Summer Concert Series Season at the Coral Gables Congregational Church

From Jun 9 through Aug 18, 2011.

This summer, June 9 through August 18, in a quiet Miami neighborhood and within the Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) intimate, historic Spanish-revival style setting, concert goers have the unique opportunity to be awed and entertained by the music industry’s most-talented and revered classical

and jazz figures. These artists will perform and delight audiences on the CGCC Community Arts Program 26th Summer Concert Series season!

The Summer Concert Series has entertained more than 62,000 people since it began in 1985. The series has grown into a valued tradition and, more recently, part of a Community Arts Program that also provides music education to children within its Conservatory for the Arts. “The Summer Concert Series is a rare opportunity to hear world-renowned artists in the intimate and beautiful Coral Gables Congregational Church,” says Shelton G. Berg, University of Miami Dean of the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music. “The Conservatory for the Arts provides high-quality music education to children, many of whom would otherwise be denied access to the wonder of music and the beauty of the artistic spirit.” 

“We are very excited to again present a diverse and world-class line up of artists,” says Mark Hart, Executive & Artistic Director of the CGCC Community Arts Program. “It’s an honor to welcome concert goers from across the state and as far away as Europe, and rewarding to see the growth of our music education program for kids!  In all, we’ve come to provide exceptional cultural and educationally-enriching experiences for more than 3,000 children and adults each year!”

2011 Summer Concert Series Line Up

All concerts are Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.  Free and convenient parking is available.

JUNE 9 – THE LEGENDARY COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA

The Count Basie Orchestra ishailed as an American invention of the 20th century, and its sound is the “modern art” of music.  Today, the majority of its sound still swings from musicians hand-picked by Count Basie.  Join us for a very special evening with the Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Dennis Mackrel, and special guest vocalist Carmen Bradford. The Count Basie Orchestra appears under exclusive license of the William J. Basie Trust.

JUNE 23 – JAMES EHNES, classical violinist

James Ehnes is hailed as “the Jascha Heifetz of our day,” and widely considered to be one of the most dynamic and exciting performers in classical music.  He continues to appear regularly with the world’s most well-known orchestras and conductors.  Hear for yourself what others rave about:  a stunning technique and as intriguing a musical personality as anyone on the circuit.  On this very special Summer Concert Series recital, James Ehnes will be joined by pianist Andrew Armstrong in a luscious program of Bartók, Franck, Mozart and Saint-Saëns.  Mr. Ehnes plays the “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715 on extended loan from the Fulton Collection

JULY 7 – DAVID LEISNER, classical guitarist

David Leisner is co-chair of the guitar department at the Manhattan School of Music and regarded as one of the world’s leading classical guitarists, an extraordinarily versatile musician, electrifying performing artist, distinguished composer, recording artist and master teacher.  His superb musicianship and provocative programming have been applauded by critics and audiences around the world.  David Leisner presents an extraordinary evening of Bach, Paganini, Schubert, Gershwin, Waller, Legrand, Jobim and his enthralling composition, Labyrinths.

JULY 21 – GLEN DAVID ANDREWS, jazz trombonist 

Glen David Andrews is touted as one of the giant talents of New Orleans.  In his early thirties, Glen David has a lanky, six-foot-four-inch body and a mercurial personality that touts his greatest loves:  the brass-band music and traditional jazz on which he was raised.  Glen David has absorbed this fading tradition with a rare enthusiasm and energy that makes it all special and exciting for even casual listeners.  Concert goers will hear a rousing evening of Glen David Andrews-the energy, charisma and voice like Louis Armstrong and the swing of a mean trombone-and the Glen David Andrews Band with Kyle Roussel (piano), Barry Stephenson (bass) and Jermal Watson (drums).  

August 4 – THE SHANNON POWELL QUARTET
Featuring Jason Marsalis and Steve Masakowski

Shannon Powell is one of the most sought-after drummers and percussionists in the world. His powerful technique is steeped in the drum beats that emanate from the streets of New Orleans and from his early influences that include neighbor James Black, Ellis Marsalis and the men at Preservation Hall.  You need to look no further for an evening full of New Orleans soul and beat by some of New Orleans’ most-noted young jazz musicians:  Shannon Powell (drums and vocals), Jason Marsalis (vibraphone), Steve Masakowski (guitar) and Roland Guerin (bass).  The audience will be groovin’ . . . and mesmerized!  

August 18 – MARLENA SHAW, jazz vocalist

After becoming the first female vocalist ever signed by the Blue Note label, Marlena Shaw toured extensively with Sammy Davis, Jr. and as a featured singer with the Count Basie Orchestra.  Ms. Shaw remains a true original, one of the most charismatic and versatile vocalists in the business, blurring the lines that separate jazz, soul, rock, pop, and R&B.  Her sassy, humorous onstage presence is as entertaining as her singing.  These promise a memorable evening and guarantee a stellar close to the 2011 Summer Concert Series when Marlena Shaw is joined by David Hazeltine (piano), bass and Anthony Lee (drums).

Order tickets by calling 305.448.7421, ext. 153. or online at www.communityartsprogram.org. Free and convenient parking is available.

Coral Gables Congregational Church
3010 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305.448.7421
www.communityartsprogram.org