Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-it-up-philly-live-at-the-prime-rib-tickets-16823444375?aff=efbevent
Tuesday, May 26th at 6:30 p.m. Jazz It Up Productions, proudly presents a spectacular evening of live jazz entertainment featuring 20 jazz artists right here from Philadelphia, and fine cuisine from Zagat's #1 rated steakhouse in Philadelphia, while you dance the night away with all the sophistication and class reminiscent of that supper club era long gone by. Dr...
Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-it-up-philly-live-at-the-prime-rib-tickets-16823444375?aff=efbevent
Tuesday, May 26th at 6:30 p.m. Jazz It Up Productions, proudly presents a spectacular evening of live jazz entertainment featuring 20 jazz artists right here from Philadelphia, and fine cuisine from Zagat's #1 rated steakhouse in Philadelphia, while you dance the night away with all the sophistication and class reminiscent of that supper club era long gone by. Dress to the "nine's" and join us for our 2nd Jazz It Up Philly Live at The Prime Rib. Attendees have two chances to win subscriptions to The Philly POPS 2015/16 season concert season for two, valued over $2,000 plus more. Jazz It Up Philly Live will surely be, yet another, sold out event.
Dress your best and arrive in style as you walk the red carpet and pose for a professional photo, as Restaurateur Extraordinaire, Garth Weldon welcomes you to The Prime Rib. Be lavishly greeted with a welcome cocktail as butlers hand serve Hors d'oeuvres during our cocktail reception with jazz pianist Alex Ayala performing right from the start. This evening of entertainment and fine dining then continues with a three course dinner including famed dishes such as The Roast Prime Rib Signature amongst other choices, capped with dessert, coffee and tea. All this comes with music direction by Tim Brey, as you experience jazz performances by Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, classical guitarist Dariel Peniazek, vocalist Alexa Barchini accompanied by the Tim Brey Trio, Philadelphia’s own jazz sensation Joanna Pascale, and the finale culminates with The Jost Project featuring headliner Paul Jost with internationally renowned vibraphonist Tony Miceli, bassist Kevin MacConnell and drummer Anwar Marshall. All while professional dance performances scattered throughout the evening.
Be part of the Masterpiece of Live Event Art
Award-winning painter Katherine Gressel has been commissioned to capture the excitement and all the action in a live painting. Watch Katherine as she captures the moment and recreates this spectacular evening on a 20x24 stretched canvas. One lucky bid winner will not only be able to call it their own, but will be invited back to a special signing dinner at The Prime Rib with all 20 of the Jazz artists signing the back of this magnificent original painting.
MUSIC DIRECTOR - TIM BREY
Tim Brey is a young in-demand pianist committed to keeping jazz fresh and relevant in an evolving, modern musical climate. This mindset has made him a premier jazz solo pianist, bandleader, and sideman. Tim Brey, who graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor's of Music Degree in Jazz Piano, said this of his Katz Scholarship: “I’ve been playing piano most of my life, and my growing passion for jazz in high school led me to Temple University. On a social level, I had the opportunity to meet past Katz scholars and hear about their experiences post-graduation. I have learned a great deal about music as well as making a career in the world of jazz from being a part of this group.” Tim has had the privilege of performing with such greats as Mike Boone, Joanna Pascale, Terell Stafford, John Swana, and many more. He has extensive knowledge of the Great American Songbook and Jazz It Up Productions is proud to have him serving as the music director of this exciting new musical experience in Philly.
FEATURED ARTIST - THE JOST PROJECT
The Jōst Project is made up of the finest jazz musicians who perform worldwide and are all based in the Philadelphia-area. Conceived by internationally renowned vibraphonist Tony Miceli, singer/harmonicist Paul Jost, bassist Kevin MacConnell and drummer Anwar Marshall join him in performing standards ranging from the 40’s to the 70’s featuring the music of such unexpected artists as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Iron Butterfly and many others. Their CD, “Can’t Find My Way Home” (Dot Time Records), has gotten raves throughout the world and each artist brings a wealth of experience and credits to the group.
