On Thursday evening, June 5, the Jazz al Fresco annual benefit event will take place at the pavilion stage on the campus of the United Lutheran Seminary. First-place winner of the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition and semi-finalist in the American Traditions Competition, jazz vocalist Sara Jones has toured 49 states and performed in numerous concert halls across the country. Jones was a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, and with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. In the Baltimore-Washington area, Sara was a featured vocalist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors at the Hippodrome Theater, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Strathmore Mansion, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
After graduation from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she pursued a vocal career with the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band. Now a civilian, Jones maintains an active performing schedule and recently released her debut CD, Daydream A Little on Petite Musique Records. A collection of jazz standards and Bossa Novas, it features Sara and the legendary Brazilian group, Trio Da Paz.
The Unified Jazz Ensemble, a stellar quartet of Baltimore-based musicians, is dedicated to bringing America’s indigenous music of jazz to audiences of all ages. Founded in 1992, the UJE engages listeners in innovative performances of jazz standards and original compositions. Individual performance credits include Eddie Daniels, the Latin Grammy-winning band Afro Bop Alliance, Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Samuels, Arturo O’Farrill, Conrad Herwig, and Mundell Lowe. Members include founder and vibraphonist Mike Noonan, bassist John Pineda, Tim Stanley on trumpet & flugelhorn and drummer Frank Russo.
GBBF Steering Committee member Buzz Jones relates that “cabaret table seating and a delicious meal by Biggerstaff’s Catering will contribute to a festive night of live music as the summer season begins. We are grateful for the marvelous community interest in this event, which will support future festival programming. A good time will be had by all!”
The tent area opens at 6:00, and music will be played from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Seating is limited, and tickets should be purchased by May 15. Reservation information and the complete five-day festival schedule are available at www.gettysburgbrassbandfestival.com.
The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival is in its 28th year and attracts some 4000 listeners annually to main stage performances at the United Lutheran Seminary and venues around the borough. Brass bands are the main feature of the festival, which includes the poignant Taps Tribute at dusk on Saturday evening.