Jazz in the Forest: JP Thoma & the Jazztones
Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 5:30pm
Come join us on June 17 at 5:30 pm. at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus for a great evening of musical enjoyment. Featuring the music of jazz trumpet virtuoso Miles Davis. His last 30 years were some of his most creative and productive in a long life, and encompassed experiences with many jazz greats, including Charlie Parker, Gil Evans,John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Wayne Shorter. His musical innovations have been felt throughout the jazz world.
The introductory fanfare by Joaquin Rodrigo – “Concerto de Aranjuez” – from the1959 album Skecthes of Spain, is played here by Parker Smith on trumpet & Jean Pierre Thoma on flute with percussion accompaniment by Owen Matsui, pianist Asha Azama and bassist Ken Vincent, bringing us into the classical flavor of Spain, and leads to the interpretation of some of the best compositions in the Davis repertoire. The vocal interpretation of “Summertime” from the opera “Porgy and Bess” by Parker Smith reminds us that not only is this summer, but that the impact of the Miles Davis repertoire covered everything from small combo recordings to full orchestral productions.
The 2nd half of the program moves forward in time to a selection of perhaps less well-known Davis additions to the jazz realm. “Seven Steps to Heaven” is the album which really stepped out for Miles into new rhythmic directions and was followed by explorations which led the way for many other jazz groups – “Tutu” is full of surprises, and Miles’ reworking of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time is aimed at the dancing crowd.
Tickets are $25 for VAC members ($30 non-members)! Ticket holders will be able to purchase beer, wine, as well as pupus. Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village. The last day to purchase tickets online is Friday, June 16.
After that, tickets will be sold at the door, if they are not sold out. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show. OR, you may pick them up any day before the show at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Administrative Office, Monday through Saturday, 10am-4pm.
