The incredible musicians touring in celebration of the Monterey Jazz Festival’s 65th year include Grammy Award-winners Kurt Elling and Christian Sands.
Media Contact: Lori N. Jones, ljones@fairfield.edu, 203-254-4000 x2975
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will host the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour on Sunday, April 16 at 7 p.m., for an incredible evening of jazz and American Songbook favorites.
As one of the world’s longest-running and most iconic events, the Monterey Jazz Festival is celebrating its 65th year with a must-hear ensemble featuring Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling, whose career exploded in 2006 when he signed with Concord Jazz and began winning multiple awards and nominations.
Elling performs alongside vocal sensation and Monterey Jazz Festival break-out star Veronica Swift, and critically acclaimed rising-star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. The stellar band is directed by visionary pianist and Connecticut native Christian Sands, whose third album won a Grammy for the best instrumental composition. Sands is anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.
“We are honored to host such incredible artists on our stage, including the return of Kurt Elling, a fan-favorite for Quick audiences,” shared Lori Jones, Quick Center director of programming and audience development. “For those that can’t make it to California annually, or perhaps miss heading to NYC to their favorite jazz club, the Quick will offer an intimate and powerhouse evening you won’t soon forget.”
Celebrating America's creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars since 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world.
The group began touring in 2007 with the idea of fashioning a musical program that brings all the artistry and energy of the California festival to jazz fans throughout the country. Featuring some of the best-known names in jazz — from Terence Blanchard to Kenny Barron and Cécile McLorin Salvant — the MJF on Tour programs have played over 185 concerts to more than 150,000 people.
The Monterey Jazz Festival is supported, in part, by Cindy Raney & Team and Silverman Group. Tickets are on sale now at quickcenter.com for $30 or $20 for Quick Members. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Posted On: March 30, 2023
Volume: 54 Number: 89
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