Newburgh Jazz Series 2008 Presents
The first night of the festival opens with a performance by Chiku Awali African Dance & Drum Company—calling on the ancestors to carry a successful event throughout the summer.
Michael Jackson Quintet
Mike has the ability to calm the soul with his spirit filling sounds. His gentleness seems to come alive with the stroke of the fingers on his bass guitar. The professionalism of this quartet could only have bring gathered by Mike Jackson.
Jazz Pioneers
A unique and enjoyable combination of swing, big-band favorites, and the best of modern jazz. Directed by Bill Gillespie, this performance will feature well-known vocalists Vito Petroccitto, Sr. and Ceista Little-Quinn.
Neil Alexander & Nail
On the forefront of modern jazz, this band combines traditional elements of jazz with cutting edge electronics, stretching to embrace and bring together different styles in a powerful and original blend. Currently touring to support their new CD, Tugging at the Infinite.
New York Swing Exchange
Traditional big band playing jazz, swing and ballads.
John Simon & The Greater Ellenville Jazz Trio
John Simon made his mark in the music business as a record producer for other bands, including The Band, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, and Simon & Garfunkel. Primarily a jazz lover and musician, he has also produced and/or arranged recordings for David Sanborn, Michael Franks, Jackie and Roy, Charles Lloyd, and Gil Evans. The style of his trio, a combination of swing, bop and blues, falls somewhere between Dixieland and Avant Garde. Additional trio members are Bob Emry on drums and Lew Scott on bass.
Gene Krupa II Orchestra
The Gene Krupa II Orchestra is an exciting group of top flight musicians licensed by Gene Krupa the 2nd to honor and pay tribute to his uncle, THE great Gene Krupa. Come listen or dance on the lawn—it's all up to you!
Howland Wolves
Christopher Ruhe, guitar and vocals; Chris Shann, sax; Harry Bird, bass and vocals; Olu Akiwumi-Assani, drums; Rafael Figueroa, cungas and vocals. These musicians have been together for eight years, playing at all sorts of venues and events, most recently at the Clearwater Pumpkin Festival, Max's on Main in Beacon, the Carrousel in Bear Mountain Park, the Hudson River Music Festival in Poughkeepsie. They have a CD out, Long Way from Kansas City.
Swingin’ Jive Patrol
Swingin’ Jive Patrol plays tunes from the golden age of American music. With six horns, vocals, and a tight rhythm section we will remind you of a yesteryear when Duke and Count led the way.
Dangling Success
The ultimate groove/R&B/smooth jazz band, Dangling Success has been described as “an aphrodisiac for the spirit”. Five seasoned musicians with varied backgrounds unite to play music with the kind of soul that moves not only your feet, but your spirit too!
Swing Shift Orchestra
Energetic big band sounds.
Betty MacDonald Quartet
Well known as the “jazz connection for the Hudson Valley” for her years on the radio and notable performances playing jazz violin and vocals, Betty MacDonald will once again team up with her all-star group to cook up a groove sure to put a smile on your face and a melody in your heart—just as they did at last year's Newburgh Jazz Series.
Big Blue Big Band
Remembering America’s finest.
Derrick James Quintet
Energetic and soulful jazz.
US Military Academy Band’s Jazz Knights
For over thirty years the United States Military Academy Band’s Jazz Knights have brought musical excellence and variety to their audiences by presenting the best of big band jazz and popular music.
Sumi Tonooka Trio
“Provocative and compelling, both in straight out swinging situations and when she is developing fresh ideas for familar ballads.” (John Wilson, The New York Times)
Matt Jordan’s Big Band
This band is composed of professional recording artists who have all had their own CDs released. Matt Jordan has a CD, Let The Feeling Flow, out with world-wide air play and featuring Kelli Sae, who has toured with Tina Turner and Incognito. The band excels, not only with beautiful ballads like “Blue In Green”, but with fast and exciting songs like “Caravan”.
Mambo Kikongo
Known in the region for its vibrant Afro-Cuban jazz melded with the rhythms of New Orleans and Brazil.
Saints of Swing
Ballroom, dixieland, and blues.
