| Samba Meets Jazz Workshops (www.SambaMeetsJazz.com), directed by celebrated Brazilian bassist/composer Nilson Matta, will host an Open House Faculty Concert and Jam Session on April 8 at Jazz at Kitano, Park Ave. and E. 38th St., from 7:30-11 p.m.The evening will feature an all-star faculty concert starring saxophonist Harry Allen, percussionist Fernando Saci, pianist Matt King and Mr. Matta, followed by an open jam session for former and prospective students. Instrumentalists and vocalists at all levels are warmly invited to participate.The Open House is one-part party, one-part preview for this summer’s two weeks of jazz workshops in Bar Harbor, Maine, from July 20-26 and from July 27-August 2. Award-winning guitarist Dave Stryker and legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter Célia Vaz will join the Samba Meets Jazz-Bar Harbor roster of brilliant faculty artists. Among the artists returning this summer are pianist-composer-educator Arturo O’Farrill, founder and director of the Grammy-award winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; the dazzling, world-class tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, and the celebrated virtuoso trumpeter Claudio Roditi.Stryker, a perennial favorite in both the DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls, will add a new dimension to Instrumental Week (week 2), with his unique combination of soul-jazz and blues styles. Vaz, who will teach during Vocal & Instrumental Week (Week 1), has earned wide recognition not only as a singer, but as an arranger, guitarist and educator. She is famed for her work with Brazilian superstars like Joyce and the Quarteto em Cy, as well as with Billy Eckstine and other leading international artists.
Also joining the Bar Harbor faculty this year will be master pianist Matt King and acclaimed Brazilian drummer/percussionistFernando Saci (Week 1); world-class percussionist Café; and highly accomplished drummer Zach O’Farrill, (Week 2). Nilson Matta will host and teach during both weeks.
Matta, now in his sixth year with Samba Meets Jazz workshops, emphasizes that the program is designed for adult students of all levels and backgrounds, from aspiring players to professionals. “Our commitment is to personalize the program – to challenge each student at her/his own level. Our experience has shown us that the students not only grow musically but have great fun together. And with this faculty and our spectacular location on Frenchman’s Bay (just steps from Acadia National Park), that’s not hard! We cordially invite everyone to join us at Jazz at Kitano on April 8, and see for themselves.”
For more information, contact Executive Director Alice Schiller at alice@SambaMeetsJazz.com, call 888.435.4003, or visitwww.SambaMeetsJazz.com. RSVPs for the Open House are not required but are appreciated. For more info on Nilson Matta visit him at www.nilsonmatta.com.
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