Paul Jost:“Paul nearly single-handedly reclaims the male voice as a valid and critically important jazz instrument.” Buster Maxwell, music critic
Paul is a rare talent – an eclectic artist with great skill as a vocalist, drummer, composer and arranger. He is proud to have a new CD released in September, 2014 called “Breaking Through,” with a majority of jazz standards performed in a non-standard way. Included in the CD is his highly acclaimed song "Book Faded Brown", that has been recorded by The Band, Carl Perkins and Rick Danko. Paul is a prolific composer, writing over 40 CD’s for major music libraries are heard daily in over 750 markets throughout the United States, and, he has composed for Canon Pictures and NBC-TV's Emmy Award-winning series "Special Treat". His vocals, harmonica and/or drumming can be heard on national jingles as well. Paul is proud to have served as musical director at the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City as well as for Morgana King. The list of artists he has performed or recorded with is extensive including Billy Eckstine, Mark Murphy, George Mesterhazy, Ann Hampton Calloway, Sylvia Simms, Bobby Scott, Sivuca, Dr. John, Bucky Pizzarelli, Teo Macero, Bobby Tucker, Pee Wee Ellis, John Phillips, Mike Abene and many more. Paul’s recent work includes CD’s with Antfarm Quartet – Dialogues Pt. 2 and Live @ The Colony Theater, (Dreambox Media); Tim Lekan & Paul Jost – Side by Side (Independent), Marc Adler and Paul Jost – Silver Whispers (Arabesque), Andy Lalasis – Fret Not (Independent).
Tony Miceli: “Tony Miceli is a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness.” – Vic Schermer, All About Jazz
Tony Miceli is a legendary vibraphone player who has been performing in the United States and Europe through much of his career. He has played in countless jazz and percussion festivals, concert stages, jazz clubs and colleges with numerous artists including Ken Peplowski, Gerald Veasley, Diane Monroe, John Blake, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Slagle and others. A resident of Philadelphia, recordings include a self-titled compilation CD, Looking East with the Philly 5; On a Sweet Note with Gerald Veasley and the Electric Mingus Project; Band Shapes with French pianist Olivier Hutman; Monkadelphia; Music From the Inside Out, a companion CD for the documentary showcasing the Philadelphia Orchestra, Concord Jazz recording artist and guitarist Jimmy Bruno; excerpt this! with Adam Unsworth, French hornist with The Philadelphia Orchestra; and, Thelonius 4 Meets Tony Miceli. Tony conducts master classes at the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music and gives private instruction. He is on the faculty at University of the Arts and Temple University. In addition Tony runs a website www.vibesworkshop.com which is an online school of music for the vibraphone and boasts over 3000 members. He serves as a consultant to music and arts organizations.
Kevin MacConnell: “I love making music with Kevin. His time and pitch are impeccable, and he can read anything.” Peter Nero, Grammy Award winning pianist
Bassist Kevin MacConnell’s impressive career has taken him from playing with orchestras on concert stages to Broadway shows, from numerous recording studios to the sets of television shows, from jazz festivals to great clubs. He has performed with such jazz legends as Mel Torme, Nancy Wilson, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams and tenor saxophonist, Ernie Watts and made national and international television appearances/performances with Diahann Carroll, Marilyn McCoo, Merv Griffin, Natalie Cole and opera diva, Denyce Graves. Highly respected on the jazz scene, Kevin performed recently with John Blake and Jimmy Bruno and continues to tour the country with a Philadelphia based classical/blue grass ensemble "The DePue Brothers Band.", which features two members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as blue grass legends, Mark Cosgrove and Tony Trischka. Recent recording credits include Profile, Larry McKenna; Earth Tones', Power of Ten; 'Unencumbered', Mark Cosgrove and Director of the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts, Charles Gilbert's prerecorded productions, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" and "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble"
Anwar Marshall is one of the most in demand young musicians on the Philadelphia scene. He attended the University of the Arts and has performed or recorded with musicians such as Dave Douglas, Orrin Evans, Tim Warfield, Duane Eubanks, Jaleel Shaw, Robert Glasper, Dwayne Burno, Joel Frahm, Steve Mckie, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Adam Blackstone, and John Swana. Currently, Anwar is a co-leader with Josh Lawrence and Jason Fraticeli with a ten-piece ensemble called the Fresh Cut Orchestra and play regularly at the Painted Bride Art Center and the Kimmel Center.
Jost Project Press Contact: Sharla Feldscher Sharla@sf-pr.com
FEATURED VOCALIST -
American Idol Recording Artist Kriss Mincey
Kriss Mincey: 24 year old, American Idol recording artist Kriss Mincey. Hailed The Artrepreneur and singer, Philadelphia newcomer Kriss Mincey celebrates new beginnings at what will be her first performance at Jazz It Up Philly with new original music along with sultry jazz classics audiances have grown to love. This will include her newly released single performed on Wired 96.5, "Otherwise," produced by Rick Friedrick (Rihanna, The Roots).
