIN VENUES

Each summer the world’s top musicians and music lovers are drawn to Vail, Colorado for an experience unlike any other. Why not join them? Learn More & Get Tickets BRAVOVAIL.ORG | 877.812.5700

RELAXED SOCIAL SETTING

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA VIENNA – BERLIN DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

JUNE 20–AUGUST 4, 2019 VAIL, COLORADO

CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES PUCCINI’S TOSCA: A BOLD NEW


July 12

F R I DAY After Midnight

VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22) Once you hear After Midnight, you’ll wish the evening could go on forever. Swinging hard for more than a score of years, this sonically adept troupe has performed hundreds of concerts across the U.S. at a wide variety of venues, jazz festivals and hip summer soirées. With dizzying precision (and lots of practice), they tackle the most challenging charts of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, and others.

July 14

S U N DAY BLT + Bob Rebholz

VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24) BLT has sustained music-hungry jazzers for years, serving up tasty tidbits of trad jazz thanks to the cookin’ of Brian Loftus (drums) and Tony Gulizia (keyboards and vocals). Joining this popular Vail duo is Bob Rebholz, one of the Denver area’s most popular saxmen. These VJ@TM stalwarts will be dishing out reliable fare fit for jazz royalty like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, to the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Al Jarreau, and Van Morrison.

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS Free Show at 11am | see page 34

Don’t Miss the late show! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8pm BLT + Bob Rebholz | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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www.vailarchitects.com

Vail custom duplex PIERCE ARCHITECTS Pierce Architects, with a history of over 35 years in the Vail community, was commissioned to create a 13,000 square foot duplex residence for an international couple with widely divergent tastes. Working closely with the clients and General Contractor, Bill Pierce brought together the husband’s desire for a house reminiscent of the French ski lodges of his youth and the wife’s wishes for a clean, contemporary look. The result is an eclectic house which incorporates the extensive use of wood in the public spaces, while incorporating clean detailing and finishes in the private areas. Located on the banks of Gore Creek in Vail, Colorado, living areas and master bedrooms open to the south to capture winter sun and views of the creek. Through careful site planning, the forms of the duplex separate and shelter the adjacent homes from each other while providing private outdoor spaces. The result is a home which meets Pierce Architects mission of creating Space That Inspires Living. Let us assist you in achieving your vision for a home or condominium that inspires your life. For more information visit Pierce Architects web site at www.vailarchitects.com, write us at bill@vailarchitects.com or call us at 970-476-6342.


WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

July 17& 18 John Pizzarelli Trio For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole - Multimedia Tribute VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES (p.18) VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) Since his popular Vail Jazz debut six years ago, John has, to the delight of his ever-expanding Vail fan base, returned numerous times. Known for his energetic guitar playing, creative arrangements, and original compositions, he offers a unique, always engaging rendering of new and old tunes, thanks to his inspired combination of jazz and pop styles. Never failing to regale his rapt audiences with hilariously improbable stories, brilliant guitar playing and his signature singing style, John offers a tribute to his hero—a celebration of the centennial of the legendary jazz/pop vocalist and pianist Nat King Cole. John’s new album For Centennial Reasons is his third to recognize the gentle genius of Nat Cole, whose writing/playing/ singing landed him on the pop charts more than a hundred times, and whose contribution to the Great American Songbook and jazz repertoire are incalculable.

M USIC IA N S John Pizzarelli | Guitar Mike Karn | Double Bass Konrad Paszkudzki | Piano Presenting Underwriter: Marion Woodward Local Business Underwriter: Pierce Architects

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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day or night out

The

PERFECT

11 Restaurants Over 25 Retail Stores Movie Theater Multiple Residential Units Countless Business Services

The perfect day or night out. http://www.edwardsriverwalk.com/


July 19

F R I DAY La Pompe Jazz

VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22) La Pompe is a device for raising water. But this summer at Riverwalk, This summer at Riverwalk, they'll be flooding us with joy! Gypsy Jazz is alive and well, and thriving in Edwards. This Denver-based jazz ensemble fuses eclectic American jazz standards with French ballads and “Hot Club” tunes, by way of Django Reinhardt. Voilà ! Gypsy Jazz! Combining hard-driving instrumentals, rustic gypsy swing, vintage blues, creative vocal arrangements, and soulful originals, La Pompe will soon have you toe-tapping. The vivacious combination of two guitars, vocals, upright bass and violin is sure to Pompe up your weekend.

July 21

S U N DAY

Joe Deninzon & Friends VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24)

Joe Deninzon, born in St. Petersburg, Russia, has been lauded as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin” owing to his innovative style on the electric (and unusual) 7-string violin. His peripatetic musical excursions, combining jazz, rock, and Gypsy influences, can be heard on over a hundred CDs and jingles. He has performed with Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Sheryl Crow, Smokey Robinson, and Les Paul, and he was a solo violinist with the New York City Ballet. He is performing with one of the most sought-after jazz trios in the Rocky Mountains.

JAMMIN’ JAZZ KIDS Free Show at 11am | see page 34

Don’t Miss the late show! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8pm BLT + Joe Deninzon | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

July 24& 25 Ann Hampton Callaway Jazz Goes to the Movies

VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES (p.18) VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) A favorite of Vail Jazz audiences through the years, NYC-based Ann Hampton Callaway is a multi-platinum-selling singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, and arranger. A long-time—and leading, champion of the Great American Songbook, Ann applies her trademarked sparkle and panache to a movie-centric repertoire of familiar (and less so) songs associated with movies, classic and otherwise. Performing selections from her newly released album, Jazz Goes to the Movies, Ann will offer her elegant and sometimes playful treatments of such classics as ‘S Wonderful, As Time Goes By, Long Ago and Far Away, and others, showcasing the jazz/pop style that has made her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters, and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. Her own songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s albums, and she has been a guest performer with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Boston Pops, has been featured in many Carnegie Hall tributes, and has sung with more than 30 of the world’s top orchestras and big bands.

M USIC IA N S

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday.

Ann Hampton Callaway | Vocals Christian Jacob | Piano Martin Wind | Bass Tim Horner | Drums Brian Scanlon | Saxophone Presenting Underwriter: Karen and Jay Johnson Supporting Underwriters: Lisa Tannebaum and Don Brownstein Local Business Underwriter: 10th Mountain Whiskey VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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The Wines of Vail Jazz

also serving:

presented by:


F R I DAY

July 26

DKO The Darren Kramer Organization VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22)

DKO is a world-class instrumental horn band that performs R&B/ Soul covers and original ElectroFunk composed and arranged by bandleader/trombonist Darren Kramer. This exciting new group has capitalized on creating the next generation of crossover jazz and brings this high-energy music to people all over the world through inspiring performances, educational workshops and exceptional recordings. DKO pushes typical boundaries regarding: rhythm, harmony, the use of Kramer's innovative electric trombone technique, and much more! Local Business Underwriter: Holy Cross Energy

S U N DAY

July 28

Katie Glassman & Snapshot VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24)

Boulder-based fiddler/singer/songwriter Katie Glassman has long been a favorite at Vail Jazz events, always returning with a generous dose of fresh musical ideas and instrumental virtuosity. Katie and her band have garnered a national following for their marriage of oldtime Western Swing with contemporary songwriting and creative arrangements.

JA M M I N ’ JA Z Z K I D S Free Show at 11am | see page 34

D O N T M I S S T H E L AT E S H OW ! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8 pm

BLT + Katie Glassman | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G ¡ 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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ron hicks Vail International Gallery vailgallery.com 970 476 2525 100 e. meadow dr. #17 vail, co 81657 Silent Peregrination of the Wind 48h x 40w, o/canvas


WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

July 31 &August 1 Jon Cleary's Tribute to Henry Butler & The New Orleans Piano Tradition - Multimedia Tribute VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES (p.18) VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) The New Orleans style of piano playing is a jazz category unto itself—roiling with energy, vibrancy, and a buoyant stride. No living pianist is more in touch with this musical tradition than Jon Cleary. An English native, he traveled to New Orleans for the first time nearly 40 years ago and never looked back—fascinated by the New Orleans scene and its distinctive piano stylings. Whether it’s played as jazz or blues or funk, once you hear it, you’ll never forget that unique Crescent City sound. Immersing himself in the tradition, Jon has risen through the ranks as a pianist and guitarist, adding vocals to his toolkit. During his journey, Jon crossed paths with Henry Butler, one of the giants of the Crescent City piano style, about whom The New York Times wrote, “Butler revels in fluency and facility, splashing chords all over the keyboard and streaking through solos with machine-gun articulation. ” Jon pays tribute to Henry Butler, who died just a year ago, in this energetic recognition of Butler’s talent and influence.

M USIC IA NS Jon Cleary | Piano, Vocals Cornell Williams | Bass A.J. Hall | Drums

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday.

Presenting Underwriters: Holly Horvath and Bob Hernreich, Laura and Jim Marx Local Business Underwriter: Vail International

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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Proud to support our hometown concert series! Vail Jazz@Riverwalk

Open 6:30 am – 10:00 p.m. every day

Please visit us for all your full-service grocery/deli/bakery/meat/produce/floral needs!

Play Vail Monopoly and Support Vail Jazz! Vail Jazz proudly joins other local Vail landmarks like Sweet Basil, the Minturn Mile and Vail Pass on the traditional, beloved board game of Monopoly. While the income and luxury taxes are replaced by ski passes and fishing licenses, and the Community Chest and Chance cards feature locally themed prospects like “make your friends wait on a powder day.” Supporting non-profits is the cornerstone of Games For Good. Vail Monopoly was created in part to be a fun, exciting, interactive and unique way to raise dollars and awareness for Vail Jazz. Katherine Chapin, founder of Games For Good says, “we love the story of how Vail Jazz was formed and we are equally as passionate as Vail Jazz is about helping kids with the gift of music education.” With every Vail Monopoly that is purchased, Games For Good donates $1 to Vail Jazz.

In the coming months, they expect to contribute an additional $2,500. Vail Monopoly is an “evergreen” game that has already become a collector’s item. A portion of the proceeds will continue to go to Vail Jazz. With every game that is purchased, Vail Monopoly will be the gift that keeps on giving to Vail Jazz for years and years to come.


F R I DAY

August 2

Crescent City Connection VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22)

The Crescent City Connection is a bridge in New Orleans over the Mississippi. It’s also the preferred route to get to some great New Orleans music, via a horn-driven powerhouse band based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With roots firmly planted in the Crescent City, this funk collective specializes in the earthy back beat and second line rhythms that permeate the Louisiana musical tradition, offering an authentic New Orleans sonic experience. Local Business Underwriter: Village Market

S U N DAY

August 4

Kathy Morrow & DZ

VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24) A longtime Vail Jazz favorite, Kathy has performed widely in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and is a regular on the Vail jazz scene. Her energy, vocal range, and musical sense are beautifully applied to the standard jazz repertoire and Great American Songbook. A natural entertainer, Kathy is also well known as part of the popular vocal trio The Fabulous Femmes. DZ stands for Designated Zest—a perfect complement to the Farmer’s Market setting.

