The 38th Folly Theater Jazz Series is here!
By James Maiden, Marketing Manager
The last few months have been difficult, and the arts have certainly had their fair share of struggles. However, it is the very nature of the arts to persevere and be a beacon of light and hope in dark times. With that, the Folly is happy to share some good news! We are pushing forward with the 38th season of the Folly Jazz Series.
This season will feature some icons, like David Benoit, and some taste makers, like Jeff Lorber. We’re also excited to bring back some strong female voices in jazz – Karrin Allyson & Eliane Elias will open and close the Folly Jazz Series.
Karrin Allyson
Saturday, October 17th at 8 PM
Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Karrin Allyson is a five-time Grammy Award nominee, originally from Kansas, now living in New York City. Karrin has traveled the globe playing clubs, festivals, performing arts centers, and beyond.
Allyson’s impressive discography culminated in 2018 with the release of Some of That Sunshine, her first collection of all-original tracks and a further testament to her already impressive creative output. Christopher Loudon writes in Jazz Times, “With Some of That Sunshine, Allyson unleashes her equally impressive dexterity as a songwriter.”
David Benoit Christmas Tribute with special guest James Tormé
Saturday, December 12th at 8 PM
The Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger David Benoit has reigned supreme as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz. Benoit was born in Bakersfield, CA, and grew up in Los Angeles. He was bitten by the jazz bug after watching a Charlie Brown special on TV and listening to the music of Vince Guaraldi in 1965.
David will be joined by award-winning jazz vocalist, James Tormé, son of Mel Tormé. James will bring a young, vibrant sound that will pair beautifully with Benoit’s contemporary piano stylings.
Jeff Lorber
Saturday, January 16th at 8 PM
Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber has, over the course of 42 years and 24 albums, pioneered the post-fusion sound of contemporary jazz with his radio-friendly, groove-oriented instrumental music.
From 1977’s Jeff Lorber Fusion to 2017’s Prototype (named Best Contemporary Instrumental Music album at the 60th annual Grammy Awards) to his recent collaboration with guitar great Mike Stern on Eleven, Lorber has shown a knack for creating fresh vibes and funky grooves while layering on jazzy improvisations on piano, synthesizer, and his signature Fender Rhodes electric piano.
Anat Cohen Quartetinho featuring Vitor Gonçalves, Tal Mashiach, and James Shipp
Friday, February 12th at 8 PM
Ever charismatic, prolific and inspired, Grammy-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has won hearts and minds the world over with her expressive virtuosity and delightful stage presence. As The Wall Street Journal says, “What’s not to love about a young clarinetist and saxophonist who plays everything we love – modern jazz, world music, “hot” New Orleans style jazz – and does it all brilliantly?”
Paquito D’Rivera Quintet
Saturday, March 20th at 8 PM
Paquito D’Rivera defies categorization. The winner of fourteen Grammy Awards, he is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer.
Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music, and, at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.
His numerous recordings include more than 30 solo albums. In 1988, he was a founding member of the United Nation Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble organized by Dizzy Gillespie to showcase the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz. D’Rivera continues to appear as a guest conductor. A Grammy was awarded the United Nation Orchestra in 1991, the same year D’Rivera received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music.
An Evening with Eliane Elias
Friday, April 9th at 8 PM
Over the course of a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 albums, multi-Grammy-winning pianist/singer/composer Eliane Elias’ distinctive musical style has emerged as one of the most unique and immediately recognizable sounds in jazz. With over 2.2 million albums sold to date, Elias blends her Brazilian roots and alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills, while she consistently displays her pianistic mastery and ability to integrate the many artistic roles she takes on.
Individual tickets for this season will be available on August 3rd. Considering becoming a Jazz subscriber? New season subscriptions are available on July 13th. View the entire season line up and get more information by visiting FollyTheater.org.
Here are some other notable concerts coming to the Folly:
The Folly + 90.9 The Bridge Americana Concert Series presents the Sam Baker Trio
Saturday, August 22nd at 8 PM
John Pizzarelli Trio for Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole
Friday, September 11th at 8 PM
**Rescheduled from previous Jazz Series season due to COVID-19 regulations
For more information, upcoming concerts, and tickets, be sure to visit FollyTheater.org or call 816-474-4444. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the Folly Box Offices are not open for in-person transactions.