CVRep Presents THE SUMMER JAZZ SERIES

JUNE 23, 24, 25  – JULY 21, 22, 23 – AUGUST 25, 26,27

The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre’s (CVRep) in association with Bill Saitta present their 1^st Annual Summer Jazz Series set for JUNE 23, 24, 25 – JULY 21, 22, 23 (Mini Jazz Series) and AUGUST 25, 26, 27, 2016.

The CVRep SUMMER JAZZ SERIES will kick off with jazz vocalist, Sherry Williams, Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June 25 at 7PM.  When you listen to the buttery voice of Sherry Williams you realize immediately that she is a consummate artist. Williams is what they called in the old days, a storyteller.  Her masterful interpretation of the lyrics makes an over worn song meaningful, or brings an unknown song to life.

On July 21, 22, 23, CVRep presents three nights of hot jazz.

CVRep will offer a Mini Jazz Series featuring three different jazz artists performing on three consecutive nights.   The Mini Jazz Series will begin on Thursday, July 21 with guitarist Peter Sprague and his vocalist partner, Leonard Patton. Jazz recording artist, pianist Josh Nelson will follow on Friday, July 22 and virtuoso trumpeter, vocalist, entertainer, Carl Saunders and his jazz quartet will perform on Saturday, July 23. (SEE SCHEDULE DETAILS BELOW).

MINI JAZZ SERIES SCHEDULE

Thursday evening, July 21, world-renowned jazz guitarist-composer Peter Sprague and his vocalist partner Leonard Patton will perform music that bridges the genres of jazz, samba, The Beatles, Hendrix, Americana, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley.

Friday evening, July 22 jazz recording artist, Josh Nelson will perform his distinctive music and inspirational compositions.  Jazz critic, Chuck Berg, has described Nelson as “a brilliant young player whose virtuosity suggest the urbane yet bluesy tradition of Oscar Peterson and Gene Harris”.  Josh has recorded on countless albums, as well as for several films, and television shows. His current album, Discoveries (Steel Bird), is an exploration of and homage to Jurassic sci-fi heroes Jules Verne, Nicola Tesla, H.G. Wells and the movie treatments of their works.

On Saturday, July 23, CVRep will wind up its’ Mini Jazz Series with virtuoso trumpeter, vocalist, entertainer, Carl Saunders and his jazz quartet. Mr. Saunders along with fellow jazz musicians will take us on a jazz journey through The American Songbook performing their own straight-ahead jazz renditions of songs by some of America’s greatest composers.

SUMMER JAZZ SERIES FINALE WITH JAZZ ARTIST, JENNIFER LEITHAM.

CVRep will wind up its Summer Jazz Series with jazz bassist/composer/vocalist Jennifer Leitham performing on Thursday, August 25 through Saturday, August 27 at 7pm.  Ms. Leitham, a career Jazz musician for over 40 years has shared the stage with many renowned performers including Mel Torme’, Peggy Lee, George Shearing, Woody Herman, Benny Carter, Louis Bellson, Doc Severinsen, K.D. Lang and many others. As of now she has played on over 125 albums, including 10 albums of her own.

CVRep Summer Jazz Series performances are at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre located at The Atrium, 69-930 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.  All performances will begin at 7 PM. Tickets are $30 each and includes a post-show reception sponsored by Gelson’s Market.  For more information, call 760-296-2966  or visit the website at www.cvrep.org

The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre is a non-profit, professional regional theatre.  It is the only theatre in the Coachella Valley that has Small Professional Theatre (SPT) status with Actor’s Equity.

CVREP MISSION STATEMENT: The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre is an educational and dramatic theater organization that presents innovative productions and children’s outreach programs designed to enrich the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents and visitors. For more information, call 760-296-2966 or visit www.cvrep.org