Thanks to popular demand, SPAC’s hit series “Live at the Jazz Bar” is back for another summer! Kicking off tonight with music by Alta Havana, the series brings regional artists and New York City-based ensembles to the Hall of Springs’ Jazz Bar where they perform the best of jazz, folk, and swing. Read on to find out which bands will be performing at this fun-filled, free concert series throughout the season.
The Lineup
Performances will be held on seven evenings throughout the summer: June 6, July 18, and August 1, 8, 10, 15, and 17:
June
- Alta Havana (Wednesday, June 6): Javier Antonio Porta Gonzalez (flute and vocals), Yusnier Sanchez Bustamente (percussion), and Jorge Gomez (keyboard/piano), bring the exciting sounds of Cuba to the Jazz Bar. The acclaimed musicians of Alta Havana have performed on festival stages across the globe, weaving the traditional with a unique, fresh vibe.
July
- Useless Cans (Wednesday, July 18): Capital Region natives, the members of Useless Cans combine old-time jazz, folk, and traditional Russian melodies. Past venues include the American Roots Music Series, Caffe Lena, Cafe Livre Concert Series in Long Lake, and Saranac Lake’s Party on the Patio.
August
- Annie and the Hedonists (Wednesday, August 1): Led by Annie Rosen (vocals), Jonny Rosen (guitar/vocals), Peter Davis (clarinet/tenor guitar/piano/vocals), and Don Young (upright bass/vocals), Annie and the Hedonists perform their take on classic blues numbers sung by great female artists of the 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- The Global Awareness Quartet with Chuck Lamb (Wednesday, August 8)
- Joshua Fialkoff and the Odd Fellows (Friday, August 10)
- The Piggly Wigglies (Wednesday, August 15)
- Chuck Lamb Quartet (Friday, August 17): Pianist and composer Chuck Lamb has been with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet for 14 years, and has performed with his own quartet and other groups around the world. Downbeat has praised him as an, “…expert soloist. His original compositions are varied and exuberant. His work is exemplary.”
Sponsored by Freihofer’s Baking Company, “Live at the Jazz Bar” will take place following performances throughout the classical season, and will run until midnight. Said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC president and CEO, in a statement, “I can’t think of a better way to open our season than with National Ballet of Cuba’s breathtaking Giselle followed by Alta Havana’s Cuban rhythms in our after-hours, live music lounge.”
In addition to great tunes, a cash bar and light appetizers from Mazzone Hospitality will be available at the Jazz Bar. The concert series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact SPAC at 518-584-9330 or general@spac.org.
