Jazz Bridge Launches A New Concert Season − Virtually!
Nonprofit Aims to Maintain Tradition
and Make Up for Lost Revenue
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast a dark shadow on the arts presenting community across the region, Jazz Bridge Project will begin its 13th year of concerts on November 11, 2020 at 7 pm. Typically, Jazz Bridge presents three live performances per month in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, Cheltenham, PA and Collingswood, NJ from October through May every year. But due to the coronavirus, the organization had to shut down last year’s Neighborhood Concert series, causing a 30% loss in ticket sales revenue. This shortfall has obstructed Jazz Bridge’s ability to assist musicians in their time of crisis, which has been fundamental to its mission for the last 16 years.
"Once I discovered the quote: "When "I" is replaced by "We," we turn Illness to Wellness," it became my mantra, because I felt in my soul that it deeply resonated with the mission of Jazz Bridge. During these stark musical rests (both literally and figuratively) where musicians are bereft of consistent work, it's you and me that can aid in creating a more sustainable situation. They need us. We need them. And Jazz Bridge needs your support in every way, imaginable." said Rhenda Fearrington, President of Jazz Bridge.
Through a partnership with PNC Arts Alive, Jazz Bridge will present one newly recorded virtual concert monthly until January 2021, while pulling from their concert archives monthly through May of 2021, with multiple presentations during Jazz Appreciation Month in April. The three new concerts will showcase the original music of talented artists, vocalist Laura Lizcano, guitarist/vocalist Phyllis Chapell and drummer Justin Faulkner and their groups, to premier on Jazz Bridge’s website, www.jazzbridge.org.
Performing on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. will be Laura Lizcano, a Colombian-born singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia. Influenced by artists like Norah Jones and Natalia Lafourcade, Lizcano combines her formal training as a jazz vocalist with her love for folk and pop music. This combination of styles is evident within her own lyrically driven compositions. She follows her self-released debut EP, “Chance on Me” (2018), with her first full-length studio album, “Heart,” which was just released on Oct. 16, 2020. Also performing with Laura are Dariel Peniazek on guitar/vocals, Sam Harris on bass, and Arturo Stable on drums/percussion.
The December 2 concert will feature Phyllis Chapell and Siora. “Jazz Times” calls Phyllis Chapell one of the top jazz vocalists of all time. “But jazz is only the beginning… Chapell interprets jazz, contemporary & world music classics.” Singing in 13 languages, she draws upon the traditions of the U.S., Brazil, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and makes them her own. She is backed up by some of the best musicians from both Jazz and classical genres - pianist/composer Dave Posmontier, bassist David Brodie, and drummer Jimmy Coleman.
The new year will feature drummer, Justin Faulkner on January 6, 2021. Faulkner, who has been playing since he was barely old enough to walk, exhibits the rare balance of passionate ambition and mature dedication that are the hallmark of young professionals that places them in a category all their own. The drummer for the legendary Branford Marsalis' band, Faulkner has a story that aptly fits this description. It's remarkable how many creative milestones he has achieved at the tender age of 29. Yet one of the first things one notices upon talking to him is how humble and genuine he is. Whether Justin is expressing gratitude towards the many people and experiences that led him to where he is or excitedly discussing one of his favorite drummers or records, his honesty is refreshing. Joining Justin for this high energy concert will be legendary saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Neil Podgurski, and bassist Stanley Ruvinov.
All three concerts were recorded live at WRTI Studios, and are presented through a partnership with PNC Arts Alive. The concerts can be viewed for free, but donations will support our programs for musicians
About Jazz Bridge
Jazz Bridge is 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Philadelphia, PA. The organization was founded in 2004 by Suzanne Cloud and Wendy Simon to address the lack of support for professional jazz and blues musicians in crisis living and working in the Greater Philadelphia Metro area. Seeking a more permanent and secure support system, Simon and Cloud assembled like-minded musicians and fans to form The Jazz Bridge Project. Learn more at www.jazzbridge.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
