The Catskill Jazz Factory (CJF) teams up with Hudson Hall and The Falcon to present “The Spirit of Harlem.” The Hudson production takes place on Saturday, August 24, at 7 p.m., and the show at The Falcon in Marlboro begins on Sunday, August 25 at 8 p.m. Led by the respected, Lincoln Center-endorsed trumpeter Dominic Farinacci, “The Spirit of Harlem” pays homage to Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. “On its face, ‘Spirit of Harlem’ might appear as a straight-up jazz gig,” says CJF artistic director Piers Playfair, “but there are much greater artistic and political explorations taking place. The project takes a musical tour through Harlem’s most iconic jazz spots and moments while exploring the African American struggle, civil rights, the history of Harlem and the evolution of jazz as an elevated artform. It is a truly unique American story.”
The octet features world-class young jazz talent, such as vocalist Shenel Johns, whom the Boston Globe called “history in the making,” tap dance percussionist Michela Marino Lerman and a fleet of ace players: Patrick Bartley, Jr. on saxophone, Russell Hall on bass, Mathis Picard on piano, Kyle Poole on drums and Christian Tamburr on percussion. The octet will be accompanied by narration from Orlando Watson. They perform ahead of their headline show at the New Generation Festival with the Catskill Jazz Factory in Florence, Italy. Ticket prices at Hudson Hall start at $25. There is no cover at the Falcon, but generous donation is strongly encouraged.
“The Spirit of Harlem”
Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
$25+
Hudson Hall, Hudson Opera House
327 Warren St., Hudson
(518) 822-1438
https://hudsonhall.org
“The Spirit of Harlem”
Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
Donation
The Falcon
1348 Rt. 9W
Marlboro
(845) 236-7970
www.liveatthefalcon.com