Music lovers call Mincey's sound eclectic, angelic, nuanced and soulful, mixing a 70's flow with a 90's cool. Performing alongside her are esteemed band members James Santangelo on piano and Khary Shaheed on drums. As she sings, Mincey savors each syllable like decadent chocolate. When she hits the iconic whistle- tone in Minnie Riperton's "Loving You," the audience erupts.
Mincey headlined a Sittin' In session at the Kimmel Center early this year, and
- realizing she can't stay "a one-woman show" - is collaborating with producers
and songwriters for an upcoming project that she describes as "sweet sweat." Read more at on Philly.com at http://bit.ly/1zJkked
James Santangelo: Philadelphia native, James Santangelo is a prominent force in the tri-state jazz community. James started his piano studies at the age of six. During his high school years he studied privately with University of the Arts faculty member Tom Lawton as well as at the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts in Center City. James attended both the Ester Boyer College of Music (Temple U) and The University of the Arts (Promising Artist Scholarship Award winner). Along with running the jam session at Chris' Jazz Cafe for over three years, James has performed at Ortlieb's Jazz Haus and the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival among others. James is currently on the faculty at the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts teaching both ensemble classes and private lessons.
Khary Shaheed: Born and raised in Philadelphia to two highly talented and gifted individuals. Shaheed received his first training and musical heredity from his mother, Nadira Barba vocalist/pianist, and his father Kazem Shaheed
drummer/percussionist. Together they have been creating and playing music for over thirty years. Khary began playing music at the early age of only two years. Shaheeds love and passion for music has afforded him the opportunity to study, perform, and produce throughout the Philadelphia area. He became a member of the Electo Egbe Omode Dance Co. playing Djembe and Congas. While attending Academy of the Way Pan African Institute, Shaheed played with the Blue Nile Drum Ensemble directed by Jabali Wazuri and Talib Issa.
SUPPORTING ARTISTS
Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society are a jazz band from the city of Philadelphia. "I will never forget the night I walked into the Ruba Club in downtown Philadelphia. It was like stepping back in time. It was the night I met Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society." Michael Males, MyRuralRadio.com
Led by the accomplished pianist, trumpeter and singer, Drew Nugent, the band has been together for over seven years now. It has made quite a name for itself not only in Philly, but on the entire East Coast as one of the leading ensembles in the jazz vein for traditional, or HOT, jazz. This is what one could call the original jazz music. It lasted in popularity from roughly 1897- 1935 and was sadly thrown by the wayside in the wake of the swing music surge. The height of this musical phenomenon took place in the 1920s, The Jazz Age. For decades this music lie dormant, but here, almost 100 years later, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society play these tunes as if they were written yesterday. Some even were! That's because Drew Nugent himself, is a song writer in this style of music, and from time to time you will catch him and the boys playing one of Nugent's own works.
Alexa Barchini is a jazz vocalist, composer, and lyricist based in the Philadelphia area. Introduced to jazz and improvised music as a teenager, studying and performing in various settings, with tours taking her to Los Angeles, Berlin, New York, and Boston. With a particular interest in the music of Brazil, her compositions fuse her deep love of jazz and jazz singing—rich harmonies, a capacity for storytelling, and improvisatory freedom—with playful Latin-influenced rhythms and the warm, understated style of singers like João Gilberto.
One of her most recent work on New York pianist Julian Shore’s 2012 release, Filaments, All About Jazz critic Dave Wayne said, “Her voice is close-miked, soft and intimate, and conveys the feeling that she's sharing a secret that is just beyond one's grasp.” She recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in vocal jazz performance at Temple University in Philadelphia where she was lucky enough to study under the direction of Joanna Pascale, Dick Oatts, Bruce Barth, and Terell Stafford. Over the past few years, she has had the opportunity to record and perform with such artists as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Gilad Hekselman, John Swana, Wycliffe Gordon, and Terell Stafford, among others.
Dan Monaghan is one of the busiest drummers in the Philadelphia area. Dan is a brushmaster, snare drum connoisseur, and adjunct instructor of jazz studies at Temple University. After studying classical percussion for eight years he went on to earn a Bachelors of Music in jazz studies from Temple University. Since then he has performed with some of the top names in jazz, including Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, Joe Magnarelli, and Randy Brecker. In addition, he has recorded with artists such as Jimmy Bruno, Elio Villafranca, Joanna Pascale, Larry McKenna, Tom Tallitsch, Meg Clifton, Mike Kennedy, Norman David, Brian Woestehoff, Big Five Chord, John Vanore & Abstract Truth, and many others.
