The 12th annual BackCountry Jazz benefit concert, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, will take place Thursday, May 16 at Burning Tree Country Club. The jazz club doors open for cocktails at 6:30pm followed by dinner and concert 7:00-9:30pm.
The organization’s founder, internationally renowned tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace, will be joined for the performance by Grammy winning pianist Peter Martin, drummer Herlin Riley, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, trombonist Corey Wilcox and vocalist Charenée Wade.
“I started BackCountry Jazz 12 years ago to bring the music of major jazz artists to our area and to inspire and educate young musicians. Since then, we have provided concert programs for more than 18,000 students and trained musicians at our summer camp and after school programs to pursue higher education and careers in the arts,” said Wallace. “Our annual concert brings the energy, talent and vibe of a jazz club to Greenwich and makes for an inspiring evening of jazz on par with performances at the likes of Dizzy’s, The Blue Note and the Village Vanguard – with the added bonus of raising money to support music education.”
Founded in 2007, BackCountry Jazz is committed to music education, the creation and presentation of quality performances by world class artists, and building future audiences for America’s cultural heritage, Jazz. The organization’s purpose is to transform young lives and build community through the power of music. For 12 years, BackCountry Jazz has been presenting outstanding concerts with major jazz artists and rising stars and educating and inspiring youth. BackCountry Jazz provides high-quality music programs for underserved youth that engage the creative spirit, encourage self-expression and stimulate academic achievement. As a producer, BackCountry Jazz delivers concerts that celebrate the masters and feature some of the most talented jazz artists on the scene today.
This year alone, BackCountry Jazz served more than 2,700 young people in Bridgeport. The organization’s tuition-free programs include the Summer Music Camp for Bridgeport students, the After-School Music Program, scholarships, student performing ensembles, instruments, workshops, master classes, and exciting concerts and events with artists and educators who perform and teach at the highest level of excellence. Through concerts and music education programs, BackCountry Jazz celebrates, preserves and expands the rich tradition of America’s art form.
To purchase tickets for the benefit concert or learn more about the work of BackCountry Jazz, visit backcountryjazz.org. Tickets and sponsorship can also be arranged with Jeanette Wallace at 203-561-3111 or [email protected].