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Jazz Concert for a Winter Afternoon
Local artist and celebrity flutist Ali Ryerson comes home to Connecticut with her jazz quartet for a one-time concert on Sunday, February 17 at 3 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Salisbury. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Northwest Connecticut Chapter of the United Nations Association, a local group whose mission is to teach area youngsters about the important workings of the United Nations. Tickets are $15 and will be available at local pharmacies, record stores, and other shops in neighboring Litchfield County towns.
Joining the popular Brookfield jazz flutist is Ted Perry, a swinging bop-oriented jazz pianist influenced by the likes of Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Bill Evans and Nat King Cole. Jeff Fuller, a jazz bassist known for his swing and big bass sound, has recorded with master saxophonists Lou Donaldson and Paquito D'Rivera and has appeared with Dizzy Gillespie, Scott Hamilton and Gerry Mulligan. Jim Oblan will perform on the drums.
"This will be a relaxed evening of fun," said Ms. Ryerson, who knows this local audience well. She is delighted and excited to be back in Connecticut playing before a hometown crowd.
Ryerson last appeared in this area in August 2001 as director of the Catskill Jazz Festival in Catskill, NY. A graduate of the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music, Ryerson has played Carnegie Hall with legendary French violinist Stéphane Grapelli, has backed Luciano Pavarotti, has played symphonic and chamber music with Kenny Baron, Art Farmer and Roy Hanes, and has been a featured performer with Sandler and Young. With her tasteful juxtaposition of spacing and note-blending ability, Ali disproves the myth that you can't swing with the flute. According to her web page bio, "From gently lucid to boldly percussive, her playing embodies the spirit and stylings of past greats such as Miles Davis and Bill Evan, two of her early influences."
In sponsoring "Jazz for a Winter Afternoon," the United Nations Association hopes to create heightened awareness for its work in the area, particularly its emphasis on children. The United Nations Association this year will be sponsoring a national essay contest on global warming for high school students, and has had an exhibit at the Kent Library featuring the flags of all 159 member nations, some native costumes and national currencies. For more info about the United Nations Association, contact Lisl Standen, 47 One Hill Rd., Kent, CT 06757; phone 860-927-3531.
If you cannot find concert tickets in your local area, call Ms. Standen. Seating at the church is limited, so get your tickets right away.
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