COLORADO STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE featuring: Kent Denver | see page 34

D O N T M I S S T H E L AT E S H OW ! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8 pm BLT + Brent Gordon + Ron Bland | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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VAIL

DAN TELLEEN

Creating Heirlooms Since 1970

VAIL VILLAGE 970.476.4760

A Chrysoprase cabochon with 18k gold set into an 18mm South Sea Pearl and hung from strands of Chrysoprase beads


WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

August 7&8 Veronica Swift & The Emmet Cohen Trio VAIL JAZZ CLUB SERIES (p.18) VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) The future of American jazz is in the best of hands. Young jazz phenom Veronica Swift is wowing audiences worldwide with her sultry and inventive renditions of classic American Songbook picks as well as her challenging curriculum of bebop and vocalese arrangements. At 25 (16 years after her first album was recorded), she is now recognized as one of the top young jazz singers on the planet, noted for her ambitious repertoire and polished stage presence. Her jazz pedigree includes recognition by the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, multiple appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center (the first of which was at age 11), and appearances as a guest artist with Michael Feinstein, Paquito d’Rivera, Richie Cole, Benny Green, Chris Botti, and Wynton Marsalis. Providing additional flair to the evening is noted pianist Emmet Cohen and his trio, on hand to deliver creative, sensitive, and spirited musical zest. With a fluid technique and innovative tonal palette, he has dazzled audiences at renowned jazz venues globally. At 29, Emmet conveys the poise and command of a seasoned veteran, appearing regularly with Kurt Elling, Billy Hart, Jimmy Heath, and Brian Lynch. Rounding out this all-under-30 evening, Veronica and Emmet are joined by Vail Jazz Workshop alum Russell Hall (2010) on bass and Kyle Poole on drums (see p.42 for Kyle's connection to Vail Jazz).

Don’t Miss the late show!

Presenting Underwriter: Pat and Larry Stewart Local Business Underwriter: Karats

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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F R I DAY

August 9

Quemando

VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22) This fiery salsa band brings its contagious energy back to Riverwalk for its much-anticipated third engagement. Aptly named (Quemando means “burning” en Español), this 12-piece dynamo never fails to deliver sizzling sets, covering legendary Latin tracks, creative takes on Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, and others. Then, in the blink of an eye, they’ll be igniting their nuclear versions of everything from salsa to Sinatra to the Beatles. Recognized as one of Colorado’s finest Latin bands, Quemando always lives up to its name, keeping things blistering even in the cool breezes of a relaxing Riverwalk reprise.

S U N DAY

August 11

LP & The Vinyl

VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24) LP and the Vinyl sends pop and R&B favorites through a kaleidoscope of jazz, providing the best of both worlds: familiar songs dear to the heart, freshly intensified with beautifully mastered improvisation. Vocalist Leonard Patton draws upon his rich background in gospel and musical theater to energize the virtuosic interplay of pianist Danny Green, bassist Justin Grinnell, and drummer Julien Cantelm. Every emotion is on display – from the lively dance-inducing numbers of Michael Jackson to the soulful ballads by Stevie Wonder – and no two performances are the same.

COLORADO STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE featuring: East High | see page 34

D O N T M I S S T H E L AT E S H OW ! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8 pm BLT + Leonard Patton | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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NEW S T Y L E , SAME C H A R M !

Celebrating 30 years of striving to bring you, your family and friends the absolute freshest, highest quality seafood available. Come join us on our beautiful patio!

Open for Lunch

Fri - Sun, 12 pm - 3 pm

Dinner Service Daily, 5 pm - 9:30 pm LOCATION

549 E. Lionshead Cr. Vail, Colorado 81657

CONTACT

(970) 476 - 2601 montaukvail@gmail.com


THURSDAY

August 15 Catherine Russell VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) Catherine Russell’s career trajectory knows only one direction: Up! She has notched multiple Grammy® nominations, a Grammy® award for a featured performance on Boardwalk Empire, rave reviews and critics’ awards, new releases that regularly top the jazz charts, and appearances/recordings with David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, and many others. With a voice often described as dusky and soulful, Catherine inhabits the stories of her songs...sometimes Uptown Cabaret, sometimes Harlem dance hall, sometimes New Orleans gin joint. A consistent hit at major international jazz festivals, her interpretations channel a rare ability to radiate power while remaining vulnerable as she weaves her way through gems from the ‘20s through the present, well seasoned with equal parts of soul and good humor. She has earned a spot among the top interpreters and performers of American popular music.

M USIC IA N S

Catherine Russell | vocals Mark Shane | Piano Tal Rohen | Bass Matt Munisteri | Guitar Presenting Underwriter: Marijke and Lodewijk de Vink Local Business Underwriter: Montauk Seafood Grill

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance.

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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WEATHER REPORTS • RESORT INFO • INTERVIEWS

LIVE DAILY AT 7AM! VAIL VALLEY - CABLE CH. 8 | FRONT RANGE - CENTURYLINK CH. 80 LIVESTREAM - TV8VAIL.COM | @TV8VAIL LIVE & ON-DEMAND ON STREAMING SERVICES USE THE YOUTUBE APP ••SEARCH “TV8 VAIL”


F R I DAY

August 16

Air Force Falconaires VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22)

Recognized as one of the nation’s most versatile and professional military bands, this 17-piece ensemble ffocuses – yes, with military precision – on some of the most noted works of the Swing Era. Grounded in authenticity but peppered with fresh sounds and solos, their creative arrangements honor the great jazz traditions while delivering a more contemporary take on the classics, both old and new.

S U N DAY

August 18

Fortunato

VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24) Jazz violinist Anthony Salvo returns to Vail with his spirited group Fortunato, a virtuosic ensemble bringing the best of Gypsy, Klezmer, Indian, Latin, African, and other deep-root traditions into a jazz setting. Embodying a variety of the world’s musical cultures, Fortunato draws on both classical and jazz idioms, bringing a new, exciting energy to jazz improvisation and crossover fusion. Upbeat and invigorating, Fortunato’s repertoire includes Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Shakti, and Jean Luc Ponty, as well as Anthony’s own original compositions. You’ll be fortunate to catch Fortunato.

COLORADO STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

D O N T M I S S T H E L AT E S H OW ! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8 pm

featuring: Denver School of Arts | see page 34

BLT + Anthony Salvo | see p. 27

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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855-205-1946 | vailspa.com

CLOSE to the MOUNTAIN… FAR from ORDINARY. Vail Spa Condominiums feature spacious 2 to 4 bedroom condominiums in a convenient Lionshead location close to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Some of the amenities guests enjoy include full kitchens, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, steam room, sauna, and fitness facility. MANAGED BY


THURSDAY

August 22 Poncho Sanchez VAIL JAZZ @ VAIL SQUARE (p.20) Winner of the Latin Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, Texas-born Poncho Sanchez is respected as one of the top international percussionists of all time. This renowned Mexican-American conguero will once again have the Jazz Tent pulsing with his concoctions of straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul, a little Motown and a few ballads, all stirred up with Poncho’s infectious melodies and rhythms. A titan of the Latin Jazz Sound, Poncho consistently delivers a burning, steaming, danceable intensity to his audiences, whether in intimate clubs or large international arenas. Originally a guitarist, he added singing, flute, drums, and timbales to his performing repertoire before focusing on the congas.

M USIC IA NS

Poncho Sanchez | Congas Andy Langham | Piano Rene Camacho | Bass Giancarlo Anderson | Bongos & Percussion Jose Perez | Timbales Rob Hardt | Saxophones & Flutes Ron Blake | Trumpet & Flugelhorn Francisco Torres | Trombone

Presenting Underwriters: Betsy and George Wiegers Local Business Underwriter: Stevens, Litman, Biddison,Tharp & Weinberg, LLC

Don’t Miss the late show!

Party On! with Kathy Morrow & Brent Gordon at the Vail Chophouse immediately following the performance on Thursday. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

75



F R I DAY

August 23

Eef & The Blues Express VAIL JAZZ@RIVERWALK (p.22)

Eef & the Blues Express celebrate their 10th year with a Vail Jazz debut. One of Colorado's premier blues bands, this dynamic five piece sonic party has seen its stock rise throughout the U.S., including at Memphis’ International Blues Challenge, where they were semi-finalists in 2017. Their musicianship and onstage energy have garnered numerous awards, including Best Blues Band (Westword), and Eef being awarded Songwriter of the Year at the CBS Members’ Choice Awards. As demonstrated on their four albums, they bring a feel-good drive to blues, soul, Motown, New Orleans, and a variety of original and cover tunes. Don't miss the finale of this series with a special party hosted by Alpine Bank in celebration of their 20th Anniversary of the Edwards branch location!

S U N DAY

August 25

Coração Brazilian Quartet VAIL JAZZ@THE MARKET (p.24)

As the perfect ending to our series of summer Sundays, The Coração Brazilian Quartet does a deep dive into the fascinating and contagious music of Brazil. No misnomer (Coração means heart in Portuguese), these pros have spent a lifetime performing and recording jazz, funk, pop, classical, and world music. But it’s their strong passion for the music of Brazil that drives them to explore an exciting collection of classic and modern compositions in the many styles of Brazilian music, including Samba, Bossa Nova, Bajo, partito alto, afoxê and Chiro. They start with the transcriptions of some of Brazil’s most beloved composers—João Donato, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Baden Powell, Egberto Gismonti, and Pixinguinha—and the Brazilian buzz builds from there!

COLORADO STUDENT BAND SHOWCASE

D O N T M I S S T H E L AT E S H OW ! VAIL JAZZ@THE REMEDY | 8 pm

featuring: William J. Palmer HS | see page 34

BLT + Special Guests | see p. 27 VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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THE

VA I L J A Z Z

PA RT Y This is where it all began. It was supposed to be a onetime thing, a dream fulfilled; it turned into a legacy. Howard Stone pursued his passion for jazz music, not just his beloved bebop, but every subgenre of this American born, global phenomenon. People all over the world have benefitted. This year, we celebrate Howard, his wife, Cathy, many incredible musicians and educators, and you. Thank you for supporting Vail Jazz for a quarter century. Here’s to the next 25 years!

