Sammy Rimington International Band - 50 Years on Stage Sammy Rimington, clarinet/ alto sax Freddy John, trombone Emile van Pelt, piano Wouter Nouwens, banjo/ guitar Brian Turnock, bass Philippe De Smet, drums Wendell Brunious, trumpet Style: New Orleans From: UK/ EU/ USA New Orleans Torna a JazzAscona un musicista emblematico del festival, uno dei più amati. Da cinquant’anni in carriera – un anniversario che sarà doverosamente sottolineato anche ad Ascona - Sammy Rimngton è un vero e proprio maestro del clarinetto, suonato nel classico stile dei primi anni '20. I suoi assoli sono celebri per la loro complessità ritmica e coinvolgente melodicità. Rimington è certamente uno dei più prolifici artisti nella storia del jazz in quanto la sua discografica, ricchissima di collaborazion,i comprende oltre 170 lavori. Inglese di nascita, Sammy ha coltivato negli anni un fortissimo legame con New Orelans e la sua tradizione musicale. Suona regolarmente con Wendell Brunious, uno dei più creativi e prolifici trombettisti che porta avanti la tradizione musicale della città del delta e che Ascona torna ad accogliere con grandissimo piacere. Renowned instrumentalist Sammy Rimington is a true clarinet expert, an instrument that he plays in the style of the early 1920s. Celebrating his 50 years as a musician, is one of the festival's most beloved artists, famous for the rhythmic complexity and engaging melodies of his solos. One of the most prolific artists in jazz history, his discography includes more than 170 recordings. Born in the U.K., Rimington has developed a strong connection to New Orleans and to its music. He regularly performs with creative and prolific trumpeter Wendell Brunious, who brings forth the musical tradition of New Orleans and who we warmly welcome to JazzAscona.

The Charlotte Jazz Festival returns!

This weeklong celebration of jazz will feature the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis.

April 17-23 in uptown Charlotte!

Now in its second year, the festival is hosted by Blumenthal Performing Arts and sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation. Blumenthal officials say the 2017 festival will be bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, which sold out.

FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FREE EVENTS

Lunch Hour Jazz: Monday through Friday, bring your friends to the Jazz Pavilion on the plaza at Levine Center for the Arts for a lunchtime concert. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (see schedule)

Happy Hour Jazz: After work on Thursday and Friday, you can head to the Jazz Pavilion to hear some of Charlotte’s best jazz artists, plus some special guests. (see schedule)

Jazz at the Pavilion: Friday night and all day Saturday you can drop by the Jazz Pavilion on the Levine Center for the Arts plaza for free jazz concerts. (see schedule)

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Late Night Jams: For the night owls, enjoy two late night performances in the Westin hotel’s SoCo Bar, with guest appearances by members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m.

Junior Jazz Club: Bring the kids and enjoy a free jazz concert that will engage them (and you) at the Romare Bearden Jazz Tent. This hour-long casual show will feature members of Sammy Miller & The Congregation as they perform and interact with the audience. Your child could even end up on stage! Recommended for Grades 3-7. Saturday at 11 a.m.

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Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition: Are you an aspiring jazz musician? Are you in 8th through 12th grade? Are you interested in winning a college scholarship? If you answered “YES!” to these questions, the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition is for you. Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Romare Bearden Jazz Tent

Jazz Picnic at the Park: Bring the entire family (and lunch) and celebrate the closing of the 2017 Charlotte Jazz Festival in Romare Bearden Park featuring an amazing tribute to Stevie Wonder from Natural Wonder: The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience! Starting at 1 p.m. (see schedule)

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