Jazz is alive and thriving in Vermont, thanks in part to the jazz education and performances of Interplay Jazz and Arts, a local non-profit dedicated to fostering the music and sensibilities of jazz in artists of all modalities.
Every summer week-long intensive workshops and performances fill venues around the historic town of Woodstock. VT, with the sounds of Interplay’s faculty of renowned jazz artists and students of all ages and levels from all over the world. Often referred to as “Jazz Camp,” Interplay’s 2016 Summer Intensive Workshops run from June 19 – 25 and include numerous performances by faculty and students that are open to the public.
Following is a calendar of 2016 Interplay Jazz & Arts Summer Intensive performances open to the public. These performances are spread around what’s known as the Upper Valley, a bucolic region between the Connecticut River and Woodstock, VT.
-The Harland Community Arts Fifth Annual Hartland JazzFest runs from noon to 8 p.m. June 18 in Hartland, VT. Featured artists include are celebrated Jazz Guitarist Freddie Bryant, whose music captures “the spirit of Spanish Flamenco, Brazilian Samba, Arabic melody, Afro Cuban, Middle Eastern and Senegalese rhythms along with American Jazz.” The Armen Donelian Trio will also perform. Armen has performed throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the United States to enthusiastic audiences. He is one of America’s finest contemporary jazz pianists.
-POPS! Celebrating Louis Armstrong – the Father of Jazz comes to the stage at 8 p.m. June 19 at Barrette Center for the Arts, 76 Gates St. White River Junction, VT. Jazz musicians have always been inspired by their peers and by the generations of musicians who came before them. This concert celebrates the founding father of jazz and the creative spirit of Louis Armstrong and provides an opportunity for Interplay’s faculty to honor Armstrong’s legacy in their own unique way. Armstrong was the source of inspiration and provided the model for a means of expression that lives on, bringing the joy of spontaneous, creative music-making to all.
“Louis Armstrong is jazz. He represents what the music is all about.” — Wynton Marsalis
-The Heyday of Swing Dancing in Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom is re-enacted from 7 p.m. to 10 p .m. June 22 at the Little Theater in Woodstock, VT. The public is invited to swing dance the night away to the sounds of Interplay’s student and faculty Big Band. Tickets ($20) are available at the door.
-Pentangle Council on the Arts presents Interplay Jazz Brown Bag Performance at 5:30 p.m. June 23 comes to the Woodstock, VT Village green turned into an All-American music party. This is free to the public who may want to bring chairs and picnics.
-The Interplay of Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. June 24 in Woodstock’s historic Town Hall Theatre culminates a week of learning and playing together in an all-star jazz concert that typically includes internationally recognized artists, NEA Jazz Masters and Grammy Award-winning musicians letting loose with a rich mix of joyous and creative music. This evening is sponsored by Pentangle Council on the Arts.
-Jazz in The Park, Concert & Art Show comes to Vail Field in Woodstock from noon to 3:30 p.m. June 25. This is a free festive celebration and concert performance by Interplay Jazz students and faculty. All styles of instrumental and vocal jazz are showcased. Guests are invited to bring chairs and picnics.
About Interplay Jazz & Arts
Founded in 1996, Interplay Jazz & Arts is an arts education and performance nonprofit organization seeking to integrate mind, body and spirit in the exploration of creativity, music and the arts. Interplay offers performance-based and residential learning experiences that provide technical and experiential education through a holistic approach.