78 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival


COMPLETE LINEUP GROUPS

SOLOISTS Ernie Adams | d Jacob Christofferson | p Adrian Cunningham | cl, ts, fl Sinne Eeg | v Diego Figueiredo | g Bobby Floyd | b3 Mitch Forman | p Larry Fuller | p Jerohn Garnett | b Jeff Hamilton | d Niki Haris | v

Greg Harris | vb Steve Kovalcheck | g Julien Labro | acc James Morrison | t, tb Nicki Parrott | b, v Ken Peplowski | cl, ts Lyndon Rochelle | d Olli Soikkeli | g Byron Stripling | t, v Jerry Weldon | ts Martin Wind | b

S P E C I A L S H OW S A Tribute to Ray Brown The Blues: Spiritual and Gospel Songs that Influenced Jazz- Curated by Bobby Floyd and Byron Stripling On The Fringe: A History of the Flute in JazzA Multimedia Presentation by Adrian Cunningham The Music of the Hot Club of France Diego Figueiredo Duos: A Live Recording Session Wycliffe Gordon’s Nu-Funk Machine Dance Party II Remembering the Oscar Peterson Trio The Jazzy Side of the Beatles Two Blokes and a Sheila: The Down Under Trio Bill Cunliffe’s Celebration of George Shearing’s Centennial Piano Duos

Vail Jazz Party House Band

John Clayton | b Bill Cunliffe | p Lewis Nash | d Jeff Clayton | as Terell Stafford | t Wycliffe Gordon | tb

Mile Hi Gospel Choir

Led by Joseph Thomas Brown

Vail Jazz Alumni Quintet Kenny Banks Jr. | p Marty Jaffe | b Mike Mitchell | d David Milazzo | as Gabe Medd | t

Vail Jazz All-Stars Ethan Avery | t Natalie Barbieri | as Nico Colucci | ts Benny Conn | tb Seth Finch | p Gavin Gray | b Anton Kot | d Jett Lim | tb Max Nierlich | t Joey Ranieri | b Miguel Russell | d Vittorio Stropoli | p

Jazz & the Struggle for Freedom: A Multimedia Presentation by Byron Stripling "The Great Rocky Mountain Jazz Party" Screening VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

79


VAIL JAZZ PARTY T H U R S DAY 8 . 2 9

S AT U R DAY 8 . 3 1

Patron Pass Reception

Afternoon Session

4:30pm Arrabelle at Vail Square - For Patron Pass holders only

Jazz Tent, Vail Square 11:30am

Vail Jazz All-Stars – Free

Jazz Tent, Vail Square

12:40pm

Vail Jazz Party House Band

6pm 7pm 8pm

1:50pm

Bobby Floyd | b3 Jeff Hamilton | d Steve Kovalcheck | g Jerry Weldon | ts

3pm

Vail Jazz Alumni Quintet

Opening Session Vail Jazz All-Stars Vail Jazz Alumni Quintet Vail Jazz House Band

F R I DAY 8 . 3 0 Documentary Screening Grand Ballroom, Vail Marriott “The Great Rocky Mountain Jazz Party”

10:30am

Afternoon Session Jazz Tent, Vail Square 1pm

A Tribute to Ray Brown (p.82)

2:10pm

The Music of the Hot Club of France (p.83)

3:20pm

James Morrison | tb/t Kenny Banks Jr | p Martin Wind | b Jeff Hamilton | d Gabe Medd | t

Evening

Session

Grand Ballroom, Vail Marriott 7pm Sinne Eeg | v Jacob Christofferson | p Martin Wind | b Jeff Hamilton | d 8:10pm Jazz and the Struggle for Freedom (p.84) Multimedia 9:35pm

The Jazzy Side of The Beatles (p.83)

Late Night Jam Session

Artists Dinner 5:30pm Grand Ballroom, Vail Marriott For Patron Pass holders only

Evening Session Grand Ballroom, Vail Marriott 7:45pm

Niki Haris | v Mitch Forman | p Marty Jaffe | b Ernie Adams | d David Milazzo | as Guest: Sinne Eeg | v

8:55pm Diego Figueiredo Duos (p.85) A Live Recording Session 10:15pm

Remembering the Oscar Peterson Trio (p.85)

Late Night Jam Session Wing’s Place, 2nd floor, Vail Marriott 11:15pm

James Morrison | tb/t Jacob Christofferson | p Nicki Parrott | b Jeff Hamilton | d Julien Labro | acc David Milazzo | as

Wing’s Place, 2nd Floor, Vail Marriott 10:35pm

Larry Fuller | p Martin Wind | b Mike Mitchell | d Olli Soikkeli | g Jerry Weldon | ts Gabe Medd | t

80 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

For Ticket Information:

Visit the Vail Jazz Box Office or Vailjazz.org/tickets


HOURLY SCHEDULE S U N DAY 9. 1

M O N DAY 9. 2

Morning Session

Morning Session

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Jazz Tent, Vail Square 11:30am

The Blues: Spiritual and Gospel Songs that Influenced Jazz (p.88)

Afternoon Session

12:40pm

Two Blokes and a Sheila: Down Under Trio (p.88)

Jazz Tent, Vail Square

1:50pm

Piano Duos (p.89)

3:20pm

Bill Cunliffe’s Celebration of George Shearing’s Centennial (p.89)

4:30pm

Kenny Banks Jr | p Nicki Parrott | b Mike Mitchell | d Bobby Floyd | b3 Julien Labro | acc Olli Soikkeli | g Adrian Cunningham | f/cl Ken Peplowski | cl Jeff Clayton | as David Milazzo | as Jerry Weldon | ts Gabe Medd | t Terell Stafford | t Wycliffe Gordon | tb James Morrison | t/tb Byron Stripling | t/v

10:30am

Niki Haris Gospel Prayer Meetin’ (p.86) Feat. Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble

2pm

Vail Jazz All-Stars – Free

3:10pm

Ken Peplowski | cl Nicki Parrott | b Ernie Adams | d Diego Figueiredo | g

4:30pm

Wycliffe Gordon’s Nu Funk Dance Machine Party II (p.87)

Evening Session Grand Ballroom, Vail Marriott 7pm

Julien Labro | acc Larry Fuller | p John Clayton | b Lewis Nash | d

On the Fringe: A History of the Flute in Jazz (p.87) | Multimedia 8:10pm 9:45pm

Sinne Eeg | v Jacob Chrisoffersen | p Martin Wind | b Jeff Hamilton | d Jerry Weldon | ts

6pm

Dinner & Jazz: Vail Chophouse Tony Gulizia (p) and Brian Loftus (d) Reservations recommended: 970-477-0555 This is not a ticketed event

Late Night Jam Session

INSTRUMENT KEY

Wing’s Place, 2nd floor, Vail Marriott

as | Alto Saxophone acc | Accordion b | Bass b3 | Hammond B3 Organ cl | Clarinet d | Drums f | Flute g | Guitar p | Piano ts | Tenor Saxophone tb | Trombone t | Trumpet v | Vocals vb | Vibraphone

10:45pm

Ken Peplowski | cl Bill Cunliffe | p John Clayton | b Ernie Adams | d Diego Figueiredo | g Byron Stripling | t/v

VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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August 30 A Tribute to Ray Brown | 1pm Ray Brown (1926-2002) was a legendary jazz double bassist, but he also played a leading role in defining the modern jazz rhythm. As a first-rate soloist, his feather-fingered, guitar-like virtuosity on the bass placed him in the pantheon of jazz luminaries over a half-century of performances across the globe. In addition to his six Grammy® nods and induction into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame, he earned a spot as one of the most loved and respected musicians of the 20th Century. Ray mentored innumerable young musicians including many now-famous bassists, drummers, singers, pianists and others. He appeared on more than 2,000 recordings, was a mainstay of the renowned Oscar Peterson Trio, and accompanied (and was married to) Ella Fitzgerald. His distinctive playing supported stars ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker to Linda Ronstadt and Frank Sinatra, playing on all of the latter’s television specials. Almost always voted top bassist over decades of critics’ and readers’ polls, Ray’s trios were instrumental in helping to popularize Benny Green, Geoffrey Keezer, Larry Fuller, Jeff Hamilton, Gene Harris, and many others.

MUSI CI A N S John Clayton | bass Jeff Hamilton | drums Larry Fuller | piano

82 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

FRIDAY


FRIDAY

August 30 The Music of the Hot Club | 2:10 pm The Hot Club de France was founded in Paris in 1931 by a group of jazz enthusiasts to promote traditional, or, to use their term, authentic jazz, swing and blues in France and around the world. Within a few years, the club began sponsoring a quintet founded by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli, hugely successful in the ‘30s and ‘40s, and one of the most significant continental jazz groups in Europe. With a unique and consistent sound that has endured for many decades, the Hot Club style of jazz...now often known as gypsy jazz...continues to be popular and immediately recognizable.

M USIC IA N S Ken Peplowski | clairnet Julien Labro | accordion

Olli Soikkeli | guitar Nicki Parrott | bass

The Jazzy Side of the Beatles | 9:35 pm The Beatles (1960-1970) had a profound worldwide impact on the direction of music; they are the best-selling band in history. The Fab Four fundamentally changed the direction of modern music, sending a shockwave through popular culture that quickly found its way to many other musical genres. Thanks to timeless melodies, and the ability of jazz to adapt, co-opt,and improvise, jazz “covers” of Beatles tunes began emerging almost concurrently with the rocketing popularity of the mop-topped quartet. Despite a large percentage of highly forgettable Beatles covers (Telly Savalas, William Shatner, Tiny Tim, etc.), if you follow the long and winding road you’ll find highly rewarding examples of Beatles tunes by Ramsey Lewis, Count Basie, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, Buddy Rich, Dr. Lonnie Smith, George Benson, Herbie Mann, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Vince Guaraldi, Wes Montgomery, Sérgio Mendes, George Shearing, and many others. Three Beatles-era jazz stalwarts are joined to honor the incredible legacy of The Beatles and demonstrate how jazz-friendly and satisfying their repertoire can be.

MUSI CI A N S Bill Cunliffe | piano

Nicki Parrott | bass / vocals

Ernie Adams | drums

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August 30 Jazz & The Struggle For Freedom a Multimedia Presentation by Byron Stripling Sociologist/writer/activist, W.E.B. Du Bois, wrote that “the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of color line.” To be sure, this “problem” was taken up by plenty of activists, many of them Black, many of them highly influential. But before the mid-1960’s, the fascination with celebrity actors, athletes, musicians, and writers had not yet extended its hand to many Black Americans. Further, the influence that celbrities carried was rarely applied towards racial inequities. The Jazz Age, with the widespread adoption of radios and phonographs, intertwined itself with the developing cultures of young people, women and Black Americans. There may not have been an Oprah, Quincy Jones, Jackie Robinson, Mohammed Ali, Denzel Washington, but America did have Black celebrities: Jazz Musicians! Throughout the Jazz Age and the three decades that took jazz to its peak of popularity, jazz musicians were America’s Black celebrities. Their stature in popular culture gave them disproportionate influence in pop culture of the day, and often placed them at the cut-

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ting edge of the Civil Rights Movement in America. While some addressed inequalities blantantly, most were subtle, but there's no lack of evidence about the connections between jazz and the struggle for freedom. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Work Song (Cannonball Adderley), Moanin’ (Art Blakey), Freedom Jazz Dance (Miles Davis), I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free (Nina Simone) are a few of the many songs that bear witness to the connections between jazz and the “color line,” along with such civil rights anthems as Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, Wade in the Water, and This Little Light of Mine are a few of the many songs that bear witness to the connections between jazz and the “color line,” along with such civil rights anthems as Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, Wade in the Water, and This Little Light of Mine. Who better to connect the dots between these cultural phenomena than Byron Stripling? In a moving and educational multimedia presentation, Byron will lead us on a journey down the parallel tracks of Black jazz and American civil rights.

MUSI CI A N S Byron Stripling | trumpet/vocals Bobby Floyd | piano/B3 organ Marty Jaffe | bass

Steve Kovalcheck | guitar Lewis Nash | drums

Presenting Underwriter: Margery Pabst-Steinmetz and Charles Steinmetz 84 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

FRIDAY


SATURDAY

August 31 Diego Figueiredo Duos A Live Recording Session | 8:55 pm Reprising a wildly popular “happening” from 2016’s Vail Jazz Party, Diego Figueiredo returns for another series of 1-on-1s with some of today’s top jazzers. Beware of spontaneous combustion as Diego and his musical confreres conjure up a passel of awe-inspiring, largely improvised, duo versions of some classic tunes. This is what musicianship is supposed to look like!

