A Jazzy Sherman Evening

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* Orchestra with Phil Woods* on Monday April 13th in a presentation of East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* “Library Alive III” as the finale of their Jazz Synergy Series featuring music selected from the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection (ACMJC). And, memorial was right as the pieces which many were either composed or arranged by the late jazz great Al Cohn brought back memories of the established jazz fans among the audience as well as creating memories for the music’s newcomers.

Among those performing the wonderful music were Phil Woods* who conducted the orchestra, played Alto Saxophone, and shared numerous stories about the other jazz greats in his life. The remainder of the talented musicians included Nelson Hill* and Jay Rattman* on Alto Saxophone, Rick Chamberlain*, Kevin Haines* (who also served as the event‘s Stage Manager), and Jim Daniels* (who also served as the event’s Music Librarian) on Trombone, Eric Doney* on Piano, Evan Gregor* on Bass, Bill Goodwin* and Marko Mancinko* on Drums and Vibes, Ed Hudak* on Percussion, and Vicki Doney* on vocals. Although the audience numbered just over 100 people, there were so many among them who are known to me it would be impossible to begin naming some without neglecting to name a few. So, if you would like to share your thoughts and comments about the performance, I invite you to do so and make yourself know. I’m sure many would love to learn about and from your experiences.

The Next Jazz related Event to be held at East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* will be their Spring Jazz Concert on Sunday April 19th at 7pm featuring the University Jazz Ensemble and Pop/Jazz Singers in the Cecilia S. Cohn Recital Hall. Please Explore The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* Website at www.esu.edu for more information.

The Next Events for The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* will be their Camp Jazz taking place July 27th - August 2nd cumulating in a performance of its participants at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA during its Summer Gazebo Concert Series. September 11th - 13th will be the 32nd Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* Arts and Jazz Festival taking place throughout Delaware Water Gap, PA featuring a variety of Jazz sounds, Arts and Crafts, and performing arts in a wonderful weekend. Please Explore The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* Website at www.cotajazz.org for more information.

The Next Events to be presented at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA will be the continuation of their Independent Rock Series with performances by “Throw The Fight” on Friday April 17th at 6pm with “No Comment Necessary*,” “Freshman Sunday,” “Skye is Falling,” “Belladonna*” www.myspace.com/belladonnanyc, “The Vivid Twisted*” www.myspace.com/tvtwisted, and “Five Cases of Tragedy,” The Black Sheep Productions* presentation of “Hey George (What Do I Do About This Dragon?)” on Saturday April 18th at 10:30am, and The Jazz Ambassadors presentation of a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland, and patriotic selections rounding up the month on Tuesday April 28th at 7pm. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information.

Photograph provided by East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* and The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)*.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.