Monaghan has performed at the Mellon Jazz Festival, the East Coast Jazz Festival, the Wilmington Latino Festival, the Cremona Jazz Festival, the Blue Note, Blues Alley, Smoke, Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, Zanzibar Blue, and Chris' Jazz Cafe, among other well-known venues. He is also a frequent clinician at schools, colleges and festivals
Justin Sekelewski, a high demand sideman in Philadelphia and surrounding east coast cities, has performed with many notable jazz musicians. He has played at festivals such as The Detroit Jazz Festival and The Hague Jazz Festival in Amsterdam. Justin has performed in venues such as the Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Chris' Jazz Cafe and Ortliebs Jazzhaus. Justin, is an instructor with the jazz combos at the University of Pennsylvania, and maintains a private studio of acoustic and electric bass students. He is the featured bassist on the debut recording with Najwa Parkins and the After Hours trio “Not The Next Someone Else”.
Alex Ayala is a pianist and keyboardist based in Philadelphia. He attended the University of the Arts, where he studied under piano teachers Don Glanden, Tom Lawton, and Trudy Pitts. Alex has also received instruction and guidance from some of Philadelphia's finest musicians.
As a freelance musician, Alex performs a variety of different styles with a wide range of bands and ensembles. He's performed with or currently performs with top groups such as: Cold Roses, Swift Technique, Dirk Quinn Band, Ode to Omni, Sonnder, The Steve Cal Blues Band, Zach Mama's Motherhood Band, and The Royal Noise. You can also see him playing solo or duo in many weddings and restaurants throughout the Philadelphia and South Jersey area.
Dariel Peniazek is an up and coming guitarist on the Philadelphia music scene. He is currently studying jazz performance and composition at the Boyer College of music at Temple University. Dariel began playing guitar at the age of eight, and has been performing professionally in a wide array of musical genres since the age of eighteen. He began playing jazz professionally during his time studying at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where he had the opportunity to study with renowned Canadian musicians such as Kenny Bibace and Greg Clayton. Since returning to Philadelphia, Dariel has had the luxury to learn from the incredible faculty at Temple University including Greg Kettinger, Thomas Giacabetti, Tim Warfield, and Joanna Pascale. He has performed in a variety of venues in both Philadelphia and Montreal including World Café Live, Chris’ Jazz Café, and Diese Onze. Dariel is looking forward to continuing his career in Philadelphia and exploring the wealth of opportunity the city has to offer.
Katherine Gressel's love of sharing her painting process with event guests is a natural extension of her background in public art and art education. In addition to painting events live since 2008, Katherine has exhibited and worked in NYC galleries, and received grants to paint murals and curate contemporary art exhibitions in NYC and abroad. She has run arts education programs and consulted for such nonprofit art organizations as Smack Mellon Gallery, FIGMENT NYC, Creative Time, Groundswell Mural Project, Americans for the Arts, and No Longer Empty. Katherine received her BA in painting with honors from Yale University and MA in arts management from Columbia University.
Associated Artist Links:
The Jost Project - http://www.thejostproject.com
Paul Jost - http://www.pauljostmusic.com
Tony Mecell - http://www.tonymiceli.com
Kevin MacConnell - http://www.depuebrothersband.com/kevin.html
Kriss Mincey - http://www.krissmincey.com
Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society - http://www.myruralradio.com/drewnugent.asp
Alexa Barchini - http://alexabarchini.squarespace.com
Tim Brey, Justin Sekelewski and Kevin Ripley - https://illdelta.bandcamp.com/releases
Dan Monaghan, Drummer - http://www.temple.edu/boyer/about/people/DanMonaghan.asp
Kevin Ripley, Drummer - https://sites.google.com/a/kevinripley.com/home/bio
Alex Ayala, Pianist - http://alexayalamusic.com/
The Rock School of Dance Education - http://www.therockschool.org/
Katherine Gressel - http://www.eventpaintingbykatherine.com/
Sponsoring Partners
Host Venue - The Prime Rib - http://www.theprimerib.com/
Photography - Bruce Productions - http://www.BruceProductions.com
Web Design & Printing - Mirror Image - http://www.NewMirrorImage.com
Public Relations - Sharla Feldscher Public Relations - http://www.sf-pr.com
Sound - Chris Sannino - http://sanninoproductions.com/
Beverage - Capital Distributors -
*Note: Performers and Line up schedule subject to change at the descrecion of Jazz It Up Productions.