MUSIC IA N S

Adrian Cunningham | flute Ken Peplowski | clarinet Jeff Clayton | alto saxophone Terell Stafford | trumpet Wycliffe Gordon | trombone

Diego Figueiredo | guitar Olli Soikkeli | guitar Julien Labro | accordion John Clayton | bass

Remembering the Oscar Peterson Trio | 10:15 pm Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) whom Duke Ellington referred to as “the Maharaja of the keyboard,” was a Canadian pianist and composer, widely considered as one of the giants of jazz piano. He released over 200 recordings, won eight Grammy® awards and played thousands of concerts all over the world during a career lasting more than 60 years. By his 20s, Oscar was already recognized for his technical brilliance and melodic creativity, and worked with various artists in a variety of duo and trio settings, typically with guitar, bass & guitar, and bass & drum configurations. His deft touch, fast fingers, and a hardwired sense of swing made him a favored musical partner with a who’s who of jazz notables. Influenced by Teddy Wilson, Nat Cole, James P. Johnson, and Art Tatum (in front of whom he was terrified to play!), Oscar was himself a model and inspiration for many pianists, counting Oliver Jones and Benny Green among his protégés.

MUSI CI A N S Larry Fuller | piano

John Clayton | bass

Olli Soikkeli | guitar

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September 1 Niki Haris' Gospel Prayer Meetin' | 10:30am For many years, the Jazz Tent at Vail Square has been “Standing Room Only” for this wildly popular Sunday morning Jazz Party tradition. But with the number of “turn-aways” growing each year, we are thrilled to move the festivities to the Gerald R. Ford Ampitheather, where Niki Haris and her entourage can spread out and share the love with a larger cadre of believers (and heathens too!). Truth be told, by the time Niki’s done with you, you’ll fully believe in the divine power of Gospel music to get your spirits soarin’, your hands clappin’, and your feet movin’. Don’t miss this Sunday morning Vail Jazz institution featuring world-class jazzers, vocalists, and choristers for some look-to-the-heavens exhilaration

SUNDAY

during a rousing morning of invigorating musical commotion. As always, Niki and a host of jazz ringers are joined by The Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble, a golden-voiced ensemble who invariably bring their “Sunday best” to Vail for a high-energy consummation of spirits. And this year, in celebration of Vail Jazz’ 25th Anniversary season, the Denver-based vocal ensemble has been expanded to 15 powerful, mellifluous voices, celebrating the spirit, energy, and soul of Gospel music and the huge role it has played as the evolutionary origin of jazz. Each year, Vail Jazz audiences delight in the way this Sunday rise-and-shine musical pageant gathers a full head of steam throughout the morning, celebrating religious anthems, field hollers, work songs, and plenty of good ol’ fashioned foot stompin’ and hand clappin’. Shepherded by the dynamic

and energetic Niki Haris—herself a ball of fire—this spirit-lifting journey is a rousing tribute to empyreal passion and positivity. Prepare for a rousing morning of invigorating vivification!

M USIC IA NS Niki Haris | vocals Wycliffe Gordon | trombone Mitch Forman | piano Bobby Floyd | B3 organ Jerohn Garnett | electric bass Lyndon Rochelle | drums Steve Kovalcheck | guitar Jeff Clayton | alto saxophone Adrian Cunningham | tenor sax Terell Stafford | trumpet Bryon Stripling | trumpet Mile Hi Gospel Choir

Special thanks to Margaret and Glen Wood, Shannon and Todger Anderson, Vendetta's, The Town of Vail, The Vail Valley Foundation, and Alpine Bank

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SUNDAY

September 1

Wycliffe Gordon's Nu-Funk Machine Dance Party II | 4:30 pm Funk: Music genre originating in African American communities in the mid-60’s (largely credited to James Brown), characterized by a rhythmic, danceable mixture of soul, jazz, and R&B. Sub-genres: Avant funk, liquid funk, deep funk, electro funk, free funk, G-funk, timba funk, P-funk, jazz funk, and… nu funk. Nu funk: Originating in Brooklyn in the 1980’s; now a worldwide phenomenon, adapting influences from hip-hop,

funky breaks, dubstep, and deep funk bands. It’s the most funky of the funks, and just plain fun. Wycliffe’s Nu Funk Machine Dance Party II: Join us for the second year and put your dancin’ shoes on! Nobody brings it like Wycliffe. From James Brown (of course) to Stevie Wonder to Marvin Gaye to Michael Jackson to Wycliffe originals. Wycliffe puts the fun in funk.

M USIC IA N S Wycliffe Gordon | trombone Kenny Banks Jr | piano Jerohn Garnett | electric bass Lyndon Rochelle | drums Olli Soikkeli | guitar Adrian Cunningham | tenor sax Jerry Weldon | tenor sax James Morrison | trumpet, trombone Terell Stafford | trumpet

On the Fringe: A History of the Flute in Jazz – A Multimedia Presentation by Adrian Cunningham | 10:15 pm When you think of jazz, the flute rarely comes to mind. Sax, piano, bass, trumpet, trombone...but flute? Nah! True, the first recorded jazz flute solo occurred in 1927 (Alberto Socarras, a Cuban clarinetist), but it took another 20 years before the flute started to be taken seriously as a jazz instrument. Perhaps because of its perception as a solo (non-improvisatory) instrument, and its poor acoustical properties vis a vis other jazz-worthy instruments, it was largely excluded from the early decades of jazz evolution. Today, thanks to sophisticated microphones, the solo jazz flutist can express subtleties and nuances that would have gone unheralded in the earlier days of jazz.

M USIC IA NS Adrian Cunningham | flute Jacob Christoffersen | piano Marty Jaffe | bass Ernie Adams | drums

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The Blues - Spiritual and Gospel Songs that Influenced Jazz | 11:30 am The debate endures: was jazz born of the blues, or did they grow up side by side, one influencing the other? With their origins in the African-American communities of the southern United States a century ago, both have evolved into international art forms. Without doubt, jazz as we know it today would not exist without decades of influence from the blues which, in turn, owes its origins to gospel. Helping to untangle these musical tentacles is “professor” Byron Stripling, our commanding guide for a rousing tour of the origins and development of these genres.

M USIC IA N S

Byron Stripling | trumpet Bobby Floyd | piano & B3 organ

Two Blokes and a Sheila The Down Under Trio | 10:15 pm G’Day spunks! No great jazz Down Under? Furphy! James Morrison, Adrian Cunningham, and Nicki Parrott turn that delusion upside down, quickly disproving the notion that the northern hemisphere has a lock on great jazz. These folks are fair dinkum, ace as they come! These “two blokes and a Sheila” may be from Down Under, but they deliver the apex of great jazz, who, after this powerful set, will qualify as honorary Down Underers! Crikey, you won’t want to let these Strines say hooroo!

M US I CI A N S

James Morrison | trumpet/trombone Adrian Cunningham | clarinet

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Nicki Parrott | bass Larry Fuller | piano Ernie Adams | drums

Marty Jaffe | bass Lewis Nash | drums Steve Kovalcheck | guitar


MONDAY

September 2

Piano Duos | 1:50 pm Expect some musical fireworks as these five “ivory impresarios” strut their stuff on the Vail Jazz stage. Among our most popular musical offerings, each year the Vail Jazz audience eagerly awaits a new round of stunning improvisational antics. Five of today’s most lauded jazz pianists take turns—two (or more) at a time on facing pianos--to produce many remarkable, spontaneous musical moments, some stunning contrasts, some like-minded flights of fancy...always thrilling and inspiring with their real-time mind-melding digital revelations.

P IA NIST S

Kenny Banks Jr. Jacob Christoffersen

Bill Cunliffe Mitch Forman Larry Fuller

Bill Cunliffe's Celebration of George Shearing's Centennial | 1:50 pm Sir George Shearing (1919-2011) was born in London a century ago. Blind from birth, he started piano lessons at three and joined an all-blind band in his early years, during which he became a fan of Teddy Wilson and Fats Waller. By 18, he made his first recording, the first of 108 albums, many of which received Grammy® nods. In 1947 he immigrated to the U.S. where his popularity soared and within a few years, he pioneered the “Shearing Sound, a signature technique that became instantly recognizable, generally incorporating vibes and guitar. His interest in classical music clearly influenced his choice of tunes and solos, which frequently reflected his love of Impressionist composers such as Satie, Delius,and Debussy. A prolific composer as well, September in the Rain and Lullaby of Birdland are among his most enduring tunes.

M US IC IA N S

Bill Cunliffe | piano Martin Wind | bass

Lewis Nash | drums Olli Soikkeli | guitar Greg Harris | vibraphone

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Ernie Adams | Drums One of the most popular and highly regarded musicians in Chicago, percussionist, drummer, composer, producer, and educator Ernie Adams is a high profile all-styles drummer, who has performed and recorded with many of the world’s great musicians. Known for perfect timing, his solid groove, and brilliant technique, Ernie has played professionally since he was15. He later studied jazz at North Texas State University before graduating as a jazz major from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He has also been

a Jazz Mentor at Ravinia since 1995, and has tutored young drummers and percussionists in Chicago public schools for more than 15 years. He is also a jazz instructor at the Music Institute of Chicago. He has performed, recorded, and toured with Ramsey Lewis, Al Di Meola, Joe Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Turrentine, Ahmad Jamal, Richie Cole, James Moody, Joe Zawinul, Slide Hampton, Clark Terry, and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Ernie has played on more than 100 recordings and his performance and production credits include movie soundtracks and radio/TV jingles.

Jacob Christoffersen | Piano Danish jazz pianist and composer Jacob began his professional career at 13, performing in small jazz clubs and at festivals, receiving nationwide attention for a playing style well beyond his years. Part of the vibrant music scene in Copenhagen, he expanded his jazz roots to include pop, gospel, and funk, touring internationally and recording with a wide variety of artists. Winning multiple music awards including an Album of the Year nod,

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Jacob has been a part of several iconic Danish bands, has led his own groups, and has performed with many acclaimed jazzers including Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Curtis Stigers, Terri Lyne Carrington, Peter Erskine, Till Brönner, and Kenny Washington. Since 2008, he has been the pianist for the internationally acclaimed jazz singer Sinne Eeg, recording and touring with her through four albums and more than 300 concerts.


VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Adrian Cunningham | Clarinet / Flute / Saxophone A central fixture on the NYC jazz scene, Adrian is one of Australia’s top musical exports, touring globally, frequenting the top jazz venues worldwide, and appearing regularly at the most prestigious jazz festivals. He has performed and/or recorded with such luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Bucky Pizzarelli, Chris Potter, René Marie, Ken Peplowski,

Diego Figueiredo, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, and many others. He can be heard on the soundtracks for Boardwalk Empire and The Aviator, in addition to his 10 albums and several DVDs. Adrian plays regularly with the Adrian Cunningham Quartet and another award-winning ensemble known as Professor Cunningham and His Old School.

