29 Jul Jazz Legends Valery Ponomarev, Tommy James and Five-Time Grammy® Nominated Vocalist Amy Hānaiali’i to Headline Jazz Maui 2014
Do you love jazz and frequently wish you could transport yourself to the heart of New York City to get your fix? If so, then you’re in luck. A plane ticket won’t be required as some of the world’s top jazz musicians are set to make their way to the Valley Isle for Jazz Maui 2014.
Presented by the non-profit Arts Education for Children Group, Jazz Maui takes place from July 28th through August 3rd and features live performances by Tommy James of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, legendary NYC trumpet player Valery Ponomarev, Maui’s own five-time Grammy® nominated vocalist Amy Hānaiali’i and many more. Festival performances offer a rare match up of on and off island talent performing with guest artists, backed by ensembles of local and visiting jazz musicians.
Jazz Maui performances take place at multiple island venues including the Maui Arts & Cultural Center; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; the Sheraton Maui and King Kekaulike High School. A series of free jazz performances will also take place at the Whalers Village Courtyard in Kāʻanapali.
On Saturday August 2nd at 7:00pm The Grand Festival Concert & Dance – The Story of Swing Big Band Concert under the direction of Tommy James of the Duke Ellington Orchestra will take place at The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. The evening will feature the music of all the classic composers Basie, Goodman, Dorsey, Ellington and more performed by a world class combined orchestra comprised of members of Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts, the Moonglow All-Star Swing Band and Maui Community Band. The Maui Swing Dancers will be present as special guests. Swing Dancers are encouraged to attend.
“What an exciting time for me to return to my roots of professional music. After graduating from Music Conservatory, performing at the Anuenue Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua was my first professional standing gig. Five nights a week for five hours a night, I was able to hone my craft for five years. Anybody who was anybody came through that room to see the show. I am so excited to capture the essence of that creative time singing the old classics, and reopen a new era based on my career at this time, focusing on Jazz and Hawaiian Music. Revisit your memories with me and enjoy,” states Hānaiali’i.
Jazz Maui 2014 also includes workshops for musicians of all levels, taught by guest artists. Workshop highlights include a Big Band Swing workshop with Tommy James, a horn workshop with Valery Ponomarev, and a vocal workshop with renowned Honolulu vocalist Shari Lynn.
“Jazz Maui 2014 provides an opportunity for local residents, music students, aspiring young musicians, professional musicians, and jazz music aficionados to participate in and/or attend high quality jazz music performance concerts on Maui. We provide a venue for young aspiring local jazz musicians to establish connections within the professional jazz music scene that may facilitate career opportunities,” states Jazz Maui Founder, Bryant Neal.
Jazz in the Village Series at the Whalers Village Center Stage
Chop Suey & King Kekaulike Jazz Band – Thursday, July 31st, 6:00pm – Free
This event will showcase the talented King Kekaulike Jazz Band in concert with local and visiting faculty. Under the direction of Casey Nagata, the concert will also feature the faculty Jazz ensemble Chop Suey.
Jazz In the Village – Coco Land Jazz – Friday August 1, 6:00 pm – Free
“A Night of 1,000 Drums” is a retrospective evening of Tropical Swing dating back to the styles of Martin Denny.
Jazz In the Village – 21 Degrees North & Na Ali’i Big Band – Sunday, August 3, 6:00 pm – Free
Enjoy some of Maui’s most talented Jazz musicians and the talented Na Ali’i Big Band.
The full festival schedule and ticket purchase information can be found at www.jazzmaui.org or you can call 808-283-3576 for more info. Tickets for the Jazz Maui All Stars Concert can be purchased through the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Box Office at 808-242-SHOW or www.mauiarts.org.