Litchfield Jazz Festival Kicks Off with Electrifying Gala and Talented Young Musicians
The Litchfield Jazz Festival is set to ignite the stage with its highly anticipated 29th annual celebration, kicking off with a dazzling Friday Night Gala that promises to captivate music enthusiasts. This year's event will showcase the exceptional talents of the Litchfield Jazz Camp alumni, as well as renowned artists who have graced the festival's stages over the years.
Elevating the Jazz Experience with Culinary Delights and Exceptional Performances
A Tradition of Culinary Excellence and Libations
The Litchfield Jazz Festival's Friday Night Gala has become a beloved tradition, thanks to the tireless efforts of a dedicated volunteer and a talented local chef. In 1999, one of the festival's loyal volunteers convinced the organizers to host a pre-event party, with the volunteer's father, a skilled caterer, taking charge of the culinary offerings. This inaugural gala was a resounding success, setting the stage for the event's continued growth and popularity.Today, the gala's culinary delights are in the capable hands of Chef Charlene Dutka, who delights attendees with her mouthwatering treats and sweets. Litchfield Distillery ensures that guests have access to a wide selection of top-shelf adult beverages, while VanDoren Vineyards provides a curated collection of vintage French wines. The picturesque setting of the Perakos Arts and Community Center, nestled within the grounds of the Frederick Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut, provides the perfect backdrop for this gastronomic and musical celebration.
Showcasing the Next Generation of Jazz Talent
The Litchfield Jazz Festival has long been a breeding ground for exceptional young jazz musicians, thanks to the renowned Litchfield Jazz Camp. For the past 28 years, the camp has been nurturing and training the next generation of jazz virtuosos, many of whom have gone on to perform in top clubs and festivals around the world.This year's Friday Night Gala will feature the best of the current crop of Litchfield Jazz Camp alumni, who will take the stage to open the weekend's festivities. These young musicians, already showing signs of future greatness, will captivate the audience with their virtuosic performances, setting the tone for the rest of the festival.
Headlining the Gala: The Alexa Tarantino Quartet
The highlight of the Friday Night Gala will be the performance by the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Alexa Tarantino, a Litchfield Jazz Camp alumna herself, has since risen to prominence as a principal saxophonist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Arturo O'Farrell.Joining Tarantino on stage will be an impressive lineup of musicians, including Steven Feifke on piano, Mark Whitfield Jr. (also a Litchfield Jazz Camp alumnus) on drums, and Philip Norris on bass. Feifke, Tarantino's husband, has recently garnered his own accolades, including a 2023 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, making him the youngest-ever bandleader to receive this prestigious honor.
Supporting the Next Generation of Jazz Talent
The proceeds from the Friday Night Gala will directly benefit the Litchfield Jazz Camp's need-based music scholarship program, ensuring that talented young musicians have access to the exceptional training and mentorship the camp provides. This investment in the future of jazz music is a testament to the festival's commitment to nurturing and supporting the next generation of jazz virtuosos.Tickets for the Friday Night Gala, which include reserved seating for the festival's Mainstage concert, must be purchased by July 25th. Tickets for the Mainstage concert alone are also available through the festival's online platform.As the Litchfield Jazz Festival embarks on its 29th year, the Friday Night Gala promises to be a captivating and unforgettable experience, blending culinary delights, exceptional performances, and a celebration of the rich legacy and promising future of jazz music.