Sinne Eeg | Vocals Sinne’s distinctive vocal style has earned her a loyal and growing fan base far beyond her native Denmark. Crediting Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter, and Sarah Vaughan as influences, she excels both in her memorable live performances and her award-winning studio recordings. Already considered the preeminent jazz vocalist in Scandinavia, Sinne has been recognized by both The Danish Music Awards and

France’s Prix du Jazz, and was also the first vocalist to win the prestigious Ben Webster Prize for her vocal treatments. Composing many of her own songs, she performs regularly in Copenhagen and has toured throughout Europe, Japan, China, and the U.S. She also performed with the DR Big Band at the celebration for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Diego Figueiredo | Guitar Diego’s superb guitar technique, his playful timing, and exceptional imagination are matched by his prodigious output as an arranger, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. To date, he has released 23 CDs, 3 DVDs, and continues to tour and record internationally. Born in Brazil, Diego starting playing a small guitar at the age of four, then moved on to the mandolin at six. By 12 he was playing in local pubs and theaters, demonstrating an unusual talent for

improvising and harmonizing. After winning first place in a South American music competition, Diego was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music and is now considered among the world’s most talented guitarists. He has performed in more than 50 countries and has won numerous awards. Diego’s unique, often surprising interpretations are a perfect match for his amazing technique and emotionally infused performances.

Bobby Floyd | B3 Organ From his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, Bobby travels the world as soloist, accompanist, and first-call recording artist on piano, organ, and keyboards. Starting piano lessons at five, within a year he was playing piano at his church, absorbing the musical heritage of Gospel while also being influenced by Ahmad Jamal, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, and Erroll Garner. He has performed and toured with Ray Charles, Jeff Tyzik, Byron Stripling, and many others. Bobby is also in demand for his guest appear-

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ances with a variety of distinguished orchestras including The Boston Pops, The Rochester Philharmonic, The Detroit Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony, Edmond Symphony, and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. He is presently the featured pianist/organist for the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Recent performances in Europe and Japan, along with several recent CD releases, have garnered high praise; Bobby continues to accompany the top jazz, blues, and gospel artists in the country.


VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Mitchel Forman | Piano Mitchel began studying classical piano at age seven and, later, after graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, migrated to jazz and was soon touring with Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, and Carla Bley. His solo career was launched after he garnered international attention for a solo piano performance at the Newport Jazz Festival—later released as his first album. In addition to his highly acclaimed solo recordings, he worked with a number of well-known jazzers, espe-

cially some prominent guitarists such as John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, and Chuck Loeb. With the latter, he formed the highly successful fusion band Metro, releasing six Metro albums, as well as a handful of other releases under his own name. His support as accompanist for notable singers has also garnered kudos, and includes work with Mel Tormé, Astrud Gilberto, Janis Siegel, Diane Schuur, Ricki Lee Jones, and Niki Haris.

Larry Fuller | Piano Larry started playing piano at 11 and within a couple of years was playing professional gigs, performing regularly in Detroit, and Ann Arbor. By 22, he was playing with Ernestine Anderson touring and recording with her for six years as her pianist and musical director. He subsequently became a member of Jeff Hamilton’s trio, again recording and touring extensively with the group before joining the Ray Brown Trio, occupying the piano bench in that esteemed trio

for its last two years. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South America, performing with many jazz and pop luminaries including Harry “Sweets” Edison, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Kevin Mahogany, Bucky Pizzarelli, Regina Carter, and John Legend. For eight years he was part of the John Pizzarelli Quartet, and more recently has fronted the critically acclaimed Larry Fuller Trio.

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Jerohn Garnett | Electric Bass Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jerohn began playing drums at the age of three at his local church. Influenced by a host of great Gospel drummers, Jerohn has achieved equal renown as a bass player and producer. He has performed with Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle, Justin Bieber, Natalie Cole, and many others, and has also logged appearances on the Grammy® Awards, The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Oprah, and Ellen. Jerohn also appeared in the movies Dream Girls and Church and is currently playing with jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright.

Jeff Hamilton | Drums At the age of eight, Jeff began playing the drums along with his parents’ Oscar Peterson records, only to find himself appearing in an Oscar Peterson documentary years later. Today he is featured with some of the top names in jazz and pop, on more than 200 records... with a stunning 20-plus Grammy® nominations. He performs and records internationally with his own trio and as

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co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Early engagements included the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Lionel Hampton’s Band, and Woody Herman before joining the Monty Alexander Trio. He has performed regularly with Ella Fitzgerald, The Count Basie Orchestra, Natalie Cole, John Pizzarelli, Gene Harris, Barbra Streisand, George Shearing, and Diana Krall.


VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Niki Haris | Vocals Singer, songwriter, arranger, dancer, and choreographer, Niki’s dynamic performances reflect her love of being in the spotlight. A native of Michigan, she has worked with Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson, David Sanborn, Michael Sembello, Leann Rimes, Santana, Luther Vandross, Stanley Turrentine, The Righteous Brothers, Anita Baker, Mick Jag-

ger and Whitney Houston. She toured and recorded for 18 years with Madonna and appeared in several Madonna videos including the documentary Truth or Dare. Additional collaborations have included work with Ray Charles, Prince, Julian Lennon, Tom Jones, as well as choreography for MTV Awards and several television series and films.

Greg Harris | Vibraphone Greg got his musical start playing guitar--punk rock, in fact. Funk and soul music followed, as did an interest in drumming, leading to a grammar school stint on snare drum. A fascination with percussion led him to the marimba and vibraphone while pursuing degrees in music performance and music educa-

tion. In addition to his extensive work as a studio musician, he has released five albums. Greg also serves as producer for a hip-hop group, composes contemporary dance music, applies vibes to bluegrass music, and works with dance choreographers on various projects.

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Steve Kovalcheck | Guitar Steve helms a quintet based in the Denver area and teaches jazz improvisation, jazz history, directs various jazz ensembles, and leads the jazz guitar ensemble at the University of Northern Colorado. He has toured with Columbia Recording Artist Robinella and The C.C. String Band. He has performed with artists including Victor Krauss, The New York Voices, The Colorado Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony, The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, and a variety of other artists. He is also noted for his compositions, which have been played internationally, including performances at the Jazz En Tete Festival in France.

Julien Labro | Accordion Born in France, Julien was influenced by traditional folk music and the melodic, lyrical quality of the French chanson. After graduating from the Marseille Conservatory of Music, and having advanced degrees in classical music, jazz studies and composition, he began winning international awards and today is recognized as among the foremost accordion and bandoneĂłn players in both the classical and jazz genres. His playing,

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composing and arranging have earned him international acclaim. His eclectic musical influences inspire him to search for new themes and untried concepts as he tackles new projects. He has toured throughout the world and collaborated with a long list of GrammyÂŽ winners across many genres, major orchestras, and has appeared regularly at jazz festivals and prestigious jazz venues.


VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS

Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble The Mile Hi Gospel Ensemble is comprised of 15 Denver-area professional singers and entertainers, each with decades of international exposure and experience. This energetic, enthusiastic group comes together at various times...in various configurations...to provide passion, prayer, and amazing musicality in both religious and secular settings. Three of the group’s members sing together frequently in a band called Tunisia. Three others have been in a very successful a capella group, and several others sing regularly at Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, CO

James Morrison | Trumpet / Trombone A native of Australia, James is a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, all brass instruments, saxophones, and bass with equal faculty. He formed his first band at 9 and by 13 was playing professionally in nightclubs. He made his U.S. debut at 16 at the Monterey Jazz Festival and since then has performed at top jazz clubs and festivals the world over, with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Ben-

son, Ray Charles, B.B.King, Ray Brown, and Wynton Marsalis, among many others. He has given six Royal Command performances for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and has performed for Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama, in addition to composing & performing the Opening Fanfare of the Olympic Games in Sydney. Other career highlights include performances with Dave Brubeck, Phil Collins, Chaka Khan and rock legends INXS.

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Nicki Parrott | Bass / Vocals Australian bassist and singer Nicki Parrott has more than 15 albums to her credit. As a regular at major jazz festivals and venues around the globe, her performances have won critical acclaim and audience accolades. She has performed with the Pizzarellis, Ken Peplowski, Paul McCartney, Ann Hampton Callaway, Slash, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Michel Legrand, and many others. Mentored by Les Paul (whose combo she performed with regularly), she studied bass with Ray Brown and Vail Jazz Workshop instructor John Clayton. Nicki has performed at most major jazz festivals and leading jazz venues globally, and has also performed in several Broadway shows including Avenue Q, Imaginary Friends, Summer of ‘42, and others.

Ken Peplowski | Clarinet / Tenor Sax Ken had his first professional engagement while still in elementary school in Cleveland—playing clarinet in a Polka band. He also taught at the local music store and played in the family band. After a year of college, he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and shortly thereafter Benny Goodman put together a new band featuring Ken on tenor saxophone. Today, his appearances run the

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gamut from small local clubs and jazz parties to the Hollywood Bowl, headlining in Las Vegas and a wide variety of US and European festivals and clubs. He has recorded more than 50 CDs as a soloist and close to 400 as a sideman, collaborating with Mel Tormé, Leon Redbone, Peggy Lee, Madonna, George Shearing, Hank Jones, and many others.


VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Lyndon Rochelle | Drums Frequently sought for his sensitive souland Gospel-laced groove, Lyndon started drumming as a child on household pots and pans; by age 5 he was holding down the drum chair at his Grandmother’s church every Sunday morning. Los Angeles born and raised, Lyndon has performed all over the world with many of today’s most innovative artists. He was

part of Prince’s Welcome to America Tour, performed at President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, appeared at many notable international jazz festivals, has made many appearances on television, and toured with Esperanza Spalding, James Tormé, hip-hop pioneer RZA, Eric Darius, Kamasi Washington, and many others.

Olli Soikkeli | Guitar Born in Finland and now based in New York City, Olli fell under the spell of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt...and Gypsy Jazz has been his primary focus ever since. A recent CD appeared on several Best Album rosters, and his latest recorded endeavors feature singer Cyrille Aimée on a quartet CD, a recording with accordion virtuoso Julien Labro, a duo outing with Brazilian guitarist Cesar Garbini, and most recently a recording with Grammy®-winning pianist Marian Petrescu. He has played in many of the legendary jazz clubs and festivals throughout Europe and the U.S.

Byron Stripling | Trumpet / Vocals Born in Atlanta, the son of a classical singer, Byron came to prominence as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra. He has played with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, and Clark Terry, as well as the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. An accomplished actor and singer, Byron is a pops

orchestra favorite for his crowd-pleasing programs focusing on Louis Armstrong, Mardi Gras, swing, ragtime, and blues. He has been a featured soloist with the Boston Pops, Pittsburgh Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Toronto Symphony, at the Hollywood Bowl, and on the PBS television special “Evening at Pops” with conductor John Williams.

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VAIL JAZZ PARTY ARTISTS Jerry Weldon | Tenor Sax A native New Yorker, Jerry is a veteran of the NY jazz scene, thanks to a visit to The Village Vanguard when he was 14 to see Stan Getz. After graduating from the Rutgers University Jazz Program, he joined the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, touring extensively in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Japan. After a long stint with Hampton, he embarked on a lengthy enlistment with organist Jack McDuff, being featured on numerous recordings with McDuff’s group Heatin’ System. In 1990, Jerry became a featured soloist with Harry Connick Jr.’s big band, affording

him the opportunity to tour the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and also perform on many TV shows worldwide with the Connick Orchestra. Jerry has performed and recorded with Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Al Grey, George Cables, Cedar Walton, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Keter Betts, and Mel Tormé. A bandleader in his own right, Jerry frequently leads ensembles at many of NY’s top jazz clubs, and at festivals around the US. He has recorded 11 albums under his own name, the latest of which is Those Were the Days.

