Saturday, January 30, 2016
03:00pm to 05:00pm
The 7th Annual Eastside College Preparatory School’s Benefit Concert program is a special West Coast celebration of an American musical treasure, Dr. Valerie Capers of Bronx, New York, a phenomenal composer, pianist, and arranger. To those that have attended past concerts and have experienced the music, artistry and vibrant personality of Dr. Capers and her brilliant bassist, John Robinson, you know what a treat is in store! To new audience members, we look forward to welcoming you to an extraordinary afternoon of music when Val and John join with outstanding jazz and classical musicians of the Bay Area.
The varied program will feature new musical delights and past favorites, including “Ruby,” Val’s dramatic musical telling of the story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges who courageously integrated the public schools in New Orleans in 1960; “Portraits,” her celebrated musical tributes to jazz greats, and “Song of the Seasons,” Val’s celebrated song cycle, commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution. Val and John will collaborate with the musicians of the AACI and the Eastside Choir, directed by David Chaidez, performing jazz standards (including music by Duke Ellington) and original works.
The AACI celebrates a new guest artist, flutist Stephanie McNab of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra to solo in Val’s jazz adaption of Wagner.
And, welcomes returning musicians: Soprano Yolanda Rhodes, Vocalists/Pianists LaDoris Cordell and Deanne Tucker, the Picasso Ensemble (Violinist Sue Brown, Cellist Vicky Ehrlich, and Pianist Josephine Gandolfi), Clarinetist Carol Somersille, Trumpeter John Worley, Trombonist John Monroe, Bassoonist Rufus Oliver III, Percussionist Jim Kassis, Keyboardist Jansen Verplank and Actress Lauren Sibley.
Tickets: $20 adult/$5 students & seniors
All proceeds benefit Eastside College Preparatory School.