Martin Wind | Bass Born in Flensburg, Germany, Martin studied at New York University with a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service, earning his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance and Composition. In New York, Martin has become a regular at all the major jazz clubs and is also in demand as a session player; his soundtrack credits include The Alamo, Intolerable Cruelty, Mona Lisa Smiles, and Fur. He has recorded and/or performed with Monty Alexander, Lalo Schifrin, Pat Metheny, Bucky Pizzarelli, Benny Green, Mark Murphy, Toots Thielemans, Michael Brecker, and many others. In 1995 Martin finished

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third at the International Thelonious Monk Bass Competition in Washington, D.C. and a year later he won the first Cognac Hennessy/Blue Note Jazz Search in Germany. In 2000 he was the first Jazz musician to win the Cultural Award of his home state Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. Martin has served on the faculty at the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (Germany) and is currently on the faculty at New York University. Since 2007 he’s been leading his own quartet and has released 21 albums as leader or co-leader, the most recent of which is Light Blue.


VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP FACULTY In the second year of the Vail Jazz Party, the Vail Jazz Workshop was founded. Now in its 24th year, The Workshop is recognized as one of the premier music education programs in the country because of its small class size and focus on the aural elements of jazz music. On the following pages are the instructors of the program, its alumni, and members of this year’s class. The

musical and educational accolades that fill their bios are as varied as the paths the musicians have taken, but Vail Jazz remains a common point that ties them together. The history of jazz is full of musicians passing on their craft to the next generation of players, but it is rare to see the progression happen in real time like over the course of the opening session of the Vail Jazz Party.

John Clayton | Director, Bass By age 16, John was studying with legendary bassist Ray Brown, and by age 19, he became the bassist for Henry Mancini’s television series. After tours with Monty Alexander and Count Basie, the L.A. native moved to Amsterdam and was principal bassist in the Amsterdam Philharmonic for five years. Equally praised for his composing/arranging as for his thoughtful bass playing (8-time

Grammy® nominee), John has written and arranged for Diana Krall, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, and Natalie Cole. He is co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Clayton Brothers Quintet, a board member of the Vail Jazz Foundation, and has been Vail Jazz’s Director of Education and bass instructor for the past 24 years.

Jeff Clayton | Alto Sax Alto saxophonist and multi-reed instrumentalist, Jeff co-leads both the Grammy®-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Clayton Brothers Quintet. In demand as both touring and studio musician, he has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Kurt Elling, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Madon-

na, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He also toured with Gene Harris, Ray Brown, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, B.B.King, and Ray Charles, and has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne. Jeff is a recipient of the L.A.Jazz Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award and has taught at the Vail Jazz Workshop for 22 years.

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VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP FACULTY Bill Cunliffe | Piano Equally in demand as an arranger, composer and performer, Grammy®-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe began his career as pianist/arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, and James Moody. He has since established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozen

albums under his name. He won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Award, has received five Grammy® nominations, and is a two-time Emmy® nominee. Bill has written numerous film scores and currently plays with his trio, his big band, his Latin band, and his classical-jazz ensemble. This is Bill’s 24th year teaching at the Vail Jazz Workshop.

Wycliffe Gordon | Trombone Proficient on a wide range of instruments— too numerous to mention—Wycliffe picked up the trombone at 12 and today is the most highly awarded musician on the instrument, traveling the world playing and composing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz. With nearly 30 albums as a leader and many others as a sideman, he has won the Jazz Journalists Association Award for Trombonist of the Year eight times. He has per-

formed with a long roster of VIP jazzers including Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Billy Taylor, and was a member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Widely known for his commitment to jazz education, Wycliffe is a founding faculty member of the Jazz Studies Program at The Juilliard School. This is his eighth year as an instructor at the Vail Jazz Workshop.

This year, Workshop Alumni will headline: Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Festival, and countless other festivals worldwide 102 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival


VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP FACULTY Lewis Nash | Drums A native of Phoenix, Lewis performed with local bands while attending Arizona State University, and soon after was performing with legends like Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, Lee Konitz, Barney Kessell and Red Garland when their tours brought them to town. In addition to his 10 years with Tommy Flanagan’s trio, Lewis has also performed or recorded

with Oscar Peterson, J.J.Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, Jim Hall, and Ray Brown. With contributions to more than 300 albums, Lewis also leads his own groups from duo to septet and is highly sought after as a jazz educator. This is his 18th year teaching at the Vail Jazz Workshop.

Terell Stafford | Trumpet Terell picked up the trumpet at 13 and pursued his training in both classical and jazz trumpet. His career was launched in the early ‘90s when he recorded and performed with Bobby Watson’s quintet, Horizon, a band he continues to play with today. Later, McCoy Tyner added Terell to his Latin All-Stars Band and, over the past 20 years, he has performed with the Clayton Brothers Quintet, Bill Cunliffe, Cedar Walton, Herbie Mann,

and Matt Wilson. Grammy® winner and seven-time nominee, Terell has released eight albums of his own and appeared on more than 130 others. He is a long-time member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is the Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University and is Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. This is Terell’s 23rd year teaching at the Vail Jazz Workshop.

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VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP ALUMNI Kenny Banks Jr. | Piano, Class of '04 A native of Columbus, Kenny is a pianist, composer and arranger who has been studying and playing since he was seven. He first developed his talents through his church affiliation, and later studied music at Central State University, then taught vocal music in the Columbus public schools prior to starting a touring career as clinician, keyboardist, musical director,

and producer. He performed at President Obama’s inauguration and has appeared in many high profile venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonie in Berlin. In addition to appearances in a variety of movies, his performing credits include appearances with Earl Klugh, Kenny Garrett, René Marie, Aretha Franklin, Kevin Mahogany, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Marty Jaffe | Bass, Class of '11 Marty, a native of Conway, MA, has been playing the bass since he was five. Having musical DNA in common with his parents and siblings, his journey eventually led him to perform at such prestigious venues as Mezzrow’s, Smalls, Dizzy’s, and the Blue Note with notables such as trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and pianist Miro Sprague.

Gabe Medd | Trumpet, Class of '08 Gabe played his first trumpet at 3 and had his first gig at the age of 10. A native of Iowa City, Iowa, he has since performed at venues ranging from the North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival to Chicago’s Jazz Showcase, Dizzy’s, Iridium, and the Blue Note. With accolades ranging from The Wall Street Journal and Downbeat to Wynton Marsalis’ list of Next Generation Jazz Greats, he has played with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and 104 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

the Grammy®-winning Mingus Big Band. He was also a member of the inaugural Jazz Band of America, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and he was the first trumpet player to be accepted to the prestigious Stamps Ensemble at the acclaimed Frost School of Music. In addition, Gabe was selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition.


VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP ALUMNI David Milazzo | Alto Sax, Class of '12 Hailing from New Hampshire, David is a saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist now based in NYC. He was awarded the Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music, later earning an advanced degree in Jazz Studies from Juilliard and winning First Prize in the jazz category of the Vandoren Emerging Artist competition. Well-versed in both classical and jazz genres, he has performed with

Jon Faddis, Bill Charlap, Sean Jones, Jamie Cullum, Ambrose Akinmusire (Vail Jazz Workshop 2000), and many others. David has performed throughout North America, Japan, and Europe at such jazz festivals as Monterey, Bern, Newport, and Cancun, as well as venues including The Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Zinc, Smalls, and others.

Mike Mitchell | Drums, Class of '11 Mike began drumming at 2, played in his first live recording session by the time he was 8, and acquired a roster of drum company endorsements by the time he was 11. Thanks to his early exposure to music in a church setting in native Ft. Worth, TX, he began to create his own music and, by 14, was studying at the renowned Booker T. Washington high school for the Performing and Visu-

al Arts. As an all-genre drummer, he has received a Grammy™ nomination, 14 Downbeat awards and his performing credits include Christian McBride, Bob Mintzer, Terell Stafford, Kamasi Washington, Gerald Clayton, and Antonio Hart. Since 2013, he has occupied the drumming chair for jazz bass wizard Stanley Clarke’s band.

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VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP STUDENTS Ethan Avery | Trumpet Born to a musical family in West Hills, California, Ethan picked up the trumpet in 6th grade and after a summer jazz program he was hooked for life. Inspired by both traditional players like Wynton Marsalis and those with a more avant-garde style like Peter Evans, Ethan is a voracious listener. He received one of this year’s Downbeat High School Soloist Awards and was one of three jazz finalists at the 2019 International Trumpet Guild. Ethan is excited to learn from the Workshop Faculty, especially Terell Stafford.

Generous donors open their homes to Vail Jazz Workshop students each year. Special thanks to the 2019 host families: Carolyn & Steve Pope, Tina Nielsen & Andy Littman, Debby Derbin, Rosslyn Valentine, and Lucy & Peter Dunning

Natalie Barbieri | Alto Sax At the age of 3, Natalie started taking classical piano lessons picking up the clarinet and saxophone at 10 and 11, respectively. Inspired by greats like Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley, and Art Pepper, she regularly attends local jam sessions and gigs. Natalie enjoys sharing music with others, playing for free in public and teaching young children about music. She is enthusiastic about being in an immersive workshop environment and meeting other musicians who share her passion.

“The first time we hosted two jazz students, I knew we were participating in something very special. We still keep touch, and it’s exciting to see how these young people are achieving their goals in the music industry!” –Carolyn Pope

Nico Colucci | Tenor Sax Nico describes himself as “a kid who’s seizing as many opportunities as possible” and in his three years playing jazz he has definitely done that. His main instrument is the tenor saxophone, but he also plays alto, bari, and clarinet. Nico is inspired by Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown (an alumnus of the 2007 Vail Jazz Workshop). Nico is excited to ‘soak up’ ideas from the faculty and other students at this year’s Workshop.

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VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP STUDENTS Benny Conn | Trombone Growing up in the Thousand Oaks area of California, Benny is a student of Ira Nepus, lead trombonist in the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Benny has played in the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, Conejo Valley Community Jazz Band, and regularly plays gigs around the area with his combo, Quintessence. Inspired by the control and versatility of trombonists like Frank Rosolino, Benny hopes to improve his technical ability to the point where his technique never holds him back.

“That’s really important to remember: that a lot of us didn’t come from money so the opportunity to go to a camp like that wasn’t on the table if it wasn’t funded.” –Matt Marantz ‘02

Seth Finch | Piano Born in Baton Rouge, LA, Seth began taking classical piano lessons at the age of 5 before switching to jazz at 10. Some of his first experiences with the genre were the funk-fusion of Herbie Hancock and Weather Report. Oscar Peterson was his first exposure to swing and the Great American Songbook and it left him hooked. Seth toured internationally with the NYO Jazz orchestra last summer and gigs locally, playing hard bop and modern jazz arrangements in a trio setting. While at the Workshop, Seth hopes to hone his skills as a rhythm section player. On behalf of the Vail Jazz community, we extend our deepest gratitude to these scholarship underwriters: Gretchen & Robert Ravenscroft, Pat & Larry Stewart, Cathy Bennett & Fred Frailey, Chuck Lipcon, Joyce & Judson Green, Carole Watters, JoAnn Gonzalez Hickey, Michael Lazaroff, and Rosemary Maher & Mendel Melzer

Gavin Gray | Bass Gavin picked up the bass at the age of seven and has been hooked ever since. Classically trained on bass as well as piano, he has a theoretical and lyrical approach to bass playing. Inspired by Jimmy Blanton, of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Gavin knows that the sign of a quality bass player is the ability to make the rest of the ensemble sound good. Gavin looks forward to working with the faculty and other students in a smaller group setting, something not offered by other jazz honors programs. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP STUDENTS Anton Kot | Drums Drumming from a young age, Anton has always had a curiosity about the different musical languages that are incorporated in jazz. Anton also admires classical music and was one of only five students selected for intensive advanced studies with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He believes he will pursue music in higher education and wants to surround himself with musicians better than himself. Anton is looking forward to learning new jazz concepts and becoming a better musical citizen.

Workshop students take breaks only to eat during their time in Vail. Thanks to the following establishments for fueling the Class of 2019: Sunrise Café, Vendetta’s, BOL, Pazzo’s, Subway, Qdoba, Moe’s BBQ Big Bear Bistro, Route 6 Café

Jett Lim | Trombone Based in Richmond, California, Jett started playing trombone at the age of 9 and has been in bands for almost a decade. A veteran member of Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz group, he has also played in the SFJazz all-star big band and combo. Jett has been inspired by the virtuosic playing of J.J. Johnson from a young age, even before he started playing trombone! He also admires the fluid vocabulary of Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana. Jett’s goals for the workshop are to meet other musicians his age and improve his soloing by drawing on energy from the audience.

The Vail Jazz Workshop is made possible by individual donors, granting organizations, and in-kind contributions. 2020 is the 25th anniversary of this nationally esteemed program. Find out how you can support at vailjazz.org/support

Max Nierlich | Trumpet Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Max Nierlich has studied trumpet privately for 8 years. Max earned first place in the 2018 Jazz Search West, a regional talent competition culminating in a performance at Yoshi’s Oakland. He plays in the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and has participated in the Monterey Next General Jazz Festival. Max is inspired by the technicality of players like Clifford Brown and the lyricism of others like Chet Baker. He considers music a sanctuary and is excited to create lifelong connections with his fellow workshop classmates. 108 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival


VAIL JAZZ WORKSHOP STUDENTS Joey Ranieri | Bass Hailing from Chicago, Joey Ranieri plays in the style of bassists such as Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Sam Jones as well as many other great bassists that have made contributions to the Jazz medium. He began to seriously study bass in eighth grade, and quickly became amazed by the creative and controlling aspect of the instrument in a Jazz setting. He has played as part of the Emmet Cohen Trio and the Veronica Swift Band. Joey hopes to play with more authenticity after the workshop.

“Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili.” –Harry James

Miguel Russell | Drums Born in New York, Miguel’s family moved to South Florida when he was 7 years old. He prides himself on his versatility, playing everything from traditional New Orleans jazz to the more modern idiom. Miguel plays with his own trio as well as with adult professionals. He performed on a release by the great flautist Nestor Torres, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy. Miguel is excited to meet people his own age that share his passions for jazz and world music.

It takes a lot of food to keep these students going – our gratitude continues for these culinary establishments: Kirby Cosmo’s BBQ, Blue Moose Pizza, Bart & Yeti’s Westide Café, Eagle’s Nest, May Palace, Yellowbelly Chicken

Vittorio Stropoli | Piano Born and raised in New York City, Vittorio started the Suzuki program at the age of three. Since then, music has always been an integral part of his life. Vittorio consumes all subgenres of jazz: from Fletcher Henderson to Charlie Parker, Jelly Roll Morton to Herbie Hancock. He aspires to bridge the gap between jazz and other genres like Robert Glasper (an alumnus of the 1997 Workshop). Vittorio plans on taking full advantage of the collective knowledge of the faculty and other students.

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Community & Contributions VA I L JA Z Z

The Vail Jazz Foundation depends on and thrives because of the support of generous individuals and organizations. The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude for the contributions listed throughout this program book and outlined on the pages that follow.

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THANK YOU DONORS! Platinum Presenter ($50,000+)

Gold Presenter ($20,000+)

Gretchen and Robert Ravenscroft Cathy and Howard Stone

Kathy Cole and Trent Cole Scholarship Fund Didi and Oscar Schafer

In Kind Gifts

Silver Presenter ($10,000+) Holly Horvath and Bobby Hernreich Margaret and Glen Wood Shannon and Todger Anderson Cathie Bennett and Fred Frailey Carole Watters Margery Pabst-Steinmetz and Charles Steinmetz Betsy and George Wiegers Karen and Jay Johnson

Marijke and Lodewijk de Vink Marion Woodward Maxine Roberts Rosemary Maher and Mendel Melzer Debbie and Rob Ford Pat and Larry Stewart Leslie and Garret Davies Janet and James Dulin

Bronze Presenter ($5,000+) Tina Nielsen and Andy Littman and family Bettan Laughlin Bill and Nancy Blaze Charles Lipcon Shirley and Bill McIntyre Lisa Tannebaum and Don Brownstein Connie and Dr. Glen Hatcher Eli Dadouch Michael Lazaroff Jenelle Krissel Joan Francis JoAnn Gonzalez Hickey

Grand Patron (2,500+) Doe Browning Ann Newman and Andy Arnold Amy and Charlie Allen Jeanne and Dale Mosier

Jeanne and Joe Brandmeyer Sally and Kevin Clair Laura and Jim Marx Laine and Merv Lapin Emy and Mike Halpert Nancy Gage and Allan Finney Helen and Robert Howard Ron and Lucy Davis Carolyn and Steven Pope Jill and Tom Chinn Karen and Walter Loewenstern Paula and Will Verity Maureen and Wing Mayer Margie and Tom Gart

Virginia and Gary McDaniel Carol and Harry Cebron Agnes Hsu Tang and Oscar Tang Donna and Mike Wolsted Ann and Tom Rader

Hovey & Harrison Carolyn & Steven Pope Susan & Lee Berk Sarah Valente Margaret & Glen Wood Mary & Phil Carter Sally & Kevin Clair Janet & James Dulin Cathie Bennett & Fred Frailey Vivien & Andrew Greenberg John Bradshaw JoAnn Hickey Pat & Larry Stewart Leslie & Garret Davies Bill Pierce 4 Eagle Foundation Bloomingvails, LLC Patti & Drew Rader Stratford Festival Larkspur Vail Tor Studios Cindy Callicrate Montauk Seafood Grill Root and Flower TV8 Mighty Fine Productions Classic Pianos Denver AlpinAire Foods of Vail Wing Mayer The Golden Bear Vail Spa Hotel Talisa Hertz Yamaha Jackson Piano Services Michael Wolstead

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS Patron ($1,000+) April and Art Carroll Hedy and Don Bressler Robin Deighan Ferrell McClean Sue and Michael Callahan Simon Hamui Jill and Alan Tanenbaum Barbara Krichbaum and Kent Erickson Patricia and Bill Simmons Bill Pierce Candy Orlinsky Nancy and Ross Carozza Sue and Daniel Hagler

Enthusiast ($100+) Gary Thornton Juliana and James Bancroft Kim and Dennis Drummond Carol and Bill Forssander Ceilia Brown Charles Sherwood Richard Cutler Kathy and Allan Hubbard Allan Stiner Annalisa Savin Barbara Abell Wanda Lau and Bill Cunliffe Pat and Bob Torvestad Cherry Whitley Clark Fitzmorris Jeanne and Craig White Gail Joslin Weinnig Genevieve and John Anderson Hank Mader Nancy and Howard Davidson James Gregory James Harrison Jeanne Snyder John Jaran John McDonald and Rob Wright 112 | 25th Annual Vail Jazz Festival

Deborah and James Keating Dhuanne and Douglas Tansill Debbie and Erik Carlson Irene and Gaspar Lazzara Janine and George Quint Jackie and Howard Banchik Alyn Park and Jay Wissot Sue and Jim Bartlett Jocelyn Boyer Vera and John Hathaway Nancy and Jules Paderewski Lorna and Kim Kenly Leah Levin Susan and Lee Berk Neal Groff

Patricia and Phil Loudin Debbie and Patrick Horvath Noreen Ehlert and Peter Tasca Phil Harris Jan Biegler and Rusty Minkoff Kelly and Sam Bronfman Sarah Valente Sharon Glaser Spencer Marsh Bonnie and Stan Beard Staufer Commercial Elaine and Steven Schwartzreich Suat Gulec

Lin Grubbs Lowell Hahn Margaret Krol Argie Ligeros and Patrick Tierney Ross and Gary Valentine Jane and Sam Levy Sarah and Michael Charles Theresa Winters Dennette Soliai Christine and Vincent Celenza Vivian Brown J. V. Cowan Donna and David Kamin Jane and Tom Mapson Victor Frandsen Audrey and Andy Franklin Barry Beracha Caitlin Murray Patti and Drew Rader Fred Distelhorst Kristen and James Kenly Cookie and Jim Flaum Joanne Weinman Kathi Hall Caryl and Ken Field Linda McKinney Liz Frailey

Mary Lamb Lucas Neala and Carl Coan Barbara Jean and Paul Kuzniar Robert Herren Ronald Simon Starr Levey Carrie and Ed Velazquez Estaquio Cortina Debra Weiss Janna Gadden Joan Whittenberg Mary Alice Copp Mary and Phil Carter Elizabeth and Robert Taylor Annemarie Tague Kay and Drew Dodd Janet Stevenson Peter Poses Karen Nold Grace Sena and Al LaCabe Alan Freeman Beverly and Allan Gabel Ann Dobbs Barbara Black Barbara Rowes Ruth and Bernard Poole


DONATION TO VAIL JAZZ! Enthusiast ($100+) Charlene Koegel Daryl Schofield Judy and Daryl Carson Dennis Parsons Jeanne and Denny Geraghty Diana Bradley and Claude Accum Kathy Langenwalter and Dick Cleveland Charmin Michelle and Doug Hill Edythe Bronston Dr. Raymond Finn Lizette and George Lamb Hanne Johnson Barbara and Howard Finkelstein Hugh Thurnauer Ida Hurst Jacque and Bill Oakes Jane Comerford Jane Hall Jeannette Roberts Mary and John Lohre John Bowler III Kathleen Cram

In honor of: Howard and Cathy Stone: Sue and Jim Bartlett Joan Whittenberg Annalisa Savin Caitlin Murray Howard Stone: Madeline and Les Stern Janine and George Quint: Joanne Weinman Tony Gulizia: Jane and Sam Levy

Kelly Long L. Ann Scheer Phyllis and Larry Eaton Sallie Dean and Larry Roush Laura Sparks Linda Knipe Louise Douglass Marilyn Heaney Mark Taylor Martin Sosland Mary DiLuccio Mary Wilson Matt Heimerich Michael Jackson Michael Taeger Monica Goebel Pamela and Powell Moore Patricia and Michael Booker Patricia White Patty and John Cogswell Peggy Barber Linda and Peter Friedman

Vail Jazz Festival: Janine and George Quint Fred Frailey: Liz Frailey Lori Potter: Jennifer Urich Glen & Margaret Wood: Eli Dadouch Natalie and Ben Dodd: Kay and Drew Dodd

Carol Cook-Reichman and Peter Reichman Peter Zwiebach Emilie and Ray Herrmann Richard Rosenthal Rosemary and Rick Heller Ricki Shaw-Sherlin and Steve Sherlin Rita Tomasi Betty Ann Gaynor and Robert Gaynor Cindy Estes Carol and Roger Sperry Margo and Roger Behler Roy Marshall Sandra Cook Helaine and Sion David Joyce Newton Stacy and Dave Thibedeau Susan Smith Deborah Tomlinson Maxine Gand Warren Graboyes

Grants: Town of Vail Alpine Bank Epic Promise Foundation Colorado Health Foundation Colorado Creative Industries

James Kenly: Lorna and Kim Kenly

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"Congratulations to the Vail Jazz Foundation! Proud to be part of the Vail Jazz Family since Day One." -Wing & Maureen

"Dear Howard & Cathy, For your labor of love in birthing and growing such an outstanding jazz program, may you be blessed forever." -Love, James & Juliana

Cathy and Howard Hearts Beat Toes Tap Spirits Soar Congratulations 25 Years of Generosity and Passion -JGH

Howard and Cathy, Thank you for enriching our lives for the last 25 years. Can’t wait for the next 25.

Howard and Cathy Stone, Thanks for all the great jazz memories! -Susan and Lee Berk

-Pat and Larry Stewart

Thank you for making our annual July summer vacation in Vail so enjoyable. -Ross & Nancy Carozza

thank you Thanks for inviting us to your party!

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We are toasting Howard and Cathy, our Vail Jazz heroes, who have spent their time and immense energy to create the festival for all of us. We appreciate you! -Joanne+ Ken Weinman

Your dedication has inspired your friends, family, and those you have mentored throughout these 25 years. Congratulations on building something so special! -Starr and family

Thanks for 25 years of Excellence! -Karen and Jay Johnson


VOLUNTEERS

THANKS FOR 25 YEARS! To all the passionate Ambassadors who have committed time and energy to perpetuating jazz in Vail, we thank you for 25 years of dedicated service. "The sound of the orchestra is one of the most magnificent musical sounds that has ever existed." – Chick Corea

Thanks for being our orchestra! Love, Vail Jazz

VOLUNTE E RS: Mary Abbett Sebastian Andrews Ned Avery Rudy Barra Daisy Beck Philippe Beiter Eve Booth Jack Carnie Michael Carreira Judy & David Carson Cinthia Chavez Brian Claxton Pam Cochrane Marty Coloson Judy & Keith Countryman Al Couture Cindy Czurak Sophie Daniel Rick Disberger John Dunn Julian Farrer Irene Filatov Barbara & Howard Finkelstein Greg Flusty Nancy Foster Nica & David Froman Jami Genson Carol Giuliani Brent Gordon Sharon & Clifford Grady Jane Hall

Rosemary & Rick Heller Tim Herbst Tulip Hunt Rosalie Isom Jane Koerbel Susan & Sherwin Kruger Roz Lang Dave Leeberman Barbara Levy Dyann Linger Anita Liscum Vicky Litchev Peter Littman Darlynne Littman Theresa Lloyd Donna London Kelly Long Peter Lorbiecki Nicole Lucido Hank Mader C. Manning Kate Medrano Linda Mestas Morin Ray Miller Doug Mills Stanton Moore Charles Nash Felicia Nassi Rita Neubauer Pamela Olson Sheila Poncher

Peter Poses LeeAnn & Fred Rader Carol & Peter Reichman-Cook Beth Reilly Quinn Renolds Steve Rucki Chuck Smallwood Theodore Russell Scott Schaefer Lois Schwager Steve & Ricki Shaw-Sherlin Gail Sinclair-Nash Barry Skolnick Diane M Smooke Michael Snodgrass Mark Strass Sharon Sturgis Elizabeth Sullivan Carlos Taal Dave Thomas Cynthia Turtletaub Monica Vainaite Luke Vlaar Mia Vlaar Norman Vogel Louis Voit Erica Walk Phil Weinstein Jill Wilson Linda & Dave Wilson Andrew Zaback

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Toots and The Maytals

L I V E ! I N B E AV E R C R E E K

CIRQUE

SHENANDOAH

BUDDY GUY

HOLLYWOOD

JULY 11

JULY 30

MICHAEL MCDONALD

THE WHEEL

JULY 17

AUG 15

TOOTS & THE MAYTALS

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ

JUL 26

AUG 24

PUNCH BROTHERS

BILLY STRINGS

JUL 29

AUG 30

GOES TO

JUNE 29

CRAIG MORGAN JULY 2

JAY LENO JULY 5 THE MAVERICKS

JULY 7

ASLEEP AT

Punch Brothers

View the full line-up at vilarpac.org Jay Leno Buddy Guy

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VA I L J A Z Z G O E S T O S C H O O L R E F L E C T I O N

On The Rise

Alec Mauro BY SHAUNA FARNELL

Not every kid who taps on the xylophone during a Vail Jazz Goes to School session turns out like Alec Mauro. But the opportunity to learn about this key genre of American music and get some hands-on instrument time certainly helps plant (or discover) that seed of talent for musically minded children.

“Vail Jazz serves its own education, honestly. Without that program, I wouldn’t be into music the way I am now.” -Alec Mauro

Growing up in the Vail Valley with a music-loving father who runs local radio KZYR and a ski instructor mother, Alec Mauro knew he wanted to play music since he was a small child. “Vail Jazz Goes to School is cool because rarely in a community like Vail do kids get exposed to that kind of thing at that age.” Now living in New York City, he’s playing saxophone in a big band, studying jazz and serving as department head for jazz pro-

gramming at Columbia University’s student radio. During a call with Vail Jazz, he was in a cab home from instructing a private saxophone lesson. “He’s an eighth grader and my mom taught his mom skiing. I really enjoyed it. Teaching is really cool. You use a hodgepodge of your own tricks and styles, plus a little Tony G, and it’s cool to see that work translate to another person. It’s easier for me to communicate with kids on a different level, because I was in their shoes not that long ago.” Mauro makes time to play his sax daily, “you go crazy otherwise,” and has started performing around the city with a big band of talented young musicians. When he’s back in town, you might catch him sitting in with Tony G on a Sunday evening during Vail Jazz @ The Remedy at the Four Seasons or for one of Gulizia’s afternoon sets at The Westin. However, the young musician’s key aspirations for the future: lean more toward teaching than making it in the world of jazz performers. “My dream job is to be a professor of musicology. I can take everything I learn from playing, the music in general, and the history and write about it. I love writing and teaching. That would be the dream.”

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Opening Night Friday, July 26 7:30pm

NOW: Premieres Monday, August 5 7:30pm

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

American Ballet Theatre Saturday, July 27 7:30pm

Dance for $20.19 Tuesday, August 6 7:30pm

Malpaso Dance Company Sunday, July 28 7:30pm

Dancing in the Park: Colorado Ballet & Alonzo King LINES Ballet Wednesday, August 7 5:30pm

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

BalletX: The Little Prince Tuesday, July 30 7:30pm

Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park

UpClose: JUST Dances Wednesday, July 31 6:30pm

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

International Evenings of Dance I & II Friday, August 2 7:30pm Saturday, August 3 7:30pm

Martha Graham Dance Company Friday, August 9 7:30pm

Closing Night Celebration with Ballet Hispánico Saturday, August 10 7:30pm Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

2019 Artist-In-Residence Lauren Lovette in rehearsal with Patrica Delgado Photo by Erin Baiano

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CAFFEINATION AND SYNCOPATION

Coffee & Jazz BY HOWARD STONE

The first beverage that comes to mind when thinking about jazz is not coffee but alcohol. The two have been served in taverns, bars, juke joints, nightclubs and dance halls since jazz’s inception in the early 20th century and the pair have been the main ingredients of a good time ever since. Fast forward to the 1940s, jazz was the popular music of the day. However, after World War II, jazz took a turn and bebop was born – a new style of jazz. Jazz was not for dancing anymore, but for listening, a thought-provoking art form, the music of the oppressed, the underdog

and a vehicle to protest injustice. Bebop innovators Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie were seen as musical revolutionaries and social change was beginning to gather momentum. Many youths were drawn to the new lifestyle and gathering places for them sprang up in urban centers: coffeehouses. These dark, seedy establishments had, in many cases, the look of an opium den, with funny names (Hungry I, Pandora’s Box, Bitter End and Fickle Pickle), where jazz, folk music (the beginning of the folk revival), poetry and comedy could be heard. Alcohol certainly didn’t disappear, but it was now cool to drink coffee while listening to jazz. Today, most of the old coffeehouses are gone, having been replaced by the monotone, lookalike boxes, serving up drinks that are so outrageous that a ”venti, light-iced, skinny, hazelnut, macchiato, sugar-free syrup, extra shot, no whip” is a drink of choice.

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But a funny thing happened on the way to coffee Armageddon, jazz became the soundtrack of coffee quaffing. Starbucks, Peets Coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts, three of the biggest players in the market,

Presenting Bebop Blend, available at Vail Jazz events throughout the valley and the Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Roastery Cafe in Minturn, CO. all now prominently feature jazz soundtracks in their establishments. Ted Gioia, a jazz historian suggests that, “Jazz is now a code word for sophistication and classiness, even affluence.” Whatever the new perception is, jazz is now part of the world of coffee. Over time, I have realized that jazz and coffee have magical qualities. Both have connected me to so many people and had a remarkable impact on my life. Sitting with friends conversing and sharing thoughts over coffee has become a daily ritual for my wife and me and has enriched our lives immensely. Even solitary cups of coffees have had an amazing impact on me, as they have afforded me those private moments of introspection that are so enlightening. Whether in a group or solo, the coffee always tastes better when jazz is playing in the background. VA I L J A Z Z . O R G · 9 7 0 . 4 7 9 . 6 1 4 6 |

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Tor Clausen, creating for our cause. With a degree in Natural Sciences from the Evergreen State College, Tor worked as a Graphic Designer right out of school. Constantly designing, he created a line of musical furniture, then began expanding into larger experiential projects. "This musical bench is quite possibly the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen! The music that it plays sounds amazing and it is such a huge hit with children, they love it!! The bench was made with a lovely dark cedar and does not cease to live up to any expectations you might have!! This bench comes VERY much recommended!!!" – Abby Vail Jazz struck a chord in Tor's heart with our dedication to Music education in public schools. He is honored to help with our mission. Purchase a musical bench through Vail Jazz for $2,000, and Tor will make a donation of $500 to the Vail Jazz Foundation. Contact mary@vailjazz.org to place your order!

Check out Tor's portfolio at http://torstudios.com


Congratulations to VAIL JAZZ!

25 YEARS OF PRESENTING THE VERY BEST IN JAZZ! It takes a lot of energy, skill and love to keep a jazz festival going for 25 years, let alone have it grow and grow. Thanks to Howard and Cathy Stone, Vail Jazz has done just that! Entertainment Cruise Productions, producer of The Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea, is proud to have been associated with Vail Jazz for many, many years. We know that you will enjoy the 10-week Vail Jazz Festival! But, just as jazz is majestic in the mountains, it is sublime at sea. As a patron of Vail Jazz, you may enjoy unique opportunities and exclusive events for our friends at Vail Jazz. Take a moment and go to our websites and to the Vail Jazz guest page to learn more about the programs we have planned for our Vail Jazz friends.

SPECIAL OFFER for VAIL JAZZ PATRONS Get details at

thejazzcruise.com/vail • bluenoteatsea.com/vail or call toll free at 888.852.9987


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